Microchip’s new JukeBlox 4 Software Development Kit (SDK) in combination with its CY920 Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Network Media Module includes next-generation dual-band Wi-Fi technology, MultiZone/multi-room features, AirPlay and DLNA connectivity as well as integrated music services to enhance the consumer’s listening experience. Additional cost-saving features lower bill of materials and enable competitively priced consumer products.

The certified CY920 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Network Media Module is based on Microchip’s new, low-cost DM920 Wi-Fi Network Media Processor, which integrates 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, high-speed USB 2.0 and Ethernet connectivity. Speakers utilizing the 5 GHz band avoid the RF congestion found in the 2.4GHz band, resulting in fewer audio drops and the ability to use a greater number of speakers in multi-room/whole-home audio systems.

The DM920 Wi-Fi Network Media Processor also features integrated dual 300 MHz DSP cores that can reduce or eliminate the need for costly standalone DSP chips. An easy-to-use, PC-based graphical user interface (GUI) simplifies the use of a pre-developed suite of standard speaker-tuning DSP algorithms, including a 15-band equalizer, multiband dynamic range compression, equalizer presets and various filter types.

Engineers with no DSP code-writing experience can easily implement DSP into their designs, while experienced DSP engineers can harness the full power of an industry-standard DSP architecture.

With JukeBlox 4, product developers can build solutions equipped to directly stream cloud-based music services such as Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Rhapsody, Deezer and many others while using mobile devices as remote controls. This allows mobile devices to move anywhere in the Wi-Fi network without interrupting music playback, and it greatly increases battery life.

JukeBlox technology continues to offer seamless cross-platform support for iOS, Android, Windows 8 and Mac, along with a complete range of audio codecs and ease-of-use features to simplify network setup.

Additionally, the SDK has whole-home audio (MultiZone/multi-room) functionality for simultaneous audio streaming to, and control of, multiple JukeBlox platform-enabled devices in the home. The combination of new hardware and software technology improves synchronization and reduces network bandwidth utilization to achieve a robust audio streaming experience.

“With over eight million modules shipped to date, the JukeBlox platform was an early pioneer in the streaming-audio market and has been adopted by more audio brands than any other platform available for Wi-Fi audio connectivity,” said Sumit Mitra, vice president of Microchip’s Wireless Solutions Group.

“Building on our unequaled position in the wireless audio market, the fourth generation JukeBlox SDK and CY920 network module are in production now with lead customers.”