ISD17120SY - 120sec Voice Record/Playback IC | Nuvoton | SOIC-28
MPN: ISD17120SY ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.42 | $6.42 |
| 10 | $5.91 | $59.10 |
| 100 | $5.18 | $518.00 |
| 500 | $4.65 | $2,325.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.12 | $4,120.00 |
ISD17120SY Overview
A voice record/playback IC is a fully integrated solid-state audio recorder that combines non-volatile memory, an analog microphone preamplifier, anti-aliasing filter, automatic gain control (AGC), speaker driver, and a PWM output stage on a single die. It belongs to the ChipCorder family of multi-message ICs within the broader audio IC hierarchy: voice record/playback IC -> audio IC -> interface IC -> mixed-signal semiconductor. The on-chip EEPROM-style storage eliminates external memory components, while the integrated class-D-compatible PWM output can directly drive a piezo speaker or feed an external amplifier.
Key features include user-friendly pushbutton mode with seven pre-defined triggers (REC, PLAY, FT, ERASE, VOL, RDY, RESET), an SPI-compatible serial interface for microcontroller control, variable sample rate selection (4, 5.3, 6.4, 8 kHz) that adjusts duration and bandwidth, an onboard microphone preamplifier with AGC, and a 2.4 V to 5.5 V single supply that suits both 3.3 V and 5 V rails. The device supports up to 240 seconds of recording at 4 kHz sample rate, with messages stored as solid-state samples requiring no compression algorithm.
The ISD17120SY uses Nuvoton's patented multilevel storage technology on a single die, providing non-volatile storage that retains recordings without power. The architecture eliminates the need for digital compression ICs, ADCs, DACs, or external memory, dramatically simplifying BOM for voice prompts in cost-sensitive embedded designs. Voice playback quality is selectable through the sample-rate pin, trading bandwidth (3.4 kHz max) for duration (up to 240 s).
Typical applications include voice prompts in industrial equipment, security alarm panels, medical alert devices, toys and consumer appliances, elevator floor announcements, and automotive aftermarket accessories. Designers select this part when they need 60 to 240 seconds of robust, non-volatile audio in a single 28-pin IC.
When designing with this device, place the bypass capacitor (typically 0.1 uF) within 5 mm of the VCC pin and route the SP+/SP- differential outputs as short as possible to minimize EMI from the PWM carrier. Verify speaker impedance matches the output stage's drive capability, typically 8 ohm or higher for piezo transducers.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-brand duration variants, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ISD17120SY — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with ISD17120SY (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Interface, Operating Temperature, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ISD17240SY
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ISD17210SY
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ISD17150SY
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ISD17100SY
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ISD17120SY Specifications
| Product Type | Voice Record/Playback IC |
| Series | ChipCorder ISD1700 |
| Duration Range | 80 to 240 sec (120 sec typical at 8 kHz) |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 2.4 V to 5.5 V |
| Interface | Pushbutton, SPI |
| Sample Rate Options | 4 kHz, 5.3 kHz, 6.4 kHz, 8 kHz |
| Audio Bandwidth | Up to 3.4 kHz (at 8 kHz sample rate) |
| Output Type | PWM (differential SP+/SP-) |
| Microphone Input | Differential analog with on-chip preamp + AGC |
| Number of Messages | Multiple messages (segmented) |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (300 mil, SY suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C |
| Storage Type | On-chip non-volatile (no external memory required) |
| Pb-Free | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
ISD17120SY Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VCC — Power supply, 2.4 V to 5.5 V |
| Pin 2 | SP+ — Speaker output positive (PWM) |
| Pin 3 | SP- — Speaker output negative (PWM) |
