In the rapidly evolving world of wireless audio, excellence is no longer confined to sound quality alone. Today’s designs whether for true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds, hearing enhancement devices, or audio-enabled smart glasses demand a seamless balance of performance, efficiency, and compact integration. Users expect crystal-clear voice capture, immersive playback, and all-day battery life within devices that disappear into everyday wear. Meeting these expectations requires not only strong system-level design but finely tuned IP blocks engineered for audio precision and power discipline.
Dolphin Semiconductor addresses this convergence head-on with a co-optimized platform of ultra-low-power audio IP: a high-fidelity, configurable 24-bit Sigma-Delta ADC, a premium Class-D DAC for cap-less, filter-less playback, and an audio-grade DC/DC converter that ensures clean and efficient power delivery, all crafted to meet the unique constraints of battery-powered, space-limited audio devices.
At the input end, the ƩΔ 24-bit ADC IP brings clarity and flexibility with four fully programmable channels that accept analog microphones, digital microphones (or line-in signals when used for other kind of applications). Designed to serve both the stringent acoustic requirements of hearing aids and the dynamic ambient inputs of ANC-enabled TWS, the ADC achieves a superior 107 dB signal-to-noise ratio and -96 dB THD+N, with a low input-referred noise in the level of 3 μVrms. Equally important, it is engineered to conserve energy with selectable modes ranging from just 125 μA in ultra-low-power operation to 250 μA in full performance mode. Advanced features such as automatic level control, wind noise filtering, and a re-synchronization mechanism for beamforming or multichannel alignment further elevate its adaptability. Wake-up latency is kept to a minimum with just 1 ms from shutdown thus enabling efficient power cycling without compromising responsiveness.
On the playback side, Dolphin’s ƩΔ 24-bit DAC IP delivers audiophile-grade performance in a minimal footprint, with -95 dB THD+N and a 115 dBm noise floor. Designed around a multi-level PDM Class-D amplifier, it supports direct drive of headphones or miniature speakers without the need for coupling capacitors or output filters thus saving both board space and BOM cost. Power-saving modes dynamically adjust consumption based on signal level, while digital filters maintain ultra-low latency. The result is a playback engine that delivers consistent audio quality from TWS earbuds to high-end AR glasses, with the same efficiency-first design philosophy.
Tying the system together is a purpose-built audio DC/DC converter. Often overlooked in the signal chain, power delivery can make or break an audio experience. Traditional converters risk introducing switching noise into the audible spectrum or sacrificing efficiency in low-current regimes common to audio SoCs. Dolphin’s DC/DC converter avoids both pitfalls. Its architecture maintains a minimum switching frequency of 25 kHz, comfortably above the range of human hearing, ensuring zero audible interference. With conversion efficiency peaking in the usual current ranges of audio codec blocks, it extends battery life without the trade-offs. Moreover, it is tailored for implementation in miniaturized systems, supporting compact inductors (as small as 1 µH) and offering scalable output configurations to match the required load, whether powering a single codec or multiple mixed-signal blocks.
This alignment of signal fidelity, latency control, EMI suppression, and low-power operation isn’t just about specs. It’s about enabling a new generation of audio wearables devices that feel intuitive, responsive, and invisible to the user. In hearing aids, it means longer-lasting assistance and truer sound. In TWS, it translates to clearer calls, immersive ANC, and a user experience optimized for extended daily use. And in smart glasses, it unlocks natural voice interactions, directional audio, and real-world integration, all without compromising on form factor.
With a platform designed for synergy rather than piecemeal integration, Dolphin Semiconductor provides more than just building blocks. It offers a foundation for audio innovation, precisely tuned for where the market is heading next.
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