Having a USB port on your mobile phone has become one of the standard features that allow the user to transfer data and spill a huge amount of personal content in their handsets. NXP Semiconductors (NXP) has just launched the world's first USB-driven digital audio headset solution, Nexperia PNX0161.

NXP is an independent company founded by Philips. They have managed to reach a new solution to lead to the standardization of USB 2.0 for portable consumer devices. They have used the USB 2.0 standard in order to transfer the core audio streaming functions to the USB connector on the host device.

USB drives were already highly used for battery charging and PC synchronization functions. Adding sound to that is like trying to cram a great amount of functions in one tiny port. The advantages of this solution translate in reduction in bill-material costs and a single standardized connection interface.

"USB is fast emerging as a de facto connectivity interface in portable devices. NXP is leveraging its pole position to promote the adoption of USB technology with industry-first innovations, setting the stage for the future of USB applications for better connectivity and convenience on mobile phones, consumer electronics and PC peripherals", said Hans Fleurkens, product marketing manager, Mobile & Personal Business Unit, NXP Semiconductors.

Reaching this solution has also meant facing some problems. "Power consumption was the biggest challenge to the provision of digital audio on a headset, and NXP's PNX0161 is the first to address this most efficiently, while also offering a choice of functionality through a programmable core", Hans Fleurkens further added.

Hi-speed USB use has evolved at great speed over the past years and apparently has a bright future. By 2011, almost 3 billion such devices will be out on the market. NXP's USB-driven digital audio headset solution, Nexperia PNX0161, is already available. The company will showcase its USB ideas at its booth, at IFA 2007 in Berlin, Germany between August 31st and September 5th.