Intel® High Definition Audio
Intel® High Definition audio is designed to replace AC'97 as the integrated audio solution of choice.  It will provide for a wide range of audio, modem and communication functions and provide CE (consumer electronic) quality audio experience. You may have heard of this technology which was originally announced under the code-name "Azalia."

Intel® High Definition Audio will offer users 192-kHz quality, 32-bit, multi-channel audio (multi-streaming) together with multiple array microphones for improved audio quality. The name High Definition Audio is meant to reflect the fusion of advanced audio capabilities in PCs and consumer electronics. Developed by Intel, High Definition Audio is built on a flexible, dynamic, cost-effective and stable architecture with headroom for future expansion.

*** All current Intel 915P & 915G Desktop MBs include 6 Channel (5.1) Intel® High Definition Audio. The following boards offer 8-channel (7.1) High Definition Audio ***

Intel Model ASI SKU Intel Product Code Chipset Size Notes
D925XCV 28556 BOXD925XCVLK 925X ATX Boxed
28557 KD925XCVLKPAK10 Bulk 10-pack
D925XBC 29290 BOXD925XBCLK 925X mATX Boxed
30471 BLKD925XBCLK Bulk 10-pack
D915PBL 28575 BOXD915PBLL 915P ATX Boxed
28576 KD915PBLLPAK10 Bulk 10-pack

 

Comparison of current AC'97 specifications to new Intel® High Definition Audio

AC’97

Intel® High Definition Audio

Benefit

·20-bit, 96 kHz multi-channel

·32-bit, 192 kHz multi-channel (up to 8)

·More accurate, better quality sound

·11.5 Mb/s max bandwidth

·48 Mb/s per SDO, 24 Mb/s per SDI

·Bandwidth for more channels and mic array inputs at higher sample rates

·Fix bandwidth assignment, fix slot base protocol

·Dynamic bandwidth assignment

·Bandwidth delivered where it’s needed

·Pre-defined DMA usage

·General purpose DMA’s

·Support for multi-streaming / multiple similar device types can be supported

·Single stream support (in & out)

·Support for multiple streams (in & out)

·Support for new Digital Home / Digital Office usage models

·Clock provided by primary codec

·Clock provided by the Intel® ICH

·Single, high-quality, stable clock source for synchronization

·Stability depending on SW provider (IHV’s drivers)

·Unique Microsoft bus driver

·Single bus driver for more OS stability & base functionality

·Limited device sensing / jack retasking

·Full device sensing / Jack Retasking

·Support for full audio PnP

·2-element (stereo) array mic support

·16-element array mic support

·More accurate, better quality voice input & recognition

Audio Multi-Streaming Examples

Intel will also provide the Audio Studio Software to support the full range of functions and features of the HD Audio platform.


For more information on Intel® High Defintion Audio => CLICK HERE

For more information on Intel® Audio Studio => CLICK HERE