PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (Intel Developer Forum) -- Aug. 31 1999 -- As of today, personal computer manufacturers will be able to match the performance offered by high-end add-in audio cards, thanks to a new Digital Signal Processor (DSP) developed by Cirrus Logic Inc. (NASDAQ:CRUS), the industry's leading supplier of audio ICs. Delivering the audio features and performance required by the most demanding PC audio applications - computer games and PC-based conferencing - the new Crystal® DSP (CS4630) provides high quality PC audio performance at an attractive price point for both add-in card makers and PC OEMs alike.

The new entry combines a 140MHz DSP core, a large memory size (4.5k each to accommodate code, parameter, and sample memory), and advanced 0.24-micron CMOS process technology to deliver the fastest PC audio processing on the market. In technical specifications, the expanded processing power dramatically increases the number of "voices" accelerated (from 64 to 96 hard voices, and from 128 to 512 soft voices). Also, the chip quadruples the bit streams for 3D sound, delivering 32-bit streams for a more immersive experience. From a consumer standpoint, the extra horsepower means clear and distortion-free computer audio, and a quality level that makes PCs able to function as true audio appliances.

With its high performance audio processing, the CS4630 delivers premium audio features such as Sensaura's 3D and multi-channel audio, EAX environmental audio, unlimited-voice wavetable synthesis, and a built-in sample rate converter, digital mixer and 10-band graphic equalizer. In addition to these "edutainment" features, the CS4630 also delivers features for the mainstream PC market, including soft modem support, improved power management, and compliance with Intel's AC97 2.1 standard. Addressing the use of NetMeeting and other PC conferencing applications, the new Crystal chip provides acoustic echo cancellation, enabling full duplex PC audio conferences.

As the latest entry in the comprehensive Crystal audio IC portfolio, the CS4630 completes the product line with a high-end offering, and gives OEMs an advantage in cost-savings and upgradability that is unmatched by any other DSP product. While the target market for the CS4630 is high-end PCs, additional applications for the chip include any device with a PCI bus, from computer games to set-top boxes.

"In the highly competitive PC market, a key differentiation is the quality of sound PC vendors can provide," said David Crowell, product marketing manager at Cirrus Logic's Crystal Audio Products Division. "Consumers are using their PCs more and more as audio appliances, and they expect superb sound quality, whether playing MP3 files, sophisticated games, DVD movies, or conducting PC-based conferencing. That's just what the portfolio of Crystal audio IC solutions makes possible."

Processing Power and Specifications

Raising the PCI DSP core performance from 100 MHz to 140 MHz, the CS4630 has substantially more processing power than any other audio chip currently on the market. In addition to premium features, this processing power offers the commercial computer market the opportunity to program value-added audio enhancements - such as new applications related to MP3 - into the PC at the motherboard level.

To better track dynamic audio requirements - and offer key development partners an option to customize their products - the CS4630 uses a programmable architecture. As a result, manufacturers can easily and cost-effectively upgrade their offerings and promptly incorporate new standards into their product lines. Given the pace of convergence trends, this flexibility provides "future protection" for manufacturers and consumers alike.

Moreover, in the increasingly competitive PC market, OEMs can now distinguish their offerings with the latest in audio quality, sound reproduction and the ultimate immersive entertainment experience. As convergence trends accelerate, and consumers increasingly use their PCs as an audio appliance, Cirrus Logic expects PC OEMs to offer high-end features on mainstream systems, such as Surround-Sound, custom equalization or other features driven by content providers.

To comply with industry standards, provide connectivity to consumer appliances, and enable cost-effective soft modems, the CS4630 offers a full set of features: PCI Power management support, AC 97 2.1 compliance, SPDIF input and output, 128-pin packaging options, dual AC 97 support, and a ZV port. Its host modem features include wake-up via AC 97 2.1 link, modem interrupt capability, and GPIO pins for DAA control. Programmable software features include a 10-band graphic equalizer with dynamic settings, acoustic echo cancellation, and acceleration of 3D sound and wavetable synthesis for computer gaming.

Packaging, Price and Availability

The CS4630 is offered at a unit cost of $12.00 (U.S.) in quantities of 10,000 units. Samples will be available in September, with production quantities available in late 1999.

Cirrus Logic

Cirrus Logic is a premier supplier of high-performance analog circuits and advanced mixed-signal chip solutions. The company's products, sold under its own name and the Crystal product brand, enable system-level applications in mass storage, audio, and precision data conversion. Additional information about Cirrus Logic is available at www.cirrus.com.

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Note to editors: Cirrus Logic is a registered trademark of Cirrus Logic Inc. All other product names noted herein may be trademarks of their respective holders.