Realtek Ameba RTL8730E Cortex-A32 audio streaming module offers a cost-effective solution for wireless audio applications

StreamUnlimited and Realtek Semiconductor Corp have collaborated on the Stream210 audio streaming module based on the Ameba Smart RTL8730E Arm Cortex-A32 chip from the Ameba E series, with support for Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and Matter for edge computing and IoT solutions.

We have looked at previous Ameba IoT products, such as the Ameba RTL8722DM development board, Ameba Arduino, Ameba RTL8195AM module, and the Ameba RTL8710BN. The Ameba Smart chip is the first entry in the series to feature a Cortex-A32 processor.

The Stream210 module is aimed at various audio and IoT applications, including digital radios, streaming audio receivers, wireless speakers, smart speakers, home automation products, and Wi-Fi headphones. Other wireless audio modules we’ve covered in the past include the Up2Stream Pro HiFi board, TTGO T9, and 8devices’ Tobufi module.

Stream210 specifications:

SoC – Ameba Smart RTL8730E dual-core Arm Cortex-A32 processor @ 1.3GHz
Memory – 2Gbit RAM
Storage – 2Gbit flash
Network – Wi-Fi 6 (802.11b/g/n/ac/ax, 20MHz channel bandwidth), Bluetooth 5.3 (BLE/LE Audio), and Matter
Video – MIPI DSI or SPI for display connection
Audio
- Integrated audio CODEC and equalizer
- 4x PDM inputs (up to 8 digital microphones)
- Analog and digital (I2S) audio I/O
Streaming
- Protocols – Airplay Audio, Google Cast
- Services – Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music, Qobuz, QQ Music, Deezer, Napster, Pandora, Airable
USB – USB 2.0 host/device
Peripherals – GPIO/UART/I2C/SPI/ADC/touchsense interfaces
Dimensions – 27.5 x 25.4 mm
Certifications – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RED, FCC, IC, MIC, SRRC

StreamUnlimited also provides the StreamSDK described as a “comprehensive audio streaming software solution” with support for several music streaming and digital radio platforms. It is compatible with Airplay Audio and Google Cast for media streaming and offers multiple immersive audio solutions. It comes with a programming/debug adapter for development and testing and is preloaded with software for updating StreamSDK.

The company has released other audio hardware modules besides the Stream210 device. The Stream1955 and Stream1832 are targeted at premium and mainstream audio devices, respectively, with more powerful quad-core Cortex-A53 SoCs. There is also a custom-built carrier board for the Stream1955 module.

The press release and product page do not include pricing information, but potential buyers can request a quote via the contact form.

Thanks to TLS for the tip.

Tomisin Olujinmi

Tomisin is a writer specializing in hardware product reviews, comparisons, and explainers. He is very passionate about small form factor and single-board computers.