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Analog Devices Inc. is simplifying audio system development with the SigmaStudio Graphical Development Tool, which lets even inexperienced product developers program the company's SigmaDSP chips by dragging and dropping icons.
SigmaStudio helps automate the design process, making it simpler for product designers who are not skilled in digital signal processing or other aspects of system design to get a system running. It also lets experienced designers complete designs more quickly. "If you've got the hardware running like an evaluation board, programming for a medium-size audio system will take at maximum of around 30 minutes," says Thomas Irrgang, SigmaStudio product manager. The software environment gives users many common tools for audio post processing. "We've got a large library with known audio function blocks," Irrgang says. Currently, the library has more than 60 IP blocks for post processing tasks such as filters, delays, equalizers and advanced audio algorithms like Dolby Prologic-II and TruSurround XT. Once product designers drag the desired functions into their design, they simply press the compile button, eliminating the need for compilers, assemblers and debuggers. The software also lets users tune algorithms, adjusting the audio footprint to maximize sound quality in different environments such the limited space of automotive cabins. The short development time makes it possible to alter designs to get the best sound quality for a given environment. The software works with ADI's SigmaDSP audio processor line. The AD1940 and AD1941 offer a 75 MHz, 28-bit core with 16-channel I/O. That's enough to process conventional 24-bit audio signals, while still providing enough processing power to add sound-enhancing features like bass compensation. This flexibility creates a richer audio experience for end users, particularly in space-constrained products like flat-panel televisions or multimedia PCs, where a restricted form factor prevents the use of large speakers and subwoofers. For more information, go to http://rbi.ims.ca/4917-639.
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