January 31, 2012 – PRNewswire — Audio test tool supplier Audio Precision launched the PDM I/O option for its APx500 series audio analyzers, used to test digital micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) microphones.
Pulse density modulation (PDM) is a one-bit, high clock rate data stream used with digital MEMS microphones in smartphones. The APx PDM option allows APx500 series audio analyzers to connect directly to any device with a PDM input or output for comprehensive testing.
The APx PDM Interface provides standard audio measurements, as well as variable DC supply voltage, variable sample rate, and a power supply rejection (PSR) 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.
Digital semiconductor MEMS designers can use the APx PDM option to generate 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 enables faster, efficienct MEMS transducer testing, even in non-anechoic environments.
APx analyzers are used 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.
The first units will ship early in the second quarter of 2012.
Also see: Apple buys most MEMS microphones in 2011
Audio Precision (AP) offers high-performance audio analyzer instruments and applications. For more information, visit http://ap.com/.