Audio Front End Algorithm

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Audio Front End Algorithm

Professional-Grade Speech Enhancement, Empowering Intelligent Voice Interactions

Overview

AFE (Audio Front-End) is a professional-grade speech enhancement algorithm independently developed by Realtek. It employs multi-dimensional signal processing techniques to significantly improve speech clarity and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), delivering robust audio solutions for speech recognition and real-time communication.

AFE FLOW

Professional Signal Processing:

AEC (Acoustic Echo Cancellation)

Dual-stage linear cancellation + residual suppression for effective echo removal

BF (Beamforming)

Multi-microphone spatial filtering for targeted speech enhancement

NS (Noise Suppression)

Supports signal processing and neural network two modes for noise reduction

AGC (Automatic Gain Control)

Fixed + adaptive gain adjustment for stable output levels

SSL (Sound Source Localization)

360° directional tracking with microphone arrays

Advantages

Full-Scenario Coverage
  • Supports speech recognition (AFE_FOR_ASR) and voice communication (AFE_FOR_COM) modes
  • Compatible with near-field and far-field pickup
  • Adaptable to 1mic/2mic/3mic microphone array configurations
Flexible Customization
  • Standard array spacings (dual-mic: 30mm/50mm/70mm; three-mic: 50mm)
  • Fully configurable algorithm parameters for scenario-specific optimization
  • Custom algorithm development services

Typical Applications

Scenario AFE Mode Solution
Speech Recognition AFE_FOR_ASR
  • Applied in human-machine interaction systems, cowork with KWS/ASR modules
  • Smart speakers, voice controlled home devices, smart toys
  • Enhances speech recognition robustness and prioritizes minimal speech distortion
Voice Communication AFE_FOR_COM
  • Applied in real-time human communication systems
  • Conference systems, phone calls, doorbell intercom
  • Optimizes voice quality and emphasizes low latency and low echo/noise leakage

Development Resources

SDK icon SDK Download Link
Doc icon AFE Development Guide Link
Contact icon Contact Us Link

Recommended ICs

Feature RTL8721Dx RTL8726E RTL8713E RTL8730E
AFE Single MIC (Speech Recognition Mode) Y Y Y Y
AFE Single MIC (Voice Communication Mode) - Y Y Y
AFE Dual MIC (Speech Recognition Mode) - Y Y Y
AFE Three MIC (Speech Recognition Mode) - Y Y Y
AEC (Speech Recognition Mode) Y Y Y Y
AEC (Voice Communication Mode) - Y Y Y
BF (Speech Recognition Mode) - Y Y Y
BF (Voice Communication Mode) - - - -
NS (Speech Recognition Mode) Y Y Y Y
NS (Voice Communication Mode) - Y Y Y
AGC (Speech Recognition Mode) Y Y Y Y
AGC (Voice Communication Mode) - Y Y Y
SSL (Speech Recognition Mode) - Y Y Y
SSL (Voice Communication Mode) - - - -