SiliconIntervention Announces Availability of Silicon-Based Fractal-D Audio Amplifier Evaluation Board

SiliconIntervention announced the availability of an evaluation board, demonstrating the high efficiency operation of its Fractal-D audio amplifier aimed at wearable applications such as earbuds and smart glasses as well as mobile products that demand extended battery life. SiliconIntervention is the company exploring a new type of bridge configuration that improves the efficiency at lower power levels while maximizing efficiency over a wide range of power levels.

According to the Canadian company, the new development board allows product designers to evaluate the power efficiencies of SiliconIntervention’s 22nm FDX CMOS prototype samples and advanced architectural approach, using standard benchtop measurement systems. 

“Potential licensees who want to check operating efficiencies can connect this hardware to standard audio measurement systems (the board is differential analog-in to differential Class D-like output) and validate the claimed efficiency advantages. The voltage across the output stage is nominally 3.75v (adjustable from 1.8 to 4.8v). At 3.75v the output can drive 2v RMS into 8Ω and 1v RMS into 4Ω. The current flowing in the bridge to achieve these output levels is monitored and converted to an easily measured output voltage, hence efficiency can be calculated.

“Following the introduction of simulation models that are available to silicon designers, we have created a silicon example using the Fractal-D architecture on an industry-standard process for system architects’ evaluation. Designers of wearable and mobile products can now see working silicon with industry-leading power efficiencies, enabling significant increases in battery lifetimes, commented Martin Mallinson, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer.

Established in 2019, SiliconIntervention is a Canadian company founded by Mallinson, a former Chief Scientist at ESS Technology, to provide design services and license its pioneering research and development, already with a portfolio of over 40 patents either granted or applied for. The company’s New Analog platform forms the basis for industry-leading improvements in operating efficiencies and resulting power savings. Designers can choose from a portfolio menu of optional features and build a customized Fractal-D solution that meets end-audio product requirements. Performance gains are not limited to just the Fractal-D output stage and can be combined with product optimizations leveraging the programmable audio DSP.

 

The lead time for the evaluation board is 8 weeks and comes with documentation, including Fractal-D IP description and operating principles. For more details, see the audioXpress articles about the patented  Fractal-D amplifier. Inquiries about Fractal-D technology can be sent by email.

www.siliconintervention.com