CASE STUDY SNAPSHOT
Customer : An European OEM of telecom devices and modulesSize : > 200-1000
Project vertical : Telecom
Challenge : Bring up audio drivers on custom Linux and Android platforms and cope up with device/software updates
Solution : Provided training to their engineering team along with consulting services
Services & Products Availed : Technology consulting, Driver Development
Tools and Technologies :
- Key Hardware: Multiple
- Software Development: C
- OS: Linux and Android
- Peripherals: PCM, I2S, Audio Codec etc
INTRODUCTION
A prominent telecom OEM struggled with audio handling in embedded systems, requiring specialized training and technology consulting for their Linux and Android platforms. Their engineers needed expertise to develop drivers and applications for new codecs and controllers in ultra-low power devices, prompting them to seek Embien’s tailored solutions.
CHALLENGE
The telecom OEM faced significant hurdles with the complex audio subsystems in Linux and Android, including the intricate Advanced Linux Sound Architecture (ALSA) and poorly documented Android layers. Their engineers lacked the resources to master these systems, needing to create drivers and applications for new codecs while ensuring low power consumption for battery-powered devices. The challenge intensified as training had to be customized for their proprietary platform, unavailable publicly, demanding a highly specific, hands-on approach.
SOLUTION
Embien provided a robust solution through a combination of specialized training and technology consulting, empowering the telecom OEM’s engineers to excel in audio handling for embedded systems. This was achieved with a meticulously designed 3-day program, delivered on-site at the customer’s European facility, tailored to their unique Linux and Android requirements and ultra-low power constraints.
The training kicked off with foundational knowledge, ensuring all engineers understood the essentials of audio processing. Day one’s first session introduced the human auditory system, audio controllers, and codecs, alongside critical interface techniques such as SLIMBus, I2C, PCM, AC97, HD Audio, McASP, and USB. Emphasis was placed on codec selection criteria, vital for optimizing their battery-powered devices. The second session dove into ALSA, Linux’s default sound system, unpacking its layers and modules. Despite ALSA’s complexity and sparse documentation, Embien’s experts made it accessible, teaching application development with ALSA Plug-Ins, Use Case Managers (UCMs), and sound servers—equipping the team to build tailored audio solutions.
Audio Handling in Embedded Systems
Day two deepened the focus on embedded systems. The third session explored ALSA for System on Chip (ASoC), a cornerstone for embedded developers. Topics included Platform, Codec, and Machine Drivers, as well as Dynamic Audio Power Management (DAPM) and Dynamic PCM (DPCM), all critical for minimizing power usage while maximizing audio performance. Hands-on exercises on the OEM’s proprietary platform reinforced these concepts, bridging theory and practice. The fourth session covered audio encoding—both lossless and lossy—and speech encoding techniques, providing a comprehensive toolkit for multimedia development.
The third day shifted to Android, addressing its distinct audio challenges. Session five dissected the Android Audio subsystem, covering the Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL), audio policies, and integration strategies. The sixth session tackled Android multimedia, detailing Stagefright and OpenMAX for codec integration and app development. This ensured the engineers could extend their skills across both Linux and Android environments, broadening their capabilities.
Practicality was a cornerstone of Embien’s approach. Each session included hands-on labs using the customer’s unique hardware, allowing engineers to apply concepts like GStreamer, SALSA, OpenSL, tinyALSA, Jack Detection, and FFMPEG directly to their platform. Optimization and performance characterization were emphasized, with Embien sharing expert tips for rapid development and debugging—drawn from years of embedded multimedia experience. This hands-on focus ensured immediate relevance, as engineers gained confidence working on their specific systems.
Beyond training, Embien’s technology consulting was pivotal. They provided ongoing support, guiding the OEM through driver and application development post-training. This included real-time assistance on audio subsystem integration, power management techniques, and troubleshooting—ensuring the team could implement their new skills effectively. The consulting was customized to the OEM’s ultra-low power needs, addressing gaps in documentation and platform-specific challenges.
Delivered seamlessly on-site, the program minimized disruption while maximizing impact. Embien’s expertise in embedded systems, Linux, Android, and audio handling shone through, as they adapted content to the OEM’s non-public SoC and operational goals. This dual approach—training plus consulting—not only upskilled the engineers but also positioned the OEM to innovate in their telecom products confidently.
BENEFITS
- Comprehensive Skill Development: Engineers mastered Linux and Android audio subsystems, enabling complex driver and application development.
- Platform-Specific Customization: Training and consulting were tailored to the OEM’s proprietary hardware, ensuring direct applicability.
- Power Optimization Expertise: Techniques like DAPM and DPCM equipped the team to enhance low power consumption in devices.
- Practical Proficiency: Hands-on labs on their platform accelerated learning and real-world implementation.
- Continuous Guidance: Ongoing technology consulting ensured successful project execution beyond the training phase.
CONCLUSION
Embien’s blend of targeted training and expert technology consulting enabled the telecom OEM to conquer audio handling challenges in embedded systems. Their engineers gained the skills and support needed to develop advanced drivers and applications for Linux and Android, optimized for ultra-low power devices. For companies facing similar hurdles in embedded systems or multimedia technologies, Embien offers proven, customized solutions. Contact us today to elevate your team’s capabilities and drive innovation forward.