Smart Voice Processors from STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications and a leading supplier of audio ICs, has introduced a digital audio processor for multi-microphone applications. ST's new Smart Voice product family combines superior processing performance with unparalleled scalability and programmability to bring dramatic sound-quality improvements to mobile phones, tablets, gaming devices and video security systems. The Smart Voice audio processors unleash the powerful capabilities of digital MEMS microphones in multi-microphone arrays, especially for ST's MEMS microphones, enabling features like acoustic echo cancellation, noise suppression, or beam-forming, which are invaluable with the increasing use of cell phones and other consumer devices in noisy and uncontrollable environments. Multi-microphone systems also address next-generation audio applications, such as 3D sound processing, sound-source localization, virtual microphones, and audio zooming. The combination of ST's Smart Voice processors and digital MEMS microphones creates a powerful and flexible acoustic sub-system that brings crucial advantages to equipment manufacturers and users alike. Manufacturers will benefit from a simplified system design, which reduces costs and time to market and facilitates end-product differentiation, while consumers will enjoy clearer conversations and longer battery life on their devices. A technology breakthrough, ST's newest digital audio processor is based on an optimized hard-wired acoustic processing engine that offloads intensive computing tasks from the main application processor. It handles up to 6 digital microphone inputs with dynamic array re-configuration and dedicated channel processing. The device integrates a high-quality scalable acoustic processing core with a tunable 10-band equalizer, a peak limiter, and gain and volume controls. The data are output through a digital (I2S) or analog (PWM) interface. ST's Smart Voice processors come in a bundle with AP Workbench, a user-friendly programming tool, and together with the Company's MEMS microphones and Sound Terminal class-D audio amplifiers they form a complete one-stop offering for advanced sound-input applications. The STA321MPL, the first device in ST's Smart Voice family, is sampling now. Mass production is scheduled for Q2 2012, with unit pricing at $4 for volumes in the range of 1,000 pieces. If your company has a high-volume need, please contact your ST sales office. About STMicroelectronics STMicroelectronics is a global leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications with innovative semiconductor solutions. ST aims to be the undisputed leader in multimedia convergence and power applications leveraging its vast array of technologies, design expertise and combination of intellectual property portfolio, strategic partnerships and manufacturing strength. In 2010, the Company's net revenues were $10.35 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com