Wolfson Microelectronics plc:

Wolfson Audio CODEC delivers top performance for high performance DVD-RW

Monday, January 17, 2005

Edinburgh, UK, 17 January 2005 - Wolfson Microelectronics plc (LSE:WLF.L) has launched an advanced audio CODEC specifically designed for high-performance DVD-RW systems. The WM8590 expands Wolfsons existing DVD-RW portfolio, offering differential stereo inputs and outputs, and uniquely the sample rates are independently programmable for the ADC and DAC. It delivers the excellent audio performance demanded for home DVD-RW, consumer surround-sound entertainment and other audiovisual applications.

The new CODEC features a 24-bit sigma-delta ADC with programmable input gain and limiter control. Analogue gain can be adjusted from +24 to 21dB in 0.5dB steps, whilst digital gain can be programmed from 21.5dB to 103dB, also in 0.5dB steps. Output word lengths from 16 to 32 bits are supported, along with sampling rates from 32 to 96 kHz. The result is a high-performance ADC signal-to-noise ratio of 102dB, while the DAC side of the CODEC provides 110dB SNR performance and sampling rates from 32 to 192 kHz.

The devices audio data interface supports I2S, left-justified, right-justified and DSP formats. A SPI compatible three-wire control interface allows software access to all the CODECs features including volume controls, muting, and de-emphasis.

Availability
The WM8590 is packaged in a small-outline 28-pin SSOP and is available in sample form now, volume quantities will be available in the first quarter of 2005.

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, Taiwan and Korea. For further information please contact: sales@wolfsonmicro.com

For more information contact:
Wolfson Microelectronics plc, Westfield House, 26 Westfield Road, Edinburgh, EH11 2QB, United Kingdom, Tel: +44 (0) 131 272 7000, Fax: +44 (0) 131 272 7001. Web: www.wolfsonmicro.com