USB connectivity solution frees developers from the complexities of firmware development

Silicon Labs has introduced a fixed-function audio bridge device that provides a simple, turnkey solution for transferring digital audio data between the USB and integrated I2S serial bus interfaces. The new CP2615 digital audio bridge simplifies USB-to-I2S connectivity and accelerates time to market for a wide range of power-sensitive, space-constrained USB audio applications based on the Android, Windows, Linux and Mac operating systems, including headphones, headsets, speakers, MP3 accessories, navigation systems and point-of-sale terminals. While USB connectivity appears simple for consumers, USB audio design can be very challenging, and developers need a fast, painless way to add USB connectivity to their audio accessories. The company’s digital audio bridge provides a drop-in USB-to-I2S connectivity solution that requires no USB audio knowledge or protocol expertise, enabling developers to focus on their end applications instead of firmware development. The single-chip CP2615 audio bridge is available in a compact 5mm x 5mm QFN-32 package, making it ideal for portable audio applications with limited printed circuit board (PCB) space. The feature-packed CP2615 device includes a USB 2.0 full-speed function controller, USB transceiver, on-chip oscillator, I2S audio interface, I2C control interface and embedded flash memory for storing device configurations. This high level of integration eliminates the need for external components, significantly reducing PCB size and BOM cost. The CP2615 audio bridge provides a cost-effective solution for low-end and mid-market headphones requiring a 48 kHz sampling rate. The small-form-factor device is also ideal for USB dongles designed for consumers who own high-end headphones that use an analog jack for audio. Many new smartphone designs are eliminating the analog headphone jack, offering only one USB connector to support both charging and audio connectivity. As a result, consumers often buy simple, low-cost dongles that interface the 3.5 mm analog jack to a USB-C to Micro USB adapter, enabling them to continue to use their existing headphones.