Cirrus Logic Inc re-emphasized its focus on audio technology yesterday with the launch of two audio digital signal processors (DSP) in its Crystal range. The CS4630 aims to match the performance of high-end PC audio cards. The DSP contains a 140MHz core, up from 100MHz, 4.5K in code, parameter and sample memory, in a 0.24-micron CMOS processor. It can handle 32 streams of sound and provides echo cancellation capabilities to improve the quality of internet conferencing.
It will initially be sold to PC manufacturers that want to integrate the chip in their boxes rather than sound cards, at be priced at $12 each based on 10,000 unit orders. Cirrus said it would also sell to set-top box manufacturers and games hardware companies.
Its second offering, the CS4298 is designed to complement the CS4390, and is aimed at the consumer electronics market such as PDAs and games consoles with internet access. The chip offers audio and modem capabilities. The firm reckons it’s the only AMC97-compliant chip to offer stereo playback, recording and mixing, and modem functions. The chips will cost $3.50 each for shipments over 10,000 units.