The Skylark-A designed in hardwired logic is a low-power multimedia processor that combines MP3 encoder, decoder, direct memory access (DMA) controller, universal serial bus (USB) controller, 8-bit MCU, and other media interfaces such as multimedia card (MMC) and smart media card (SMC). Domestic ASIC developers Enhanced Chip Technology and Mobile Doctor succeeded in developing this codec chip for MP3 players with reduced power consumption. The two companies focused on extending battery life by using intelligent operational recognition technology to reduce unnecessary power consumption.
'Since portable convergence devices have become popular, adding various optional functions and reducing power consumption have been hot issues in the MP3 player market. We are planning to launch future products with incorporating USB 2.0 interface and WMA replay in the second half of this year,' says Yong-hyup Oh, director of Enhanced Chip Technology's research center.
Applying Samsung Electronics' 0.25-micron standard cell technology, the chip features small size and lower current consumption by 25 to 40% as compared with other types in the market, 5mA in decoding and 6mA in encoding (only MP3 codec) at 3.3V. With decoders in SET devices, the chip enables consecutive replaying for over 20 hours with AAA batteries, and even 40 hours with AA batteries. 'The chip is upgraded in supporting MPEG 2.5 decoding and 4Kbps voice recording with one format while providing audio/voice noise filter. It also supports the large capacity of NAND 1Gb mono chip (advanced flash memory) as well as normal flash memory chips,' adds Oh. In addition, the chip is embedded with USB 1.1 interface for future MP3 players incorporating portable flash storage devices, and various media interfaces including MMC and SD cards. The voice over recorder (VOR) function in the chip prevents recording in a silent environment by skipping sounds below a certain decibel.
Enhanced Chip Technology is expecting to sell 500,000 units this year targeting mainly Korean and Chinese markets.
The Skylark-A designed in hardwired logic is a low-power multimedia processor that combines MP3 encoder, decoder, direct memory access (DMA) controller, universal serial bus (USB) controller, 8-bit MCU, and other media interfaces such as multimedia card (MMC) and smart media card (SMC). Domestic ASIC developers Enhanced Chip Technology and Mobile Doctor succeeded in developing this codec chip for MP3 players with reduced power consumption. The two companies focused on extending battery life by using intelligent operational recognition technology to reduce unnecessary power consumption.
