Nuvoton Technology introduced the ChipCorder ISD9160 system-on-a-chip (SoC) device, which features a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0 microcontroller core.  The IC is designed to optimize low-power audio recording and playback in portable medical devices. With a processor core running at up to 50 MHz, sophisticated power-management features, embedded flash and SRAM memory, real-time clock (RTC) control, and multiple general-purpose IOs (GPIOs), the ISD9160 lets designers develop systems and individual products capable of delivering clear, reliable, easily managed audio recording and playback.

The ISD9160 also simplifies products’ design time and reduces bill-of-materials costs; the chip’s highly integrated architecture eliminates the need for various periphery chips. It incorporates several audio interfaces – microphone, speaker driver and I2S – and eight analog GPIOs for capacitive sensing and analog functions.  It also features five power-saving modes that enable the device to operate under differing voltage allowances, making it ideal for portable/battery-powered products.  Taking advantage of the Cortex-M0’s processing engine, the ISD9160 also enables applications with CPU-intensive features, such as voice recognition, audio/voice prompting, and extended recording/playback.

The ARM Cortex-M0 in the ISD9160 delivers 32-bit performance and low power consumption, but at a price point closer to that of an 8-bit microcontroller.  Its 32-bit architecture enables designers to develop complicated algorithms such as voice recognition, text-to-speech and capacitive sensing – applications that at one time required DSPs and/or other high-end, ARM-based devices.
 
The ISD9160 is sampling now, with production scheduled for early Q4’11, and priced at $2.50 in volume.

Richard Nass