Wolfson Launches All-Digital Audio Solution Providing HD Audio to Multimedia Devices

November 10, 2011 – Wolfson Microelectronics Korea (CEO Kim Ki-tae, www.wolfsonmicro.com ) announced today the launch of the WM8861 and WM8862, next-generation audio solutions that provide HD audio capabilities for PCs and laptops. These solutions feature a built-in DAC with a Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of 105dB and a 2Vrms output, offering up to five times better audio quality than currently available competitor products. Additionally, they incorporate Wolfson's innovative power management technology to extend laptop battery life by up to 30 minutes.

The WM8861 and WM8862 integrate stereo speaker drivers and can deliver 2W per channel to 4Ω with the highest efficiency available for PC audio devices.
In addition, it provides high-performance audio quality with a small number of external components, reducing PCB board area by up to 45% and reducing BOM costs for audio PCBs during laptop manufacturing by up to 56%.

Both solutions are equipped with Wolfson’s SilentSwitch™ technology, providing superior audio performance without the pop-and-click noise that occurs when pressing the power-off button. In addition, by including improved frequency response characteristics of the speakers and Dynamic Range Controller (DRC) technology, loud sound can be achieved from small speakers without passing through a host processor during audio signal processing. Furthermore, since it can provide Hi-Fi audio on a laptop, it can 혁신적으로 enhance the experience for end users who primarily play audio on their laptops, such as music lovers, musicians, DJs, and producers.

Recently, as the variety of headsets available to consumers has increased, the methods of connecting jack plugs to multimedia devices have also become more diverse. The WM8861 and WM8862 are equipped with enhanced headset detection technology that quickly recognizes which type of headset is connected and changes the input/output method to ensure optimal performance. This feature is perfectly compatible with a wide range of headsets and headphones currently on the market.
In addition, the WM8861 incorporates Master I2S audio and I2C/SPI control interfaces to control downstream audio devices, including high-fidelity DACs, digital input amplifiers, and audio DSPs such as Wolfson's WM0010. This allows for the elimination of audio signal processing, thereby reducing power consumption and extending battery life.

"Consumers are constantly demanding higher-performance audio, and the WM8861 and WM8862 meet these demands by delivering unprecedented audio performance," explained Nigel Burgess, Product Line Manager at Wolfson. "Wolfson's IP is building a leading position in performance and power consumption, and these two newly released solutions will enable PC manufacturers to launch PCs capable of delivering fantastic multimedia performance."

About Wolfson Microelectronics
Wolfson Microelectronics is a supplier of high-performance mixed-signal semiconductors required for consumer electronics. Globally renowned in the fields of high-performance audio and ultra-low power technology, Wolfson products provide key components for the world's leading consumer electronics, including mobile phones, MP3 players, FPTVs, and portable navigation devices. Wolfson's technology enables exciting new experiences through connection with the digital world.

Wolfson is committed to designing and supplying all these groundbreaking micro-audio products, including its architectural audio hub solutions, silicon micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) microphones, power management ICs, and noise cancellation solutions, to deliver industry-leading HD audio to consumer electronics applications.

Wolfson Microelectronics, headquartered in Edinburgh, UK, has offices for sales and engineering operations in the United States, Japan, China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Singapore. Additionally, Wolfson Microelectronics is listed on the UK Stock Exchange (LSE: WLF.L).

More information about Wolfson Microelectronics can be found at http://www.wolfsonmicro.com .