| Pin 4 | VCC — Power supply (tie to pin 1) |
| Pin 5 | MIC+ — Microphone positive input |
| Pin 6 | MIC- — Microphone negative input |
| Pin 7 | AGC — Automatic gain control capacitor |
| Pin 8 | ANA_IN — Analog input (alternate to MIC) |
| Pin 9 | ANA_OUT — Analog output |
| Pin 10 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 11 | REC — Pushbutton: Record trigger |
| Pin 12 | PLAY — Pushbutton: Play trigger |
| Pin 13 | FT — Pushbutton: Forward to next message |
| Pin 14 | ERASE — Pushbutton: Erase current message |
| Pin 15 | VOL — Pushbutton: Volume cycle |
| Pin 16 | RDY — Pushbutton: Ready/busy indicator |
| Pin 17 | RESET — Pushbutton: Reset |
| Pin 18 | SCLK — SPI clock |
| Pin 19 | MOSI — SPI master-out slave-in |
| Pin 20 | MISO — SPI master-in slave-out |
| Pin 21 | SS — SPI slave select |
| Pin 22 | INT — Interrupt output |
| Pin 23 | ROSC — Resistor for sample-rate setting |
| Pin 24 | SAMP — Sample rate select |
| Pin 25 | LED — LED drive indicator |
| Pin 26 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 27 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 28 | VCC — Power supply (tie to pin 1) |
Typical Applications
ISD17120SY is suitable for 6 applications: Security Alarm Voice Announcer, Industrial Equipment Status Announcer, Medical Alert and Pill-Reminder Devices, Toy and Consumer Appliance Voice Prompts, Elevator and Access-Control Announcer, Automotive Aftermarket Voice Modules.
Security Alarm Voice Announcer
The ISD17120SY delivers crisp voice prompts for intrusion and fire alarm panels, replacing fragile tape-loop announcers. Its 80 to 240 second capacity supports multiple messages such as 'Intruder detected in zone 2', 'Smoke alarm activated', and 'System armed in stay mode' on a single chip. The 2.4 V to 5.5 V range operates directly from backup-battery voltages, and the integrated PWM output drives an 8-ohm piezo speaker without a separate amplifier. Designers can choose between pushbutton mode for fixed message sequences or SPI mode for panel-controlled message selection. The non-volatile storage retains announcements through power cycles, critical for alarm systems that must sound even after a brownout.
Recommended
Industrial Equipment Status Announcer
In factory automation and process-control equipment, the ISD17120SY provides multilingual or detailed fault announcements without a microcontroller hosting audio codecs. Its 120 sec typical duration at 8 kHz sample rate yields 3.4 kHz audio bandwidth - sufficient for intelligible voice prompts. Operating from 24 V industrial rails via a simple 5 V LDO, the chip stores messages like 'Motor overload', 'Coolant pressure low', and 'Cycle complete' in segmented memory. The pushbutton interface allows field-service engineers to play messages directly from front-panel buttons during diagnostics, eliminating the need for a handheld terminal.
Recommended
Medical Alert and Pill-Reminder Devices
For medication reminders and patient-call systems, the ISD17120SY offers reliable, non-volatile voice storage that survives battery removal and long-term storage. The wide 2.4 V to 5.5 V supply range runs directly from two AA cells without boost conversion, extending battery life. Multiple messages - 'Time to take your morning pills', 'Please press the call button', 'Reminder set' - are accessed through simple pushbutton logic. The differential PWM output rejects common-mode noise from medical-grade switching supplies, and the on-chip microphone preamp with AGC captures caregiver voice messages at consistent playback loudness.
Recommended
Toy and Consumer Appliance Voice Prompts
Cost-sensitive toys and small appliances benefit from the ISD17120SY's single-chip BOM, eliminating the microcontroller, audio DAC, amplifier, and flash memory required for software-based playback. The 120 sec duration supports songs, sound effects, and instructional phrases in talking dolls, educational toys, and kitchen appliances. Pushbutton triggering allows simple user interaction (e.g., 'Press button to hear recipe'), while SPI mode supports game-state-driven audio in interactive toys. Pb-free and RoHS compliance addresses consumer-product safety regulations in EU and North America.
