ProASICPLUS FPGAs used in advanced multichannel digital audio amplifier products

24 March 2004 Programmable Logic Integrated Solutions Commercial (Industry)

Crest Audio, a manufacturer of professional audio systems, has selected Actel's APA075 ProASICPLUS FPGA devices for its new line of advanced multichannel digital amplifier products. The new CM2204 and CM2208 amplifier products are claimed to offer a low cost, powerful multichannel amplification solution for installed sound applications ranging from small nightclubs to large stadium environments. The CM Series uses the Actel FPGAs for high-speed digital signal processing as well as amplifier protection and control.

"We chose the ProASICPLUS devices for our line of advanced multichannel digital amplifiers because Actel's flash-based FPGAs offer design security, low cost and an easy-to-use integrated development environment," said Tommy O'Brien, designer of the CM amplifier series at Crest Audio. "In our initial prototypes, we used SRAM FPGAs which presented the problem of programming the parts without the assistance of a local microcontroller, requiring connection to a nearby PC or the use of a PROM. Using a flash-based device means we can program the board and take it anywhere. Actel also offers the parts pre-programmed, which saves a manufacturing step."

"The inherent benefits in our flash-based products, including in-system programmability, live at power-up capabilities and low power consumption, have played a major role in the industry's quick adoption of our ProASICPLUS devices," said Barry Marsh, vice president of product marketing at Actel. "In fact, since its introduction less than two years ago, the ProASICPLUS family has become Actel's fastest growing product line."

The nonvolatile single-chip ProASICPLUS family of devices range in density from 75 000 to 1-million system gates. These live at power-up flash-based solutions are highly suited as an ASIC alternative for applications in the avionics, consumer, industrial control, networking and communications markets.

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