Crest Audio multichannel digital amps to use Actel FPGAs

Professional audio systems manufacturer Crest Audio has selected Actel's APA075 ProASICPLUS FPGA devices for its new line of advanced multichannel digital amplifier products. The CM2204 and CM2208 amplifier products offer a low cost, powerful multichannel amplification solution for installed sound applications ranging from small nightclubs to large stadium environments. The CM Series uses the Actel FPGAs for high-speed digital signal processing as well as amplifier protection and control.

"We chose the ProASICPLUS devices for our line of advanced multichannel digital amplifiers because Actel's flash-based FPGAs offer design security, low cost and an easy-to-use integrated development environment," claims Tommy O'Brien, designer of the CM amplifier series at Crest Audio. "In our initial prototypes, we used SRAM FPGAs which presented the problem of programming the parts without the assistance of a local microcontroller, requiring connection to a nearby PC or the use of a PROM. Using a flash-based device means we can program the board and take it anywhere. Actel also offers the parts pre-programmed, which saves a manufacturing step."