CSR enhances BlueCore with new extensions

CSR has expanded its portfolio of high-quality, third-party software extensions for its BlueCore-Multimedia platform—including the advanced BlueCore5-Multimedia silicon. The ATS6000MM SoundClear Multi-Mic noise cancellation and hands-free audio processing software from Acoustic Technologies will allow CSR's BlueCore-Multimedia customers to integrate advanced noise cancellation and enhanced speech intelligibility into products such as Bluetooth headsets, automotive navigation, hands-free systems and mobile handsets. This new addition to CSR's eXtension Partner Program promises customers exceptional voice quality and performance when designing BlueCore Multimedia-based products.

'Unique' initiative
"The eXtension Program is the only initiative of its kind in the industry and this is solely down to the powerful silicon platform we have developed in BlueCore-Multimedia," commented Anthony Murray, senior VP of CSR's wireless audio strategic business unit. "We are pleased to add Acoustic's field-proven SoundClear solution offering enhanced noise cancellation, echo cancellation and voice quality."

The single-chip multimedia Bluetooth devices are based on CSR's high-performance Kalimba DSP coprocessor, which supports third-party enhancements while maintaining very low power consumption and high audio quality for both voice and music applications. CSR said it is the only company to date capable of offering such a combination of hardware and high-quality, third-party software enhancements to designers, allowing them to create high-performance, customizable devices without needing to compromise on critical elements such as power consumption.

Two mics
The ATS6000MM SoundClear technology uses two microphones to eliminate noise and achieve a higher level of sound quality. The software automatically adjusts its calculations according to environmental conditions, the speaker's voice and the quality of the line connection. The software operation can also be optimized by end-product designers according to the type of plastics, transducers and desired audio configuration adopted.

Murray concluded, "Consumers are demanding more of their wireless devices in terms of performance, audio quality and power consumption. BlueCore-Multimedia with SoundClear caters for this trend and provides a powerful base for future evolution."