Texas Instruments has announced today the introduction of the very first device in its family of PurePath Wireless audio products for consumer, portable and high-end audio applications, like wireless headphones or wireless speakers. The CC8520 is an audio transceiver using a 2.4GHz system-on-chip that transmits uncompressed CD-quality wireless audio over an RF link with no external noise or dropouts.

"TI has applied extensive design expertise in both digital audio and low-power RF, working closely with key customers, to deliver a turnkey wireless audio solution that many major audio customers are already designing into their new systems," said Laurent Giai-Miniet, general manager of TI's Low-Power RF business unit. "The CC8520 solution includes best-in-class hardware, software and development kits to streamline the process of eliminating cables in audio designs and to drive high-performance wireless digital audio into more consumer applications, such as headphones, headsets, speakers, subwoofers and home theater systems."

The CC8520 is here to simplify implementing wireless audio, whereas also reducing the customer's bill of materials (BOM) cost by 50 percent, when compared to competitive products. The key features sum up the following, namely that the SOC is a completely integrated solution that can deliver audio over an RF protocol and supporting audio codec setup. It can coexist in the same device with Bluetooth, WLAN and other 2.4GHz-based chips.

One feature not found in many products is the low latency that enables a better sync between audio and video. Given the sound is transmitted uncompressed, products using the CC8520 will not sport sound distortion, but actually sound great given it supports 16-bit, 44.1KHz or 48KHz standards. That being said, the devices will be capable of a decent, highest frequency of 24KHz, which is more than enough for consumer products.


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