Frontier Silicon takes chips into the next dimension
The firm's latest integrated digital radio chip targets smart devices and global markets
Frontier Silicon has developed a device called Chorus 4, its fourth generation digital radio chip.
Chorus 4 is a single-chip solution, which integrates four previously separate chips to deliver significant cost and energy savings.
The chip is designed to encourage the continued advance of digital radio around the world by supporting all major global digital radio standards.
Chorus 4 is said to provide solutions for multiple devices, including consumer radios the, automotive aftermarket and for the first time, smartphones and tablets.
Key features of Chorus 4
Low cost, single chip solution: integration of RF front-end, baseband, application processor and DAC delivers significant cost savings enabling high-quality, entry-level price point digital radios
Ultra-low power consumption - one month's listening of 5 to 6 hours a day on a portable radio with four D-cell batteries (comparable to FM performance)
Multiple solutions for all types of audio devices
Automotive aftermarket - solutions for head units, integrated convertors and low cost adapters
Smart devices - enables digital radio solutions for mobile phones and tablets
Bluetooth connectivity - connecting smart devices and digital radios to enable hybrid radio (with interactivity and additional content delivered via IP), music streaming and remote control
Integrated service guides "“ users can select stations from a single list of digital and analogue stations regardless of platform
Multiple radio standards - including support for AM, FM, DAB, DAB+, HD Radio and DRM
Digital Tick compliant - Chorus 4 solutions meet all technology requirements for UK minimum specifications in domestic and automotive digital radio devices.
Frontier Silicon CEO, Anthony Sethill, says, "Chorus 4 represents a step change for digital radio. Our fourth generation chip offers enhanced functionality, lower cost and significantly greater energy efficiency. Chorus 4 will power multiple devices, including low-cost automotive adapters and devices with Bluetooth connectivity. For the first time, digital radio in mass-deployment smartphones is a viable proposition. As a multi-standard chip, Chorus 4 addresses emerging opportunities around the world."
Frontier Silicon, which is part of the Toumaz Group, supplies integrated circuits and modules for digital radio and connected audio products.
