Wolfson Microelectronics plc:

Wolfson rewrites the rulebook with breakthrough ultra low power audio technology.

Monday, June 9, 2008

New technologies unveiled that are designed to reduce power consumption, extend playback time and enhance high performance audio

Edinburgh, UK, 9th June 2008 - Wolfson Microelectronics (LSE: WLF.L) has developed a breakthrough technology platform which delivers high performance audio at ultra low power levels. The SmartDAC™, Class W amplifier technology and SilentSwitch™ technologies are unveiled today to coincide with the launch of Wolfson’s new WM8903 CODEC. When combined, these innovations deliver world class, high performance audio and market leading power consumption, enabling portable device designers to take battery life to new levels. This proprietary new technology provides the foundation for Wolfson’s next generation of ultra low power audio devices.

SmartDAC™
Wolfson’s unique DAC capacitor switching architecture drives down the inherent DAC power consumption to market-leading, ultra low levels. High PSRR means audio performance is maintained even when powered by noisy switched mode power supplies. This eliminates the need for a dedicated audio supply, meaning a smaller PCB footprint and lower bill of materials. SmartDAC™ also includes a capability for programmable “performance vs. power” profiles, where fine grain control of power and audio performance give the system designer flexibility in meeting even the most demanding power budgets. SmartDAC™ delivers the world renowned Wolfson sound but at a whole new level of ultra low power consumption.

Class W adaptive dual drive headphone driver
With its proprietary Class W amplifier technology containing an adaptive dual drive charge pump, and DC servo architecture, Wolfson has rewritten the rule book on capless output drivers. Designers no longer have to compromise on power consumption, board space or audio quality when using a ground referenced output driver. Evolved from Class G/H amplifier techniques, this innovative technology intelligently forecasts and optimises amplifier efficiency for ultra low power consumption in headphone playback mode based on music content signal levels. Wolfson’s headphone driver technology offers a substantial reduction in overall power usage because headphone playback is one of the most frequent usage modes.

SilentSwitch™
Wolfson has enhanced its ‘pop & click’ suppression functionality with clamp & sequencer technology. Unwanted noise at the headphone amplifier output is reduced during power-up and power-down by the use of sophisticated clamping circuitry, which holds the headphone output to ground during power up. The sequencer technology integrated into SilentSwitch™ enables further advances in ’pop & click’ suppression during power up/power down. With the integrated register write sequencer, the audio path setup can be pre-loaded and executed by the control sequencer with programmable delay times to reduce common ‘pops and clicks’ and enhance the listening experience. Furthermore, the sequencer also significantly reduces time to market by reducing software driver development time.

Peter Frith, CTO at Wolfson comments, “Wolfson is pushing the boundaries of world class audio and ultra low power consumption. Our next generation of devices, employing these innovative new technologies, will enable designers to enhance the user experience with high performance audio, while extending playback time to a whole new level.”

About Wolfson Microelectronics
Wolfson Microelectronics plc is a leading global provider of high performance, mixed signal semiconductors to the consumer electronics market.

Wolfson is renowned for its high performance audio and ultra low power consumption, its devices are at the heart of many high profile consumer electronics products, including mobile phones, mp3 players, flat panel TVs and in-car infotainment systems. Wolfson technology enables exciting new end-user experiences by connecting the digital world to the human senses.

Headquartered in Edinburgh, UK, Wolfson has sales and engineering offices in the USA, Japan, China, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore and India.

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: www.wolfsonmicro.com/enews
Contacts
Chris King
EML
Tel: +44 (0) 208 408 8000
Email: wolfson@eml.com

Anne Connolly
Wolfson Microelectronics plc
Tel: +44 (0) 131 272 7000
Email: anne.connolly@wolfsonmicro.com