Audio SoCs simplify design of earbuds and hearing devices
Introduced to help manufacturers create an economical and robust user wireless audio experience, the QCC3026 is a Bluetooth audio system on chip (SoC) from Qualcomm.
The flash-programmable Bluetooth audio SoC is designed to reduce power consumption by up to 50 per cent compared to previous generation entry-level flash devices, says Qualcomm. The SoC is also engineered to balance functionality and cost to help manufacturers develop and commercialise wireless headsets.
Consumers demand earbuds they can use all day, when they are at home, in the office or on-the-move, without constantly needing to recharge. The robust and cost-effective true wireless solution is optimised for both superior sound quality and pricing value, says Qualcomm.
The company says it helping even non-traditional Bluetooth wireless headphone customers, like mobile phone manufacturers, to rapidly add valued accessories to products.
Enhanced Qualcomm TrueWireless Stereo protocols with an improved radio are designed to deliver a robust overall wireless connectivity, from handset to earbud as well as between the earbuds themselves. This is important both when making calls and listening to music, adds Qualcomm.
An easy pairing experience and balanced power distribution between earbuds lowers overall power consumption and longer usage time.
The SoC also has high quality audio over Bluetooth with Qualcomm aptX audio technology and, for digital assistant applications, there is support for voice services available via button-press activation, relaying the audio stream and voice control capabilities to a handset to process and execute commands.
Suppressed background noise and echo feedback via Qualcomm cVc Noise Cancellation Technology delivers a quieter and more seamless user experience, says the company.
The QCC3026 is particularly suited to phone manufacturers, who have removed the standard headphone jack, leaving consumers asking for a non-wired solution to listen to music. With this new design, Qualcomm believes phone OEMs can provide quality sounding earbuds at a cost point that allows them to package them in the box with, or alongside, their latest smartphones.
Reference designs based on the QCC3026 SoC are expected to be available in the second half of 2018.
