ESS Expands its USB DAC Portfolio with New ES9260 Low-Power Solution

ESS Technology announced the ES9260, a new USB DAC solution with integrated PLL and regulator, optimized for low-power consumption. Intended for use in USB-C headsets and audio adaptors that demand high-quality sound and long play times, the new SoC offers lower power consumption than existing solutions while still delivering the highest-quality sound in its class.

CEVA announced that Goodix Technology has licensed and deployed CEVA’s RivieraWaves Bluetooth low energy IP in its GR551x series of Bluetooth low energy System-on-Chip (SoCs). The GR551x series is designed to help users develop low-power Bluetooth-based products including smart mobile devices, wearables, and connected applications. Goodix just acquired NXP’s Voice and Audio Solutions (VAS) business.

It’s not unusual to see friends gathered around a sideways-turned phone to share the viewing and listening experience while watching videos on the phone’s external speakers. This trend toward stereo audio in smartphones, and other audio-playing devices, shows that audio amplifiers are playing a more important role in smartphone design. As a result, audio amplifiers are seeing a big jump in both unit volume and technology. This article was originally published in audioXpress, July 2019.