March 31, 2015 – Silicon Labs (Country Manager: Woon-dal Paik), a specialist in microcontrollers, wireless connectivity, analog, and sensor solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT), announced the release of a digital audio bridge chip and evaluation kit that facilitate the development of accessory products for iOS devices. The new CP2614 interface IC provides a turnkey audio bridge solution suitable for a wide range of MFi (Made for iPod/iPhone/iPad) devices using an all-digital Lightning connector. Target applications include audio accessories such as guitar and microphone recording dongles, audio docks, and headphones. The CP2614 IC supports communication between iOS applications and accessory hardware, enabling the implementation of a diverse range of IoT accessories that work with companion iOS apps.

Silicon Labs' CP2614 bridge chip and MFI-SL-CP2614-EK evaluation kit provide a cost-effective and comprehensive development platform for iOS accessory developers, enabling rapid time-to-market through fixed-function MFi support. The CP2614 solution eliminates the need for firmware development, helping developers quickly design MFi accessories. Developers can simply select custom options through an easy-to-use GUI-based configuration tool.

The CP2614 bridge chip achieves ultra-low power consumption in active and idle modes by thoroughly managing power consumption to minimize consumption. The superior energy efficiency of the CP2614 IC makes it the optimal choice for device-powered accessories. The CP2614 also incorporates a 5V low drop-out (LDO) regulator, reducing bill of materials (BOM) costs and footprint, making it suitable for self-powered accessories. The highly integrated CP2614 device operates without an external crystal or EEPROM, storing options for all configurations on a single chip. This crystal-free, built-in EEPROM architecture ultimately reduces BOM costs and further decreases PCB area, allowing developers to design smaller, simpler, and more cost-effective accessories.

Rob Jenkins, Director of Product Marketing at Focusrite, a leading manufacturer of audio recording devices and the world's number one brand in audio interfaces, said, “When designing the pocket-sized iTrack Pocket stereo recording product, we needed a bridge chip solution that could meet the requirements of a very small form factor, low power, and high-quality audio for a device-driven iOS accessory. The CP2614 device fit our design requirements well by providing an ideal combination of a small footprint and low current. If our hardware and software audio products make music easy, the CP2614 made it easy to make the iTrack Pocket.”

The CP2614 audio bridge chip supports 24-bit unidirectional and 16-bit bidirectional digital audio streaming, enabling developers to design high-quality, high-performance “prosumer”-grade audio accessories. The CP2614 can establish a communication channel with iOS applications, allowing apps to interact directly with accessories via General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) and UART access. The GPIO can be configured as button inputs and LED outputs to be accessed remotely by iOS apps, or used to control audio playback.

Daniel Cooley, Vice President and General Manager of Microcontrollers and Wireless Products at Silicon Labs, said, “To succeed in today’s highly competitive iOS accessory market, developers need turnkey solutions that include semiconductors, firmware, and development kits. Turnkey solutions help developers simplify designs, reduce power consumption and costs, and accelerate time-to-market.” He added, “With Silicon Labs’ new CP2614 audio bridge chip and evaluation kit, customers like Focusrite can focus on creating iOS audio accessory products that are differentiated by innovative features that provide added value for end users.”

Product Price and Purchase Information

The CP2614 audio bridge IC and the MFI-SL-CP2614-EK evaluation kit are in mass production and are available immediately to MFi licensed customers. The CP2614 IC, available in a 5 mm x 5 mm QFN32 package, is priced at $2.51 per unit in 10,000-unit quantities. The MFI-SL-CP2614-EK is priced at $59 (USD MSRP). MFi licensed customers can order the evaluation kits through the Apple MFi Procurement Portal. Additional information on the CP2614 audio IC and sample orders can be made at www.silabs.com/interface.