Audio CODECs (Coder-Decoder) are not a single brand but a category of integrated circuits or software used to encode and decode digital audio signals. They are developed by various companies worldwide, including major semiconductor manufacturers like Texas Instruments (USA), Analog Devices (USA), Cirrus Logic (USA), and Realtek (Taiwan). These components serve industries such as consumer electronics, telecommunications, automotive, and professional audio equipment. Key products include standalone CODEC chips, DSPs (Digital Signal Processors) with built-in audio processing, and software-based solutions for applications like smartphones, headphones, and audio interfaces. Their primary function is to convert analog audio signals into digital formats (and vice versa) while optimizing quality, latency, and power efficiency.