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``Unlike traditional MP3 players, which could only download MP3-coded files from the Internet; the new product generation will enable users to record music from any accessible source,'' said Hubertus von Janecek, marketing manager advanced audio for Micronas. ``The real-time MP3 encoder unit will then transform the music directly into MP3 format, which can be stored on a flash memory card and played back on any MP3 player.''

Von Janecek noted that the MAS 3587F encoder chip will allow Micronas to create a whole new market for itself. ``The consumer market is more interested in products that are able to both record and play music. The large percentage of Mini Disc Recorders compared with Mini Disc Players sold worldwide proves that,'' he said.

Besides the MAS 3587F, only one stand-alone controller and the flash memory card are needed in order to build a complete MP3 recorder, allowing system manufacturers to develop cost-effective portable MP3 recorders.

``Over a hundred companies worldwide are currently using Micronas products in their MP3 appliances and market analysts predict that the market for MP3 decoders alone will triple in volume this year to 5 or 6 million units,'' von Janecek added. ``Just think of what that number will be if the recording feature is added.''

The chip's encoding functions are realized in software. Footprint and pin out of the MAS 3587F are identical to its predecessor, the MAS 3509F. Besides MP3, the MAS 3509F also supports AAC Decoding (Advanced Audio Coding) and various formats of voice recording.

The chips are based on a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), enabling efficient processing of audio data. The highly integrated ICs feature on-chip high performance stereo A/D and D/A converters, as well as headphone and microphone amplifiers. The A/D converter with automatic gain control can convert analog signals into 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, two DC/DC converters allow the chip to run at down to 2 V while other components in the device such as flash memories (requiring 2.7 to 3.3 V) can synchronously run at higher voltage levels. In the encode mode the chip runs on 5,0 V with a clock frequency up to 50MHz; in the decoder mode it runs back to only 2.0 V at 24 MHz. Power consumption in the decoder mode is only 65 milliWatts (mW).

The MASF chip features Micronas Perfect Bass (MPB), integrated audio algorithms that guarantee the highest sound quality and automatic volume control. These features make the listener feel like being in a concert hall. MPB will be available to system developers at no extra license fees.

The product offers both serial and parallel I/Os such as the Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) and comes in 1.4 mm high, 64-pinTQFP (Thin Quad Flat Package) package. The MAS 3587F is priced at under US$12 in large quantities and will be available in volume production from beginning 2001.

About Micronas

Micronas (Switzerland: MASN; Neuer Markt Frankfurt: MNSN) is an international semiconductor company group. Its activities include the development, manufacture and marketing of ICs and sensor system solutions for consumer, multimedia and automotive electronics. The holding is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland and the operational center of the group is located in Freiburg, Germany. Currently, the Micronas group employs over 1200 people. In 1999, it generated over CHF 320 Million. For more information on Micronas and its products, please visit www.micronas.com or e-mail to docservice@micronas.com.

SOURCE: Micronas