Filtering/ESD Protection IC boosts music-phone experience.
Press Release Summary:
Offered as complete filtering and ESD protection IC, EMIF04-EAR02M8 combines EMIF02-MIC03M6 and EMIF02-SPK02F2 for microphone and speaker interfaces into 1.5 x 1.7 mm micro-QFN 8-lead package. It enhances sound quality from portable music players and feature-phones by excluding high-frequency interference from cellphones. Along with attenuation of signals at frequencies from 900-1,900 MHz, IC protects handset's internal components against ESD spikes up to 30 kV.
Original Press Release:
STMicroelectronics Boosts Music-Phone User Experience
Complete filtering and ESD-protection IC for music-phone headset interfaces enhances performance and functionality
Geneva, July 9, 2009 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a leading supplier of semiconductors for consumer products, has introduced a new IC that delivers superior sound quality from portable music players and feature-phones by excluding high-frequency interference from cellphones.
This new device is ideal for the growing number of cellphones being shipped with music-playback capabilities, which iSuppli predicts will grow to exceed one billion handsets annually by 2010, representing more than 90 percent of the market. It will also protect other portable music devices against interference from nearby cellphones.
The EMIF04-EAR02M8, measuring 1.5 x 1.7mm, can replace a network of discrete components or two separate ICs, normally designed into the music player's headset-connection circuitry, saving as much as 72 percent of pc-board space. This gives product developers extra freedom to implement new features. High attenuation of signals at frequencies from 900MHz to 1900MHz allows use in handsets for all cellular standards, as well as multi-band products, without lengthy fine-tuning of each design.
Although a small number of single-chip alternatives are available, only ST's filtering and protection IC provides circuits that are individually optimized for the earphone and microphone connections, which require different filter characteristics. ST has achieved this by combining its existing EMIF02-MIC03M6 and EMIF02-SPK02F2 for microphone and speaker interfaces into a single integrated device. Features to help maximize handset battery life include low-resistance earphone circuitry (0.3 Ohms), resulting in efficient driving of the speakers.
In addition to its highly integrated and optimized filtering, the new IC also provides required protection against electrostatic discharge (ESD) capable of damaging the handset's internal components. By protecting against ESD spikes up to 30kV in direct contact with the signal connections, this new device is more effective than passive ESD-protection components.
The EMIF04-EAR02M8 is available in a micro-QFN 8-lead package, priced at $0.24 for orders over 10,000 units.
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 2008, the Company's net revenues were $9.84 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
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