With prototypes demonstrated already at Computex 2025 in Taipei, the collaboration addresses one of the most pervasive yet difficult-to-solve problems in laptop audio: mechanical rattle and distortion. When audio plays at high volumes through laptop speakers, it can cause mechanical components like speakers, keyboards, and chassis elements to vibrate and rattle, resulting in distorted sound and a diminished user experience. Currently, manufacturers typically address this issue by limiting maximum volume or reducing bass frequencies, sacrificing audio performance to prevent distortion.
"Today's PC users expect premium audio experiences, but laptop manufacturers face significant engineering challenges in delivering consistent, high-quality sound," says Carl Alberty, Executive Vice President of Cirrus Logic’s Mixed-Signal Products. "Our AI-powered audio technology is a huge step forward in ensuring quality audio performance for OEMs, ODMs, and end users. By collaborating with Compal, we're bringing this technology directly to the manufacturing process to catch problems early, significantly enhancing performance, quality, and sustainability."
This collaboration is significant with the application of AI to address solving audio quality issues. Cirrus Logic’s AI tools and algorithms can be used to detect and help reduce rattle and deliver improved quality audio performance. Compal, which manufactures laptops for several global, top-tier brands, will endeavor to build its plan to implement this technology in its production lines, enabling better quality assurance and consistency across high-volume manufacturing.
Compal’s collaboration with Cirrus Logic also helps address these long-standing audio quality challenges in the manufacturing process, ultimately delivering superior audio experiences to consumers while reducing production costs associated with inconsistent performance and returns. The new AI audio technology allows PC manufacturers (OEMs) to deliver improved audio experiences without making the traditional trade-offs between loudness and distortion. For ODMs like Compal, the technology streamlines quality testing processes and helps ensure more consistent audio performance across production batches.
This initiative builds upon Cirrus Logic's existing Rattle Limiter technology. While the current technology has made significant strides in addressing audio distortion issues, the AI-powered approach represents a major leap forward in effectiveness and adaptability.
"This collaboration represents Cirrus Logic's first major AI audio technology for the PC market, but it leverages our decades of experience in audio processing and our extensive patent portfolio," adds Alberty.
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