Frontier Silicon has launched what it claims is the first network audio module with dual-band 802.11n connectivity - operating in the 2.4 and 5GHz bands - for wireless speakers and docking systems.
Dubbed 'Milan', the module - for high volume networked wireless speaker and docker applications - allows OEMs and ODMs to build home audio products giving consumers the ability to play digital music from their smartphones, tablets or personal computers wirelessly via a high fidelity audio system.
The module comes with the customisable Network Sound (NS) software devkit that supports features such as DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) Digital Media Renderer for audio streaming using UPnP, audio playback from auxiliary I2S input, iPhone/iPod/iPad docking via USB and audio post-processing for bass, treble and 5-band EQ control.
Talking of smartphones, Frontier has created iPhone and Android apps for remotely controlling Milan-based products from iPod/iPhone and Android devices. Music can also be streamed to Milan-based products using DLNA Apps for Android and iOS devices.
Alongside the built in 802.11n interface, the Milan hardware includes an optional 10/100 Ethernet MAC/PHY, high fidelity audio DAC and a built in PIFA antenna which has been optimised for 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
Another optional hardware feature is broadcast radio reception, with the Milan module including the capability to receive analogue radio via FM and digital radio via DAB/DAB+.
“Our long experience in producing high volume RF modules for audio products has ensured that Milan offers a compelling set of features for the emerging network audio market,” said Steve Evans, VP of Marketing and Business Development at Frontier Silicon. “Our decision to add dual-band 802.11n connectivity demonstrates that we are able to bring cutting edge technology that has real consumer benefit to the audio market in a cost effective manner.”
“We have been collaborating with Frontier Silicon on network audio products for over four years and in that time they have demonstrated a proven ability to deliver complex Wi-Fi technology for a wide range of audio manufacturers,” said Bart Giordano, director of marketing for wireless at Marvell Semiconductor, Inc.
The NS software supports the following audio codecs: MP3, WMA, AAC, HE-AAC, FLAC and WAV.
