Audio Precision Answers the Call for MEMS Mic Testing With Integrated PDM I/O

BEAVERTON, Ore., Jan. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Audio Precision, the recognized standard in audio test, today announced the availability of its new PDM I/O option for its APx500 series audio analyzers.

PDM (pulse density modulation) is a one-bit, high clock rate data stream used with digital MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) microphones used extensively in smartphone design. The APx PDM option allows APx500 series audio analyzers to connect directly to any device with a PDM input or output, enabling comprehensive testing of audio in the fast-moving telecom industry.

In addition to all the standard audio measurements, the APx PDM Interface provides variable DC supply voltage, variable sample rate, and a PSR (power supply rejection) measurement to test the device's full operating parameters. PDM (mono or stereo) can be selected for both the analyzer inputs and outputs simultaneously. A special PDM bitstream mode permits analysis of the entire spectrum prior to decimation stages.

PDM and MEMS microphones

Semiconductor R&D engineers working on new digital MEMS designs can take immediate advantage of the APx PDM option, generating modulated PDM bitstreams and sending them directly to decimation stages with no further conversion or hardware. Smartphone and tablet manufacturers working on new designs can interface directly with MEMS microphones and PDM decimation stages to tune and verify performance. A special suite of acoustic response measurements makes MEMS transducer testing fast, easy, and efficient, even in non-anechoic environments.

APx analyzers are the ideal platform for complete smartphone and tablet audio development, combining PDM with integrated Bluetooth wireless technology, low noise analog for testing headphone outputs, digital serial (I2S) for direct chip-level communication, and HDMI for devices with HD video capabilities.

"Good design demands comprehensive testing, and AP is always working to make certain that our customers have the complete set of tools necessary to create those designs," explains Tom Kite, Audio Precision's VP of Engineering. "PDM is now a critical element of cutting edge work in the mobile industry, and AP is bringing world class test and measurement to this arena."

Price and availability

Pricing for the PDM option is $4500 in the US. Upgrade price for existing instruments is $4500 until December 2012, when it moves to $5500. Price may vary in other countries. All AP Sales Partners are now accepting orders, and the first units will ship early in the second quarter of 2012. Please contact your local AP Sales Partner for demos or more information.

About Audio Precision

Audio Precision is the recognized standard in audio test. Since 1984, AP has offered high performance audio analyzer instruments and applications to help engineers worldwide design and manufacture all types of consumer, professional and industrial audio products. For more information, visit http://ap.com/.

SOURCE Audio Precision