Cadence Drives Release of Alternative EVS Codec Implementation in 3GPP

New codec enables up to 1.6X performance improvement and better battery life for mobile communications applications

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Feb 25, 2019 -- Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CDNS) today announced that it initiated and drove the standardization within 3GPP of an alternative fixed-point Enhanced Voice Services (EVS) codec reference implementation using updated basic operators. 3GPP, a global initiative that provides complete system specifications for cellular telecommunications network technologies, has adopted and released the new codec, which enables more efficient processing and improves battery life by leveraging modern DSP architectures with 64-bit accumulators, single instruction, multiple data (SIMD) and very long instruction word (VLIW) technologies. As part of this effort, Cadence also updated the basic operators incorporated in the underlying ITU Software Tools Library (STL2018), which serves as the foundation upon which 3GPP reference codecs are built. Next-generation codecs can now utilize these new basic operators for faster time to market and better energy efficiency.

Cadence developed the instruction set architecture for its Tensilica^® HiFi 3z DSP in parallel with the development of these updated basic operators and the alternative EVS codec, resulting in the HiFi 3z DSP featuring an extremely efficient pairing of hardware and software. As a result, the HiFi 3z DSP offers a 1.6X improvement in million cycles per second (MCPS) as compared to the HiFi 3 DSP running the original EVS codec in Super Wideband mode—enabling lower power and longer battery life. Utilizing the new codec, the HiFi 3 DSP offers a 1.2X improvement in MCPS in Super Wideband mode.

“For more than two years, Cadence has taken a leadership role in 3GPP to drive the development, adoption and release of an alternative version of the EVS codec that takes advantage of modern DSP architectures,” stated Larry Przywara, group director of marketing, Tensilica audio/voice IP at Cadence. “Our smartphone-OEM and mobile semiconductor customers have already licensed this codec for their upcoming HiFi 3z DSP-based products. Cadence thanks 3GPP Working Group SA4 for their efforts to standardize this alternative version.”

The alternative EVS codec reference code is available for download from the 3GPP website.

About Cadence

Cadence enables electronic systems and semiconductor companies to create the innovative end products that are transforming the way people live, work and play. Cadence^® software, hardware and semiconductor IP are used by customers to deliver products to market faster. The company’s System Design Enablement strategy helps customers develop differentiated products—from chips to boards to systems—in mobile, consumer, cloud datacenter, automotive, aerospace, IoT, industrial and other market segments. Cadence is listed as one of Fortune Magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For. Learn more at www.cadence.com.