Cirrus Logic Announces Reference Platform for Lightning-Based Audio Development

With the market preparing for a major transition to digital audio connections using USB-C and Apple Lightning interfaces, audio companies are faced with a dilemma. Either they wait until the USB Implementers Forum finishes and publishes its final USB class audio specification for USB 3.1, or they start developing for Lightning-based systems, knowing that they will have an head-start and products on the market (at least for Apple’s platforms). Knowing this, Cirrus Logic just announced a new MFi Headset Development Kit that simplifies design of Lightning-based audio accessories.

At Mobile World Congress Shanghai (29 Jun. - July 1, 2016), Conexant Systems introduced their new CX20888, an Audio Stereo CODEC that is the first single-chip solution to allow USB-C-compliant active noise cancellation (ANC) and ambient noise inclusion in headsets. This new USB-C solution features an integrated ARM Cortex M0+ MCU and Class-H headphone amplifier, enabling new class of features for smartphone, PC and gaming headsets. Its active noise cancellation eliminates up to 30dB of external sound, for a clearer, more enjoyable listening experience.

Conexant introduced new single-chip solutions optimized for USB type-C implementation, as part of their AudioSmart product line of silicon and software products for audio development. The company announced the CX20985 and CX20899, two new USB DSP audio codecs that support USB Type-C (USB-C) connectors in smartphone headsets and docking station applications. Both the CX20985 and CX20899 are highly integrated solutions, fully compliant with the USB-C standard.