SAN JOSE, Calif. – Sept. 9, 2009 – Nuvoton Technology Corp., a leading worldwide provider of semiconductors for consumer and computing applications, today announced the first in its family of next-generation Pro-X Series (PROgrammable Extended) CODEC/SLCC devices. The new N681386 supports one Foreign Exchange Station (FXS), combining programmable CODEC, SLCC (Subscriber Line Control Circuit) and DC-to-DC controller on a single CMOS circuit. Pin-to-pin-compatible N681387 adds wideband capability (16kHz) operation, unleashing VoIP audio advantages over traditional telephony systems.

These next generation CODECs are the industry's first to feature an innovative new architecture designed to reduce power consumption across all operation states -- particularly, in the On-Hook state – by as much as 65 percent of the previous generation. This reduction enables designers to develop more energy-conscious Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) with longer battery lifetimes. Additionally, the new architecture distributes temperature evenly across the design, ensuring that no hot spots develop within end-user systems, keeping the complete FXS solution below 86°F/30°C for a typical configuration -- even in the most demanding operating mode. As a result, designers struggling to incorporate FXS ports into products with minimal ventilation will realize significant advantages by using the N681386 or N681387.

These advantages, however, have been achieved without sacrificing audio performance. Nuvoton's industry-leading audio performance benchmarks include typical Idle Channel Noise (ICN) as low as 4dBRNC and typical Return Loss of 40dB, which directly translate into superior Voice Quality Test (VQT) scores for end-user systems.

The N681386 and N681387's introduction will be followed within weeks by two more members of Nuvoton's next-generation CODECs: the N682386 and N682387. The N682386 and N682387 provide narrowband and wideband operation, respectively, and support two FXS ports each. All four devices can operate with an external low-cost discrete front-end or be combined with Nuvoton's forthcoming N681622 SLFC device (Subscriber Line Feed Circuit), which will integrate all front-end transistors into a single low-cost package.

"By developing a unique architecture that enables the combination of dramatically lower power consumption and temperature with impeccable audio performance, Nuvoton is empowering designers to create highly efficient yet powerful systems to meet stringent demands of their end-user customers," said Saleel Awsare, president, Nuvoton Technology Corp. America. "These next-generation solutions will enable those designers to achieve their design targets quickly and cost-effectively."

N681387, N681387, N682386 and N682387 will support programmable worldwide impedance matching and trans-hybrid balancing. The DC-to-DC controller features power tracking features in On-Hook, Off-Hook and Ringing states to help minimize power consumption. Enhanced diagnostics for Metallic Loop Testing/GR-909 implementation, as well as system level control features -- such as tight system and chip temperature monitoring -- facilitate extensive remote diagnostics and reduce the total cost of ownership.

Evaluation boards for performance testing, along with low-level device drivers for rapid prototyping and easy migration, are available now. The N681386 and N681387 are available in LQFP-48 and QFN-48 packages, while the dual-channel N682386 and N682387 will be available in a TQFP-64 package. Pricing for all four begins at $1.30 per channel in volumes of 10K.

About Nuvoton Technology

Nuvoton Technology Corp. was established in July 2008 as an affiliate of Winbond Electronics Corp.. Nuvoton focuses on the development of two main product lines, including consumer electronics ICs and computer ICs. Nuvoton operates a six-inch wafer fab, and which provides foundry service for the company's own branded IC products, as well as for selected manufacturing partners.

Nuvoton Technology Corp. has the advantages of core technology and customer relationships from over 20 years’ experience in IC design, manufacturing and product sale. Based on everlasting enhancement in product innovation and manufacturing efficiencies, Nuvoton provides superior service to its customers. Nuvoton will continue to realize its vision: "Be the indispensable partner to industry leaders." In line with the value Nuvoton places on its long-term relationship with its partners and customers, the company has established subsidiaries in the USA, China and Israel to strengthen regional customer support, service and global management. For more information, please visit www.nuvoton.com and www.nuvoton-usa.com.

*Note: Nuvoton is a registered trademark of Nuvoton Technology Corp. All other trademarks and copyrights mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

Product Contact: 
Frank Dowling
Director of Marketing
Product Marketing Department
Nuvoton Technology Corporation America
Email: FDOWLING@nuvoton.com
Tel: + 1-408-5441718 ext.1679

Editorial Contact, US & Europe: 
Jerry Steach 
CommonGround Communications (for Nuvoton) 
Email: jsteach@pacbell.net
Tel: + 1-415-222-9996

News Contact, Asia: 
Erin Chou
Professional Assistant Manager
Sales Promotion
Nuvoton Technology Corporation
Email: chchou7@nuvoton.com
Tel: +886-3-5770066 ext.1086