Date: 29/10/2009

40th DesignWare audio codec IP from synopsis for SMIC 65 nm process

Synopsys has made available of its 40th audio codec IP with the release of DesignWare 96 dB Hi-Fi Audio IP in the SMIC 65-nm process.

The DesignWare Audio IP solution offers a feature set for audio record and playback channels. The record channel includes features such as analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), volume control, channel filters, microphone biasing and microphone amplifiers. The playback channel includes elements such as digital-to-analog converters (DACs), channel filters, mixers, volume control and line, headset and loud speaker drivers. These features are suitable for cost- and power-sensitive consumer electronic applications.

Synopsis says, by providing a broad portfolio of audio IP solutions that is backed by local technical support experts across all major geographical regions and shipped in more than 100 million units, and achieves first-pass silicon success for their SoC designs.

Synopsys provides high-quality audio IP solutions supporting 20 different process nodes, from 180- nm to 65-nm processes and with performance levels from 80 dB to 103 dB.

"SMIC and Synopsys have had a successful long term collaboration on the development of DesignWare Mixed-Signal IP for SMIC's process technologies," said Max Liu, vice president of Design Services center at SMIC. "With the availability of the DesignWare Audio Codec in the SMIC 65 LL process, we are enabling our mutual customers to integrate these important audio functions into their SoCs and quickly ramp into volume production."

By offering audio codec solutions that deliver high performance margins and are designed to be robust in a noisy SoC environment, Synopsys eases the integration effort of audio IP into embedded designs.

"As a leading provider of analog IP, Synopsys continues to expand its silicon-proven DesignWare IP portfolio with flexible, high-quality audio IP solutions that support a broad range of application requirements and deliver performance levels similar to discrete components," said John Koeter, vice president of marketing for the Solutions Group at Synopsys. "With proven solutions in 20 different process technologies and more than 100 million units shipped, Synopsys' high-quality DesignWare Audio IP solutions are trusted by designers to help them reduce integration risk and achieve the performance, power and area requirements of their feature-rich audio SoCs."

Availability: Expected to be available in Q4 2009

For more details visit www.synopsys.com

Editorial product rating: Average Plus