"The AS3521 is a totally self-contained digital audio system-on-a-chip," said John Heugle, CEO of austriamicrosystems AG. "This makes it ideal for Flash memory based music players. The AS3521 plays MP3 as well as WMA and AAC-encoded songs from the music memory. Melodies can be stored in both the internal Flash memory and on a Secure Digital card. A graphical LCD, which supports both western and Asian characters, enables users to easily navigate the playlist and establish the preferred sound settings."

In true plug-and-play fashion, when the music player is connected to a PC via a USB 2.0 full-speed interface it is immediately identified as an external storage device, and two external drive icons, which represent the player's internal and the external music storage, are displayed on the PC screen.

No dedicated drivers or cumbersome installation procedures are required. The AS3521 controls the player's USB link and the music Flash memory. It can handle fast music downloads as well as uploads of recorded voice notes or radio programmes.

austriamicrosystems' mobile entertainment chip drives both a stereo headset and stereo speakers and increases the user's listening pleasure by providing 3D enhanced stereo sound. A freely configurable equaliser enables the user to adjust the music to his or her personal taste. Stereo FM radio programmes can be merged into the audio stream. The AS3521 controls the FM radio via a dedicated serial interface.

austriamicrosystems' mobile music chip has its own internal programmable power management unit saving valuable PCB space and costs of external components. It also supplies regulated battery power to the FM module.

"The AS3521's comprehensive system concept together with a powerful firmware library, software design tool suite and local native-language application support has enabled our customer to get the music player to market within a matter of months. This demonstrates how austriamicrosystems' technological competence and customer-oriented product design help customers achieve fast design cycles," said Heugle.

About austriamicrosystems
austriamicrosystems AG is a leading designer and manufacturer of highly integrated analog intensive mixed signal ICs. austriamicrosystems combines more than 20 years of design capabilities, product and marketing know-how with its own cutting edge analog manufacturing and test facilities. Operating worldwide with more than 800 employees, austriamicrosystems serves four strategic markets: Communications, Industry & Medical, Automotive and Full-Service Foundry. austriamicrosystems AG is listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange in Zurich (ticker symbol: AMS).