[August 10, 2011] STMicroelectronics releases two new Sound Terminal digital-audio ICs Tweet Aug 10, 2011 (Datamonitor via COMTEX) -- STMicroelectronics, a supplier of system-on-chip IC's, has released two new Sound Terminal digital-audio system-on-chip ICs for home-entertainment applications, which will enable smaller new-product designs while also running cooler to help designers meet tough product-safety requirements. Home-entertainment innovations such as flat-panel TVs and music docks enable consumers to enjoy room-filling audio without needing a roomful of audio equipment. ST's Sound Terminal system-on-chip ICs have taken a leading role in enabling new generations of smaller, slimmer products by combining digital audio processing, speaker drivers and other functions on a single chip. ST's Sound Terminal ICs are now used in about 30% of the flat-panel TVs sold worldwide, based on data from market analyst iSuppli. The new STA381BW and STA381BWS are optimized for flat-panel TVs and enable designers to reduce pc-board sizes further by consolidating a headphone driver, line-driver output, and an independent digital-to-analog converter (DAC). These functions typically require three additional ICs. The integrated DAC provides an extra analog output that can be connected to the headphone input or to an external circuit, and uses ST's F3X technology to simplify external filtering. The headphone driver and industry-standard 2Vpp line out, which require no DC blocking capacitors, also save external components and hence maximize reductions in pc-board size and manufacturing costs. In addition, the STA381BW and STA381BWS deliver best-in-class thermal performance through a combination of high energy efficiency, proprietary ternary PWM modulation and enhanced package design, enabling lower operating temperatures. This simplifies thermal management, helping to ensure that the TV's chassis temperature meets product safety criteria such as UL or CE specifications. The STA381BW and STA381BWS can deliver up to 15W output power (24V, 8ohm load), maintaining the IC's temperature at 55.4C. http://www.datamonitor.com Republication or redistribution, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without prior written consent. Datamonitor shall not be liable for errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]