Highly integrated audio processors power the next generation of advanced consumer audio product designs (0416)

The new cost-effective approach offers previously unknown versatility and design advantages. Micronas family of audio processors integrate DSP-Power, audio connectivity and analog I/O into one universal IC.

Freiburg, Germany, September 14, 2004: Today, Micronas (SWX Swiss Exchange: MASN, Frankfurt: MNSN, Prime Standard Segment, TecDAX) launched a new family of single-chip audio processors. The Micronas Audio Processor (MAP) family contains two series: the MAP 440xA with analog outputs and the MAP 460xA with digital pulse width modulation outputs. The audio processor family is designed to reduce the system cost of modern consumer audio applications like home theater systems, surround sound AV amplifiers, Home Theater in a Box and mini/midi HiFi components with 2.0 to 5.1 channel speaker support, but also the fast-growing market of next-generation in-car audio systems.

For the first time a single, compact mixed-signal IC integrates all the building blocks required for a consumer audio system with various audio processing capabilities. Arranged around a high performance DSP core optimized for audio processing, are analog inputs and outputs together with the corresponding high-quality A/D and D/A converters as well as digital I2S audio ports. The system designer can choose between analog outputs driving classic power amplifier stages or purely digital ports. These outputs, equipped with Micronas' 'Hi-Resolution PWM' technology, are able to feed state-of-the-art "class-D" digital amplifiers.

Software downloads or bootstrap phases can be dispensed with as the powerful firmware is stored on the chips ROM. Audio processing, sampling rate conversion, signal routing and I/O-switching is handled by the integrated DSP software. Included in the software is a set of Micronas proprietary algorithms rounded off with well-known third-party audio technologies.

In this way the new audio processors enable standard features like a seven-band graphic equalizer, 3-band parametric equalizer, programmable bass management and subwoofer filter, as well as advanced features such as Dolby® Pro Logic® II and various BBE® and SRS® technologies. Proprietary Micronas audio technologies like Micronas BASS flexible bass enhancement, Micronas NIGHT mode with dynamic limiter and speech processing and Micronas SOUNDFIELD, a set of different reverb effects like "Cathedral", "Jazz Club" or "Karaoke", top the set of features off. An I2C-bus interface is used for the parameterization and control of the features, which are implemented in the MAP 44/460xA target application.

The MAP 440/460xA family's functionality can be expanded by adding Micronas audio co-processors or related chips, resulting in a flexible and scalable system solution:

• Attaching the MAS 35xyH DSP brings DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 multichannel decoding to the system.
• Adding USB via Micronas UAC 35xyB networks the system to the PC by enabling digital audio playback and recording. Furthermore, the PC can function as a remotely controlled jukebox able to read or write any aspect of the audio system.
• Connecting the MAD 4868A lip-sync delay line eliminates the irritating effect of audio played back earlier than video in a home cinema set up.

The members of the MAP 440/460xA product family are universal core components for the design of scalable audio platforms integrated in home theater audio systems, surround sound AV amplifiers or 2.0 to 5.1-channel HiFi components as well as other advanced applications in home entertainment. These components can also be used in automotive sound systems and multimedia audio devices.

Stefan Hepp, director marketing consumer audio of Micronas explains: "The well balanced system architecture of the ICs, which merges all the required analog functions with a dedicated pre-programmed audio DSP core, provides a rich set of features at comparatively low cost. It makes system design easy, typically replacing a whole set of ICs by one monolithic chip."

All MAP 440/460xA ICs are pin and software compatible. They come in a QFP80 package with 0,8mm pitch or alternatively QFP100 / 0,5mm pitch package. Prices for high volumes range from approximately 2.30 to 4.80 Euros depending on the product version. Evaluation boards as well as extensive design-in support services are available.