TI Launches Spatial Array IC to Simplify Audio Design for Multi-Speaker Portable Devices

Configurable spatial processor that provides magnificent theater sound to mobile devices

TI Korea ( www.ti.com/ww/kr ) November 15, 2011 – TI Korea ( www.ti.com/ww/kr ) announced today the release of an integrated circuit (IC) that enables the easy design and programming of spatially enhanced audio systems for portable devices equipped with multiple speakers, such as laptops, tablets, soundbars, and sound docking stations.

The National LM48901 Quad Class D Spatial Array is the first product in an innovative family of ICs that combines loudspeaker array technology and distributed sound processing techniques to enable a grand audio experience even in limited spaces. Additional information or sample orders can be found at www.ti.com/spatial-prkr .

The tablet features a widescreen display that delivers high-performance HD video. However, the speakers are densely positioned, resulting in audio that lacks clarity and depth, which limits the improvement of overall sound quality. In other words, even when multiple speakers are used, the constraints of the soundstage cause them to be placed close together, making the sound output appear as if there is only a single speaker.

TI's LM48901 and the accompanying software tools help solve these problems by enabling easy programming of audio effects and providing grand sound in a narrow sound stage. This product supports everything from tablets to soundbars with 2 to 16 speakers, making it applicable to the manufacturer's entire product portfolio.

Key Features and Advantages
• Complete audio solution: This IC integrates a spatial processing DSP, four Class D amplifiers, an 18-bit stereo ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter), a PLL (Phase-Locked Loop), and I2S and I2C interfaces.
• Easy Audio Effects Programming: Easy-to-use software tools are provided, allowing for reduced development time without the need for algorithm adjustments or in-house DSP experts.
• Magnificent audio effects: By overcoming physical system size limitations, it enables manufacturers to develop differentiated products that offer a superior soundstage compared to competitor solutions.
• Flexible multi-channel function: Multiple LM48901s can be daisy-chained to configure up to 16 speaker channels and multiple subwoofers.
• Integrated 2-W Speaker Driver: Four Class D speakers supply 2 W of continuous output power per channel to a 4-Ohm load with a Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise (THD+N) of less than 1%, simplifying system design and reducing the Bill of Materials (BOM).

Tools and support programs
The LM48901 software web tool includes a convenient speaker array coefficient generator that creates unique spatial audio coefficients in a few simple steps. It also includes an Android driver along with application notes, and an evaluation board with a graphical user interface is provided.

Commercial viability, packaging, and price
The LM48901 is currently available in two package types: 36-pin 3.2-mm x 3.4-mm micro SMD and 32-pin 5-mm x 5-mm LLP. The recommended retail price is $2.50 per unit for purchases of 1,000.