Sophisticated audio processing is becoming more common and more complex. Texas Instruments (TI) has taken on the challenge to simplify things by splitting the processing chores in its TAS3108 between a 48-bit DSP and an 8-bit 8051-compatible microcontroller (Fig. 1).
The 135-MHz DSP handles the flow of information between the input and output serial audio ports applying any number of filters, compression, or other algorithms to improve the audio quality. It can handle sampling rates from 8 to 192 kHz. A 76-bit MAC (48x28 multiply-accumulate) engine provides the necessary processing power for most audio algorithms.
The chip targets the in-dash and rear-seat entertainment automotive and home audio markets where 7.1 channels are standard. In the home market, the TAS3108 can be used to handle HDTV audio.
TI's graphical development inter-face simplifies the audio processing programmer's job (Fig. 2). The logical audio stream processing is constructed by stringing together the desired components.
The generated source code can be modified using using TI's conventional C/C++ programming tool, Code Composer Studio. TI provides a copy of Arm's Keil tool suite for programming the 8051 that handles interfacing chores with the non-audio interfaces.
Pricing starts at $4.36 in quantity. The TAS3108 comes in a 4.4- by 9.7-mm 38-pin thin-shrink small-outline package (TSSOP). Automotive-grade versions are available.
Texas Instruments
www.ti.com