LE Audio on nrf52840

[Jash]

Hello,

I was looking for solutions to LE Audio and came across nrf5340. Later on diving deep into this I found that nrf52840 SOC also has BLE 5.3. So, my query was can nrf52840 be used to develop LE Audio applications?

I have also noticed the nrf52840 LE Audio Development kit, so I guess using nrf52840 SOC, I should be able to develop LE Audio applications. If so, what SDK support do I need to download?

[SwRa]

Hi Jash,

It is possible to use nrf52840 to develop LE Audio applications.. but we recommend and provide official support to LE audio application development based on nrf5340 (nrf5340 Audio DK). You can find the details here: https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Bluetooth-LE-Audio

The nrf5340 Audio DK is the recommended platform for Bluetooth LE Audio products: https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Development-hardware/nRF5340-Audio-DK

The latest nRF Connect SDK v2.0.0 supports Bluetooth LE audio and have examples for the same: https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Bluetooth-LE-Audio/Development-Software?lang=en#infotabs

nrf5340 Audio application: https://developer.nordicsemi.com/nRF_Connect_SDK/doc/latest/nrf/applications/nrf5340_audio/README.html

Best Regards,

Swathy

[Jash]

Hello Swathy,

I just checked the nrf connect SDK for nrf5340. I want to develop an audio streaming hearing aid. I have noticed the special feature section in the datasheet, wherein it is mentioned DSP instruction. Can you provide me with any information on how the data from smartphone to 5240 SOC will be transferred via BLE using SBC codec and any support regarding communicating with DSP.

Looking forward to hear from you as well as anyone who can help :)

[SwRa]

Hi Jash,

We have an example for the LE audio application in which a brief description on all of the concepts and steps involved are explained.. This sample can be used as a base to start developing.. Kindly take a look at this documentation: https://github.com/nrfconnect/sdk-nrf/blob/main/applications/nrf5340_audio/README.rst 

The nRF5340 Audio DK has the codec chip CS47L63 and by default uses LC3 codec.. you can also switch to use SBC codec by changing a few configurations..

Regards,

Swathy

[Jash]

Hello Swathy,

I have a doubt from codec point of view.  Is CS47L63 a codec chip or DSP chip. My image for codec is that it is completely handled from the software side. Does it require hardware?

Any help will be appreciated :)

[SwRa]

Hi Jash,

Codec can be hardware based or software based.. Codec takes data in one form, encodes (ADC) it into another form and decodes (DAC) it at the output end.. The CS47L63 is a high performance low-power audio DSP: https://www.cirrus.com/products/cs47l63/  It takes in the analog audio audio signal, encodes, process and decodes it. The CS47L63’s high-performance DAC and differential output driver are optimized for direct connection to an external headphone load. Please go through the data sheet of CS47L63 to get more understanding..

Nordic semiconductors have two DK based on nrf5340: The nrf5340 DK and nRF5340 Audio DK.. The Audio DK is the one suitable for the audio application and has the CS47L63 chip on it..

Regards,

Swathy