Audio processors are key components of home systems such as active speakers, docking stations, and digital media players. The high level of integration offered by the new STA311B processor makes it ideal for a wide range of home systems, from entry-level to high-end equipment.

HDR signal acquisition allows digital signals with a dynamic range exceeding 130dB to be generated without the need for expensive, high-performance ADCs (Analog-to-Digital Converters). This technique, for which ST has a patent application pending, allows the STA311B to process sounds as low as a whisper or as high as jet engine noise with the same degree of clarity, delivering an unprecedented audio quality.

Housed in a compact 8.0x8.0x0.9mm VFQFPN package, the STA311B embeds eight audio-processing channels with up to 10 independent user-selectable biquadratic filters per channel, input and output mixing capabilities, multi-band dynamic range compression, advanced pop-free operation, auto-detection of input sampling frequency, input and output (pre- and post-processing) RMS (Root Mean Square) metering, ST’s proprietary FFXTM Pulse Width Modulation technology, and HDR acquisition inputs in a single device. This allows audio equipment and subsystem manufactures to reduce costs by developing multiple products based on the same design still tailored for a variety of price/performance scenarios.

The STA311B’s input/output RMS metering function delivers an increased level of safety to the final product without any additional hardware cost. Whereas previous solutions relied on using over-specified and more expensive speakers capable of sustaining high power peaks, the STA311B allows the application to suppress unwanted energy surges that could potentially damage the speakers. The STA311B’s pop-free circuitry also enables a seamless start-up, eliminating unwanted noise due to the bridge charge sequence in both Single-End and Bridge-Tied Load configurations.

The latest member of the well-established Sound Terminal product family, the STA311B is fully supported by ST’s free APWorkbench software development tool that allows all ST audio products to be configured via an intuitive, user-friendly graphical interface.