The digital audio systems such as personal portable MP3 music, HD radio and  satellite radio players have taken over traditional CDs and personal home stereo systems and are turning to be the new music device of choice at home.

In 2006, over 180 million MP3 players, over 1 billion cellular phones (of which a considerable percentage includes MP3 playback capability and are positioned as a “music phone”, e.g. the Sony-Ericsson “Walkman” family), 13.6 million satellite radio subscribers (XM and Sirius) and around 39 million iPods were sold worldwide. The soaring popularity of MP3 players has created a vast industry for accessories. Most big producers, like Logitech, Altec Lansing, Belkin, JBL and others introduced to markets dozens of types of docking stations with built-in speakers. However, to offer true, high quality systems, with an enhanced stereo (and/or surround) sensation, it is required to deploy higher powered speakers in the room which are detached from the audio source.. To achieve that, the next generation docking station must turn wireless.

Until the IrGate™ platform was introduced, there were major obstacles towards the implementation of a functional, high quality, uncompressed, low latency, and low cost wireless solution for the audio markets. As IrGate has the traits of RF technology within an enclosure, i.e., an omni-directional operation, while simultaneously not being susceptible to various RF interferences, it is a technology of choice for implementing wireless solutions for these markets.

The IrGT801A chipset was designed to specifically support the demands and needs of the audio market. It supports the industry standard I2S interface, allowing seamless connectivity to any digital audio source, converter or digital amplifier. It can transmit up to 4 uncompressed PCM audio channels, with no line-of-sight required between the transmitting and receiving entities. Additional features incorporated within IrGT801A, like smart mute and speaker shutdown functionalities, provide audio system designers with a solution tailored to their needs.