ROM emulation tool for voice-guidance ICs debuts

Seiko Epson Corp. (Epson) has developed a ROM emulation tool that's compatible with its S1V30300 series of voice guidance chips for embedded applications.

The tool is compatible with S1V30300 series voice guidance chips for built-in voice ROM, enabling audio data stored on a PC to be played back in almost the same environment as S1V30300 series ROM data. In response to host CPU commands using a message protocol based on a synchronous serial interface, the tool reads audio data in the PC's virtual ROM and transmits it to a S1V30300 series sample chip.

The tool enables users to embed S1V30300 series chips in their products prior to ordering ROM and check audio quality and playback before placing an order for mask ROM. By integrating the tool into their host program debugging environment, users can also debug their voice output chip using an S1V30300 series chip prior to ordering ROM.

The device offers different connection modes for host CPU and S1V30300 series chips. In the sequencer mode, multiple items of voice data specified by commands from the host CPU are read from the virtual ROM, silent pauses are inserted between data items in accordance with commands and data is compressed into a single item for sending to the S1V30300 series chip. This function emulates playback using the virtual ROM. The second mode, the sequencer without delay mode enables multiple items of voice data specified by commands from the host CPU to be read from the virtual ROM and transmitted to the S1V30300 series chip. The silent pauses specified in the commands are ignored. This function also enables the enunciation of each word contained in the sequencer command to be checked. Finally, the third mode, through mode, allows all commands to be sent directly from the host CPU to the S1V30300 series chip. ROM emulation is switched off.

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A sample emulation implementation using Seiko Epson's ROM emulation tool.

By connecting the S1V30300 series chip evaluation kit, users can employ the kit to evaluate audio data before developing their boards.

The device also features a total of five connections with the host CPU and S1V30300 series chip: 4-line SPI synchronous serial interface + GND.