Semi-Custom Integrated Circuits Simplify Electronic Speech Synthesis Modules in Automobiles

The availability of low cost integrated circuits as general purpose speech synthesisers has enabled automotive manufacturers to add speech synthesis as a major feature in automobiles. While general purpose speech synthesizers cannot always meet the requirements of automotive applications, due to their space and cost constraints, the use of application specific or custom integrated circuits can meet these considerations. Gould AMI's S3620 speech synthesiser has been designed as a macro cell that can be easily modified to form custom speech synthesis circuits at much less the development cost and time required for full custom circuits.