Sensory Partners with STMicroelectronics and DSP Group on Smart Voice System
Semiconductor provider STMicroelectronics, DSP Group, a provider of wireless chipset solutions for converged communications, and Sensory, a provider of voice interface and keyword-detect algorithms, have teamed up to create a voice-detecting and processing microphone that delivers keyword-recognition capabilities in a compact package.
The small System-in-Package (SiP) device integrates a low-power ST MEMS microphone enabled by DSP Group’s ultra-low power voice-processing chip and Sensory’s voice-recognition firmware.
Using the computation capabilities from DSP Group, ST’s microphone detects and recognizes instructions without waking the main system, enabling energy-efficient, intuitive and seamless interactions for users speaking to voice-operated appliances like smart speakers, TV remotes, and smart home systems.
The new microphone solution taps DSP Group’s HDClear ultra-low power audio processing chip to significantly reduce energy consumption. Responses to voice commands are also faster because the system acts on the instruction immediately without first having to recognize it.
"Voice activation has the potential to transform the way people interact with all kinds of electronic equipment in the home, while on the go, or at work. ST's new highly integrated solution, leveraging our latest-generation firmware, is an important enabler for OEMs seeking to deliver a natural and fluid user experience.," said Todd Mozer, CEO of Sensory, in a statement.
"Unlike previous existing solutions, this microphone doesn't just listen to voices, it immediately understands the commands, too, without using the power and computation resources of the main processor," said Andrea Onetti, MEMS and Sensors Division General Manager at STMicroelectronics, in a statement. "This smart integration step is a key enabler for the voice interfaces that are being added to IoT objects and applications, including those contributing to Industry 4.0."
"As voice becomes the default user interface, more and more innovative products embrace smart voice-processing technology. Our solution combines a small footprint, high integration, and the low-power consumption needed to enable seamless and effective voice user interfaces in battery-operated devices," said Ofer Elyakim, CEO of DSP Group, in a statement. "Collaboration with industry leaders ST and Sensory on this smart microphone brings to market a powerful yet energy-efficient solution with best-in-class performance, which makes it a perfect match for any smart system that needs to incorporate high-quality voice capabilities."
First prototypes of ST's new command-recognition microphone will be available by the end of March, with volume production in early 2018.
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