STMicroelectronics Sound Terminal ICs Enable Slimming and Optimal Performance in Home Audio Devices

The new Sound Terminal™ IC, as the industry's first system-on-chip for audio
It allows for a slim design of a 50W audio system without a heatsink.

– STMicroelectronics ( www.st.com ), a world-leading integrated semiconductor company and a leading supplier of high-performance audio ICs, has launched a new Sound Terminal™ digital audio system-on-chip. As the first audio system-on-chip (SoC), the new Sound Terminal™ IC does not require an external heatsink and supports up to 50W output, enabling slimmer home audio designs.

Driven by the lifestyles of consumers seeking high-end audio performance, there is a growing expectation for enthusiast-grade sound quality in the latest home audio equipment, such as music docks, sound bars, and digital active speakers. High-efficiency Class D amplifiers, which generate very little heat, minimize the size of heatsinks and enclosures commonly used in these types of audio products. ST’s newly released Sound Terminal IC, the STA350BW, takes efficiency to the next level, enabling support for up to 50W without the need for a heatsink, thereby supporting extremely slim audio designs.

Like other products in the Sound Terminal family, the STA350BW integrates digital audio processing directly into the chip and employs ST's proprietary innovations, such as Multiband Dynamic Range Compression (MDRC), to improve audio clarity and system reliability. The STA350BW can also compensate for the performance of non-ideal speakers. It achieves exceptional bass performance through the newly added capability of optimizing low-frequency response. Additionally, integrated protection features safeguard the system from various fault conditions. Runtime automatic diagnostic circuitry prevents faults and enhances the overall reliability of the application.

The power stage of this IC utilizes ST’s FFX™ technology to provide full digital audio to speakers. Therefore, it is a configurable product with maximized flexibility, as it supports four runtime output configurations, such as 2.0, 2.1, 1.0 channels, or 2.0 channels with PWM output for an external subwoofer.