NXP Smart Sensing Amplifier Turns Smartphone Speaker Into Microphone, Vibration Sensor with Superior Audio Performance

Amplifier transforms speaker into a microphone and features vibrationdetection which enables development of new “tap” activating use cases for smartphones

NXP Semiconductors today introduceda new smart sensing amplifier, TFA9911. Designed to make smartphones smarter,the new amplifier features a high efficiencyclass-D audio amplifier, sophisticated speaker boost and protection, andcombines speaker sensing and processing algorithms to optimize recording andcalling experiences.

The new amplifier provides smartphones with superior audioperformance in noisy environments such as concerts or sporting events andenables loud and clear playback without saturating or distorting the sound. Thenew NXP device utilizes its speakers as microphones to improve the smartphone’srecording quality. Also, the amplifier equips smartphones with a vibrationsensor for reliable “tap” detection on both sides of the phone, for example userscan tap their finger on the back of the phone to take a “selfie” with a singlehand.

Feature Summary

• Smart Amplifier – New speaker protection algorithms increase loudness while maintaining the audio quality at speaker limit capability.
• Speaker-as-a-Microphone (SaM) – using earpiece or back speaker as additional microphones for excellent performance in loud and windy environments.
• Speaker-as-a-Vibration-Sensor (SaV) – using speaker as vibration sensor for tap detection.

Application Design Tools Available          

TFA9911, the combination of the Maximussmart amplifier and LifeVibes audio processing software:

• http://www.nxp.com/products/media-and-audio-processing/audio-amplifiers/amplifiers-for-portable-devices/smart-sensing-amplifier-with-adaptive-sound-maximizer-speaker-protection-speaker-as-microphone-and-tap-trigger:TFA9911UK

LifeVibes AudioCapture:

• http://www.nxpsoftware.com/products/lifevibes-audiocapture/  .

Availability

The TFA9911 is available throughNXP or one of its distribution partners. Evaluation kits and other supporttools are available now upon request. For pricing information, please contact alocal NXP sales office or an authorized distributor. For more information,visit http://www.nxp.com/products/media-and-audio-processing/audio-amplifiers/amplifiers-for-portable-devices/smart-sensing-amplifier-with-adaptive-sound-maximizer-speaker-protection-speaker-as-microphone-and-tap-trigger:TFA9911UK