Digital audio processors
06 January 2009
TI’s DA8x Aureus enables network-connected HD AVRs DSP with ARM-based applications processing.
In response to consumer demand for immediate access to remote music collections and streaming Internet radio services on inexpensive, advanced systems, Texas Instruments has announced its third-generation DA830 and DA828 Aureus digital audio processors.
The highly-integrated, dual-core DA8x product line offers the combined features of an ARM-based applications processor and an audio digital signal processor (DSP) core, as well as a wide range of peripherals. This compilation results in a product suitable for consumer goods such as network-connected Audio/Video Receivers (AVR), Home Theatre in a Box (HTIB), and mini/micro component systems. This means that designers can enable consumers to have access to endless amounts of music while enjoying the cinema quality sound they are accustomed to in their home theatre system.
For those designing AVRs, HTIBs and mini/micro component systems, the cost savings is a result of the integration of a 300MHz 64bit floating/fixed point audio DSP engine with a 300MHz ARM926EJ-S core, an Ethernet MAC, two USB ports, an SD/MMC interface, PWM processors and an LCD controller, which eliminates multiple system components and reduces PCB board space. To ease design, TI provides a networked AVR Software Developer’s Kit (nAVR SDK) with an integrated Performance Audio Framework (PAF) that includes standard, multi-channel decoding and post-processing algorithms required for AVRs, including all HD audio decoders, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD, integrated into the on-chip ROM.
The DA8x devices are fully programmable using industry standard tools and operating systems. They use the same development tools and build on an established eco-system, and as part of the nAVR SDK, TI provides an industry-standard Linux operating system for the ARM926EJ-S core. Additional programming tools and support for the Linux OS can be acquired from MontaVista. Finally, a number of third parties can provide applications for the DA8x platform including support for Internet Radio and DLNA/uPNP.
The PA Framework on DA8x is software compatible with all previous Aureus devices, meaning that any differentiated post-processing algorithms created by OEMs or audio third parties on previous Aureus devices are fully re-usable on the DA8x platform. The Aureus devices are supported by all leading audio third parties including Audyssey Laboratories, DiMAGIC, Dolby Laboratories, DTS, Inc., Expamedia, Inc., Neural Audio, Qsound Labs, Inc., SRS Labs, Inc. and Trinnov Audio, enabling OEMs to add innovative features to customise their products.
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