Nuvoton Introduces First Audio SoC with ARM Technology

New ChipCorder ISD9160 Brings 32-bit ARM Cortex Performance to Wide Range of Industrial, Consumer Audio Applications

SAN JOSE, Calif.-- October 10, 2011 --Nuvoton Technology Corp., a leading worldwide provider of semiconductors for consumer and computing applications, today introduced the ChipCorder® ISD9160 system-on-a-chip (SoC) device, the industry’s first ChipCorder to feature a 32-bit ARM® Cortex™-M0 microcontroller core. The ISD9160 is designed to optimize low-power audio recording and playback in a range of demanding industrial applications, such as portable medical devices, security systems, and public transit vehicles, as well as consumer designs, including wireless audio, capacitive button sensing for touch panels, home appliances, toys, and novelty items.

With a Cortex-M0 core running at up to 50MHz, sophisticated power-management features, embedded Flash and SRAM memory, real-time clock (RTC) control, and multiple general-purpose IOs (GPIOs), the ISD9160 enables designers to develop systems and individual products capable of delivering clear, reliable, easily managed audio recording and playback. The latest entry in Nuvoton’s renowned ChipCorder line, 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.

The ISD9160, as with several other members of Nuvoton’s ChipCorder line, also allows an array of consumer products to carry branding messages. This enables manufacturers to distinguish their products with high-quality digital playback of audio-grade sound alerts and corporate audio-logo clips.

“The ChipCorder ISD9160’s ARM core and highly integrated analog features makes it ideal for recording and playback, capacitive button sensing and other demanding audio applications,” said Farid Noory, senior product marketing manager at Nuvoton. “Its architecture assures manufacturers spanning multiple industrial and consumer market segments that they’re designing with an SoC with all the essential features for economical yet powerful audio-based products.”

Pricing, Availability

The ISD9160 is sampling now, with production scheduled for early Q4’11, and priced at $2.50 in volume.