Voice-enabled Internet of Things (IoT) applications, such as home control and multi-service intercoms, have caught the attention of communications arena, lately. However, simplifying system-level integration in such applications is challenging.

In an effort to simplify overall system design, Arcturus Networks Inc., a provider of embedded solutions for communication and industrial applications, has unveiled a new microcontroller (MCU)-based solution, which will facilitate in creation of advanced VoIP (voice over Internet protocol) and distributed IP (Internet protocol) audio end-points.

The new solution, which is available as a development kit, a production board, a module or a pre-programmed MCU, was developed in collaboration with Freescale Semiconductor (News - Alert) and Consilient Technologies.

Primarily, the solution incorporates a Freescale Kinetis K60 microcontroller, based on ARM Cortex M4 technology, combined with an audio subsystem tailored for voice communication. It has a flexible combination of peripheral, host and slave options. This simplifies system-level integration for IoT applications as well as highly supervised workflow systems.

The Freescale Kinetis K60 microcontroller is preloaded with VoIP and Mbarx-M2M (machine-to-machine) middleware that runs on the MCU’s internal flash and static random-access memory (SRAM). This eliminates the need for a co-processor or additional memory components while creating advanced VoIP and distributed IP audio end-points.

“Freescale’s Kinetis K60 32-bit MCU is powerful enough to run two-way real-time voice communications as well as M2M control signaling, providing small-form-factor, highly-integrated VoIP solutions,” said Rudan Bettelheim, business development manager for MCU business, Freecale, in a statement. “Today, voice is becoming an increasingly popular HMI option in traditional building security, public safety, home control, and residential security applications.”

According to Arcturus, the new system supports common push-to-call functions, features and status notification, while offering integration options to connect legacy or external equipment, because it is operated using a dedicated I/O interface or over-the-wire using the Mbarx-M2M protocol.

The solution, as a development kit, includes full-featured uCMK60-VoIP system solutions board hardware. This helps in analyzing the capabilities of the board, module or MCU.

Currently, the solution, as a development kit, is immediately available for $495 USD from Arcturus or Freescale. Apart from uCMK60-VoIP system solutions board hardware, it also includes AC100 headset with microphone, cables and power supply, getting started guide (download), schematics, Mbarx-System Manager, Mbarx-virtual control panel and how-tos, example code and tutorials.

“An MCU-based solution achieves a simpler overall design, better system integration, a lower cost bill-of-materials and reduces boot time,” said David Steele, product manager, Arcturus, in a statement.

Some of the other applications to benefit from the new solution include, two-way, full duplex speakerphones, public address (PA) systems, mass notification and IP speakers.