Analysis

Acquisition enhances ANC headphone portfolio

20th December 2016
Alice Matthews
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ams has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Incus Laboratories. The acquisition of Incus strengthens ams’ position in the market for Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) solutions where ams claims to be the leading supplier of analogue ANC to headphone and earphone OEMs.

ams will leverage Incus’ IP, its experience in acoustic characterisation and its suite of noise cancellation system design tools for a range of digital ANC solutions.

ams’ existing analogue ANC products offer acoustic performance and low power consumption while its upcoming digital offerings will provide additional benefits in reduced system cost and size and improved design flexibility. Backed by Incus’ design tool suite and acoustic characterisation technology, ams’ digital ANC solutions will offer OEMs easier implementation by eliminating the need to configure and assemble a hardware filter network of passive components tailored to each headphone or earphone design.

Incus’ IP can run on a variety of general-purpose DSP cores while providing the core ANC functionality in DSP-based solutions found in many bundled and aftermarket earphones and headphones today. Incus solutions are notable for their high level of noise attenuation across a broad frequency range, benefiting from sophisticated phase-shift technology which compensates for latency in the digital signal processing chain. Incus’ IP also supports the use of advanced speakers and micro-speakers for high Hi-Fi quality audio reproduction.

ams will take full ownership of Incus which is based in Buckinghamshire, UK , including all of its patent-protected IP. The parties to the transaction have agreed to keep the consideration confidential. Incus’ staff, including the founders and executive management team, will transfer to ams. ams will continue the existing Incus IP licensing business and looks forward to working with partners to meet the needs of this expanding market.

“ams already has a strong position in the ANC market given high levels of noise attenuation and superb sound quality”, said Vincent Pronk, VP & General Manager, Business Line Audio Sensors. “The proven and high-performance Incus IP for digital noise cancellation will broaden our ANC offering while maintaining our reputation for excellent performance and design characteristics at a competitive cost.”

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