Emendion selects Insight SIP’s for their Bluetooth Low Energy and Auracast miniature microphone
Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio has been available for several years now, based on the Bluetooth 5.2 release, with the full specifications completed in 2022. It takes time, however, for specifications to yield working devices, and in the case of LE Audio, to have true value, you need an ecosystem of compatible “other ends” – headphones, speakers, smartphone support and so on. This takes time, and so it is only now that use of LE Audio is becoming prevalent in audio solutions.
Auracast is an important new feature that represents a major upgrade to BT Audio capability – allowing broadcast from an transmitting device to several receivers. The previous generation of BT Audio based on “classic” Bluetooth could only support a point to point connection. No complex pairing is required either – one can simply “tune in” to any available Auracast stream without Bluetooth connection, and as a passive listening mode, it poses no security risk.
Applications areas for Auracast include conference halls, guided tours, shared music listening, public TVs, and hearing assistance and many more. The advantage of an open standard is that no custom equipment is required to listen to an Auracast broadcast – any Auracast enabled headphone or hearing aid, for example, can participate.
The Aspen Aura is a tiny high quality microphone that supports LE Audio and Auracast. Weighing only 5 grams, it can simply clip onto a shirt or T-shirt for easy hands free use, making it ideal for use in lecture theatres, outdoor events or for a tour guide. Created by audio specialists and enthusiasts in Sweden, the Aspen Aura represents a breakthrough in terms of a professional grade Auracast portable device.
The ISP2053-AX module forms the core of the Emendion solution. This powerful dual-core Bluetooth module contains separate application and radio processors, and is capable of managing the Bluetooth connection and transmission as well as handling audio processing aspect of the solution. A rich peripheral set allows it to connect to the four MEMS microphones that form part of the Emendion solution. The multi-mic configuration allows advanced audio processing to achieve excellent background noise reduction.
The power consumption characteristics of the Nordic nRF5340 Bluetooth chip incorporated in the module allow 5 hours usage on a single charge. The ISP2053 module has an integrated antenna, and thus in one tiny (8 x 8 x 1 mm) component offers audio/Auracast processing and full Bluetooth connectivity including audio streaming and wireless configuration and setup.
In addition to the Aspen Aura, Emendion also offer a USB-C plug in receiver dongle. This device allows older equipment (PCs, Phones etc) that are not natively supporting Auracast and BLE Audio to work with the Aspen Aura solution. This device is also powered by Insight SIP’s IPS2053 module and is a similarly miniature and lightweight device.
