New Wolfson High Voltage Audio DACs Reduce Cost In DVD Players and Recorders

EDINBURGH, Scotland--May 8, 2006--Wolfson Microelectronics plc (LSE:WLF.L) today announced a new cost-saving technology in multi-channel DACs for DVD players and recorders. The WM8522 and WM8501 provide high-performance audio and integrate 1.7Vrms line drivers.

Standard audio DACs output between 0.7 and 1Vrms, which is inadequate for the higher line voltage levels used in modern consumer electronics. To achieve the line level which other consumer equipment expects, an amplifier stage with a dedicated 12V power supply is usually added. The WM8522 and the WM8501 directly provide the high voltage output necessary, from a standard 5V power supply. This eliminates the need for an additional power supply and filter stage, saving an average of $2.80 per system, and dramatically reducing circuit board space.

The WM8522 is a six-channel audio DAC with programmable audio and data interface modes and three independent stereo DAC outputs each with independent volume controls. The device supports audio input word lengths of 16 to 32 bits and sampling rates from 8 to 192 kHz. It is an ideal choice for use in six-channel DVD and 5.1 surround sound systems in both home and automotive applications.

The WM8501 is a two-channel device designed for stereo audio applications which require a high voltage output. The device consists of a stereo DAC, digital interpolation filters, multi-bit sigma delta modulators and a serial interface port. The WM8501 supports data input word lengths from 16 to 24 bits with sampling rates to 192kHz. It has a pin-selectable audio data interface format.

"DVD players are highly cost competitive. Reducing production costs whilst maintaining high-quality sound is vital to manufacturers' survival," said Julian Hayes, Wolfson Vice President of Marketing. "The WM8522 and WM8501 demonstrate Wolfson's dedication to producing cost-effective, highly integrated components which address commercial pressure without sacrificing performance."

Availability

The WM8522 is available now in a 28-pin SSOP package for $1.83 in quantities of 10,000 and is pin compatible with the Wolfson WM8766. The WM8501 is available in a 14-pin SOIC package for $1.03 in quantities of 10,000.

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/.