DAC With Digital Filtering Enables Natural Audio

Poised for both pro and home audio designs, the WM8742 24-bit, 192-kHz DAC specifies a stereo SNR of 123 dB and integrates a suite of programmable digital filters that promise to overcome limitations and listening issues common to high-end audio systems such as pre-ringing and latency. Essentially, the WM8742 shapes audio to best suit users’ listening conditions, recreating a natural analog sound. The device is configurable for unique audio applications by tailoring the audio filtering to a specific listening experience. The digital filter options provide control over many parameters that affect audio output, i.e., group delay, phase and latency, impulse response, and transition band roll off. This reduces pre-ringing and enables maximum insensitivity to clock jitter. Additionally, eliminating external digital filters reduces external component counts. Sampling now in a 28-pin lead SSOP, pricing for the WM8742 will be under $3 each/1,000. WOLFSON MICROELECTRONICS PLC, San Diego, CA. (858) 676-5090.