Silicon Labs introduces audio bridging devices with fixed functions

     Silicon Labs has introduced audio bridging devices with fixed capabilities that provide a simple, complete solution for transferring digital audio data between USB and I2S serial bus interfaces. The new CP2615 digital audio bridge simplifies USB-to-I2S connectivity, which effectively reduces time-to-market for a variety of power-sensitive, space-constrained USB audio applications based on Android, Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems. These applications include headsets, headsets, speakers, MP3 accessories, navigation systems and point-of-sale (POS) terminals.

     While USB connectivity may seem simple to consumers, USB audio design is very challenging and developers need a quick and easy way to add a USB connection to their audio accessories. Silicon Labs' CP2615 digital audio bridge provides a plug-and-play USB-to-I2S connectivity solution that requires no USB audio knowledge or protocol expertise, allowing developers to focus on their end application rather than firmware development.

     The single-chip CP2615 audio bridge comes in a compact 5mm x 5mm QFN-32 package, ideal for space-constrained printed circuit boards (PCIs) in portable audio applications. The fully featured CP2615 device integrates a USB 2.0 full speed controller, USB transceiver, on-chip oscillator, I2S audio interface, I2C control interface, and embedded flash memory for storage device configuration. This high integration eliminates the need for off-chip components, significantly reducing PCB size and BOM costs.

     The CP2615 audio bridge provides a low-cost solution for low - to mid-range headsets that require a 48kHz sampling rate. The small size device is also ideal for USB accessories and is suitable for high-end headphone consumers who use analog jacks. Many new smartphone designs are eliminating the analog headphone jack and offering only a USB connector to support charging and audio connectivity. Therefore, consumers need to purchase simple, low-cost accessories that connect the 3.5mm analog jack to the USB-C to Micro USB adapter, enabling them to continue using their existing headphones.

     Silicon Labs' popular Simplicity Studio development environment includes the GUI-based Xpress Configurator tool that simplifies USB audio design. When using the Xpress Configurator tool, developers are able to configure and customize their digital audio applications in three simple steps: connect the CP2615 bridge device, configure USB and audio parameters, and program the device. This configuration tool also allows developers to take advantage of Silicon Labs' flexible factory programming options to accelerate their products to market.

     Tom Pannell, senior marketing director of iot products at Silicon Labs, said: "Silicon Labs knows all the details of USB development, and we bring years of USB expertise to developers through plug-and-play USB connectivity solutions, such as the new CP2615 audio bridge chip. "If you are developing USB-based digital audio applications, you can save time, effort and money by using Silicon Labs' CP2615 devices, Xpress Configurator tools and evaluation kits."