A new solution that offers cutting-edge wireless and charging characteristics for hearing AIDS

     ON Semiconductor further demonstrates its leadership in supporting the development of the next generation of hearing AIDS with the introduction of two new products: the power management integrated circuit HPM10 and the wireless audio processor Ezairo 7150 SL. The Ezairo 7150 SL uses On Semiconductor's widely used proprietary digital signal processing (DSP) technology to provide wireless connectivity for hearing AIDS and cochlear implants.

     This compact hybrid module is based on the powerful Ezairo 7100 open programmable 24-bit mixed-signal DSP platform. This system-level Package (SiP) solution provides a wireless multi-protocol mode optimized for 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) band applications, including Bluetooth Low Power (BLE). The Ezairo 7150 SL integrates a low power 2 Mb serial CMOS EEPROM EA2M for storage of hearing aid firmware and important parameters.

     To simplify and accelerate the development process for products based on the Ezairo 7150 SL, ON Semiconductor has provided a complete reference design for back-of-ear (BTE) hearing AIDS. This reference design includes software, hardware, and firmware that support advanced wireless features. The Bluetooth Low Power Control (CoBLE) feature enables hearing aid users to control their smartphone's array of parameters. Users can adjust the hearing aid volume, change programs, view battery status, and receive phone alerts (such as incoming calls or text messages). It also offers an important "Find Me" feature to help users quickly find misplaced hearing AIDS. The Stereo Audio Streaming protocol plays music from any external audio source (smartphone, tablet, TV, etc.) through a remote receiver. In good surrounding conditions, the connection range can be up to 10 meters.

     HPM10 is a power management IC(PMIC) that provides a high-performance solution for rechargeable batteries in hearing AIDS and hearing aid devices. The PMIC generates the voltage required for the hearing aid, and it also manages the charging algorithm to optimize battery life and charge cycles. Supported rechargeable chemical materials include silver-zinc (AgZn) and lithium ion (Li-ion). HPM10 also detects zinc air (Zn-Air) and nickel metal hydride (Ni-Mh) batteries, but does not charge them.

     When operating, the HPM10's energy-efficient power regulator helps minimize power loss from the battery to the hearing aid. The HPM10's built-in Charger Communication interface (CCIF) transfers data to the hearing aid charger during charging. Battery parameters such as voltage level, current level, temperature and different forms of battery failure can also be transmitted. Different charging parameters representing battery size and type can be stored in the HPM10's one-time programmable (OTP) on-chip memory.

     Michel De Mey, Senior Director at ON Semiconductor, said: "Our new approach will have a significant impact on hearing aid design and end-user experience. The Ezairo 7150 SL greatly improves user control, allowing the hearing aid to be controlled directly from any of their BLE enabled smartphones. It also allows users to hear from any audio source, such as a TV or hi-fi audio system. HPM10 provides rechargeable technology for hearing AIDS and helps address our customer and market needs to provide rechargeable hearing AIDS, which is a big step forward for greater user convenience."