STMicroelectronics Announces High-performance 18-bit Stereo Digital-analog Converter With Embedded Voice CODEC.

Business Editors

GENEVA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 30, 2001

STw5094 Chip Adds Voice Record and Playback Features to MP3

Players, CD Players, Minidisc Players, FM Radios and Mobile Phones

STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM) has introduced a new high-performance stereo digital-to-analog converter chip that includes a voice coder/decoder (CODEC) to add voice recording and playback capability to a broad range of portable audio products, including digital music (MP3) players, FM radios and mobile phones.

Called STw5094, the new converter chip combines outstanding audio performance and low power consumption - just 13mW operational and 1micronW standby.

Inside the STw5094 chip is an 18-bit delta sigma stereo digital-to-analog converter with multirate sampling frequencies of 8kHz, 11.025kHz, 22.05kHz, 44.1kHz and 48kHz. Samples are fed in to the device through a high-speed I2S bus from a digital decoder such as STMicroelectronics' STA015 MP3 Decoder. Stereo headset earpiece drivers are also integrated for simple, direct connection.

The built in voice CODEC also connects directly to the microphone and earpieces and includes full digital programming of all internal analog op amps, eliminating external components and consequently reducing the overall system cost. Noise is also very low because all of the circuits are integrated on the chip. Application design with the STw5094 is simple and straightforward; in particular no special care is needed in filtering the supply because the device uses mostly differential circuitry to optimize audio performance.

As it integrates a complete subsystem on one chip, the STw5094 is less expensive, more compact and performs better than solutions built with standard converters and amplifiers. The STw5094 also includes an analog input multiplexer to select either the decoded digital music or stereo FM radio signal to be directed to the internal stereo headphone amplifiers. No external components are required for this function. The headset amplifiers in the chip deliver 2x20mW into 30ohms with a 92dB dynamic range, guaranteeing 0.01% total harmonic distortion at 16.5mW output power. The voice CODEC section is similar to the industry standard STw5093 device.

Packaged in a 6x6mm TFBGA36 package, the STw5094 operates on a 1.8 to 3.3V digital supply and 2.7V to 3.3V analog supply.

For evaluation, ST provides a demo board, which includes a mono FM radio receiver and a complete MP3 player based on the STA015 MP3 decoder chip. The board connects to a Windows98 PC through a plug and play USB port and is supplied with user-friendly PC control software that features interactive schematics and register display windows. All of the STw5094 functions can be exercised with a mouse click.

Further information at www.st.com/connectivity

About STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics is the world's third largest independent semiconductor company. The Company shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. The Company designs, develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) and discrete devices used in a wide variety of microelectronic applications, including telecommunications systems, computer systems, consumer products, automotive products and industrial automation and control systems. In 2000, the Company's net revenues were $7,813.2 million and net earnings were $1,452.1 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.