Virage Logic has introduced the ARC Sound AS221BD dual-core processor for HD (High Definition) Audio SoCs (System-on-Chips) targeting Blu-ray Disc 7.1-channel 192kHz/24bit output HD audio processing applications. The device includes a software stack with all required codecs, media streaming framework, and Blu-ray disc use. The processor has sufficient memory to run the full Blu-ray software stack, claims the company, yet occupies only 0.81mm2 in a 65nm low power process. The processor delivers 3.5Goperation/s at 350MHz. Blu-ray requires processing of multiple streams with up to 24bit, 7.1-channel, 192kHz, 24.5Mbit/s audio content, more than 75 times the computational complexity of CD-quality audio. The enhanced performance dual-core processor runs the worst-case use case for Blu-ray at under 300MHz, resulting in low power consumption, claims the company. The dual-core system can operate on a low clock speed than a single core system. Each core has a dual 16x32 and 24x24 MAC, optional floating point acceleration. The enhanced hardware engine is supported with a portfolio of HD audio software that is claimed to simplify implementation of a Blu-ray design. This software portfolio includes the primary audio option of Dolby digital decoder, Dolby digital plus decoder, Dolby True HD decoder, DTS Core decoder, DTS HD MA decoder; secondary audio is with Dolby Digital Plus decoder and DTS LBR decoder.
