Digital Microphone Chip Improves Voice Quality On Convertible Tablet PC

Pittsburgh, PA - Akustica, Inc., an acoustic system-on-chip solutions company, recently announced that Fujitsu Computer Systems Corporation has chosen to use AKU2000 microphones for the embedded microphone array in its LifeBook T4215 convertible Tablet PC.

Akustica's AKU2000 is believed to be the world's first Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) microphone. As one of Akustica's digital microphones, it is a member of the only family of single-chip silicon microphones in the industry today.

"High-quality voice recording is becoming essential to mobile users as they rely more on their Tablet PC to conduct their day-to-day tasks. Demands for voice annotating files and interest in applications such as Voice over IP are increasing in vertical markets such as healthcare," said Paul Moore, Sr. Director of Mobile Product Marketing, Fujitsu Computer Systems. "By deploying the Akustica AKU2000 microphones in the LifeBook T4215 Tablet PC, Fujitsu can provide a superior voice input solution in a convertible tablet without compromising the form factor."

Akustica's Microphone Chips were selected by Fujitsu for a variety of factors, including:

• RFI/EMI Immunity — The AKU2000 is a complete Voice-to-Bits audio solution, immune to Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) from nearby sources, allowing the microphone array to be placed easily in the display bezel without regard to antenna or display noise. This RFI/EMI immunity provided by the Voice-to-Bits solution is a result of both the single-chip construction of the AKU2000 and the digital output that comes from the integrated sigma-delta modulator. The end result is a robust microphone array which does not require additional circuitry or shielded cabling, allowing the microphone array wiring to easily fit the bi-directional LCD hinge of the LifeBook T4215;
• Small size — The AKU2000 microphones are tiny enough to be embedded in the bezel of the Fujitsu tablet alongside the LCD, the best position for recording sound on a tablet PC;
• Standard CMOS — Because the AKU2000 is a CMOS MEMS chip, it can be manufactured in quantity with guaranteed uniformity, a factor that is critically important to manufacturers. Uniform performance between microphones is also important in applications such as the LifeBook T4215 in which noise suppression software is used in conjunction with the microphone array to further enhance the voice input quality.

"Laptop buyers and laptop manufacturers have been historically focused on the quality of audio output, not input," said Rob Enderle, Principal Analyst, Enderle Group. "With the proliferation of VoIP applications coupled with rapid increase in VoIP users in many markets, manufacturers are recognizing the importance of sound quality. As a result, digital microphones such as Akustica's are becoming increasingly critical in laptop designs to better address this growing VoIP user base. These microphones dramatically improve the quality of voice input, therefore improving the performance of VoIP and other voice-enabled applications."

The ultra-light 4.3-pound LifeBook T4215 Tablet PC is designed to meet the needs of mobile and field professionals in healthcare, field and sales force automation, and supply chain management who require the flexibility of a tablet for notetaking or navigating through forms-based applications, along with the traditional keyboard input of a notebook computer.

Powered by the high-performance, power-efficient Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, the Microsoft Windows Vista-capable LifeBook T4215 Tablet PC is the only convertible Tablet PC on the market with a built-in modular bay that supports an optical drive or an additional battery. The T4215 Tablet PC, which delivers renowned Fujitsu reliability is further distinguished by the industry's first bi-directional display hinge, offering the ability to turn the screen in both directions for added convenience and flexibility.

The LifeBook T4215 Tablet PC is immediately available through the Fujitsu direct sales force, website, channel partners and select retail outlets. Information is available at www.shopfujitsu.com.

The AKU2000 microphone is in production now. For more information on Akustica, you can contact Akustica via phone: (412) 390-1730, Fax (412) 390-1737, email: contact@akustica.com or the Web: www.akustica.com.

SOURCE: Akustica, Inc.