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Connected Audio Development Kit (CADK)

Frontier's Connected Audio Development Kit (CADK) is a hardware-agnostic audio software platform designed to accelerate the development of connected audio products. It combines Frontier's audio streaming framework, automatic over-the-air software updates and a suite of audio applications to simplify product creation and reduce time to market.

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Connected Audio Development Kit

Connected Audio Development Kit software platform for developing connected audio products across different hardware architectures

Frontier’s Connected Audio Development Kit

Frontier's Connected Audio Development Kit(CADK), is our software stack that is  a comprehensive software foundation that can be deployed across a range of different hardware architectures.

It includes support for custom feature development meaning manufacturers can extend the functionality of the CADK for bespoke applications.

This gives the audio SDK incredible scalability, from turnkey out-of-box readiness, through to fully customised deployment across a range of product families. As a result, CADK is a powerful audio development kit for engineering teams and OEMs who are looking for a turnkey audio software platform.

  • Description

    The latest CADK 1.3 “Cornwall” introduces Hi-Res audio support up to 24-bit/192KHz for music services including TIDAL Connect, AirPlay and Spotify. It also supports Bluetooth LE Audio, Bluetooth Classic and Auracast, alongside display options ranging from headless configurations to 4-inch Hi-Res displays.

    CADK 1.3 supports both host and client modes. In host mode, all system functions run directly on the CADK, while client mode enables the use of third-party chips through the MCUC, Frontier’s interface to third-party MCUs.

    For setup and management via a third-party app, the NetRemote API provides Frontier’s interface for remote control and configuration. While Frontier’s OKTIV app is available, brands can also use the NetRemote API to develop their own dedicated apps.

  • Interfaces

    Built to support a wide range of user interfaces, CADK offers flexibility across different product designs and user experiences, including:

    • iOS / Android apps
    • Headless
    • Single-line display
    • Hi-Res, large colour display
    • Touchscreen display

    And more.

    If you have a user interface that isn't listed above and would like to explore using CADK for your product, get in touch with our team further down the page to discuss your requirements.

  • Features

    CADK combines a comprehensive range of streaming, audio, update and security capabilities to support the development of modern connected audio products, including:

    • Spotify Connect
    • Apple AirPlay
    • TIDAL Connect
    • Bluetooth Auracast
    • Hi-Res 24-bit 192k audio player
    • Automated OTA software update
    • UK PSTI and CRA cyber security compliance
  • Benefits

    CADK gives audio product developers the flexibility, security and tools they need to bring connected audio products to market faster.

    • Flexible Hardware Compatibility
    • Secure, Reliable Integration
    • Faster Time to Market
    • Documented APIs

    Together, these capabilities provide a flexible and scalable foundation for developing, customising and launching connected audio products with confidence.

The latest CADK 1.3 “Cornwall” introduces Hi-Res audio support up to 24-bit/192KHz for music services including TIDAL Connect, AirPlay and Spotify. It also supports Bluetooth LE Audio, Bluetooth Classic and Auracast, alongside display options ranging from headless configurations to 4-inch Hi-Res displays.

CADK 1.3 supports both host and client modes. In host mode, all system functions run directly on the CADK, while client mode enables the use of third-party chips through the MCUC, Frontier’s interface to third-party MCUs.

For setup and management via a third-party app, the NetRemote API provides Frontier’s interface for remote control and configuration. While Frontier’s OKTIV app is available, brands can also use the NetRemote API to develop their own dedicated apps.

Built to support a wide range of user interfaces, CADK offers flexibility across different product designs and user experiences, including:

  • iOS / Android apps
  • Headless
  • Single-line display
  • Hi-Res, large colour display
  • Touchscreen display

And more.

If you have a user interface that isn't listed above and would like to explore using CADK for your product, get in touch with our team further down the page to discuss your requirements.

CADK combines a comprehensive range of streaming, audio, update and security capabilities to support the development of modern connected audio products, including:

  • Spotify Connect
  • Apple AirPlay
  • TIDAL Connect
  • Bluetooth Auracast
  • Hi-Res 24-bit 192k audio player
  • Automated OTA software update
  • UK PSTI and CRA cyber security compliance

CADK gives audio product developers the flexibility, security and tools they need to bring connected audio products to market faster.

  • Flexible Hardware Compatibility
  • Secure, Reliable Integration
  • Faster Time to Market
  • Documented APIs

Together, these capabilities provide a flexible and scalable foundation for developing, customising and launching connected audio products with confidence.

Develop Connected Audio Products on Frontier and Third-Party Hardware

As hardware-agnostic audio development software, CADK can be deployed across Frontier solutions and compatible third-party hardware, allowing manufacturers to launch a family of products that use a variety of hardware architectures.

Supported streaming services include:

  • Apple AirPlay
  • Bluetooth Classic / LE Audio / Auracast
  • Spotify Connect
  • TIDAL Connect
  • Airable Internet Radio
  • Airbale music services including Qobuz and Deezer

High-definition streaming audio formats allow CADK-powered products to transmit sound with fidelity up to 24-bit 192 kbps.

Connected Audio Product Applications

CADK has a diverse range of applications from battery-powered portable devices, to wireless multi-room streaming audio.

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Wireless Speakers

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SmartRadios

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Connected Hi-Fi Systems and Soundbars

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CADK can be used to develop battery-enabled portable speakers that support both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, combining convenience with Hi-Res audio experiences

CADK supports Frontier DAB and FM solutions, allowing SmartRadios to be created that combine DAB, FM, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to access music services, internet radio stations and catch-up services such as podcasts.

CADK can power Wi-Fi enabled Hi-Fi systems and soundbars by enabling connected audio features including AirPlay, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Internet Radio

These product applications and more can powered by the same Connected Audio Development Kit, giving your developers the flexibility to work on product ranges for target market

Flexible User Interfaces for Connected Audio Products

CADK puts manufacturers in control of product UI, with support ranging from headless devices through to premium 4-inch high-resolution touchscreen systems.

NetRemote API, Frontier's interface for third-party setup and management, allows brands to develop custom apps. Frontier's own OKTIV app is also available for those seeking a ready-to-use audio SDK.

The Connected Audio Development Kit's APIs are fully documented, giving your developers the ability to build bespoke software with support for Web UI, traditional remote controls, and Android/iOS mobile apps.

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Connected Audio Development Kit FAQs

CADK can run on a wide range of physical hardware, including Frontier's own reference platforms, as well as third-party platforms - whatever best suits your development process.

The CADK supports ARM-based processor architectures with a choice of operating modes:

Host Mode: Turnkey audio software platform with all functions running directly on CADK.

Client Mode: CADK interfaces with third-party MCUs via Frontier's MCUC.

The CADK audio SDK includes a suite of core components in its turnkey software stack. Among them is the Frontier audio streaming framework, pre-built audio applications, OTA update engine and NetRemote API, including full documentation.
Your developers can extend this functionality further, using the NetRemote API to develop bespoke software, branded UI, high-resolution touchscreen interfaces and smartphone apps.

Yes - CADK is designed as a turnkey audio software platform for rapid development of products, but the NetRemote API also allows for bespoke development of connected audio apps for Android and iOS devices.

You can also build your own user interfaces, with support for Web UI, digital remote controls and on-device touchscreen UI. Device displays can be headless or single-line, ranging up to multi-line full-colour displays and touchscreen controls.

CADK offers support across Bluetooth Classic, Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast, provided that the hardware and drivers support these features.