Recommended
Elevator and Access-Control Announcer
In elevator floor announcers and door-entry systems, the ISD17120SY provides multilingual floor callouts ('First floor', 'Lobby', 'Basement') with selectable language segments. The 120 sec capacity supports 30+ floor names in one or two languages at 8 kHz sample rate. The chip's wide operating temperature (-40 C to +85 C) handles elevator machine-room environments, and the differential PWM output rejects electrical noise from variable-frequency motor drives. SPI control from the elevator controller enables language selection on demand, while pushbutton fallback mode supports standalone diagnostic boards.
Recommended
Automotive Aftermarket Voice Modules
Aftermarket automotive accessories such as parking sensors, reverse-warning alarms, and blind-spot announcers use the ISD17120SY for warning messages like 'Vehicle approaching from the right' or 'Reverse gear engaged'. The 2.4 V to 5.5 V supply runs from 12 V battery via standard automotive regulators. The differential PWM output delivers intelligible voice over road and engine noise, and segmented memory supports multiple message triggers from one installation. Designers select this part when solid-state reliability and instant-on playback are required without DSP or codec overhead.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ISD17120SY — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ISD17240SY | ISD17210SY | ISD17150SY | ISD17100SY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SOIC (300 mil) | 28-SOIC (300 mil) - same | 28-SOIC (300 mil) - same | 28-SOIC (300 mil) - same | 28-SOIC (300 mil) - same |
| Brand | Nuvoton | Nuvoton - same | Nuvoton - same | Nuvoton - same | Nuvoton - same |
| Duration (typical @ 8 kHz) | 120 sec | 240 sec | 210 sec | 150 sec | 100 sec |
| Max Duration (at 4 kHz) | 240 sec | 480 sec | 420 sec | 300 sec | 200 sec |
| Operating Voltage | 2.4 V to 5.5 V | 2.4 V to 5.5 V | 2.4 V to 5.5 V | 2.4 V to 5.5 V | 2.4 V to 5.5 V |
| Interface | Pushbutton + SPI | Pushbutton + SPI | Pushbutton + SPI | Pushbutton + SPI | Pushbutton + SPI |
| Sample Rate | 4 / 5.3 / 6.4 / 8 kHz | 4 / 5.3 / 6.4 / 8 kHz | 4 / 5.3 / 6.4 / 8 kHz | 4 / 5.3 / 6.4 / 8 kHz | 4 / 5.3 / 6.4 / 8 kHz |
| Audio Output | Differential PWM (SP+/SP-) | Differential PWM | Differential PWM | Differential PWM | Differential PWM |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
Key Differentiators
- All-in-one single-chip voice record/playback (vs ISD4002-120SY)
- User-selectable sample rate (vs ISD4002-120SY)
- Compatible with drop-in family variants (vs ISD17240SY (same package))
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VCC pin (pin 1 or pin 28), with a short, wide trace to GND. For noisy industrial environments, add a 10 uF bulk capacitor in parallel. Estimated: at 5 V supply during playback the chip draws approximately 25 mA, so the local reservoir bulk cap prevents VCC droop during PWM switching peaks.
Route the SP+ and SP- differential PWM outputs as a short, parallel pair directly to the speaker terminals, keeping the trace length under 25 mm to minimize radiated EMI from the PWM carrier (typically 100 kHz). Shield the pair with a ground pour on both sides. Route the MIC+ and MIC- analog inputs away from the PWM outputs to prevent feedback coupling into recordings.
Do not leave the ROSC pin floating - it requires an external resistor to ground (typically 80 kohm for 8 kHz sample rate, 40 kohm for 4 kHz) to set the sampling clock. The SAMP pin must also be tied to VCC or GND as documented. Floating these pins causes unreliable sample rate selection or complete failure to record/playback. Verify the ROSC value matches your target duration and bandwidth requirement.
Compliance Information
Pb-free and RoHS compliant per Nuvoton product page. AEC-Q100 not applicable - consumer/industrial part. Halogen-free status not stated in datasheet excerpts available; mark as unknown.
