STMicroelectronics STA020D
- Part No.:
- STA020D
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Audio Special Purpose
- Package:
- 24-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
STA020D.pdf
- Description:
- IC AUDIO TRANSMITTER 24SO
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
STA020D from STMicroelectronics is a monolithic 96 kHz digital audio interface transmitter IC supporting AES/EBU, IEC 958, S/PDIF, and EIAJ CP-340 standards. It operates at 3.3 V, integrates biphase-mark encoding, generates parity and CRC codes, and features RS422-compatible differential line drivers (TXP/TXN) for 110 Ω transmission lines - deployed in professional broadcast mixers requiring jitter-tolerant digital audio transport.
For engineers reviewing the STA020D datasheet, STA020D pinout, STA020D application, or STA020D equivalent, key selection criteria include sample-rate support up to 96 kHz, transparent mode for STA120 interoperability, PRO-pin-selectable professional/consumer mode, and dedicated channel status bit handling (C1/C6/C7/C9) with inverse logic mapping.
Technical Context
The STA020D implements a dual-mode serial audio port configurable via M0–M2 pins across seven formats (e.g., I²S-compatible Format 4, LSB-justified Format 5/6), with SCK and FSYNC operating as inputs or outputs depending on mode. Audio data (16–24-bit) is double-buffered and multiplexed with C/U/V bits before biphase-mark encoding.
Its timing architecture relies on a 128×Fs master clock (MCK), except in transparent mode where MCK must be 256×Fs to synchronize with STA120 receivers. The CBL pin provides precise channel status block boundary timing - high one bit period before preamble Z of byte 0 - enabling accurate serial C/U/V input alignment.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sample Rate Support | Up to 96 kHz - enables high-resolution studio-grade audio transmission without interpolation or decimation. |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V ±10% - compatible with standard low-voltage digital audio subsystems; absolute max 4 V. |
| Line Driver Type | RS422-compliant differential outputs (TXP/TXN) - drives 110 Ω balanced cables with low skew and disable-on-reset behavior. |
| Encoding Scheme | Biphase-mark encoding with generated parity and CRC - ensures robust error detection per AES/EBU and IEC 958 standards. |
| Serial Port Modes | 7 programmable formats via M0/M1/M2 - includes I²S (Format 4), Motorola DSP (Format 2), and MSB-last (Format 7) for legacy DAC/DSP interfacing. |
| Channel Status Handling | Dedicated inverted pins for C1/C6/C7/C9 (pro mode) or C2/C3/C8/C9/C15 (consumer mode) - eliminates external logic for critical status bit control. |
| Transparent Mode | Enabled by TRNPT = high - allows direct STA120-to-STA020 chaining with CBL-as-input and 256×Fs MCK requirement for frame-aligned retransmission. |
Pinout & Package
STA020D is housed in a 24-pin SOIC (SO24) package with 1.27 mm pitch, ECOPACK®-compliant, and rated for -20°C to +85°C ambient operation.
| Pin | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1–4, 9–15, 18–24 | Dedicated control & status I/O | Includes PRO (mode select), M0–M2 (serial format), C1/C6/C7/C9 (inverted pro channel status), FC0/FC1 (consumer freq. encode), RST (asynchronous reset). |
| 5 | Master clock input | MCK - 128×Fs (or 256×Fs in transparent mode); defines all internal timing; min 26 MHz rating. |
| 6–8 | Audio serial port | SCK (bidirectional clock), SDATA (serial audio input), FSYNC (frame sync, left/right or word sync). |
| 10–12, 16 | Serial status inputs | C (channel status), U (user), V (validity), and RST - sampled post-FSYNC edge; V=0 indicates valid analog-convertible audio. |
| 17, 20 | Differential transmitter outputs | TXN/TXP - RS422 line drivers; low-impedance, matched output pair for transformer-coupled or direct 110 Ω cable drive. |
| 19 | Power supply | VD+ - 3.3 V digital supply; bypassed with 0.1 µF capacitor per datasheet layout guidance. |
| 18 | Ground | GND - dedicated digital ground reference; requires low-inductance PCB connection to minimize jitter. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| PRO-pin-selectable interface mode | Single hardware pin selects full professional (AES/EBU) or consumer (S/PDIF/EIAJ) channel status mapping - no firmware or register writes required. |
| Seven configurable serial port formats | Hardware-configured via M0–M2 to match ADCs (Format 0/1), TI/Motorola DSPs (Format 2), I²S (Format 4), or legacy DACs (Formats 5–7) - eliminates protocol translation logic. |
| CBL-assisted channel status timing | CBL output signals start of channel status block (byte 0, bit 0) one bit period early - enables precise synchronous sampling of C/U/V bits without external timing controllers. |
| Transparent mode with STA120 interoperability | TRNPT = high configures CBL as input and forces 256×Fs MCK - enables lossless, frame-synchronized retransmission in multi-stage digital audio routing systems. |
| Inverted dedicated channel status pins | C1/C6/C7/C9 (pro) or C2/C3/C8/C9/C15 (consumer) accept active-low signals - simplifies connection to open-drain or logic-level status sources without inverters. |
Applications
| Professional Broadcast Mixer | Digital Audio Workstation I/O |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Multi-channel AES/EBU routing in live broadcast consoles with real-time format conversion and channel status embedding. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Digital audio interface transmitter - accepts 24-bit/96 kHz I²S from FPGA-based mixer core and encodes to AES/EBU with CRC-protected channel status. Use Value: Eliminates need for external encoder ASICs; PRO pin configures professional mode; CBL synchronizes embedded metadata insertion to sub-frame boundaries. |
Use Scenario: High-fidelity audio interface card for PC-based recording systems supporting both consumer S/PDIF and pro AES outputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-standard transmitter - switches between S/PDIF (PRO high) and AES/EBU (PRO low) via jumper; M0–M2 set to I²S mode for DAW codec interfacing. Use Value: Single hardware design supports two market segments; FC0/FC1 pins auto-encode sample rate (44.1/48/32 kHz) in consumer mode without software overhead. |
| Studio Monitor Controller | Digital Effects Rack |
|
