SigmaTel is the first company to demonstrate an 18-bit, full duplex multimedia audio codec that conforms to the analog component specification of AC'97

Business Wire, Nov 26, 1996

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 26, 1996--

The STAC9701T Audio Codec Was Demonstrated at the Fall Comdex in Conjunction with VLSI Technology's New Songbird(TM) 3-D Audio Chip Via AC-Link

Production estimated for Q'197; samples in January '97

SigmaTel's STAC9701T offers: - Full duplex 18-bit stereo A/D, D/A - AC-link protocol compliance - Single power source from 3V to 5V - Capable of driving and receiving AC-link at either 5 or 3 VDC - Energy saving power down mode - AC'97 compliant mixer - Six analog line-level inputs - Small/Thin 48-pin TQFP package

SigmaTel is proud to announce the first multimedia audio codec designed specifically to meet the requirements of AC'97. The STAC9701T is a high quality audio subsystem used in the PC/microprocessor environment and other audio applications. Interoperability between the STAC9701T and digital controllers (soon to be offered by many different suppliers) is achieved via the controller/codec interconnect (AC-link). Low voltage operation, reduced power consumption, and small TQFP packaging make this part an ideal solution for any audio design from desktops and notebooks, to peripherals. The STAC9701T does not affect compatibility with Legacy and Windows software.

"We demonstrated the STAC9701 at Comdex in Las Vegas to several key customers involved in PC audio," said Spence Jackson, President/CEO of SigmalTel, Inc. "The response was not only positive, but I believe many were surprised to find that SigmaTel was the first to demonstrate an AC'97 codec. Our ability to implement this design quickly, and packaged in the 48-pin TQFP, shows SigmaTel as an emerging force in PC audio."

Features and Benefits

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The STAC9701T is a state-of-the-art custom mixed-signal device with three main audio sections: a stereo analog to digital converter (ADC), a stereo digital to analog converter (DAC), and a digitally controlled analog mixer. SigmaTel's proprietary Sigma-Delta data-converter technology results in greater than 90 dB dynamic range.

The five-wire AC-link provides communication from the STAC9701T to an AC'97 controller, giving flexibility to the audio system design. Our codec can be placed on motherboards, daughterboards, PCMCIA cards, add-on cards and even in speakers. Peripheral interface is accomplished through a PCI bus or externally through a USB connection. A copy of the AC'97 spec may be obtained from Intel at www.intel.com/pc-supp/platform/ac97.

The STAC9701T also offers six analog line-level inputs, a fixed 48k sample rate, low power consumption and a single power supply operation between 3.0V and 5.5V. This design allows the AC-link to receive and drive the serial bus at either 3V or 5V.

Future Plans

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Future generations of the STAC9701 codec will incorporate optional feature as outlined in the Audio Codec 97 (AC97) specification. These features include modem ADC/DAC, tone control, headphone outputs, and an additional audio ADC. A 64-pin TQFP package will be used for some of these derivative parts. Pricing and Availability

The STAC9701T will be available in a 48-pin TQFP (T) package. Samples will be available in January '97, with production in Q1'97. Pricing is USD $6.50 each in quantities of 10,000.

About SigmaTel, Inc.

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SigmaTel has been designing mixed-signal ICs for over three years. Our ST1675 is an example of a 16-bit, stereo multimedia codec for applications requiring direct interface to the ISA bus. This expertise in integrating fine line analog circuits with digital signal processors provides the foundation necessary in our evolution to become a semiconductor chip supplier. SigmaTel is headquartered in Austin, Texas.

CONTACT: Jim Sun,, SigmaTel, 512/343-6636, ext.11,

jims@sigmatel.com,

www.ccsi.com/~sigmatel.