'Always listening' SoC facilitates voice activation

This phrase can be any series of sounds, and is neither speech nor language dependent. Upon recognising this trigger phrase, BelaSigna R281 will assert a wake-up signal which, when connected to a host controller, alleviates the need for users to touch their device to wake it prior to use.

Based on ultra-low-power technology developed for the advanced hearing aid solutions that the company is already well-known for, BelaSigna R281 has virtually no impact on standby battery life. Unlike some standalone solutions which are only compatible with digital microphones, BelaSigna R281’s mixed-signal architecture works with both analogue and digital microphone signals. The device provides a configurable, regulated microphone supply to facilitate simple integration. Other key features of BelaSigna R281 include an I²C interface for configuration and control, a configurable GPIO wake-up signal and an internal oscillator.

BelaSigna R281 is supplied in a 5x5mm QFN32 package and will soon also be available in an ultra-miniature 2.42x2.74mm WLCSP. Both packages can be designed onto a single-sided PCB with 4 mil routing and a minimal amount of external components, providing one of the simplest solutions available for always-on, always-listening voice trigger.

Michel De Mey, Senior Director, ON Semiconductor, commented: “As the popularity of portable and wearable electronics devices has continued to grow, so has the demand for true hands-free operation. BelaSigna R281 supports voice triggered wake-up without placing unacceptable demands in terms of power, space, design-in complexity and cost.”