STMicroelectronics announced a 24-bit audio DAC (digital to analog converter) that is intended for the mobile music market and provides 103dB signal-to-noise ratio through the whole audio path, while also embedding the company's PTETM Playback Time Extender processing scheme to minimize power consumption. The single-chip STw5210 audio solution also integrates power management circuitry to simplify system design and enable direct connection to the battery, and is available in small TFBGA and VFQFPN packages and, soon, in a tiny 2.6 x 2.6mm WLCSP. The STw5210 embeds a PTE block, allowing music to be played autonomously, driven by the phone's 32kHz clock while the rest of the platform is switched into a power-saving state.

For more advanced multimedia smart phones, the STw5210 is also a match for ST's STn8810/8815 NomadikT multimedia processor family and its companion STw4810/4811 power management unit, as well as the TS4962 high-efficiency Class D audio power amplifier for loudspeaker outputs. The chip is also suited for any mobile music application based upon competitive companion devices, but especially in mobile phone platforms where playback time is likely to see the greatest increase.

Samples are available, with volume production planned for March 2008. It is packaged in a 4 x 4 x 1.2mm TFBGA40, with 0.5mm ball pitch, and a 7 x 7 x 1mm in QFN44, with 0.5mm pitch. A 2.6 x 2.6 x 0.6mm WLCSP36 packaged version, with 0.4mm ball pitch, is planned for introduction in Q3 2008. The DAC is priced at $1.80 in quantities of 1000 units.