SPARK Microsystems' UWB Technology Achieves Bit-Perfect Wireless Audio, Surpassing Bluetooth Codecs

SPARK Microsystems, a Canadian fabless semiconductor company, has released third-party analysis demonstrating exceptional capabilities of their ultra-wideband technology in wireless audio transmission. The research presented at AES Show 2024 NY reveals that SPARK's UWB technology achieves bit-perfect wireless audio delivery, marking a significant advancement in wireless audio technology. The study conducted by independent audio engineering consultant Jeff Anderson compared SPARK's UWB technology to competing audio codecs including LDAC, aptX HD, aptX LL, and SBC using Fast Fourier Transform measurements with wired equipment serving as the reference standard.

Results demonstrate that SPARK's UWB technology delivers audio indistinguishable from wired transmission, exhibiting bit-perfect signal fidelity complemented by ultra-low latency of under 7 milliseconds, enabling uncorrupted pristine wireless audio. In contrast, Bluetooth codecs like LDAC and aptX HD showed elevated noise floors, noticeable distortion especially at higher frequencies, and latency ranging from 30 to 200 milliseconds. The implications of this breakthrough are far-reaching for the audio industry with high-end brands such as Sonus Faber and Focal already adopting SPARK's UWB technology in their products.

Rejean Bedel, Groupe Marketing Manager at Focal, stated that this advancement marks a turning point for high-end audio, enabling seamless user-friendly wire-free products without compromising sound quality. Beyond audio quality, SPARK's UWB technology offers additional advantages including bi-directional audio transport allowing for an additional bit-perfect low-latency uncompressed audio back channel. This feature enhances the technology's versatility, opening new possibilities for audio applications across various sectors.

Frederic Nabki, Co-founder and CTO of SPARK Microsystems, emphasized the significance of this development noting that for decades the industry has accepted compromises in sound quality, latency, and energy efficiency to make wireless audio possible. SPARK's low-power UWB technology changes that, delivering bit-perfect audio exactly as it was encoded at the source with ultra-low latency that rivals wired connections. The breakthrough comes at a crucial time as demand for high-fidelity wireless audio solutions continues to grow amid increasing interference in wireless environments.

SPARK's UWB technology offers unparalleled stability and performance while being optimized for low power consumption, making it ideal for battery-powered devices. This combination of superior audio quality, ultra-low latency, and energy efficiency positions the technology as a game-changer in the wireless audio market. As the industry moves toward more sophisticated audio applications, SPARK's UWB technology sets a new benchmark for wireless audio fidelity and responsiveness that could reshape consumer expectations and industry standards. The full details of the research findings are available online at https://www.sparkmicro.com/research while attendees of CES 2025 will have opportunity to experience the superior sound quality through live demonstrations of their wireless headset technology.