Edinburgh, UK, 16 January 2006 - The world's first Class A/B to Class D switchable stereo CODEC is now available from Wolfson Microelectronics (LSE:WLF.L). The WM8985 is targeted for use in mobile phones, MP3 players and wireless headsets and has an integrated Dual Mode Headphone driver, dynamically switchable between Class A/B Class D drivers. Class D increases efficiency by up to 70% while Class A/B mode provides additional flexibility to the designer.

'The WM8985 is the first product of its kind on the market to tap into the need for both audio quality and power savings needed for today's consumer audio products, including radios, mobile phones and RF-transmitting portable players,' said Nat Edington, Wolfson Microelectronics Business Unit Manager.

As noted by Gartner analyst Stephen Ohr, 'Class D amplifiers may be listenable at a fraction of their rated power. And just as Class AB is a power-saving extension of Class A, the industry is hoping to render Class D as a power-saving extension of Class AB.' The high-performance CODEC is based on Wolfson's proven 897X platform and includes a built-in audio-enhancement DSP for wind noise filter, notch filter, 5 Band EQ, 3D audio. The WM8985 supports up to two differential microphone and analogue stereo line inputs, enabling direct mixing from an FM radio, and has two pairs of headphone drivers enabling two users on one audio player. An integrated PLL supports input clock between 9 to 27MHz.

Availability
The WM8985 is available for sampling in a 32-pin QFN 5X5 (pin to pin compatible with 8976/8978).

About Wolfson Microelectronics
Wolfson Microelectronics plc is a leading global provider of high performance, mixed-signal semiconductors for digital consumer electronics applications.

Renowned worldwide for its audio and imaging technologies, Wolfson devices can be found at the heart of many of the world's highest profile consumer products, including mobile phones, MP3 players, gaming consoles, DVD players, DVD-RW, LCD-TV and multi-function peripherals. If a digital product can capture an image or play a sound, Wolfson's vision is to supply a product that will allow it to perform these tasks better.

Headquartered in Edinburgh, UK, Wolfson has sales and engineering offices in the USA, Japan, China, Taiwan, Korea and Singapore. 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 http://www.wolfsonmicro.com/enews/.

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