As audioXpress readers know well, Axign was established in 2014 by former Philips and NXP employees who worked on the pioneering Class-D efforts. Their efforts have resulted in the development of a Class-D audio amplifier controller chip in a QFN package. The solution used a digital control loop with feedback behind the output filter, across the loudspeaker terminals. It requires a digital input signal and suppresses all artifacts with a fifth-order digital feedback loop.
Gradually, Axign expand on this technology to deliver better audio quality for connected home audio products, where the audio path is digital, making sense to stay in the digital domain all the way to the loudspeakers. This innovation capture the attention of audio product managers and developers all over the world and convinced Harman International to implement it in their luxury audio and connected audio products, while gaining the support of GaN Systems, which released development platforms reviewed by audioXpress.
In 2023, Axign expanded with the launch of two new Axign Sound Processors featuring its post-filter feedback loop technology, optimized for the lowest power consumption levels. At the same time, the company designed a 1000W Class-D GaN audio amplifier reference design that merged best-in-class technologies from GaN Systems and Axign to enable unique audio systems that are smaller, more efficient, and offer better audio quality.
In general, Axign's solutions proved ideal for automotive, professional, and prosumer audio applications, but apart from Harman, most other audio manufacturers feared committing to a technology created by a small company. And in early 2023, GaN Systems announced it was being acquired by Infineon causing uncertainty to the previous joint efforts.
Aware of the cutting-edge technology and benefits, Michael Hsing, the founder and CEO of Monolithic Power Systems, jumped on the opportunity to acquire Axign. "Combined with MPS technology, we can bring audiophile quality to the mass market," Hsing states. While Richard Langezaal, Vice President Business Development at Axign stated to audioXpress, "We are very excited about being part of Monolithic Power Systems. Together with MPS we can make our dream come true. Our unique audio technology and expertise, coupled with MPS’ manufacturing, product breadth, and system-level expertise will enable us to offer industry-leading audio solutions without compromise."
Michael Hsing is the visionary that founded Monolithic Power Systems in 1997 with the belief that an entire power system could be integrated onto a single chip. Under his leadership, MPS continues to defy industry expectations with its patented groundbreaking technologies. And now, MPS will be able to support Axign's innovative technologies, which have proven industry-leading efficiency at all output power levels; excellent audio quality due to its unique post filter feedback and fully-digital control loop; and to enable cost competitive and complete solutions for all audio amplifier applications.
In the acquisition announcement, Hsing describes its vision for Axign's audio processors which demonstrate near-zero distortion signals, with significantly reduced power consumption for automotive and consumer audio systems. "These products will change people’s experience in their cars, homes, concert venues, and stadiums. When I listened to music from an Axign amplifier, I instantly recognized the excellent sound quality — the rich texture, wide dynamics, and clear spatial resolution. I realized that combined with MPS's technologies, we can bring that audiophile quality to the mass market. Axign’s passion for delivering best-in-class performance products matches our culture — the pursuit of excellence. Axign will also bring its expertise and innovation not only to the audio market, but also to other applicable fundamental technologies for different market segments."
MPS plans to expand its presence in the Netherlands, leveraging Axign's established local presence with universities. MPS financial results for the year ended December 31, 2023 saw the company making $1,821.1 million in revenue, a 1.5% increase from 2022.
www.monolithicpower.com
www.axign.nl
