Micronas Launches Optimized USB Audio Controllers for the Fast Growing Mini and Micro Stereo Markets (0222)

Secures First Orders From Global Consumer Electronics Equipment Manufacturers

Freiburg, Germany -October 23, 2002- Micronas, a leading supplier of IC solutions for multimedia, consumer and automotive electronics, introduced the UAC 3553B, the newest member of its highly integrated family of universal serial bus (USB) controllers optimized for applications used in mini and micro stereo systems. Signs of acceptance for the functionality provided by new audio controllers already surfaced with the first orders from major global suppliers of consumer electronics systems.

The new controllers allow the consumer to stream digital music files from the PC into the stereo and control the system by using the existing buttons on the stereo via the USB interface. The consumer can use the LCD or the on-screen displays on their own systems to show digital file play lists independently from the PC display in the home. The UAC 3553B works closely with Musicmatch® and Winamp® Software, which control communications and audio streaming between stereos and PCs.

"The strong interest from fast growing market segments for the highly integrated audio controllers supports Micronas´ strategy to drive digital audio deeper into the home," said Kai Scheffer, director marketing, multimedia products at Micronas. "The UAC 3553B is a reflection of this strategy. System manufacturers use our audio controllers because they offer extended functionality and lower prices compared to solutions based on standard general purpose products. Its interactivity and the integration into PC software are the key success factors of Micronas' USB solution in mini and micro stereo systems."

Mini and micro stereo systems are the fastest growing segment in the stereo market, eating up market shares from midi systems. With its family of audio controllers, Micronas enables system manufacturers to design added-value stereos by simply adding a single-chip solution, allowing the user to retrieve digital music files from the remote PC and control these files from the stereo. Micronas was the first company to offer single-chip integration combining the communication module, the human interface device (HID) and the Micronas enhanced communications features onto one IC, thus eliminating the needs of an extra controller chip. The advantage for the end user is that there is no need to control anything on PC level. Functions such as play, pause and title selection can be controlled remotely from the stereo. The high bandwidth of the USB interface and the capability of two-way communication enable easy communication between the entertainment system and the PC. Traditional interfaces have not been capable of driving title information, user interface or remote control.

The core functional blocks integrated on the UAC 3553B family include a controller providing the USB interface and a digital processing unit with a high-grade three channel D/A converter.

All versions come in a 44-pin PMQFP package. The UAC 3553B will sell for US$ 2.90 in high quantities.