STMicroelectronics has unveiled an audio processing chip that connects directly to miniature microphones and provides a way of boosting performance from small, low-cost, or even damaged speakers.

The STA321MP, joins ST's SoundTerminal audio IC family, and features a built-in interface for a MEMS digital microphone as well as a standard microphone input. In addition, the STA321MP has a second MEMS input that can be connected to a sensor for detecting speaker movements. This allows designers to apply active-sound shaping to optimize speaker performance. In active-sound shaping, the processor compensates automatically for distortion or damage to the speaker enabling high-quality audio performance from over-driven speakers or from those with torn or restricted-movement cones.

Support for designers includes complete development kits for MEMS-based systems, as well as the APWorkbench graphical development environment. APWorkbench helps designers configure Sound Terminal products, and includes features for setting up active sound shaping.

The STA321MP is available now in a 7 x 7mm QFN package, priced at $3.00 in quantities of 1000.