Edinburgh, UK, 8 January 2007 - Wolfson Microelectronics (LSE:WLF.L) is introducing the world’s smallest CODEC with fully differential-capable headphone driver. The WM8987 provides hi-fi quality stereo audio in wireless headsets and other ‘wearable’ electronics. The new device is specifically designed to address Bluetooth® Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) applications and equivalent proprietary alternatives when implementing hi-fi stereo in a wireless headset.

The new Wolfson WM8987L provides high performance and low power consumption in a small 4mm x 4mm footprint. The device works on a 1.8V power supply, yet provides the same audio volume as larger devices using 3.3V. By driving headphone loads differentially, the WM8987L eliminates the need for output capacitors, saving PCB space and BOM cost, whilst providing a better bass response and delivering longer battery life.

“The new class of ‘wearable’ audio and gaming headsets, MP3 players, FM radios and digital audio broadcast receivers requires sound quality on a par with in-home hi-fi in an exceptionally challenging size, cost and power envelope. Our new solution is designed to deliver just that”, commented Nat Edington, Portable Business Unit Manager at Wolfson. “It is now the expectation that wireless headsets should offer hi-fi quality stereo audio. Wolfson already occupies a leadership position in this market, having shipped over 3 million devices into this segment during the last two years.”

The new CODEC features an SNR of 87dB (A-weighted) for recording and 95dB for playback at 1.8V. On-chip bass boost, tone control and 3-D enhancement improve perceived sound quality. Granular power management disables unused sub-circuits to prolong battery life and four flexible analogue inputs reduce electrical noise through the differential microphone connection. The inputs also support an analogue line-in for an on-board FM tuner.

Availability
The WM8987L is available now in a 4 x 4 x 0.75mm 28-pin COL QFN package.

About Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP)
The Bluetooth® Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), also known as the AV profile, addresses the wireless transmission of a stereo audio stream. In addition to music from an MP3 player or console to a headset, potential applications include interfacing such devices to a car radio.

The Bluetooth® word mark is owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc

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/.