Audio-Playback IC Adds Voice Prompts To Systems

The KX1400 audio playback IC is the first in a family of low-cost, highly integrated audio ICs for industrial and consumer applications. Operating either stand-alone or as an MCU peripheral, the IC enables designers to add voice prompts, polyphonic audio alerts, and sound effects to existing or new designs. As a peripheral, the KX1400 requires minimal MCU resources while managing a library of up to 4096 custom pre-recorded audio phrases. It includes a built-in tone generator to enable algorithmic sound effects, as well as an integrated Class-D amplifier/driver capable of directly driving 0.25-W speakers. Also available is the $49 KX1400-DK development kit, which includes all the hardware and software needed to develop a design using the KX1400. The kit includes an evaluation board, a USB adaptor for a host PC, and IDE software to develop control code for the KX1400. The kit also includes audio editing software, WAV and MIDI conversion utilities, and several example projects. The KX1400 audio playback IC operates over a voltage range of 2.7 V to 5.5 V; is available in a 20-pin, 4-mm x 4-mm QFN package; and is rated for operation from -40°C to 85°C. Pricing is $0.83 each in lots of 10,000. KETEREX, Austin, TX. (512) 346-8800.