Delivers Multi-Function Audio Subsystem CODEC for Portable Digital Communication and Media Devices

Edinburgh, UK, 1 December 2003.– Wolfson Microelectronics plc (LSE: WLF.L) today introduced a low-power audio subsystem for multi-media phones and smart mobile phones with audio mixing capabilities, its first device dedicated to cellular applications.

Combining Hi-Fi and PCM telephony CODECs on a single chip, the Wolfson WM8753L contains a stereo analogue-to-digital converter (ADC), a stereo digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) and a separate mono DAC.

'This unique product incorporates all the features necessary to incorporate and mix MP3, speech, and other audio sources simultaneously during phone calls,' said David Milne, CEO of Wolfson. 'Its small size, ease of use, low power consumption and efficient design, reduce driver complexity and CPU loading for a new level of functionality in hand-held media devices.'

The WM8753L is the only combined PCM/Hi-Fi CODEC on the market that runs at 1.8V (analogue) and 1.42V (digital). The device operates at a nominal supply voltage of 2V, although the digital core can operate at voltages down to 1.42V to save power. At 1.8V the CODEC features industry's lowest power consumption in its class with 7mW for stereo playback and less than 6mW for PCM operation.

The device integrates dual interfaces to two differentially connected microphones and includes drivers for speakers, headphone and earpiece. External component requirements are reduced as no separate microphone or headphone amplifiers are required, and cap-less connections can be made to all loads. Advanced on-chip digital signal processing performs tone control, Bass Boost and automatic level control for the microphone or line input through the ADC. The two ADCs may be used to support voice noise cancellation in a partnering DSP, or for stereo recording.

The WM8753L Hi-Fi DAC can operate as a master or a slave, with various master clock frequencies including 12 or 24Mhz for USB devices, 13MHz or 19.2MHz for cellular systems, or standard 256fs rates like 12.288MHz and 24.576MHz. Internal PLLs generate all required clocks for both PCM and Hi-Fi converters. If audio system clocks already exist, the PLLs may be committed to alternative uses.

Availability
The WM8753 is available now.

About Wolfson Microelectronics
Wolfson Microelectronics plc (LSE: WLF.L) is an award winning, fabless semiconductor company based in Edinburgh, UK. Wolfson develops and markets high performance mixed signal semiconductors for multimedia and communications applications worldwide. The company currently has sales offices in the USA, Japan, China and Taiwan, with a further office planned for Korea early in 2004. For further information please contact: sales@wolfsonmicro.com

For more information contact:
Wolfson Microelectronics plc, Bernard Terrace, Edinburgh, EH8 9NX, United Kingdom, Tel: +44 (0) 131 272 7000, Fax: +44 (0) 131 272 7001

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