Rohm recently announced the development of a USB audio decoder IC that enables audio playback of MP3 files from CD-ROM and USB memory using just a single chip, making it ideal for a variety of equipment, including AV receivers, radio players, and stereo component systems.
Picture: Rohm
Rohm offers a lineup of single-chip USB audio decoders for different file formats, along with a series for car audio featuring greater ESD resistance. The number and type of applications using USB and SD memory is only expected to grow in the future, for example by adding encoding capability that allows the user to record and listen to music while driving without requiring dedicated equipment.
Rohm says its new chip, the BU94702AKV, meets market needs by enabling MP3 and CD-ROM playback and USB memory recording on a single chip. Additional features include USB/SD memory card host functionality, MP3/AAC/WMA decoder, FAT file system, and a music search function (file browser) that allows track selection during playback.
Also, built-in LDO and DAC circuits enable easy configuration of an audio system by simply connecting a power supply audio amp, and speakers. Compact and lightweight, the VQFP80 package makes it possible to add audio functionality to a wide range of applications beyond audio-only devices, such as alarm clocks, relaxation products (ie. massage chairs), electronic dictionaries, and digital cameras.
ECN Europe 