Microchip SMSC JukeBlox 3.1 SDK and CX875 Wi-Fi Network Media Module

Microchip Technology’s latest-generation SMSC JukeBlox Wi-Fi connectivity platform features the JukeBlox 3.1-AAP (part # JB3.1-AAP) software development kit (SDK) in combination with the CX875 Wi-Fi Network Media Module. The platform expansion provides a connectivity software along with a fully certified CX875 Wi-Fi module, featuring the DM875 Network Media Processor and 8 MB of SDRAM which is claimed to reduce BOM costs by up to 20%. Through these cost reductions and ease of use, the JukeBlox platform enables a new category of AirPlay-compatible wireless audio streaming systems.

Enhancements to Microchip’s JB Connect simplified Wi-Fi network set-up technology, along with the easy network set-up features in Apple’s iOS, make the JukeBlox technology expansion an easy, user-friendly solution for designing AirPlay products. The easy set-up, in conjunction with improvements to Wi-Fi performance and system boot-up times, makes Wi-Fi streaming more robust and is claimed to improve the overall user experience. The platform also provides seamless support for the iOS 6 and iPhone 5, with their related AirPlay music streaming and control features.

Microchip’s SMSC CX875 Wi-Fi Network Media Module is based on its SMSC DM875 Wi-Fi Network Media Processor. This triple-core processor includes an integrated DSP and, with the new JB DSP 2.0 software, can provide added digital-signal-processing performance for enhanced audio capabilities. Examples include bass enhancements and acoustic optimisations done on-chip, further lowering BOM costs by reducing or eliminating the need for a separate DSP. Refinements to the JB Fast Boot feature typically reduce boot-up times from a full power-down state to ‘ready and connected’ within 5-10 s. The complete Wi-Fi certified module solution is claimed to enable lower-risk development, easier manufacturing and faster time to market, via the combination of a fully integrated Wi-Fi and RF subsystem and many industry-standard pre-certifications.

The JB3.1-AAP SDK software will also run on the current CX870 series modules, as well as on the Manufacturing Kit 2 (MK2), which is a fully integrated, low-cost Wi-Fi speaker dock reference design platform. The comprehensive JB3.1-AAP SDK provides improved application programming interfaces (APIs), along with tools to simplify product development and customisation efforts. Many of the JB3.1 features can be leveraged via software changes, further extending user investment in existing product platforms. The SDK provides core libraries that address higher software layers, middleware for media streaming, content access, navigation and system control, configuration files for remote-control functions and more.

The JukeBlox platform provides a complete range of audio codecs, internet radio protocols, popular music apps, a variety of connectivity options and all of the major interoperability standards. It also features fail-safe firmware updates that allow for new features to be deployed to end consumers over time, without hardware changes.