NXP Launches USB-driven Digital Headset Solution for Mobile Phones

(Product News, 20 Aug 2007)

Building on its leadership in the USB transceiver market, NXP Semiconductors has launched a new solution to drive the standardization of USB 2.0 for portable consumer devices¡ªthe world's first USB-driven digital audio headset solution, Nexperia PNX0161.

The new solution from NXP leverages the USB 2.0 standard to shift the core audio streaming functions to the USB connector on the host device, alongside the existing battery charging and PC synchronization functions. This feeds the market trend for ultra-thin devices with a simplified design and a single standardized connection interface, enabling a marked reduction in bill-of-material costs and a quicker time to market.

In-Stat analyst Brian O¡¯Rourke said: "By 2011, Hi-speed USB will dominate as the local interface on portable devices, feeding a market of 2.7 billion units at a CAGR of 24.4 percent."

"USB is fast emerging as a de facto connectivity interface in portable devices. NXP is leveraging its pole position to promote the adoption of USB technology with industry-first innovations, setting the stage for the future of USB applications for better connectivity and convenience on mobile phones, consumer electronics and PC peripherals," said Hans Fleurkens, product marketing manager, Mobile & Personal Business Unit, NXP Semiconductors. "Power consumption was the biggest challenge to the provision of digital audio on a headset, and NXP's PNX0161 is the first to address this most efficiently, while also offering a choice of functionality through a programmable core."

NXP's USB-driven digital audio headset solution, Nexperia PNX0161, has built-in DSP software, allowing OEMs to pre-set equalizers and maximize echo cancellation for improved sound quality. The programmable ARM7TDMI core is embedded with a DC/DC converter, which powers through the USB bus. Fully compliant with USB specifications, the solution offers plug-and-play operation with any USB host or On-The-Go (OTG) device and supports USB Audio and Human Interface Device (HID) classes.

In addition, foreseeing the emerging standardization of USB 2.0 in mobile devices, NXP also expands its applications for a compelling GSM/MP3 docking station reference design for maximum functionality such as mobile phone and MP3 player power charging, FM-radio enabled speakers and Bluetooth connection.

Nexperia PNX0161
The single-chip Nexperia PNX0161 is a small, ultra-low power Hi-speed USB 2.0-compliant solution that provides stereo playback and recording, as well as FM radio.

Available in a TFBGA88 package (7x7mm), NXP's Nexperia PNX0161 requires very little power (about 10mA at Vbus) for playback mode. Embedded power management functionality, alongside intelligent power control also contributes to this highly power-efficient solution. Especially designed to suppress noise coming from the host, the PNX0161 is available in two versions¡ªprogrammable Flash or cost-effective ROM¡ªthat can be switched seamlessly during product ramp-ups.

A technical leaflet on NXP's Nexperia ultra-low power, single-chip USB audio solution, PNX0161, can be found at http://www.nxp.com/acrobat_download/literature/9397/75015981.pdf.

GSM/MP3 USB 2.0 docking station reference design
NXP's GSM/MP3 USB 2.0 docking station reference design is targeted at systems that bring together the functions of a GSM-based docking station for a mobile phone, an MP3-based docking station for a portable media player and a PC speaker. Measuring only 5x5mm, the design is built around two ICs, the NXP SAA9870 and the NXP TDA8932BTW. The SAA9870 is a single-chip solution that integrates a powerful ARM7 core and a USB 2.0 codec with support for audio streaming and microphone functionality. The TDA8932BTW is a 2 x 15W, high-efficiency, Class-D amplifier that delivers high-quality sound. Compared to conventional docking stations, which use ultra-low-efficiency speakers built into the laptop, PC monitor or mobile phone, this reference design provides distinctly superior sound and microphone performance.

A technical leaflet on NXP's GSM/MP3 USB 2.0 docking station reference design can be found at http://www.nxp.com/acrobat_download/literature/9397/75016038.pdf.

NXP Semiconductors