Akustica, Inc., a company that has popularized the microphone-on-a
chip has aligned with SigmaTel, Inc. (NASDAQ:SGTL), known for its market leadership in the MP3 music machine chip market.
The two have collaborated on a high definition PC based VoIP solution for the voice communications market. That design solution
incorporates Akustica’s CMOS-MEMS silicon microphone and SigmaTel’s audio codec chip, used in the conversion of
voice-to-data and data-to-voice.
The two companies already have come a long way to simplify the design
process for system engineers. As Akustica and SigmaTel have now have in their hands a digital microphone array reference design
for PC notebook implementation. Furthermore, SigmaTel has released new high definition audio codecs that have been specifically
designed to interface directly with Akustica’s microphone on-a-chip.
The market for such a solution is expanding, according to James
Rock, CEO of Akustica, "As seen in Real-Time-Communication programs like MSN Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, and Skype,
speech enabled applications are clearly gaining momentum and, together with SigmaTel, we will enable consumers to experience
superior voice quality. Consistent with their reputation for innovation and creativity, SigmaTel is the first company to demonstrate
a fully integrated and cost-effective digital microphone array solution for notebook computers."
The new solution is also expected to improve Internet based voice
communications according to Phil Pompa, VP at the Integrated Components Group, SigmaTel, "The relationship with Akustica
reinforces our commitment to innovation and providing customers with advanced technology to overcome the design obstacles
many system developers face. In addition, the simplicity and flexibility of Akustica's CMOS-MEMS technology combined with
SigmaTel's new HD Audio codecs enables next generation platforms to support greatly improved voice communications."
