MP3 Overview

MP3 is a compression format for storing digital audio data. It is an audio codec that has the capability to compress the original audio source with minor loss in sound quality. The higher the compression ratio, the lower the quality. Therefore, there is a balancing act between file size and audio quality. With the right combination, MP3 encoded data can provide very high quality audio.

Microchip offers a compact MP3 Decoder library that enables usage on small memory footprint PIC32 devices, thus reducing your system level cost. To purchase this library (available only on CD) either in source or binary form, Microchip must verify purchasing company is a Technicolor licensee.

Compact MP3 Decode Library (Non-Modifiable Binary Code)

Microchips’ compact MP3 algorithm is designed to fit in small memory footprint PIC32 Microcontrollers. This code requires only 28MIPS of performance (CD Quality audio), 42KB Flash and 11KB RAM memory for operation on the PIC32. This part number is for Non-modifiable binary code. Requires patent-only licensing through Technicolor.

Compact MP3 Decode Library (Source Code)

Microchips’ compact MP3 algorithm is designed to fit in small memory footprint PIC32 Microcontrollers. This code requires only 28MIPS of performance (CD Quality audio), 42KB Flash and 11KB RAM memory for operation on the PIC32. This part number is for modifiable source code. Requires patent-only licensing through Technicolor.

Helix MP3 Decoder Application Note

The Helix MP3 decoder is available as both floating point and fixed point implementations. The fixed point Implementation is considered for porting the algorithm onto the PIC32MX microcontroller. AN1367 describes a method for usage of the GPL licensed code for MP3 decode with user developed proprietary code.