Qualcomm introduces DDFA amplifier solutions

     Qualcomm Technologies International announced the launch of the new QCS400 system-on-a-chip (SoC) series of products supporting artificial intelligence (AI) and smart speakers, and the CSRA6640 DDFA amplifier solution that can optimize sound performance, among which, compared to the previous generation technology, The QCS400 Series voice-activated standby time and "unplugged" battery life are extended by up to 25 times, allowing users to carry the speaker to the yard or beyond to enjoy continuous music playback and voice operation for hours.

     Qualcomm is trying to target the fast-growing segment of the connected home market. With the introduction of the new QCS400 SOC family, Qualcomm will become a household name for the next generation of smart speakers, which will find their way into ordinary homes in the next few years. As the name suggests, smart speakers have two basic features that combine to set them apart from traditional speakers and smartphones. The sound quality of such speakers must sound great, and smart speakers also need to receive voice and commands from wireless signal sources and users.

     The QCS400 SoC was developed from the ground up to address both issues. Unlike typical Qualcomm Snapdragon Snapdragon processors, the Smart audio chip has dual Hexagon DSPS that can better handle audio. In addition, Qualcomm also has AptX Adaptive technology that supports DTS and Dolby Audio, as well as high-resolution wireless audio streaming. However, smart speakers are more than just wireless speakers, they also need to be able to handle voice audio, artificial intelligence operations, handle wireless connections, and more. With its expertise in smartphones, Qualcomm is able to incorporate all of this into a smart speaker.

     The QCS400 series is aimed at a full range of smart audio products, from the Home Hub (QCS403) to the smart speaker (QCS404) to the smart sound stick (QCS405) to the AVR (QCS407). Regardless of size, form, or need, Qualcomm now has a chip that can bring the smart features of a smartphone to a speaker while delivering better sound quality.

     Rahul Patel, senior vice president of Qualcomm Technologies, said, "The new SoC is unique in its ability to properly integrate advanced computing, AI acceleration, and low-latency audio transmission. "This integrated solution will shorten the time required to develop the next generation of smart speakers, home assistants, and speakers, making it easier for manufacturers to overcome major technical hurdles."

     For smart speaker users, even in noisy environments, the new SoC can provide faster and more sensitive voice user interfaces than previous products, including AI-based automatic speech recognition, low-power multi-keyword remote pickup, beamforming, echo cancellation, and support for cloud-based voice assistants. At present, Qualcomm has worked with Dolby, Xperi and other companies to help manufacture top audio and AVR.

     In addition, Qualcomm introduced the CSRA6640, a highly integrated SoC amplifier solution based on DDFA digital amplifier technology. With its SoC architecture, the excellent Class D amplification technology can be designed in a smaller shape, and the lower end of the product is more commercial, while also providing low power consumption, excellent sound quality and other features. The solution also provides a development kit with the necessary hardware and software, development tools, and information to enable any developer to easily integrate DDFA functionality into their products.

     Rob Saunders, Director of product marketing at Qualcomm Technologies International, said: "For the first time, this solution integrates sophisticated, high-end amplification technology into compact speakers, speakers and amplifiers, making them more commercially viable. This opens the door for Oems to incorporate low-power amplification capabilities into more sophisticated, cost-effective devices and optimize raw material costs.