Modules provide easy route to audio integration

A range of easy to integrate modules provide IP based audio bridging, distribution and intercom functionality.

Barix has developed a range of easy to integrate modules which provide IP based audio bridging, distribution and intercom functionality.

The IP Audio Modules target the increasing demand for audio streaming applications from real-time audio transmission, audio monitoring and distribution, audio recording, paging, to intercom and warning tone generation systems.

They allow cost effective integration of network, audio and interface functionality into standard products or OEM product developments.

The module's serial interface allows OEM products to seamlessly connect to which opens the door to even more applications.

The Barix IP Audio Modules can be loaded with a different variety of standard software and can easily be programmed with new OEM-specific functionality.

The Barix modules are low in cost, low in power consumption and at the same time highly reliable and simple to integrate.

The Barix IP Audio Module 100, with the dimensions 39 x 53mm (size of half a pack of cigarettes), incorporates audio in and audio out ports (stereo), a USB interface for connection to Flash sticks and two serial interfaces.

Next to the 10/100Mbit/s network connection port is a second port which can be configured by firmware to be used for redundancy (double wiring) and daisychaining.

The module can be applied to almost any audio transmission/audio streaming application.

Standard firmware is available to cover almost all applications.

In addition, it is fully programmable and configurable for specific individual applications.

Various audio formats such as MP3, u-Law and a-Law and various sample rates allow the product to be used in not only music applications, but also in compatible VoIP installations.

The Barix IP Audio Module 200 is a lower cost alternative and ideal for customers who only need audio output functionality.

The sise of the module is 56 x 33mm.

It not only streams MP3 files but also WMA/ASF and MMS.

Loaded with the standard Exstreamer firmware it can be individually configured to meet OEM specifications.

Besides the network and audio connections the module also offers USB and serial interfaces as well as digital I/O connections.

The IP Audio Module 200 is designed for universal application, and in many cases it can be directly soldered onto a carrier board.

Both modules are extremely reliable as they are not PC based (no memory fragmentation, no rebooting, very long life span) and ideal for top level tasks that can not afford any failure.

Notably the modules only consume 2W of power.

One of the new highlights of the modules is the USB port which allows the connection of USB Flash memory sticks.

Even without the USB stick it is possible to store small audio files in both of the modules' internal memory storage chips and can be updated and played back over the network connection.

Both modules are capable to playback audio streams from customer specific software solutions such as time scheduled announcements (NTP and RTC).

For potential OEM clients Barix offers an evaluation kit (audio module on a carrier board).

For general applications Barix offers standard stand-alone components.

The IP Audio Module 100 is currently available and the IP Audio Module 200 will be available in May from Barix and distributor Sphinx Computer.

Depending on model type and quantity the modules cost approximately Eur 80 each.

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