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.
A²B Audio Bus Technology
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.
EVALUATION KIT AVAILABLE
A complete evaluation kit (EVK) is available for fast prototyping and streamlined product development
Potential Applications
Temporary Installations
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.
Zone Addressable Environments
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.
Modular Audio Systems
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
Specs
Audio Performance
- Supports up to 32 channels of 24-bit/48kHz audio, combined directions
- Can support up to 16 channels of 96kHz or 8 channels of 192KHz audio
- Extremely low latency of 2 - 50 µSec between nodes in chains
- Audio can be bi-directional, with limit of 32 channels @48kHz passing any A²B node
Physical System
- A²B audio chains can have up to 16 nodes
- Networks can be daisy-chain or home run configurations, or mixed
- Nodes can be spaced up to 30m apart
- Total cable lengths up to 300m
In-line Power
- 24V per chain, with a total available power per segment of 50W
- Power can be injected in the A²B chain in one or more places to boost power to node devices, exceeding 50W total for the chain
Integrated Data & Control
- A²B can transport multiple types of data simultaneously, with multichannel audio and power
- Supported audio data formats include I2S, TDM, PDM
- A²B also supports I2C control data, MIDI 2.0, and PWM lighting control
AMP-140C4 Evaluation Kit
A complete evaluation kit (EVK) is available for fast prototyping and development. It includes a durable housing, power supply, product module, and I/O ports—providing a ready-to-use platform for easy setup, testing, and performance validation.
Features
The AMP-140C4V3 EVK is a high-performance networked audio bridge powered by the Networked Audio Processor 1 (NAP1), designed to unify professional AoIP and consumer wireless standards. It features integrated Wi-Fi 5 for native support of AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and TIDAL, alongside Dante/AES67 for low-latency, multi-channel digital audio over standard Ethernet. This hybrid architecture makes it an ideal evaluation platform for high-end residential and Pro-AV applications, ensuring high-fidelity playback across both local streaming and complex network ecosystems.
The hardware offers extensive versatility with inputs ranging from USB-C Audio and Bluetooth to 2-channel RCA Line-In, while providing 4-channel amplified outputs via an 8-pin Phoenix terminal block and 4-channel RCA Line-Outs. Installation is highly flexible thanks to a dual-power path: a robust 130W builtin AC power supply for maximum performance or a 71.3W PoE++ (Type 4) option for single-cable deployment. The kit is rounded out with an intuitive front panel featuring RGB LED indicators and physical tactile buttons for streamlined control and status monitoring.
Detail
The Network Audio Processor 1 (NAP1) is the core smart chip of the AMP-140C4V3, employing a high-performance hybrid architecture that combines an ARM Cortex-A55 core with dual SHARC+ DSPs. This powerful processor manages the complex Linux network protocol stack required for Wi-Fi 5 streaming media (AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and TIDAL), while also performing precise audio tasks such as Dante/AES67 synchronization and high-resolution DSP filtering. By centrally handling these functions, NAP1 ensures bit-perfect audio transmission and ultra-low latency for both wired and wireless inputs, providing a stable platform for object-based audio decoding and multi-zone audio distribution.
Complementing NAP1's powerful processing capabilities is the POE-PD90 module, a high-efficiency power supply solution compliant with the IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++) standard. This module allows the amplifier to draw up to 90W of power from the network switch and provide a stable 71.3W of power to its internal circuitry.
Application
The AMP-140C4V3 EVK is designed for high-versatility deployments where professional networking meets consumer convenience. Here are some application scenarios where this product can be used:
High-End Residential & Smart Home
In premium residential settings, the AMP-140C4V3 EVK acts as a powerful zone controller. Users can stream music directly from their iPhones or Android devices using AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, or TIDAL via Wi-Fi. Its 4-channel output allows it to drive speakers in multiple rooms or bi-amp high-fidelity tower speakers. The compact design and PoE++ capability make it easy to hide in millwork or equipment closets without requiring a dedicated AC outlet at every location.
Commercial Audio
For retail stores, and hotels, the AMP-140C4V3 EVK provides a hybrid solution for background music. It can receive high-quality, low-latency audio via Dante/AES67 from a centralized matrix, allowing personnel to connect devices via Bluetooth or USB-C to meet the needs of specific eventsIts PoE++ (71.3W) support is particularly important here, as it enables the installation of network cables within the ceiling, significantly reducing labor and wiring costs.
