Delivers high-performance speaker driver functionality and dramatically improved playback time for mobile Internet devices, portable gaming consoles and media players

June 24, 2009 -- Wolfson Microelectronics Korea (CEO: Kim Ki-tae, www.wolfsonmicro.com) today unveiled the second product in its next-generation ultra-low power device product line, which dramatically enhances music playback time for portable audio products.

The WM8961, an ultra-low power stereo codec introduced this time, is developed based on Wolfson's groundbreaking WM8903 codec and incorporates a high-output Class D stereo speaker driver through innovative packaging technology applied to the WM8903. With this, Wolfson can now deliver its industry-leading low-power audio technology to applications requiring high-performance speaker driver functionality, such as mobile Internet device (MID), portable gaming console, and portable media player (PMP) applications.

The WM8961, which boasts superior audio performance in both music playback and recording functions, dramatically extends battery life in the practical power consumption modes that today's portable media device market demands. This product also offers an ultra-slim, low-profile form factor package and a small-footprint complete solution, enabling designers to design portable media devices without any limitations while developing outstanding and differentiated finished products.

The WM8961 provides core technology for an ultra-low power audio subsystem that enables microphone connection capabilities such as Wolfson's proprietary True Mics technology, line input, FM tuner, cellular baseband, speaker, and headphone. This product also reduces software development time, dramatically accelerating product time-to-market, while providing excellent cost savings in PCB space and audio subsystem BOM costs.

Duncan Macadie, Manager of Wolfson Microelectronics' low-power audio product line, stated: "The WM8961, equipped with innovative ultra-low power technology that ensures the best performance without affecting audio quality and performance at all, is a very important product in Wolfson's excellent next-generation ultra-low power product line. Through highly integrated technology and architecture, the WM8961 is meticulously designed to reduce design complexity and minimize BOM costs while providing minimized power consumption and high-performance audio functionality. The WM8961 is a product that provides an opportunity for Wolfson to deliver its next-generation ultra-low power technology to applications requiring high-performance speaker driver functionality and breakthrough music playback time."

The WM8961 incorporates a charge pump to provide ground-referenced output when headphone load is applied, eliminating the need for separate DC-blocking capacitors and dramatically reducing PCB space and BOM costs. The WM8961 also employs Class W technology, an evolution of Class G/H, featuring Wolfson's proprietary adaptive dual drive charge pump and DC servo circuit architecture. This technology optimizes power efficiency and consumption during music playback, provides 1% THD+N, and delivers 30mW output at 16Ω load.