Intel High Definition Audio
New standard will be "music" to your ears
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 with broad support from PC and CE manufacturers, codec vendors, software providers and other industry players, High Definition Audio is built on a flexible, dynamic, cost-effective and stable architecture with headroom for future expansion.  

For more detailed information see: http://www.intel.com/design/chipsets/hdaudio.htm

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

·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.

www.asipartner.com  | www.asisupport.com | www.asiserver.com