Specs
Modules Inside
- Controller – Networked Audio Processor 1 (Using Digital serial bus and up to 16-ch, NAP1-8)
- PD module: POE-PD90
Audio Input
- Dante audio 4 ch
- Line input: 2 channel RCA
- Streaming: Airplay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect
- S/PDIF input
Audio Output
- 4 channel speaker output
- Line output: 4 channel RCA
- Dante audio output via Ethernet
- S/PDIF output
- USB audio 2 ch & 12 ch
Front Panel
- RGB LED: Status, PoE, Wireless, Source
- Button: Power, Volume Up, Volume Down, Next Track, Previous Track, Play / Pause (Pair)
- Expandability: Headphone, LCD display
Request Evaluation Kit
VID-1X1 Evaluation Kit
A complete evaluation kit (EVK) is available for fast prototyping and development. It includes a durable housing, power supply, product module, and I/O ports—providing a ready-to-use platform for easy setup, testing, and performance validation.
Features
The VID-1X1 is a high-performance audio decoding and network integration solution designed for professional AV environments. It enables seamless conversion of multichannel Dolby® and DTS® encoded audio into up to 16 channels of Dante® networked audio, using advanced SHARC-based decoding technology.
Equipped with the latest HDMI 2.1 interface supporting resolutions up to 8K, the VID-1X1 also features eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) compatibility for high-bandwidth audio transmission. Its intuitive web-based GUI allows for straightforward configuration and management from any modern browser.
Whether in live production, broadcast, or complex AV installations, the VID-1X1 offers unmatched flexibility and audio fidelity. A 2- channel down-mixed headphone output is included for real-time monitoring.
Detail
The VID-1X1 contains a Networked Audio Processor (NAP1), a compact, high-density solution combining the powerful ADSP-SC598 processor with essential memory (DDR3, SPI Flash) and power circuitry.
Running on an embedded Linux OS, this System of Models (SOM) allows designers to rapidly integrate sophisticated Dante networking and SHARC Digital Signal Processing (DSP) capabilities into custom systems.
In addition, it is equipped with a POE-PD15-12L that is fully compliant with the IEEE 802.3af standard, ensuring interoperability with various standard PoE power supply devices (PSEs) on the market, thereby reducing compatibility risks.
Application
The VID-1X1 is a high-end audio decoding and network integration solution. Its primary applications focus on environments that require converting multichannel video audio into professional Dante networked audio. Here are the main ways to apply it:
Pro AV Network Integration and Distribution
The core function of the VID-1X1 is to seamlessly convert complex surround audio (like Dolby and DTS) from an HDMI source into routable Dante network audio streams.
Application Scenario
Professional AV installations, convention centers, theaters, large stadiums, corporate boardrooms, and training facilities.
Specs
Additional Modules
- Networked Audio Processor 1 (NAP1) - included
- POE-PD15 module or external DC 12V supply - optional
Audio Input
- PCM/Encoded audio (via HDMI input)
- ARC/eARC audio (via HDMI output)
Audio Output
- PCM decoded audio (via HDMI output)
- AoIP encoded multichannel audio (up to 16ch) via Ethernet
- 2ch headphone output
Extended Capabilities
- 8K HDMI video I/O with OSD overlay
- Web-GUI system configuration
Request Evaluation Kit
A²B Development Products
| Product | AMP-15C2-POE | AMP-30C2-POE | AMP-90C2-POE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Source | PoE (IEEE 802.3af), 15W | PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at), 30W | PoE++ (IEEE 802.3bt), 90W |
| Continuous Output | 2 x 5W @ 4Ω (THD+N 1%) | 2 x 12W @ 4Ω (THD+N 1%) | 2 x 35W @ 4Ω (THD+N 1%) |
| Peak Output | 2 x 48W @ 4Ω (THD+N 1%), 15ms | 2 x 48W @ 4Ω (THD+N 1%), 100ms | 2 x 48W @ 4Ω (THD+N 1%), 250ms |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | > 100 dB (A-weighted) | > 105 dB (A-weighted) | > 105 dB (A-weighted) |
| Distortion (THD+N) | < 0.1% @ 1W into 4Ω | < 0.02% @ 1W into 4Ω | < 0.02% @ 1W into 4Ω |
