Modular Frequency-Modulation (FM) Music Synthesizer
From iis-projects
Contents
Short Description
Frequency-modulation (FM) synthesis with Yamaha's DX7 digital music synthesizer completely transformed music production in the 80s. Virtually all existing FM synthesizers have a fixed set of "operators," which describe how various (typically 4-to-8) oscillators and envelope generators interact with each other. This project will develop the first *modular* FM synthesis ASIC that provides a large number of freely programmable operators resulting in endless sound-design possibilities compared to existing FM synthesizers.
The goals of this project are as follows: First, the student(s) will develop a modular FM synthesis framework along with a syntax to describe the connections and interactions between oscillators, envelopes, filters, etc. Second, the student(s) will develop a VLSI architecture that interprets the syntax in real time to produce multi-voice FM signals (possibly 16 or 32 simultaneous voices). Third, the student(s) will implement the architecture in a modern CMOS process and send the modular FM synthesis ASIC to fabrication.
Status: Available
- Looking for 1-2 Semester/Bachelor/Master students
- Contact: Christoph Studer
Prerequisites
- Strong interest in music and audio signal processing
- VLSI 1
- VLSI 2 (recommended but not mandatory)
Character
- 20% Syntax specification
- 40% Algorithm development
- 40% VLSI design
