A²B Audio Bus
The A²B audio bus from Analog Devices is a simple, advanced, and high performance audio connectivity solution that can enable a wide range of possible audio system applications requiring low latency, multiple audio channels and assignments, and high fidelity - all in a simple connection scheme.
Analog Devices’ A²B™ audio bus is a simple, flexible, and lightweight solution for audio connectivity, targeting automotive, consumer, smart building, and emerging applications. A²B is a high-bandwidth, bidirectional, digital audio bus with in-line power delivery that enables next-gen audio and acoustic applications.
Single Cable in Daisy-Chain or Home Runs
A²B uses a single unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable to transmit audio, control data, clock, and power. A²B supports a daisy-chained, single-master, multiple-slave topology, which simplifies the network design and reduces the need for extensive wiring.
Multi-channel, High Resolution, Bi-directional Audio
A²B supports multi-channel, high-resolution, bi-directional audio. Audio can travel upstream or downstream between nodes, with up to 32 channels of 24-bit/48kHz audio transmitted per direction at any node. Higher sample rates of 96kHz and 192kHz are supported, with total channel counts of 16 or eight, respectively.
Extremely Low Latency
The latency in A²B systems is deterministic and typically measured in the range of 2 to 50 microseconds per hop, depending on the configuration and the number of nodes in the chain. It is important to note that the total end-to-end latency depends on the entire network’s length and node count.
Integrated Bus Power
A²B can supply power to remote nodes over the same UTP cable used for data transmission, eliminating the need for separate power supplies at each node. A²B can support up to 50W per segment in the chain, or share 50W across nodes. Power can be injected in-line, increasing total power over 50W for the chain.
Integration with Existing Technologies
A²B can transport multiple types of data, including I2S, TDM, PDM, and I2C control information, making it compatible with various digital audio and control protocols, allows for seamless integration with existing audio systems.
A²B is ideally suited for rapid deployment for exhibits, pop-up spaces such as retail and dining, and other installations that benefit from rapid setup and take down. A²B’s fast and simple connections make this possible, even in complex multi-zone systems. Daisy chain, home run, or mixed setups are possible depending on design, with runs of multiple nodes per chain, up to 300m long. A²B audio auto-discovery and plug and play allows the audio signal to be confirmed in real time during setup, speeding up the installation and audio testing.
For retail and commercial installations A²B provides an alternative to traditional 70v systems that are inflexible and limited in audio arrangement once installed. An A²B system can allow for changing audio across zones, adjusting volume, changing zone configurations - all during use. A large retailer could map different music to various departments of the store. A restaurant could have different music for the bar from the dining area. With up to 32 channels of audio and assignable channels per node, the audio output is highly configurable, and can be changed after installation with no wiring changes.
The rapid and “foolproof” connectivity and auto-discovery capability of A²B can enable easy consumer installed modular audio systems. Audio sources and speakers can be easily installed and then configured as desired. A²B’s fast and simple connections make setup easy - no worry on channels, positive or negative leads, or the order of connections. One module can act as the host main receiver and distribute audio and power to other modules. A²B auto-discovery and auto-play allows the audio signal to be confirmed in real time during setup.
“With the A²B Audio Bus Analog Devices has developed a unique combination of audio performance, power distribution, and data/control capabilities. Now with years of experience in automotive, A²B is expanding to enable a diverse range of applications and end user experiences. We are eager to find brands to collaborate with in exploring the ways A²B can be leveraged to develop new products and new product systems. Elytone is uniquely positioned in the market to enable rapid new product innovation with A²B.”
Albert Yong
Vice President of Audio/OEM at Elytone
Audio bridge to A²B Audio Bus multi-chain output
2 Channel 50W DSP Amplifier with A²B Input
