Microchip intros two new digital audio mixer boards

BANGALORE, INDIA: Microchip Technology as introduced two new digital audio mixer boards based on low pin count 32-bit PIC32 microcontrollers (MCUs). The DM320014, a USB digital audio accessory board, utilises standard USB 2.0 Mini-B connectivity. The DM320413, a digital audio mixer board, offers Apple iOS portable device connectivity.

Both the development boards are powered by Microchip's PIC32MX250F128 32-bit MCU. It enables audio and voice device development for a broad range of applications. Some of its key features are interfaces for digital audio via USB Mini-B or the Apple iOS interface, line-in and microphone-in for convenient connectivity to analogue audio sources such as microphones or instrument pickups, and line-out and headphone out, for line-level output and headphone connectivity.

By using the power of the PIC32's advanced processing capabilities, these features allow the mixing of digital and analog audio. The development boards are targeted at applications in the consumer and automotive markets, such as consumer audio docks (including those in stereo systems), noise-cancelling headsets, clock radios or A/V entertainment system sounds bars, as well as in automobiles that offer portable music player docking capabilities.

These two new boards are aimed at making digital audio development easy with the PIC32 MX1 and MX2 microcontrollers. They feature 66 DMIPS of performance, up to 128 KB Flash, 32 KB of RAM, USB, I2S interfaces and an advanced clocking scheme that provides the signals needed for the external CODEC while eliminating the need for a CODEC with a built-in PLL.

Microchip is releasing a Compact MP3 Decode Library, which will maximise the cost effectiveness of designs that need to decode MP3 files. This new code requires only 21 KB of RAM and can run on the PIC32MX250F128. Utilising these new boards and the available Compact MP3 Decode Library, designers can reduce development time and shorten their time to market.

"We have seen excellent traction for the PIC32 in audio applications," said Sumit Mitra, vice president of Microchip's MCU32 Division. "Following Microchip's February announcement of the PIC32MX1 and MX2 series that features I2S CODEC interface, demand has really taken off. These two new digital audio boards make it easy for developers to take advantage of the PIC32's audio features."