All items written by Cristina Costa
Bluetooth SIG Introduces Updated Line of Developer Toolkits
September 26, 2016 by Cristina Costa

Bluetooth SIG Introduces Updated Line of Developer Toolkits

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) released several updates to its developer toolkit line-up, introducing news tools for Bluetooth beacons, home automation, and wearables. The latest Bluetooth toolkits empower developers to build faster and smarter when creating things like mobile apps and low-cost beacons, as well as gateways that control IoT sensors, with security and interoperability in mind.
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New USB Type-C Docking System Design from Texas Instruments Cuts Solution Size in Half
August 15, 2016 by Cristina Costa

New USB Type-C Docking System Design from Texas Instruments Cuts Solution Size in Half

Texas Instruments (TI) introduced a multiport USB Type-C and Power Delivery (PD) minidock reference design that provides audio, USB data, power and video support. This new TI Designs reference design can be powered by a traditional power adapter, USB Type-C adapter or notebook computer, offering end users flexible, intelligent functionality. The reference design provides a fully tested, verified plan for a 2- by 4-inch dock, at least 50 percent smaller than existing docking solutions.
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New USBXpress Controller from Silicon Labs Simplifies USB Connectivity for Embedded Designs
August 11, 2016 by Cristina Costa

New USBXpress Controller from Silicon Labs Simplifies USB Connectivity for Embedded Designs

Silicon Labs has added a smaller, lower-power member to its family of USBXpress bridge devices, providing a simpler, faster way to add Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectivity to new and legacy embedded designs. Silicon Labs’ new CP2102N USB controller eliminates complex, time-consuming firmware development and provides advanced functionality in QFN packages as small as 3 mm x 3 mm. The CP2102N device simplifies USB-to-UART connectivity and speeds time to market for a wide range of portable, power-sensitive and space-constrained applications.
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Analog SPDT Switch from Diodes Features Low RON for Signal Multiplexing in Consumer Audio Products
May 24, 2016 by Cristina Costa

Analog SPDT Switch from Diodes Features Low RON for Signal Multiplexing in Consumer Audio Products

Diodes Incorporated announced the 74LVC1G3157, a single-pole, double-throw analog switch designed for multiplexing digital or analog signals. Its low on-state resistance ensures high integrity when routing audio signals, making this switching solution well-suited for a wide range of advanced consumer electronics from cell phones, tablets and e-readers to personal music players, hand-held games, satellite navigation and other audio equipment.
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Analog Devices’ Low Dropout Regulators Enable Cleaner Audio and Faster Communications
March 16, 2016 by Cristina Costa

Analog Devices’ Low Dropout Regulators Enable Cleaner Audio and Faster Communications

Analog Devices announced two series of low dropout regulators (LDOs) offering ultra-low noise performance that eliminate unwanted system noise and improve receiver, transmitter, and audio quality. Target applications for the new ADP176x and ADP715x LDOs include wireless base stations, wired communications, industrial instrumentation, high-end audio equipment, and medical devices.
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Blue Gecko Module Simplifies Bluetooth Smart Design
August 24, 2015 by Cristina Costa

Blue Gecko Module Simplifies Bluetooth Smart Design

Silicon Labs recently introduced a fully integrated, pre-certified Bluetooth Smart module solution that provides a speedy path to low-power wireless connectivity. The BGM111 modules are preloaded with the Bluegiga Bluetooth 4.1-compliant software stack and profiles and are field-upgradable using device firmware upgrades to Bluetooth 4.2 and beyond.
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Paradigm Concept 4F Ambitious Speaker Design Acclaimed
June 10, 2015 by Cristina Costa

Paradigm Concept 4F Ambitious Speaker Design Acclaimed

Following the presentation at the High End 2015, the Concept 4F loudspeakers from Canadian company Paradigm are being hailed as one of the highlights from the Munich show. A great result, following more than five years’ research and development in conjunction with fellow Canadian and sister company Anthem.
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IK Multimedia Introduces iKlip Grip Multifunctional Smartphone Stand
May 26, 2015 by Cristina Costa

IK Multimedia Introduces iKlip Grip Multifunctional Smartphone Stand

It’s a selfie-stick… it’s a tripod… it’s a stand… it’s a Grip! Italian company IK Multimedia continues to design clever solutions for the mobile age. With their new iKlip Grip multifunctional smartphone accessory, musicians, journalists and social media enthusiasts can capture perfect audio and video with their mobile device.
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Chord Electronics Introduces DAVE Advanced DAC, Preamp and Headphone Amplifier
May 18, 2015 by Cristina Costa

Chord Electronics Introduces DAVE Advanced DAC, Preamp and Headphone Amplifier

During the High End 2015 show in Munich, Germany, British high-end audio manufacturer Chord Electronics introduced what the company proudly calls “the world’s most advanced digital to analogue convertor”. Given the acronym DAVE, the $12,500 (£7,995) unit integrates a reference-grade DAC, digital preamp and headphone amplifier.
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Headphone Market Continues to Celebrate Growth
May 1, 2015 by Cristina Costa

Headphone Market Continues to Celebrate Growth

Futuresource Consulting has just completed its latest round of research into the headphones market. According to its new report, worldwide shipments of headphones grew by 8.5% in 2014 to 309.5 million units. The majority of headphones sold are in-ear models (60%) and wireless headphones are the fastest growing category.
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