Audio Hub enables HD audio in portable multimedia applications.

Press Release Summary:




Housed in 72-ball W-CSP, multi-channel Model WM8958 provides 100 dB SNR during digital-to-analog playback. Audio enhancement DSP runs multiband compressor, enabling loud, clear sound from small speakers without causing overload or damage. Integrated stereo Class D/AB speaker driver and Class W headphone driver minimize power consumption during playback, while active ground loop noise rejection and DC offset correction help prevent pop noise and suppress ground noise on headphone output.



Original Press Release:



Wolfson's Audio Hub Solution Enables HD Audio



Edinburgh, UK. -- Wolfson Microelectronics plc has announced the introduction of the WM8958 audio hub solution, designed to enable high definition (HD) audio in portable multimedia applications, such as smartphones, tablet computers, eBooks and navigation devices.

When combined with Wolfson's industry-leading AudioPlus(TM) products, such as its digital silicon micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) microphones, its power management ICs and noise cancellation solutions, the architecture-defining WM8958 helps set the benchmark for HD quality audio.

This multi-channel ultra-low power audio hub solution provides 100 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) during digital-to-analog (DAC) playback, while its integrated stereo Class D/AB speaker driver and Class W headphone driver minimize power consumption during audio playback.

The WM8958 features an audio enhancement DSP which runs a multiband compressor (MBC). This enables significantly louder and clearer sound from small speakers, without causing overload or damage. Used in conjunction with an on-board parametric equalizer and dynamic range controller, the MBC provides the ability to boost and optimize speaker outputs to deliver superior audio playback for multimedia applications and ringtones.

Its stereo sample rate conversion and multi-channel digital mixing, combined with powerful analog mixing, allows the WM8958 to support a huge range of different architectures and use cases.

A smart digital microphone interface provides power regulation, a low jitter clock and decimation filters for up to four digital microphones, while active ground loop noise rejection and DC offset correction help prevent pop noise and suppress ground noise on the headphone outputs.

Duncan Macadie, Product Line Manager for Audio Hubs at Wolfson, said: "The WM8958 audio hub not only delivers excellent SNR and ultra low power consumption, but significantly enhances the multimedia listening experience of portable applications with its multiband compressor. When combined with Wolfson's range of industry-leading AudioPlus(TM) products, the WM8958 helps bring HD Audio to the next generation of multimedia devices."

Availability

The WM8958 is available in a 72-ball W-CSP package and is priced at $3.75 in 1K volume. WM8958 customer evaluation boards are available to aid device evaluation and development.

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