AMI Semiconductor today announced its BelaSigna 200 DSP-based audio processing system is featured in the Bluetake i-PHONO Mini Bluetooth stereo headphones, which recently received "Overall Bluetooth SIG Best of CES" and "Best Stereo Audio" awards at the 2006 Consumer Electronic Show.

The BelaSigna 200 platform delivers sophisticated audio features with the lowest power-consumption and most design flexibility available in the market. In Bluetooth stereo headphone applications, BelaSigna technology decodes stereo music streams and allows for connection switching – essential for swapping between stereo music and hands-free voice calls. Music is briefly interrupted when receiving a call on a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone, and quickly resumes upon termination of the call. BelaSigna also enables advanced noise reduction and audibility enhancement features to ensure clear communication while using the headphones with a mobile phone.

Typically, there is a trade-off between advanced audio functionality and battery life. The ultra-low power BelaSigna 200 delivers exceptional audio functionality using patented techniques without compromising battery life. As a result, manufacturers are able to offer lightweight, small form-factor devices to end consumers without sacrificing the battery life or functionality of their products.

"Due to the popularity of MP3 players and the wide use of mobile phones, consumers are now looking for a single device that functions both as a mobile phone headset for hands-free communication and as stereo headphones. And they don't want to be entangled in wires," said Ming Chen, vice president of product development at Bluetake. "When developing i-PHONO Mini, we were looking for a highly functional audio processing platform that seamlessly integrates with Bluetooth wireless technology and would allow for very small devices. With BelaSigna 200, AMIS quickly provided us with proven audio technology to produce one of the lightest, smallest and most portable converged devices on the market."

"Battery life is one of the things that consumers look at when evaluating a product. We enable Bluetooth stereo headphone manufacturers to develop market-leading products with advanced audio features that have minimal impact on standby and operating time," said David Coode, audio group manager at AMI Semiconductor. "We are delighted to see Bluetake's i-PHONO Mini receive this recognition which demonstrates the exceptional performance that can be achieved with the BelaSigna 200 platform."