NXP has worked with Swiss hearing-aid specialist Phonak on the development of a low power radio for use in hearing systems.
The chip supports a data rate of up to 298kbit/s and bi-directional communication, which will enable it to provide stereo audio streaming and binaural processing.
The device uses magnetic induction radio technology and NXP’s CoolFlux DSP.
“Within this particular project, miniaturization was a key requirement and we worked closely with Phonak’s engineers to develop a highly integrated solution, utilising embedded non-volatile memory and supporting direct operation from a single battery," said Antoine Delaruelle, senior director and manager of Ultra Low Power Solutions, NXP Semiconductors.
The radio IC is being integrated into Phonak's portfolio of CORE-based hearing systems and wireless accessories.
"Working with a leading semiconductor player such as NXP has enabled Phonak to rapidly develop this new chip for our hearing systems”, said Hans Leysieffer, v-p of R&D at Phonak.
“Medical electronics is one of the fastest growing areas of semiconductor development and becoming increasingly important for NXP,” said Rene Penning de Vries, senior v-p and chief technology officer of NXP Semiconductors.
Headquartered near Zurich, Switzerland, Phonak has developed hearing systems and wireless devices for over 50 years.