High Performance Audio Sub-System Provides Superior Audio Features In Smartphone and Handheld Consumer Devices

Edinburgh, UK, 2 June 2003 – Wolfson Microelectronics today enhanced its mobile device IC offering with the introduction of an ultra low-power, single-chip design with the company’s leading audio sub-system codec capability. The highly integrated WM9711L IC, similar to the WM9712L released earlier this year, is designed for use in the latest generation of handheld computing and communication devices.

The WM9711L uses the AC'97 audio interface to eliminate hidden extra power consumption often found in older codec designs and avoids CPU loading for the best possible full split-rate sample rate support. The new codec can be connected directly to mono or stereo headphones and microphones or mono speakers to reduce total component count in a system. Headphone output and five GPIO pins allow seamless integration with wireless communication devices or other digital systems. Audio mixing features include a superior bass boost function that provides more bass gain at low input levels.

'The WM9711L makes it possible to not only make a phone call, but record the call, make voice notes, record MP3 files and play them during the call,' said David Milne, CEO and managing director for Wolfson. 'No other competing product offers the functionality of this component.'

The WM9711L cuts power consumption by more than half compared to similar devices on the market, running from supply voltages between 1.8V and 3.6V and core voltages down to 1.42V. This has been achieved through the use of low-power silicon technology and power efficient design of the analogue circuit blocks.

Availability
The WM9711L operates on 1.8V to 3.6V supplies and is supplied in a leadless, chip-scale QFN package with 7 x 7mm-body size and is available now. Device drivers for selected platforms and operating systems are also available.

About Wolfson Microelectronics
Wolfson Microelectronics plc is a privately held, 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 and Taiwan. For further information please contact: sales@wolfsonmicro.com