Audio is a cornerstone of our smartphones, and we use our handsets a lot more than just making voice calls these days. The use of music, video and games is increasing, and consumers are increasingly turning on using their smartphone speakers. These new and growing use cases require superior sounding speakers powered by new audio amplifier technologies.
A survey conducted by SAR Insight & Consulting for Cirrus Logic shows that 58% of 1,722 respondents from the US, UK, Germany, South Korea and China use their phone speakers while watching movies and TV, while 59% rely on their speakers to watch them Video from social media. Over half of consumers also turn to speakers for gaming and video conferencing.
The survey shows that 40% of consumers have increasingly used smartphone speakers in the past 12 months. Part of this increase is likely due to the nature of pandemic lockdowns, where consumers spend more time at home using their smartphones for a variety of audio functions, such as conference calls. Even so, these habits could persist for years to come.
As can be expected, this change and the growth in speaker habits are transforming consumer expectations for the quality of their mobile listening experience. In these five countries, 34% to 72% of respondents found that mobile audio quality had become more important to them when making new smartphone purchase decisions. China is leading the way, with audio becoming an increasingly important part of buying habits. How are technology companies helping smartphone designers build better audio systems?
Get to know the Cirrus Logic CS35L45
To meet the need to deliver better audio from these global trends, Cirrus Logic has introduced its latest intelligent boost power amplifier, the CS35L45. The Cirrus Logic CS35L45 is a 15 volt class D audio amplifier with intelligent amplification designed for smartphones, tablets and mobile play devices. The main features include higher excursion for improved peak volume, improved dynamic range for more powerful bass, lower noise and audible distortion, and technology that ensures even sound at both low and loud volumes. These are all very important ingredients as we hear our smartphones in speakerphone mode more often.
The smart amplifier dips deeper into the CS35L45 and can boost up to 15V for additional peak power if necessary. This ensures that when the volume is pumped up, the speaker is getting enough power at all frequencies. High power puts more stress on our portable batteries, so the Cirrus Logic amplifier has built-in battery monitoring technology. This looks ahead to predict audio spikes and battery requirements to avoid pumping and clipping artifacts.
Continue reading: Big sound from tiny speakers: How intelligent power amplifiers make it possible
Cirrus Logic’s intelligent amplifier approach is not just about hardware. The CS35L45 also has DSP (Digital Signal Processing) functions. This includes next-generation loudspeaker protection algorithms that allow the chip to push the loudspeakers to their limits without the risk of damage. Other features of the DSP firmware include frequency equalization and psychoacoustic performance enhancements to make small portable speakers sound huge without affecting battery performance.
The bottom line is that smartphones powered by the CS35L45 sound better on a single charge and last longer than ever before. The best part? No need to wait to get your hands on a Cirrus Logic CS35L45 smartphone. The stereo speaker setup of the Asus ROG Phone 5 is already supplied with power.
