iPhone/iPod dock ref design enables bit-perfect audio streaming

XMOS has announced a reference design for iPhone and iPod docks that keeps the audio signal path end-to-end digital, from the iPod or iPhone via USB to the amplifier. By eliminating the traditional analog interface/processing components found in most docks, the design not only delivers bit-perfect digital audio for highest quality sound, but is resistant to RF interference and enables the use of digital audio enhancements.

The reference design is based on the company's XS1-L1 event driven processor and is implemented entirely in software. Features include 32-bit digital signal processing with a 64-bit MAC, zero clock jitter resulting from the design's synchronous locally clocked architecture and 185 MIPS of spare processing power for custom digital sound enhancements.

The processor offers a variety of digital audio interfaces including I²S, S/PDIF, 1-bit soft-DAC and PWM, and will support development of custom 'front-of-box' peripherals and control code. The processor firmware can also be updated at any point in the future using device firmware updates.

The reference design is available to registered "Made for iPod" licensees and is priced in a similar price range to the company's other reference designs. The XS1-L1 event-driven processor is priced at under $5 for 10k unit quantities.

XMOS, +44 (0)117 927 6004, www.xmos.com

Product literature:
XMOS digital iPod dock reference design information page
XS1-L1 processor product brief