Several Taiwan-based IC-design houses plan to launch audio system-on-chip (SoC) solutions for flash-based MP3 players in 2005. The design companies include ALi, C-Media Electronics, Ene Technology, Genesys Logic, Integrated Technology Express (ITE), Prolific Technology and Sonix Technology, according to the companies.
Avid Electronics recently began the design-in process for its new flash-MP3 SoC, the A1566. Introduced in September, the A1566 SoC supports FM radio and music formats that include MP3, WMA and ASF.
US-based Sigmatel, a fabless IC-design firm offering flash MP3-controller ICs, anticipates demand for flash-based MP3 players will reach 35-40 million units this year and swell by 30% in 2005.
Background:
SigmaTel leads MP3 player market with audio ICs (Aug-04)
Article translated by Jessie Shen and edited by John McClure
