Highlights
Key Features
• New High Performance 130-nanometer CMOS DSP Hardware
• Reliant™ Adaptive Feedback Cancelling
• 12-channel Layered Noise Reduction™
• 8-channel WDRC compression with adaptive time constants
• 8-channel Output Limiting
• Adaptive Directional Processing
• Event Data Logging
• Random Noise Generator for Tinnitus therapy
• Digital VC Compatibility
• Same pad footprint as previous nanoDSP Amplifiers
Hardware Block Diagram
Ezairo™ 5900 Programmable Integrated Audio DSP
Ezairo is a trademark of AMI Semiconductor
Highlights
Ezairo 5900 Benefits
• High Precision Sound – 24-bit precision computing
• Optimized Dual Core Computing Power
• Ultra High Audio Fidelity
• Ultra-low power consumption
• Unmatched Flexibility
• Fast Time to Market – Best-in-class Development tools
3rd Generation AFC
Reliant™ Adaptive Feedback Cancellation
• Our 3rd generation of industry-leading AFC technology
• A product of 18 months of theoretical and laboratory research.
• Faster adapting speed means less squeaking even when things move
around the ear.
• More Added Stable Gain – typically 6 dB more than inTune for open
fittings.
• State-of-the-art anti-entrainment compensation.
• Bandwidth extended down to 750 Hz means 5 dB more added stable
gain for typical BTE fittings with earmolds.
2nd Generation Noise Reduction
Reliant AFC Response Time versus ASG
Open Canal - reflective surface moving near ear
5
Squeal Time (sec)
inTune - moving in
inTune - moving out
Ethos - moving in
Ethos - moving out
What this graph means:
4
• It shows the adapting time to changing
reflective surface for a given amount of
added stable gain.
3
• It shows that Ethos can achieve more
ASG for a given adapting time.
2
• At 1 second adapting time, Ethos allows
6 dB more added stable gain.
1
• Ethos can achieve ASG levels into the
low-to-mid 20’s for longer adapting
times.
6dB more ASG
0
8
10
12
14
Added Stable Gain (dB)
16
18
20
Have you hugged your KEMAR today?
Adaptation Speed of Ethos versus inTune amplifiers
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end of hug
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Test Conditions:
• Open canal test fitting on KEMAR ear
• Recorded in quiet background (~45 dBA)
• Same microphone and receiver used for both conditions
• Amplifiers matched for gain, frequency and compression
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Adaptation Speed of Ethos versus inTune amplifiers
phone handset
moved towards
ear
phone handset
moved away
from ear
phone handset
moved towards
ear
Test Conditions:
• Open canal test fitting on KEMAR ear
• Recorded in quiet background (~45 dBA)
• Same microphone and receiver used for both conditions
• Amplifiers matched for gain, frequency and compression
• Gain set with added stable gain of ~12dB
phone handset
moved away
from ear
2nd Generation Noise Reduction
12-channel Layered Noise Reduction™
• The state-of-the-art solution to reduction of environmental noise:
 Separate actions for noise embedded in speech and environmental
background noise.
 Twelve noise reduction channels gives better noise selectivity.
 Four settings available: Low (7dB), Medium (10dB), High (13dB)
and Max (17dB). The new Max setting helps for extreme noise
situations where speech intelligibility is more important than speech
quality.
 Extended frequency range of action to 7750 Hz. for improved
performance in open-ear fittings, compared to inTune with 4250 Hz
bandwidth.
 Increased noise reduction action for low intensity noise.
2nd Generation Noise Reduction
Eight-Channel Wide-Dynamic-Range Compression
• Multi-channel compression allows quiet sounds to be amplified to
audible levels but reduces the amplification for louder sounds –
separately in 8 frequency regions.
• Proprietary technology called Dynamic Contrast Detection™ –
automatically switches attack and release time depending on
environment.
• In each channel, maximum output is also controlled by compression
limiting to make sure loud sounds are tolerable over the whole
frequency range. The MPO limit is programmable over a 20dB range.
2nd Generation Noise Reduction
Adaptive Directionality with Variable Threshold
• Automatically adjusts from Omni to Directional mode
 In situations with significant competing noise, the amplifier automatically recognizes
that directional mode will work better, and makes the transition without user action.
• Adjustable adaptive threshold
 settings are 50, 55, 60, and 65 dB SPL input referred level
 allows tuning to the environmental needs or type of hearing aid.
• Eliminates the need for a separate directional program
 User does not have to make a choice
 Clinical training is simpler
Event Data Logging
• Logged events: Power-on, VC change and position, Program change
and position, and Low-battery Warnings.
• Events are recorded and ‘time stamped’ with elapsed-time clock
value.
• All events will be logged in a circular buffer available to the fitting
system – about 500 events can be stored.
• Fitting system software can present the event recordings to help the
dispenser understand usage patterns.
Examples:
Random-noise Generator
Digital Random Noise Generator
• Digital generation of random noise gives a clean noise sound for
masking use.
• Can be used in mixed-mode applications: one program for masking,
and another program for hearing aid use.
• Noise is injected at the input, so it can be shaped by the existing EQ
gain adjusters.
Examples:
Flat Noise
Spectrum
High Frequency
Spectrum
1/3 Octave
Spectrum
Package Information
Digital Volume Control compatible
• 2-pin Digital Volume Control port
• Gain increases when the VC pin is toggled to
ground
• Gain decreases when the VC2 pin is toggled to
ground
• Start-up VC position is programmable
VC2
VC
• Use pushbutton switches or a digital rotary
control like the DCU Scroller
• Analog VC Mode still available
GND
Package Information
Ezairo 5900 IC
25AA256
Amplifier Package
• Stacked-chip design with pad side
designed for flush-mount PCB
reflow.
• RoHS Compliant Assembly
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0.134" [3.40 mm]
MIC2
DAI
DAT
TC-
TC+
VC
TSW
VC2
applications.
• 256kbit EEPROM
MIC1
M+
M-
VBAT
OA
SDA
CLK
SW
with existing flex in some
RBAT
GND
hybrid configuration, allowing use
OB
• Pad layout matches our current
0.065"
[1.65mm]
0.226" [5.74 mm]
Tocatta Plus flip chip with peripheral bumps
Ethos PCB package with
wirebonded stacked flip chip
Ezairo flip chip with Ball Grid Array
Support Tools
• Windows Device Driver – ETHOS.DLL
 Dynamic Link Library (DLL) supports communications, response modeling, parameter settings,
remote program selection, datalog dump and audio muting.
 Supports HiPro, NoahLink, Microconnect, and eMiniTec programmers
• Engineering Programming Software called “Slider”
 Programs all parameters, estimates frequency response, allows programs to be saved and
recalled
• Transducer Model Measurement Software
 Measures and creates microphone and speaker sensitivity tables
 Tables are used by Slider and DFS software to accurately display frequency response
• Technology White Papers
• Individualized Application Support from our Engineering Staff