STMicroelectronics has revealed new class-D automotive audio amplifiers for smart-cockpit applications, engineered for tiny overall dimensions and with a digital input that simplifies circuit design. The new HFDA80D and HFDA90D extend ST’s family of high-frequency automotive amplifiers, complementing the HFA80A analog-input IC. All the devices operate at a switching frequency of 2MHz to save PCB […]
Audio
How op amps work and why you should use them: part 1
Operational amplifiers (op amps) may initially look intimidating, but with a bit of study, they can be easily understood and used in a variety of applications. Op amps can be thought of as a perfect amplifier in a black box. When we create a design using an op amp, we initially presume that the device […]
Infrared preamps improve sensitivity and better reject interference
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. announced that it has upgraded its VSOP383xx series of preamplifier circuits for infrared (IR) remote control applications in consumer products with the new Cyllene 2 IC. Offered in the 2 mm by 2 mm by 0.76 mm QFN package, the enhanced solutions provide drop-in, plug-and-play replacements for existing devices in the series […]
13 mm x 13 mm surface mount speaker runs at 8 Ohms
Same Sky’s Audio Group announced the addition of two surface mount models to its speakers product portfolio. The CMS-131304-SMT-TR and CMS-151504-SMT-TR are surface-mount miniature speakers, housed in compact 13 x 13 x 4 mm and 15 x 15 x 4 mm square frame packages, respectively. Both models are reflow solder compatible while featuring polyurethane cones and […]
IoT front end module designed in adherence to Thread and Matter
pSemi Corporation announced the introduction of their smallest PA-LNA-SW Internet of Things (IoT) front-end module (FEM): the PE562212. Designed in adherence to the Thread and Matter protocols, industry frameworks that focus on simplifying connected experiences, PE562212 is an ultra-compact multi-protocol 2.4 GHz FEM that enables a variety of connectivity options for IoT devices. With a […]
What are the computational requirements of immersive audio?
There are several ways to implement immersive audio, each with different computational and hardware needs. Calculation of the head-related transfer function (HRTF) is an important aspect of deploying immersive audio. This FAQ begins by detailing what an HRTF is, looks at an open-source program for calculating HRTF, and then considers how cameras and inertial measurement […]
What’s the difference between object- and channel-based audio?
Immersive audio uses various channel- and object-based techniques to deliver a high-quality listening experience. There are three general categories of spatial audio: channel-based audio (CBA), object-based audio (OBA), and scene-based audio (SBA) — that’s the next generation of OBA. CBA is the simplest form of spatial audio, but it’s not immersive. The basic form of […]
What codecs are there for immersive and 3D audio?
Immersive audio is a three-dimensional (3D) sound field created by combining lateral and overhead speakers. A variety of industry standard and custom codecs are available for implementing immersive audio. This FAQ reviews the operation of the MPEG-H Audio (universal immersive audio coding) codec and the still-under-development MPEG-I Immersive Audio (compressed representation for virtual and augmented […]
How does artificial intelligence relate to immersive audio?
Tools like neural networks (NNs), machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence (AI) are being applied to hard problems related to immersive audio. This FAQ will examine how NNs and ML are being used to up-mix audio tracks into their original constituent parts, how NNs are being used to produce personalized head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) and […]
What is immersive audio and how does it work?
Immersive audio extends conventional surround sound technology into the third dimension. It adds height and more to the audio experience. This FAQ presents some of the basic concepts of immersive audio, looks at how ambisonics relates to immersive audio, and closes by looking at a new recommended immersive audio system design practice. Immersive sound transforms […]
