Fairchild launches mobile audio initiative targeting demand for louder, better speakers in mobile devices

SAN JOSE, USA: Fairchild Semiconductor is stepping up its efforts to address one of the most significant challenges facing audio applications in the mobile industry today – the need to meet consumer demand for multimedia mobile devices that offer smaller speakers, sound louder and better, while minimizing impact on battery life.

Fairchild is uniquely equipped to address these mobile audio requirements, offering a growing portfolio of best-in-class audio building blocks than can be used to design, develop and productize mobile audio ICs.

The company is building on a proven track record in two key semiconductor technology areas – power semiconductor solutions and feature-specific mobile semiconductor solutions – to develop new products that address mobile audio requirements such as higher output power, dynamic range compression, speaker protection, signal-to-noise ratio improvement, distortion control and power management.

Fairchild plans to introduce the first of these new mobile audio products within the next few months. The high performance mixed signal technology, will allow designers to address the critical challenges of maximizing audio output and minimize impact on battery run time, providing excellent audio quality and speaker protection, and reducing the overall bill of materials in a design.

Fairchild Semiconductor’s focus on mobile audio emerged from a strategic mobile initiative that has accelerated Fairchild’s presence as a supplier of semiconductor solutions to mobile device manufacturers and chipset suppliers worldwide.

As part of that mobile initiative, Fairchild surveyed a range of mobile device manufacturers and chipset providers, and found widespread demand for suppliers to better meet the production and design demands in mobile audio today.

“Fairchild Semiconductor’s decision to introduce mobile audio was driven in large part by our customers’ request for new technology solutions that address the extreme design and delivery pressures facing mobile device and chipset suppliers today,” said Matt Johnson, vice president, Mobile Solutions.

“Fairchild is prepared for this challenge, offering not only a portfolio of best-in-class audio IP solutions, but also the world-class supply chain and product development capability required of suppliers in today’s competitive and fast-paced mobile market. This combination has already established Fairchild as a strong value-added silicon solution supplier to mobile device manufacturers, and with this focus on mobile audio, we’re taking this leadership position further.”

Fairchild’s new product development is driven by market intelligence, as well as through close working relationships with handset manufacturers and chipset suppliers worldwide. This technology is already used by all major mobile device manufacturers and can be found in the majority of mobile handsets, including smartphones.

Fairchild offers a leadership portfolio of feature-specific silicon solutions addressing audio, video, USB, ASSP/logic, RF power, core power, lighting and other requirements that define user satisfaction and market success in mobile. A recognized source of innovation in these areas, Fairchild is combining silicon IP building blocks with system level expertise to enable manufacturers to differentiate mobile designs.

For audio and other mobile device design needs, Fairchild is leveraging its advanced process and package technologies, offering significant design advantages while reducing the size, cost and power of mobile devices. Additionally, Fairchild is aligned with leading mobile manufacturers to help them meet next-generation design challenges and maintain a competitive advantage.

Dedicated to delivering “The Right Technology for Your Success,” Fairchild provides leading-edge silicon and packaging technologies, manufacturing strength and system expertise for consumer, communications, industrial, portable, computing and automotive systems, as well as online tools and design centers as part of our commitment to customer satisfaction.