Firmware supports hands-free speakerphones.
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Press Release Summary:
Used with ZL38004 hardware platform, ZLS38502 firmware addresses distortion and echo issues on hands-free speakerphones and conference units. It integrates psychoacoustic noise reduction, cancels linear and non-linear echo, and includes 16/22 band equalizer that can amplify/attenuate specific frequency bands for voice quality on small speakers. When 2 callers speak simultaneously, solution converges and tracks movement in conference room and adapts to changing echo path.
Original Press Release:
Zarlink Introduces New Firmware Supporting Highest Quality Voice Performance for Hands-Free Speakerphones
o ZLS(TM)38502 firmware delivers superior echo cancellation and noise reduction - Zarlink and Avnet-Memec hosting European seminar series to introduce voice processing technologies targeting hands-free communication systems
OTTAWA, Feb. 15 // -- Zarlink Semiconductor Inc. (NYSE/TSX:ZL) today introduced new firmware delivering performance and features specifically tailored to enable high-quality voice performance in hands-free speakerphones and conference units.
Available now, ZLS38502 firmware incorporates unique noise reduction and echo cancellation techniques to allow designers to overcome distortion, echo and double-talk issues that plague speakerphones. The new firmware works with Zarlink's previously released ZL38004 hardware platform to provide a complete voice processing solution that simplifies design and speeds time-to-market of hands-free communication equipment.
"Speakerphone sound quality depends on a combination of voice processing algorithms and plastic enclosure design," said Andre Coucopoulos, marketing manager with Zarlink's voice processing product line. "Zarlink's voice processing firmware supports full-duplex operation and integrates psychoacoustic noise reduction, echo cancellation and equalization. As a result, our solution can better cope with lower quality plastic designs and support more natural voice conversation when compared with competing solutions."
European seminar series
Zarlink will be co-hosting a European seminars series with Avnet-Memec to discuss hands-free communication design and introduce new technologies that ensure high-quality voice performance. These free half-day seminars begin later this month. For full details and to register visit: http://avnet-memec.eu/index.php?id=422.
High-quality voice in speakerphones
Zarlink's firmware solution incorporates ZLAcoustics; a complete package of noise reduction and echo cancellation techniques solving speakerphone voice performance challenges.
Zarlink's ZLS38502 firmware integrates psychoacoustic noise reduction to reduce audible noise without significantly distorting voice. Traditional noise reduction methods remove noise across the entire frequency spectrum, resulting in lower signal integrity. In comparison, psychoacoustic noise reduction cancels only the noise elements of the signal that are more noticeable to the human ear.
Due to limited space in a speakerphone's plastic enclosure, system designers must use small speakers but still meet high speakerphone volume requirements. As a result, speakers are often driven to a level with high distortion. Zarlink's ZLS38502 firmware cancels both linear and non-linear echo, allowing the designer to drive the speaker volume higher while minimizing the effects of distortion on speakerphone performance.
An integrated a 16/22 band equalizer ensures compliance to industry standards governing frequency response of speakers and microphones. The equalizer can also amplify/attenuate specific frequency bands to improve voice quality for cost-effective, smaller speakers.
In double-talk situations, when two callers are speaking at the same time, poorly designed voice processing solutions will stop converging and resume convergence when double-talk ceases. Callers will hear an audible burst of echo while the algorithm re-adapts to the new echo environment. In comparison, Zarlink's voice processing solution converges and actively tracks movement in a conference room and adapts to the changing echo path.
Availability and support
Complete information on Zarlink's hands-free voice processing firmware and hardware, including detailed data sheets, is available to qualified customers. To learn how to become a qualified customer send an email to VoiceProcessing@Zarlink.com. Alternatively, contact your local sales representative.
Zarlink's voice processing technologies are fully supported by a complete range of design tools, including evaluation boards, diagnostic tool kits and reference designs. For information on Zarlink's voice processing technology visit http://voiceprocessing.zarlink.com/.
About Zarlink Semiconductor
For over 30 years, Zarlink Semiconductor has delivered semiconductor solutions that drive the capabilities of voice, enterprise, broadband and wireless communications. The Company's success is built on its technology strengths including voice and data networks, optoelectronics and ultra low-power communications. For more information, visit www.zarlink.com.
Zarlink and the Zarlink Semiconductor logo are trademarks of Zarlink Semiconductor Inc.
Source: ZARLINK SEMICONDUCTOR
CONTACT: Edward Goffin, Media Relations, (613) 270-7112, edward.goffin@zarlink.com
