Audio And Touchscreen Codec Saves Power

The WM9712L integrates a streaming-data touchscreen interface plus an audio subsystem codec and operates on supply voltages from 1.8V to 3.6V with core voltages down to 1.42V. According to the company, a low-power silicon technology and efficient design of the analog circuits reduces power consumption by up to 50% compared to previous generations of the chip. Features include a speaker driver, graphic equalizer, GPIO pins, and five-wire touchscreen support. Compatible with the AC'97 standard, variable-rate support is also integrated to accommodate WinCE systems. The continuous-mode touchscreen interface is said to reduce CPU loading by allowing data to be written to a DMA buffer at a pre-programmed rate. Overall, the device is touted as the first audio codec to include complete audio functions for a smart phone and the industry's first chip to support five-wire touchscreens. The WM9712L is available in a leadless, chipscale QFN package priced at $6.64 each/1,000. Device drivers for various platforms and operating systems are also available. WOLFSON MICROELECTRONICS LTD., Edinburgh, England. (+44) 131-272-7151.