Micronas introduces next-generation MP3 decoder (0001)

Smaller MP3 devices with longer play time:

February 2000 - At CeBIT 2000 in Hanover, Germany, Micronas demonstrated its latest generation of MP3 decoders. The MAS 3509F is based on a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), enabling efficient processing of audio data. It is the successor of the highly successful MAS 3507D with which Micronas reached a worldwide market share of 90 % in 1999.

"With this new generation of MP3 decoders, Micronas can expand its worldwide leadership position in MP3 chips for consumer applications", said Hubertus von Janecek, Marketing Manager Advanced Audio for Micronas. "The world market for this specific type of chips will triple in volume this year to 5 or 6 million units. Micronas, today, has sold over 2 million of these chips and aims to secure its dominant market position again in 2000."

Over a hundred companies worldwide are currently using Micronas products in their MP3 appliances and are developing new ones around the Micronas chips. Nine out of every ten MP3 applications today hold Micronas chips.

The very low power consuming IC is highly integrated with an A/D and a D/A converter on the chip. The additional integration of two DC/DC converters allows the chip to run on 2 volts while other components in the device that require more, like Flash memory, can synchronously run at higher voltages (3.3 V). This high level of integration enables system manufacturers to produce cheaper, smaller, and more attractive looking MP3 devices because they can now run on only one battery.

Although the MAS 3509F has a much higher degree of integration, it runs on only 65 milliwatts (mW) whereas its predecessor, without a D/A converter on the chip, required 86 mW. This is the result of the optimization of the design of building blocks to 2.0 V instead of the previous generation's 2.7 V.

Besides MP3, the new decoder also supports AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) and various formats for voice recording and has designed-in functions to comply with the Secure Digital Music Initiative (SDMI) requirements regarding the security of copyrights and reproduction rights.

The heart of the MAS 3509F is the processor core that has been developed especially for playing psychoacoustic compressed data flows like MP3 or AAC. The A/D converter with Automatic Gain Control can convert analog signals for speech recording into higher-quality digital signals. The D/A converter reaches a signal-to-noise ratio of 95 dB and delivers an output of 5 to 15 mW.

Additionally, the chip features Micronas Perfect Audio (MPA), integrated audio algorithms that guarantee the highest sound quality including automatic volume control, a five-band or parametric equalizer, bass boost, and dynamic bass enhancement or virtualizer (3D sound). These features make the listener feel like he or she is in a concert hall. The MPA feature will be available to system developers at no extra license fees.

The product offers both serial and parallel in/output such as the Sony Philips Digital Interfaces (SPDIF) and comes in 1.4 mm high, 64-pin TQFP (Thin Quad Flat Package) packaging. In large quantities, the MAS 3509F will cost less than USD $ 10 and will be available in Q2 of this year. Micronas will start volume production by early summer 2000.