Nordic launches nRF24Z1 - an Industry First Single Chip 2.4GHz 4Mbit/s Solution for CD-Quality Wireless Audio Streaming, with Extremely Low Latency

Oslo, NORWAY, CES, Las Vegas, USA - January 6th, 2005 - Over the past 2 years, Nordic Semiconductor has proven to be a market leader with 5 devices in the nRF24XX of highly integrated single chip CMOS devices for 2.4GHz general purpose wireless applications. The new nRF24Z1 uses Nordic Semiconductor's latest 4Mbit/s MegaZtream platform embedding a state of the art Quality of Service (QoS) subsystem with an ultra low power robust 4Mbit/s wireless 2.4GHz transceiver and all appropriate digital audio interfaces creating a complete digital wireless audio streamer solution in a 6x6mm package.

The MegaZtream Platform is Designed for Wireless Audio Streaming

The nRF24Z1 features a well balanced design where attention is paid to every detail of the audio interface and the challenging tasks of streaming CD-quality audio with no glitches and degradation in performance in the presence of other disturbing sources such as WLAN, cordless telephones, Bluetooth etc. The MegaZtream platform is based around a powerful 4Mbit/s 2.4GHz wireless RF transceiver which ensures 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 boasts a digital control information channel for transfer of control information such as volume, balance, track and display information. "The nRF24Z1 MegaZtream platform from Nordic is revolutionary in terms of cost, ease of use, feature set and performance. It is a chip designed for streaming audio, and with its interfaces and powerful 4Mbit/s radio it constitutes an ideal solution for low power portable audio streaming, as well as stationary HiFi/Surround systems demanding low link delay" says Geir Langeland, Product Manager Std. Components Nordic Semiconductor.

Powerful Audio Interface and Features

• 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
• Programmable low 2-18ms link latency
• SPI or 2-wire (I2C compatible) serial interface for up to 50Kbit/s bi-directional digital control/AUX data
• Full Quality of Service (QoS) subsystem ensuring optimal system performance
       - Frequency hopping
       - Retransmit
       - Connect/reconnect
       - Several power down modes
• Extensive built in signaling features between master and slave for control of headset/speaker
   

Suitable for Portable as well as Stationary Equipment

• 5mA average current streaming MP3 data @ 192Kbit/s
• 15mA average current streaming LPCM data @ 1.5Mbit/s
• 3uA supply current in power down mode
• On-chip voltage regulators 
       - 2.0V to 3.6V
       - Maximum noise immunity
• Very few external components
• 36 pin 6x6mm QFN package, Pb-free "Green" technology, RoHS compatible

Applications

• Compact Disk, CD headset
• MP3 audio headset
• Mini Disk, MD audio headset
• Wireless speakers
• Wireless surround speakers
• Audio streaming from PC soundcard to HiFi system
• Download MP3 files from PC to MP3 player

Availability and pricing
The nRF24Z1 is available for limited sampling end January 2005, with general sampling and evaluation systems being made available end February 2005. Volume production is scheduled for April 2005. The nRF24Z1 is priced very competitively at USD 4.00 in 10K quantities

About Nordic Semiconductor ASA
Founded in 1983, Nordic Semiconductor (former Nordic VLSI) has evolved steadily from the traditional ASIC design house into a leading European fabless semiconductor supplier. With world-class IC design expertise focused on RF/mixed-mode and advanced back-end/physical design capabilities, Nordic is currently marketing and selling three product families: a ground-breaking portfolio of standard components for wireless communication, high performance dataconverter IPs and custom design and manufacturing services (ASIC). With the ultra compact 2.4GHz transceiver and transmitter families, nRF24XX, the company has established itself as a market leader within the wireless personal interface segment comprising applications such as gamepads, keyboard/mouse and sports equipment. Nordic's products are manufactured on ultra modern technologies through strong relationships with world leading manufacturing facilities and are sold through a world-wide distribution network. The company has offices in Trondheim and Oslo, Norway, as well as Hong Kong, and is listed on the Norwegian Stock Exchange (OSX: NOD). All operations are managed according to the ISO 9001-approved quality assurance system.