2.4 GHz single-chip digital wireless audio streamer

Oslo, Norway— Nordic Semiconductor introduces the nRF24Z1, a complete digital wireless audio streamer solution in a 6x6mm package. The device uses the company's 4Mbit/s MegaZtream platform with an embedded Quality of Service (QoS) subsystem, a low power, robust 4Mbit/s wireless 2.4GHz transceiver, and all appropriate digital audio interfaces.

Designed for wireless audio streaming applications, the nRF24Z1 is optimized to operate in the presence of potentially disturbing sources such as WLAN, cordless telephones, and Bluetooth. The RF transceiver portion is designed to ensure that there is bandwidth enough to stream and transmit 16-bit 48Kspls/s CD quality audio without using compression. In addition to streaming audio, the nRF24Z1 also features a digital control information channel for transfer of control information such as volume, balance, track and display information.

Some key audio features include: I2S serial connection for glue less interface to virtually all audio chipsets as well as low cost A/D and D/A for analog audio, S/PDIF interface for direct digital connection to PC and surround receivers, input supports audio up to 24 bit 96Kspl/s directly, output supports audio up to 16 bit 48kspl/s directly, and programmable low 2-18ms link latency

Suited for use in portable as well as stationary equipment, the chipset is specified with 5mA average current (streaming MP3 data @ 192Kbit/s) and 15mA average current (streaming LPCM data @ 1.5Mbit/s). The nRF24Z1 is sampling. Volume production is scheduled for April 2005. The nRF24Z1(TM) is priced at USD $4.00 in 10K quantities

Nordic Semiconductor +47 72 89 89 00 www.nordicsemi.no