Integrated Ground Referenced DACs free up PCB area.August 12, 2009 -
Delivering 106 dB SNR with optimized mute and crosstalk performance, WM8523 and WM8524 deliver audio performance required in consumer electronics products while eliminating need for 18 external components. Charge pump architecture generates pop-free, 2 Vrms stereo output signal from single standard 3.3 V rail without separate op-amps. Both products can driving 1 kW line load and generate ground-referenced output with less than 1 mV DC offset.
(Archive News Story - Products mentioned in this Archive News Story may or may not be available from the manufacturer.)
Original Press release
Wolfson Microelectronics plc
Westfield House
Edinburgh, , EH11 2QB
United Kingdom
Wolfson Makes High Quality Audio More Affordable
New DACs dramatically cut cost of bringing high quality audio to digital TV, Blu-ray, set-top box and games consoles
Edinburgh, UK - Monday 29th June 2009 - Wolfson Microelectronics (LSE: WLF.L) today announces the WM8523 and WM8524 2Vrms ground referenced DACs, the latest in its family of home audio devices. Both devices deliver the outstanding audio performance demanded in today's consumer electronics products at a lower total system cost than has previously been possible. By removing the need for approximately 18 external components and freeing up valuable PCB area, the WM8523/24 has the lowest off-chip support component count on the market today, dramatically reducing the bill of materials (BOM) and simplifying the power distribution, allowing manufacturers to achieve high performance audio whilst minimising build-cost.
"One of the biggest challenges faced in the design of audio systems in home entertainment products is the suppression of "pop" noises which can occur particularly when the product is switched on. To eliminate "pops" designers often have to add a costly mute circuit. Wolfson's innovative charge pump technology solves this problem by generating an output signal with less than 1mV DC offset, so that no pop is produced - removing the need for a mute circuit. Audio is a key differentiator in the end user's multimedia experience, and there is a clear need for a high performance solution at an affordable price." said John Crawford, high performance audio manager at Wolfson.
The WM8523/24's proprietary charge pump architecture generates a pop-free, 2Vrms stereo output from a single standard 3.3V rail without the need for separate op-amps or an expensive noisy, high voltage 9 or 12V power supply. Delivering 106dB SNR, with excellent mute and crosstalk performance, the WM8523/4 creates an intense, clear audio experience for the user.
Capable of driving a 1kW(TM) line load, and generating a ground-referenced output with the lowest DC offset on the market today, the WM8523/4 eliminates the need for a separate mute circuit and costly DC capacitors, as well as effectively guaranteeing elimination of pops and clicks. Manufacturers now have a much easier and lower cost route to solving the problem of achieving 2Vrms output from a single 3.3V supply, with absolutely no compromise in audio performance.
WM8523/24 supports 24-bit conversion of all audio sampling rates between 8-192kHz, using all common MCLK fs rates. The WM8523 is software controllable and configured either via the I2C/SPI compliant serial control interface providing -100dB to + 12dB volume control. WM8523 and WM8524 are also hardware controllable. Both devices are available in low pin count TSSOP packages, with the WM8523 also available in a space-sensitive QFN.
Availability and pricing:
The WM8523 is available for sampling now in a 20-pin TSSOP or 24-pin QFN package. The WM8524 is available in a 16-pin TSSOP package. Pricing starts at $0.93 for WM8524 and and $0.97 for WM8523 for 10k volume
About Wolfson Microelectronics
Wolfson Microelectronics plc is a leading global provider of high performance, mixed signal semiconductors to the consumer electronics market.
Wolfson is renowned for its high performance audio and ultra low power consumption, its devices are at the heart of many high profile consumer electronics products, including mobile phones, mp3 players, flat panel TVs and in-car infotainment systems. Wolfson technology enables exciting new end-user experiences by connecting the digital world to the human senses.
Headquartered in Edinburgh, UK, Wolfson has sales and engineering offices in the USA, Japan, China, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore and India.
Wolfson Microelectronics plc is listed on the London stock exchange. (LSE: WLF.L)
For more information about Wolfson Microelectronics, please visit: www.wolfsonmicro.com or sign up for Wolfson eNews at: www.wolfsonmicro.com/enews
Contacts
Chris King
EML
Tel: +44 (0) 208 408 8000
Email: wolfson@eml.com
Anne Connolly
Wolfson Microelectronics plc
Tel: +44 (0) 131 272 7000
Email: anne.connolly@wolfsonmicro.com
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