IC Recorder

Overview

An IC recorder is a device that converts an audio signal into a digital signal and stores the result in solid-state memory. Such products are mainly used to make audio recordings of meetings, interviews, and the like. Digital audio recorders are typically compact, so they use audio compression technology to reduce the file size of the audio signal, which is then stored in flash memory in a format such as MP3. More recently, models have appeared that provide excellent sound quality by saving the uncompressed audio signal as a WAV file.

A digital voice recorder incorporates a microphone, an audio amplifier, and an audio codec. Many models provide simple audio playback in addition to the recording function. In recent years, digital voice recorders have moved toward smaller sizes and greater storage capacities. Numerous models provide enhanced convenience through features such as a USB or other interface, allowing management of audio data files on a PC.

To enable features such as these, MCUs for digital voice recorders must provide an integrated LCD drive circuit for compactness and have low power consumption to help achieve extended battery life.

The 78K0/Lx3 and the R8C/Lx series of MCUs from Renesas Electronics combine high performance, compact size, and low power consumption. Besides MCUs, our range of solutions for digital voice recorder designs includes op-amps and USB controllers.