Audio Hub CODECs Give Mobiles Great Sound At Low Power

The WM8993 is the first device in a new family of ultra-low-power audio hub CODECs for multimedia mobile phones and other feature-rich portable audio applications. The WM8993 hub manages all audio processing and routing in a multimedia mobile handset, enabling it to support a wide range of audio architectures and usage scenarios. By managing, converting, and processing the full array of diverse audio streams, including voice, speaker, microphone, music, and headphone signals, the WM8993 provides flexible audio-mixing capabilities required in today’s portable multimedia applications. Ground-referenced Class W headphone drivers enable the WM8993 to deliver improved bass response and achieve total CODEC power consumption typically below 5 mW, which equates to 100 hours of playback on a single charge (when used with the latest processors). An integrated charge pump removes the need for costly DC-blocking capacitors, saving space as well. Active ground-loop noise rejection and DC offset correction help prevent pops and clicks and ground noise from degrading headphone output quality. For added flexibility, the WM8993’s high-power speaker drivers operate in Class D or AB mode. The WM8993 is available for sampling now in an ultra-thin 48-pin, 3.64 x 3.54 x 0.7 mm W-CSP package and is priced at $2.49 each in lots of 1000. WOLFSON MICROELECTRONICS PLC, Edinburgh, U.K. +44(0)131 272 7000.