Analog Devices Unveils Easy-to-Use Digital Audio Processors for Automo

    Automotive Writers/High-Tech Editors

    NORWOOD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 28, 2005--

    Design engineers can easily implement production-ready DSP code with new drag-and-drop SigmaStudio(TM) system design tool; ideal for large-volume, price-sensitive, time-constrained automotive and consumer applications.

    Analog Devices, Inc. (NYSE: ADI), a global leader in high-performance semiconductors for signal processing applications, today unveiled its latest SigmaDSP(R) digital audio processor targeted for large-volume, price-sensitive, time-constrained applications, such as automotive audio, digital TV, multi-media PC, and home theater systems. The new AD1940 and AD1941 SigmaDSP, together with SigmaStudio(TM), provide a fully automated hardware and software system design tool, enabling engineers to implement higher quality DSP audio processing capabilities into more of their designs. With SigmaStudio, ADI further strengthens its portfolio of graphical programming tools for digital sound processing applications, complementing the company's recently announced VisualAudio(TM) graphical design and development environment for the SHARC(R) Processors.
    "The SigmaDSP audio processor is tailored to engineers who need a cost-effective way to migrate analog sound processing tasks to the digital domain," said Martin Cotter, product line director for the digital audio and video group at Analog Devices. "While consumers love digital audio features, mass market cost structures and development schedules do not easily accommodate robust DSP functionality. SigmaDSP allows more audio engineers to design in those features without exceeding their budgets and still meeting their deadlines."
    The AD1940 and AD1941 SigmaDSP audio processors feature a 28-bit core running at 75 MHz with 16-channel I/O, enough to process conventional 24-bit audio signals with the headroom to accommodate sound-enhancing features like bass compensation. This flexibility creates a richer audio experience for end users, particularly in space-constrained products like flat panel televisions or multimedia PCs, where a restricted form factor prevents the use of large speakers and sub-woofers.
    The comprehensive post-processing functions of the AD1940 and AD1941 include tone and distortion control, and a 120ms delay-pool that provide audio systems engineers with a broad range of design options. In an automotive sound system, for example, the SigmaDSP enables car makers to equip their vehicles with multiple speakers that can be professionally equalized for maximum sound quality. In a set-top box or home theater system, audio delays can be added to ensure the audio signal is synchronized to compensate for video frame delays. For more information and a data sheet, please visit www.analog.com/AD1940.

    SigmaStudio(TM) Design Tool Simplifies Digital Audio Design

    Audio systems engineers can tap the full capabilities of the AD1940 and AD1941 SigmaDSPs by using the SigmaStudio, a new drag-and-drop graphical DSP design tool that Analog Devices also is introducing today. Requiring no DSP programming knowledge, SigmaStudio employs a user-friendly "drag and drop" interface that allows designers to easily build multi-channel digital audio platforms by selecting from a library of audio function blocks, including volume controls, crossover and equalizer filters and professional-grade dynamic processors. SigmaStudio also enables the easy implementation of industry-standard licensed algorithms, such as SRS TruSurroundXT(TM), Waves MaxxBass(TM) or Dolby Prologic-II(R). The SigmaStudio's ease-of-use gives analog audio engineers as well as experienced digital designers an advantage by allowing them to reduce development time and cost, accelerate time to market, and still deliver premium sound quality for high-volume applications where tight market windows and a competitive price point are the rule.
    In addition to quickly assembling and wiring functional audio blocks, engineers can use SigmaStudio to compile the SigmaDSP application--generate production-ready code and then adjust and control signal parameters in real time. The proprietary architectures of the SigmaDSP core and the SigmaStudio design tool allow the code-efficiency of the compiled SigmaDSP programs to reach a 100 percent. For more information, please visit www.analog.com/SigmaStudio.
    The AD1940YSTZ, featuring an SPI control interface, and the AD1941YSTZ with it's I2C control interface are available now in a lead-free 48-pin LQFP (low-profile quad flat pack) package for $5.96 per unit in 10,000-unit quantities. The devices meet the automotive industry's extended temperature range specification of -40(degree) C to 105(degree) C. Evaluation boards for both devices, including the SigmaStudio design tool, are available for $499.

    About Analog Devices

    Innovation, performance, and excellence are the cultural pillars on which Analog Devices has built one of the longest standing, highest growth companies within the technology sector. Acknowledged industry-wide as the world leader in data conversion and signal conditioning technology, Analog Devices serves over 60,000 customers, representing virtually all types of electronic equipment. Celebrating 40 years as a leading global manufacturer of high-performance integrated circuits used in analog and digital signal processing applications, Analog Devices is headquartered in Norwood, Massachusetts, with design and manufacturing facilities throughout the world. Analog Devices' common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker "ADI" and is included in the S&P 500 Index.

--30--AS/bo*

CONTACT: Analog Devices, Inc. Sue Martenson Tel: 781/937-1989 Email: sue.martenson@analog.com or Porter Novelli Andrew MacLellan Tel: 617/897-8200 Email: andrew.maclellan@porternovelli.com

KEYWORD: MASSACHUSETTS INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HARDWARE SOFTWARE AUTOMOTIVE COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS MUSIC PRODUCT SOURCE: Analog Devices, Inc.

Copyright Business Wire 2005