SiliconIntervention, a design services company based in Kelowna, British Columbia, has introduced a new architecture for audio processing to enhance efficiency and reduce power consumption in wearable devices. The company's Fractal-D audio amplifier IPs is based on their New Analog design platform and uses standard CMOS processes, requiring no specialized manufacturing steps. CTO Martin Mallinson emphasizes the importance of improved efficiency and extended battery life in wearables. He notes that while standard H Bridge Class-D amplifiers achieve 80-90% efficiency at 1 W output, they typically drop to 30-40% at 10 mW. The Fractal-D architecture purportedly maintains high efficiency across both power levels, potentially extending battery life in devices like earbuds and earphones.

"Extending battery life in wearable audio products such as earbuds remains one of the most sought-after features for consumers as audio processing features continue to grow, and the Fractal-D technology is a key building block towards that goal.", commented Allan Cox, CEO of SiliconIntervention. To facilitate adoption, the company offers a customizable portfolio of features to meet specific end-product requirements besides providing product family descriptions, simulation and emulation results, and a silicon-based evaluation system. Now we have to wait and see when and what end-products will use this technology and with what effects on battery life.