Conexant AudioSmart Voice and Speech Processing Software Now Optimized for Cadence Tensilica HiFi DSPs

Dramatically improves VoIP communication quality and automatic speech recognition system performance

SAN JOSE, Calif., 06 May 2015 -- Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CDNS) and Conexant Systems, Inc. today announced that Conexant’s AudioSmart™ software has been optimized for the Cadence® Tensilica® HiFi digital signal processor (DSP) family. Conexant’s AudioSmart software provides clear voice quality, eliminates noise from the microphone input signal during VoIP calls, and dramatically improves automatic speech recognition (ASR) system performance. The result is a superior audio experience for the end user, with excellent listening performance and voice quality in noisy, real-world conditions.

For more information on Tensilica HiFi DSPs, visit www.cadence.com/news/HiFi_Conexant. For more information on Conexant’s AudioSmart software, visit www.conexant.com/products/audio-smart.

Conexant’s AudioSmart software is based on its proprietary Smart Source Pickup (SSP) noise suppression algorithm. Unlike traditional technologies, such as beamforming, SSP is a blind source separation technology that uses spatial representation of target speech and noise sources to reduce interference. For example, SSP is extremely effective at reducing keystroke noise distractions during conference calls and other computer-based voice communications. With SSP, speech and noise can arrive at any angle relative to the microphones; SSP even reduces noise when it comes from the same direction as desired speech, and when the speaker is up to five meters away from the target device. Additionally, AudioSmart allows users to experience excellent voice quality independent of device orientation or the user's position (angle) relative to the device.

“By porting our solution to the Tensilica HiFi architecture, we are bringing the Conexant audio experience to licensees of the most popular audio IP core architecture,” noted Saleel Awsare, Conexant vice president and general manager. “In addition, our software greatly improves the performance of other technologies also running on the Tensilica core. Technologies that makes use of speech recognition, such as an always-on voice engine, can benefit from crystal clear audio facilitated by AudioSmart.”

“Whether conducting calls in a noisy environment or giving verbal commands to an always-on device, the AudioSmart software addresses challenges with background noise and competing sounds,” said Larry Przywara, group director of audio/voice IP marketing, Cadence. “After seeing this software demonstrated, we’re very excited that Conexant selected the Tensilica HiFi DSP for their first port to a DSP IP core. This technology should be very useful in a variety of markets, including automotive, computing and consumer electronics.”

The Tensilica HiFi DSP, based on the Xtensa® processor platform, is the most widely used and licensable audio/voice DSP IP family, with support for over 150 proven audio/voice software packages and over 70 software partners.

About Cadence
Cadence enables global electronic design innovation and plays an essential role in the creation of today’s integrated circuits and electronics. Customers use Cadence software, hardware, IP and services to design and verify advanced semiconductors, consumer electronics, networking and telecommunications equipment, and computer systems. The company is headquartered in San Jose, Calif., with sales offices, design centers and research facilities around the world to serve the global electronics industry. More information about the company, its products, and its services is available at www.cadence.com.

About Conexant
Conexant Systems, Inc., an audio and imaging innovation leader, combines its significant IP portfolio in DSP, analog and mixed signal technology with embedded software to deliver highly innovative silicon and software solutions to enrich and expand audio and imaging capabilities. Both enterprise and consumer markets are addressed by Conexant’s AudioSmartTM and ImagingSmartTM solutions. Products with the company’s technology built-in include PCs, tablet computers, TVs, headsets, printers, video monitors, game consoles and a variety of other devices. Founded in 1999, Conexant is a privately-held fabless semiconductor company headquartered in Irvine, Calif. with offices and design centers worldwide. To learn more, please visit www.conexant.com.