Microchip announces fourth-generation JukeBlox Wi-Fi platform

     Microchip announced the launch of its fourth generation JukeBlox platform, which enables audio brands to develop high-quality, low-latency products such as single or multi-room wireless speakers, AV receivers, small and micro systems, and bar speakers. To enhance the consumer listening experience, Microchip's new JukeBlox 4 software development Kit (SDK) is equipped with CY920 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth networking media modules. It also includes next-generation dual-band Wi-Fi technology, MultiZone/multi-room capabilities, AirPlay and DLNA connectivity, and integrated music services. In addition, the new product cost savings are significant, while significantly reducing material costs, helping to create highly competitive consumer products.

     The certified CY920 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth networking media module is based on Microchip's new low-cost DM920 Wi-Fi networking media processor and integrates 2.4GHz and 5GHz 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi connectivity, high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity, and Ethernet connectivity. Speakers in the 5 GHz band avoid the RF congestion that is common in the 2.4 GHz band, greatly reduce volume drops, and allow for the use of a greater number of speakers in multi-room/overall home audio systems.

     The DM 920 Wi-Fi network media processor also integrates a 300 MHz DSP dual core, reducing or eliminating the need for an expensive stand-alone DSP chip. At the same time, the easy-to-use, PC-based graphical user interface (GUI) greatly simplifies the use of the pre-developed suite of standard DSP algorithms for speaker tuning, which includes a 15-band equalizer, multi-band dynamic range compression, equalizer presets, and various filter types. In this way, engineers with little experience writing DSP code can easily implement DSP in their designs, and experienced DSP engineers can take full advantage of the industry standard DSP architecture.

     With JukeBlox 4, product developers can build solutions that allow users to stream cloud-based music services such as Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Rhapsody and Deezer directly from their mobile device as a remote control. This allows mobile devices to move freely within range of a Wi-Fi network without interrupting music playback, and it dramatically extends battery life. JukeBlox technology will continue to provide seamless cross-platform support for iOS, Android, Windows 8, and Mac, as well as a full range of audio codecs and easy-to-use rich features to simplify network setup.

     In addition, the SDK has integrated Home audio (MultiZone/multi-room) capabilities that enable simultaneous transmission and control of audio streams across multiple home devices enabled by the JukeBlox platform. New hardware and software technologies combine to greatly improve synchronization and reduce network bandwidth utilization to create a powerful audio streaming experience.

     SumitMitra, Microchip's vice president of Wireless Products, said: "With more than 8 million modules shipped to date, the JukeBlox platform is a pioneer in the streaming audio market. More established audio brands prefer to use JukeBlox for Wi-Fi audio connectivity than existing platforms. Building on Microchip's unmatched leadership in the wireless audio market, the fourth-generation JukeBlox SDK and CY920 networking module are now in production to meet the needs of key customers."