Wolfson Microelectronics plc:

Wolfson CODEC Provides Lower Power Consumption with Stereo 1W Class D Speaker Driver for Portable Devices

Monday, February 13, 2006

Edinburgh, UK, 13 February 2006 - Wolfson Microelectronics plc (LSE:WLF.L), today introduced the WM8960 stereo CODEC, an integrated device with a filterless Class D stereo speaker driver, stereo ADCs and DACs, headphone driver and an internal PLL. The device is targeted at portable electronic devices such as the emerging requirement for mobile phones with stereo speakers and personal video players that require high-quality audio performance with high efficiency to extend battery life. Class D integrated circuits are critical to the building of multi-channel, high-performance audio systems with minimal power consumption for portable digital audio products.

The WM8960's Class D speaker driver can deliver up to 1W continuously (1% THD into 8ohms) and features synchronous clocking with the DAC for low noise and pop and click suppression. The WM8960 also has a capless headphone driver mode, removing the need for bulky external components. As befits a device for portable applications, the WM8960 consumes 10mW in playback mode, making it one of the lowest power devices of its kind.

The highly flexible input configuration of the WM8960 includes a complete stereo single-ended or pseudo-differential microphone interface and up to 3 stereo analogue sources to eliminate external analogue switches.

'As the demand for high-quality, low power portable audio products continues to grow, Wolfson is committed to providing innovative components employing Class D technology,' said Yan Goh, Wolfson Product Marketing Manager.

Availability
The WM8960 is available for sampling in a compact 5x5 QFN package.

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/.