Micronas Launches New USB Keyboard Controller Enabling Desktop VoIP (0302)
New USB Controller Drives Implementation of Audio into the Keyboard
Freiburg, Germany -February 5, 2003- Micronas (SWX Swiss Exchange: MASN, Neuer Markt Frankfurt: MNSN) today launched the latest member of its UAC 355xB device family of highly integrated Universal Serial Bus (USB) controllers. The new UAC 3556B is designed to enable Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) functionality, integrating an additional audio channel directly into existing keyboard architectures.
Following Microsoft's Real Time Communications (RTC) protocol, the UAC 3556B USB keyboard controller creates a dedicated audio channel completely independent from the sound card. By establishing a separate line for the VoIP functionality, interference generated by PC audio signals, like voicemail notification and gaming sounds, is eliminated. Additionally, integrating the audio channel directly into the keyboard allows easy user-access to a more complete range of functions.
"The key to the successful implementation of USB keyboards is adding value to the end user which means increasing keyboard functionality," said Kai Scheffer, director marketing, multimedia products at Micronas. "By putting an external audio channel into the keyboard, in closer proximity to the user, the UAC 3556B delivers greater audio functionality and control. Its compatibility with existing PS/2 keyboard standards also gives manufacturers the flexibility to quickly upgrade to a full USB architecture."
With its family of highly integrated audio controllers, Micronas enables system manufacturers to design added-value keyboards by simply adding the Micronas single chip solution. Combined with the implementation of audio controls (volume, mute, headset switches) and multimedia keys, like CD playback or web cam launch, integrating audio into USB keyboards will greatly improve the user's comfort in getting direct, easy access to more audio functions.
The integration of the UAC 3556B controller reduces signal interference from other audio applications as D/A conversion is performed externally from the PC, essential for the implementation of a high-quality VoIP functionality. The core functional blocks integrated on the controller include a USB interface, a digital processing unit with a D/A and A/D stereo converter for direct interface between audio devices such as microphones, loudspeakers and headsets, and a PS/2 bridge interface for keyboard control functions.
Samples will be available in Q1, 2003 and production will start in Q2, 2003. The UAC 3556B comes in two packages: 64-pin PMQFP and 64-pin PQFN, and will sell for below US$ 4.00.