Conexant Expands Audio Portfolio With New Speakers-on-a-Chip Semiconductor Solutions

Conexant Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CNXT), a leading supplier of innovative semiconductor solutions for imaging, audio, video, and Internet connectivity applications, today launched two new speakers-on-a-chip (SPoC) system solutions for audio applications ranging from converging audio and voice applications such as speakerphone-enabled docking stations to intercom systems, door phones, and unified communications sound systems. The CX20662 and CX20663 can also be integrated with any analog audio system to deliver full-duplex, hands-free speakerphone functionality. The new SPoC solutions are available today, and are shipping in production quantities to customers in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

"Our new speakers-on-a-chip solutions further strengthen our position as a leading provider of audio solutions, and broadens our scope to include customers who are now evaluating our SPoC devices for use in next-generation products including speakerphone-enabled smartphone docking stations,” said René Hartner, vice president of marketing for Conexant’s Imaging and PC Media business. "We will continue to leverage our extensive IP portfolio and expertise in voice processing and coding technologies to deliver innovative solutions for growing audio market segments.”

The CX20662 and CX20663 are targeted at mono and stereophonic applications, respectively. Both devices feature Conexant’s proprietary wideband acoustic echo-cancellation and noise reduction digital signal processor (DSP), which enables the capture of a broader range of voice signals, resulting in more natural sounding speech. This technology reduces speaker-to-microphone "echo” and voice feedback, which is particularly important for hands-free telephony and voice-over-IP (VoIP) applications. The two highly integrated devices also feature dual integrated audio codecs, programmable microphone boost functionality to amplify sound, a headphone driver, and Class D amplifier. In addition, the SPoCs can operate without an external microcontroller. The combination of these features lowers bill-of-material costs and accelerates product development cycles.

To improve voice quality in intercom applications, the CX20662 includes an integrated line echo suppression DSP, which reduces echo caused by the telephone network or twisted pair structure wiring. Conexant also offers an intercom reference design to simplify product-development efforts.

For smartphone docking systems, the CX20663 can quickly and easily switch from speakerphone mode to stereo music playback mode to enable MP3 music functionality. Another key feature is Conexant’s 3D technology, which uses a proprietary psychoacoustic phase virtual algorithm to "reposition” the sound field to create an immersive, or expanded "stereo stage,” audio experience for the listener, without increasing the actual volume of the audio stream.

Conexant’s innovative audio product portfolio includes high-definition (HD) audio integrated circuits, HD audio codecs, and speakers-on-a-chip solutions for personal computers, PC peripheral sound systems, speakers, notebook docking stations, voice-over-IP speakerphones, intercom, door phone, and audio-enabled surveillance applications.

Packaging, Availability, and Pricing

The CX20662 is offered in a 40-pin quad flat no-lead (QFN) package. The device is priced at $2.50 each in 10,000 units volume quantities. The CX20663 is offered in a 48-pin QFN, and priced at $2.91 each in 10,000 units volume quantities. To learn more or place an order, please contact your local sales office (http://www.conexant.com/wwsales).

About Conexant

Conexant’s comprehensive portfolio of innovative semiconductor solutions includes products for imaging, audio, video, and Internet connectivity applications. Conexant is a fabless semiconductor company that recorded revenues of more than $500 million in fiscal year 2008. The company is headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif. To learn more, please visit www.conexant.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

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