SMSC intros industry’s most complete digital wireless audio processor

HAUPPAUGE, USA: SMSC, a leading semiconductor company creating valued connectivity ecosystems, announced the availability of the DARR83, the industry’s most complete digital wireless audio processor with tri-band support and an embedded multi-channel USB 2.0 audio controller for a wide variety of digital wireless audio applications.

“The need for high quality wireless audio solutions continues to grow substantially with exciting new applications and new markets,” said Christine King, CEO of SMSC. “SMSC has long been a leader in providing connectivity solutions for consumer electronics applications. Our portfolio of wireless audio technology now leads the industry for high quality, low power, flexible solutions that allow customers to extend their capabilities and enter new markets."

The DARR83 wireless audio processor from SMSC is ideal for companies integrating Wi-Fi and Bluetooth into their consumer electronics products, including home audio and theater systems, PCs, gaming consoles, and headphones. Its support of 2.4, 5.2 and 5.8Ghz frequency bands allows it to seamlessly coexist with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n standards, which minimizes the impact of Wi-Fi on wireless audio as well as the impact of the wireless audio on Wi-Fi throughput.

An integrated USB 2.0 PHY and controller enable the DARR83 to act as a USB audio device with the capability to support up to eight mono audio channels, making it a cost-effective solution for PC-centric wireless audio and video applications.

The DARR83’s multi-point-to-multi-point high definition (HD) wireless audio platform supports 24-bit, 96kHz sample rate wireless audio transmissions. Bi-directional audio allows the DARR83 to simultaneously transmit and receive audio streams with a latency of only 18ms, complying with Dolby digital audio certification requirements.

The DARR83 integrates many automated functions such as seamless RF band switching, RF channel selection, transmitter/receiver association and low power audio snooze mode. This robust feature set facilitates easy product integration and provides end-users with a simple, reliable and intuitive wireless audio solution.

“We are pleased to be bringing to market this exceptional new wireless audio solution for consumer electronics customers,” said Eric Kawamoto, Vice President and General Manager of SMSC’s Consumer Electronics Solutions group. "The DARR83 enhances SMSC's position in the wireless audio market segment and is an excellent solution for a wide variety of products including home audio and home theater equipment, portable headphones, PCs, and gaming consoles and headphones.”

The DARR83 is available now and is production ready.