The personal computer has become the focal point for downloading and listening to music. Lead by Apple’s iTunes, more and more people enjoy music using PC speakers instead of traditional home stereo systems. Furthermore, new PC games include Dolby Digital support and gamers are asking for 5.1 speaker sets, as 2.0 and 2.1 sets become insufficient for their growing needs.

This trend directly causes a demand for wireless audio solutions due to the fact that according to most audio companies, more than 50% of consumers do not install rear surround speakers as of the inconvenience of installing the related wires, thus not being able to enjoy the full entertainment experience.

In addition, by using a set of wireless speakers deployed within the room, the user can enjoy a higher audio sensation, while the speakers no longer consume desk real estate.

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.