Use Scenario: Reference-grade monitor controller distributing synchronized digital audio to multiple powered monitors with embedded loudness metadata. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-jitter transmitter - uses MCK derived from ultra-stable crystal oscillator; transparent mode links to upstream STA120 receiver for end-to-end timing lock. Use Value: Maintains ±5% frame sync tolerance per AES recommendations; TRNPT-enabled chaining preserves original source timing integrity across signal chain. |
Use Scenario: Multi-effects processor inserting real-time user-defined metadata (e.g., effect type, wet/dry ratio) into digital audio stream. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Metadata injector - U pin accepts dynamic user bits; CBL timing aligns U-bit updates to channel status block boundaries for standardized interpretation. Use Value: Enables proprietary metadata transmission without violating AES/EBU framing; serial C/U/V ports allow runtime parameter injection without interrupting audio flow. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digital audio transmitter applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| CS8406-DZZ | Single 3.3 V supply; supports 192 kHz; lacks transparent mode and dedicated CBL timing output. | Targeted at high-sample-rate consumer audio; no native STA120 interoperability or professional channel status pin mapping. | Select when >96 kHz operation is required and STA120 chaining is unnecessary. |
| AK4117VN | Integrated PLL; supports 192 kHz; requires external EEPROM for configuration; no RS422 drivers (needs external line driver). | Designed for compact portable audio gear; adds system complexity due to configuration dependency and external driver requirement. | Select for space-constrained designs where integrated PLL simplifies clock tree, accepting added BOM and layout overhead. |
Compared with CS8406-DZZ and AK4117VN, the STA020D uniquely combines 96 kHz capability with hardware-selectable professional/consumer modes, built-in RS422 drivers, and CBL-assisted metadata timing - making it optimal for studio infrastructure where deterministic timing, minimal external components, and AES/EBU compliance are mandatory.
Availability
STA020D is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for professional broadcast mixers, digital audio workstation I/O cards, studio monitor controllers, and digital effects racks requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial availability.
Supply support for STA020D includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, specializing in analog, power, and microcontroller solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The STA020D belongs to ST's professional audio interface product line, engineered specifically for robust, low-jitter digital audio transmission in broadcast, recording, and live sound environments - emphasizing hardware configurability and standards compliance over software-driven flexibility.
FAQ
What is the function of the TRNPT pin on the STA020D?
The TRNPT pin (pin 24) enables transparent mode when driven high. In this mode, the STA020D accepts CBL as an input to synchronize with an upstream STA120 receiver, disables dedicated channel status pins, and requires MCK = 256×Fs. This allows frame-aligned retransmission without altering embedded C/U/V data - essential for multi-stage studio routing.
How does the PRO pin affect channel status bit mapping?
The PRO pin (pin 2) selects interface mode: low for professional (AES/EBU), high for consumer (S/PDIF/EIAJ). In professional mode, pins C1/C6/C7/C9 drive inverted versions of channel status bits 1/6/7/9; in consumer mode, C2/C3/C8/C9/C15 map to bits 2/3/8/9/15, and FC0/FC1 encode sample rate (C24/C25). PRO is ignored in transparent mode.
Can the STA020D operate at sample rates above 96 kHz?
No - the STA020D is specified for operation up to 96 kHz. Its internal architecture, including MCK frequency limits (26 MHz max) and serial port timing, is optimized for ≤96 kHz. For higher rates (e.g., 192 kHz), alternatives like the CS8406-DZZ are required, though they lack STA020D's transparent mode and dedicated CBL timing.
What is the purpose of the CBL pin in normal (non-transparent) operation?
In normal operation, CBL is an output that goes high one bit period before the start of channel status byte 0 (preamble Z) and remains high for 15 bytes. It provides precise timing for externally latching serial C/U/V bits, ensuring alignment with the channel status block structure defined in AES/EBU - critical for reliable metadata insertion without frame misalignment.
STA020D Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 24-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Function:
- Audio Transmitter
- Applications:
- Digital Audio Interfacing
- Number of Channels:
- 1
- Interface:
- Serial
- Voltage - Supply:
- 3V ~ 3.6V
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
- Specifications:
- 96kHz
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
STA020D FAQ
1.How can I place an order for STA020D through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for STA020D on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for STA020D reliable?
The price and inventory of STA020D are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for STA020D is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for STA020D?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for STA020D transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for STA020D?
STA020D orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your STA020D order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for STA020D?
For technical support, including STA020D datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your STA020D requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that STA020D is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All STA020D products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that STA020D meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of STA020D?
All STA020D units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with STA020D, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The STA020D part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for STA020D:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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