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Embedded Sound Solutions? 2

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bainsteven

Computer
Feb 5, 2008
5
Hiya Everyone,

Firstly, forgive me - I am relatively new to the Embedded Systems world so (as much as I love it!) I may be asking a completely obvious question:

We currently have a prototype embedded system using an 8051 microprocessor which does "stuff" (I can't really go into the project for obvious reasons...) I've been asked to find the best way to allow the system to play, say, 10 different sound samples of around 2 seconds each.

The current system itself has plenty of storage available, and the 8051 has ample I/O ports free - as well as its DAC. Sorry I'm being vague - but I'm not after a "complete solution", but more of a "best way to approach" the problem:

1) Is it possible to run a sounder(?!) directly off the 8051's DAC to play the sound files?;
2) What is the best way to store (convert?!) sound files and store them/play them from the 8051?;
3) Is there a dedicated polyphonic sound chip available which could be used and ran by the 8051? (which may make the sound quality better?) - but then I'm still left with the problem of pre-programming the sound files into it's memory?;
4) What type of sounder would be necessary to play, say, speech sounds? - and how would the chip(s) drive it?;

If anyone can give me a head-start on this it would be greatly appreciated - as I've tried to research DSPs, etc - but I can't find specific answers to my questions. I’m new to the project myself – so if you require any further information please let me know and I’ll find out what I can.

Apologies for being a n00by - but I just don't know where to start with this one.

Many thanks,

Steve.
 
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I would go to Circuit Cellar magazine. They have lots of cool projects about doing just that. They probably had at least 2 in 2007 alone. I just finished reading one. Around Sept issue.

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-
 
Thanks for the input guys!

I couldn't seem to find any relevant projects on Circuit Cellar - but I only managed to have a brief look... I will spend some more time having a proper search.

Winbound seem to be a good starting point for what I'm after - again, I will research further and post my outcome.

Meanwhile, if anyone else has any suggestions please let me know!

Many thanks,

Steve.
 
Example: October 2007.

Embedded Speech; Speech Synthesis for Small Applications.

Ref:
Double Talk RC8650 and RC8660 synthesizers
rcsys.com

Ref: eSpeak Text-to-speech synthesizer.
//espeak.sourceforge.net


Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-
 
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