An established provider of high performance sensor solutions and analog ICs, ams AG has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Incus Laboratories, strengthening its position in the market for Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) solutions. ams will leverage Incus’ IP, its expertise in acoustic characterization and its suite of noise cancellation system design tools for a new range of digital ANC solutions.
ams’ existing analog ANC products offer excellent acoustic performance and low power consumption while its upcoming digital offerings will provide additional benefits in reduced system cost and size, and improved design flexibility. Backed by Incus’ design tool suite and acoustic characterization technology, ams’ new digital ANC solutions will offer OEMs easier implementation by eliminating the need to configure and assemble a hardware filter network of passive components tailored to each headphone or earphone design.
Incus’ IP can run on a variety of general-purpose DSP cores while providing the core ANC functionality in DSP-based solutions found in many bundled and aftermarket earphones and headphones today. Incus solutions are notable for their high level of noise attenuation across a broad frequency range, benefiting from sophisticated phase-shift technology which compensates for latency in the digital signal processing chain.
Incus’ IP also supports the use of advanced speakers and micro-speakers for outstanding Hi-Fi quality audio reproduction. ams will take full ownership of Incus which is based in Buckinghamshire, UK , including all of its patent-protected IP. The parties to the transaction have agreed to keep the consideration confidential and Incus’ staff, including the founders and executive management team, will transfer to ams.
“ams already has a strong position in the ANC market given high levels of noise attenuation and superb sound quality”, says Vincent Pronk, VP & General Manager of Business Line Audio Sensors. “The proven and high-performance Incus IP for digital noise cancellation will broaden our ANC offering while maintaining our reputation for excellent performance and design characteristics at a competitive cost.”
The existing ams portfolio of analog ANC solutions includes products based on feed-forward, feedback and hybrid topologies, in both single-ended stereo and mono bridge tied load (BTL) versions.
www.ams.com/ANC
