Audio Hub CODEC enables multimedia mobile phones.
Share:
Press Release Summary:
Supplied in 48-pin, 3.64 x 3.54 x 0.7 mm CSP, WM8993 manages all audio processing and routing in multimedia mobile handsets; consumes less than 5 mW (typ); and enables 100+ hr of playback. Integrated ReTune(TM) Mobile Parametric Equalizer optimizes speaker characteristics and frequency response, while programmable dynamic range control helps boost low-level signals and optimize dynamic range as well as prevent audio signal clipping and distortion.
Original Press Release:
Wolfson's New Family of Audio Hub CODECs Enables Multimedia Mobile Phones
Flexible audio mixing, high performance, and dramatically extended playback time offered in one cost effective package
Edinburgh, UK - July 8th 2009 - Wolfson Microelectronics (LSE: WLF.L) today announces the WM8993, the first device in a new family of ultra low power audio hub CODECs for multimedia mobile phones and other feature-rich portable audio applications. Combining Wolfson's highly flexible audio hub architecture with the company's latest ultra low power and audio enhancement technology, the WM8993 delivers industry leading audio performance and over 100 hours of playback time in one compact, cost effective package that challenges even the most integrated, single-package-based cellular architectures.
"The WM8993 is the first in a whole new family of audio hub CODECs, combining Wolfson's market leading flexible hub architecture and ultra low power technology. It enables users to listen to Wolfson's Pure Sound for 10-12 hours on an intercontinental flight, then land and start making calls," comments Darren Hobbs, Audio Hub Product Line Manager at Wolfson. "The WM8993 offers best in class audio performance, dramatically extended playback time and a highly flexible audio mixing experience for today's demanding multimedia smart phones, all at the lowest possible total BOM. With the WM8993, you really get the best performance and the longest battery life from your multimedia mobile phone, at the lowest system cost and quickest time to market."
The WM8993 hub manages all audio processing and routing in a multimedia mobile handset, enabling it to support a wide range of audio architectures and usage scenarios. By managing, converting and processing the full array of diverse audio streams, including voice, speaker, microphone, music and headphone signals, the WM8993 is able to provide the flexible audio mixing capability and performance increasingly expected of today's portable multimedia applications.
The WM8993 integrates Wolfson's flexible ReTune(TM) Mobile Parametric Equalizer for the optimization of speaker characteristics and improved speaker frequency response. Programmable dynamic range control is also integrated to help boost low-level signals and optimize dynamic range for the challenging mobile environment. This helps maximize volume for the improved audibility of ringtones and enhanced music playback on handsets' small, low cost speakers. Dynamic range control also helps prevent audio signal clipping and distortion, which can overload the battery, cause premature shutdown due to battery droop and potentially damage the speakers.
Ground referenced Class W headphone drivers enable the WM8993 to deliver improved bass response and achieve total CODEC power consumption typically below 5 mW, which equates to 100 hours of playback on a single charge (when used with the latest processors). The WM8993's integrated charge pump removes the need for costly DC-blocking capacitors and enables significant savings in PCB space and the audio subsystem BOM. Active ground loop noise rejection and DC offset correction help prevent pops & clicks and ground noise from degrading headphone output quality.
For added flexibility the WM8993's high power speaker drivers operate in Class D or AB mode. In 1 W stereo mode the device drives an 8Ω BTL speaker load at <1% THD while in 2 W mono mode, the speaker drivers can be connected together to drive a 4Ω load for extra power output. Low leakage and a high power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) across the audio band also enable direct battery connection for the speaker supply.
The WM8993's fully differential internal architecture and on-chip RF noise filters ensure a very high degree of noise immunity while Wolfson's next generation FLL helps to reduce system power and increase flexibility. A highly flexible input configuration also supports multiple microphone or line inputs (mono or stereo, single-ended or differential).
Availability and pricing:
The WM8993 is sampling now in an ultra thin 48-pin 3.64x3.54x0.7 mm W-CSP package and is priced at $2.49 in volumes of 1000.
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
Anne Connolly
Wolfson Microelectronics plc
Tel: +44 (0) 131 272 7000
Email: anne.connolly@wolfsonmicro.com
Leslie Logan
Precision Communications
Tel: 508-876-9400
Email: leslie_logan@comcast.net
