Tensilica releases DRM decoder on Hifi 2 audio DSP

Tensilica has announced the availability of the Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) decoder on its Hifi 2 audio DSP, which can be integrated into system-on-chip (SoC) designs.

The implementation is based on software developed by Dolby and has passed Dolby's certification procedure.

Designers of digital radio systems can use one processor core - Tensilica's Hifi 2 audio DSP - to run all decoders required throughout the world for digital radio, enabling a universal digital radio receiver.

Tensilica's Hifi 2 audio DSP already has support for four other terrestrial and satellite standards: DAB, DAB+, HD radio and XM radio.

The DRM decoder can deliver FM-comparable sound quality on frequencies below 30MHz (the bands currently reserved for AM broadcasting) for long-distance signal propagation.

It can fit more channels into a given number of spectra with higher quality because it employs digital audio compression, rather than amplitude modulation techniques, according to the company.

The DRM decoder has been approved by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has approved its use throughout most of the world.

Approval for ITU Region 2 (North America, South America and the Pacific) is pending.

Larry Przywara, Tensilica's director of mobile multimedia, said: 'In today's economy, manufacturers don't have the luxury of developing different radios for different geographic markets.

'Now, single SoCs - including the Hifi 2 audio DSP - can be compatible with all global digital-radio standards,' he added.

Toni Fiedler, senior manager of business development at Dolby Laboratories, said: 'Both India's and Russia's regulators just recently have taken serious steps towards digital radio and mandated DRM due to its advantages of wider geographic coverage in the sub-30MHz spectrum.

'Tensilica's Hifi 2 audio DSP will enable development of low-cost DRM receivers by leveraging the aggregate investment in all the digital-radio standards for highly integrated multi-standard SoCs.

As the Hifi 2 audio DSP is based on Tensilica's programmable Xtensa processor, it provides chip designers with one hardware platform that can be used for multiple audio standards.

Back to top