Analog: Field-Programmable Analog Array Starter Kits Teach Audio Design

Three field-programmable analog-array (FPAA) starter kits can be obtained from the Download Center on Anadigm's Web site. They comprise a subwoofer signal conditioner, an audio phase shifter, and a low-frequency filter. The subwoofer conditioner kit presents three examples of signal-conditioning circuits, each with a subsonic filter, low-pass filter, and compressor. It's possible to dynamically control the filter corner frequencies and arbitrarily define compression characteristics. A spreadsheet tool to help calculate typical compression characteristics and a sample C-code application demonstrates dynamic C-code circuit control. The audio phase shifter employs a single FPAA to provide guitar effects or effects based on preset delays or a known time constant. The low-frequency filter design kit shows how to build any type of low-frequency filter with a single FPAA device. A complete evaluation kit with a development board, entry-level software, and updated documentation is available at a promotional price of $199. Pricing for the FPAA family of silicon products ranges from $4.95 to $7.69 in 10,000-piece quantities.