Wolfson introduces next generation HD Audio System-on-a-Chip (SoC)

Wolfson Microelectronics plc has today announced its next generation High Definition (HD) Audio System-on-a-Chip (SoC) with voice processor DSP, which helps smartphone manufacturers deliver clearer, more natural sounding voice calls, even in the noisiest environments. Featuring integrated transmit path (Tx) noise reduction, echo cancellation and receive path (Rx) noise reduction, the WM5102 enables intelligible, natural sounding conversation and reduces background noise transmitted via voice calls by up to 90%, regardless of whether the caller is travelling through a busy train station, socialising in a bar or relaxing at home. Designed specifically for smartphones, tablet computers and other portable audio devices, the high performance WM5102 features both SLIMbus and I2S interfaces, enabling OEMs to extend their audio signature across all product platforms by using this complete Audio SoC solution, delivering a truly platform agnostic system. The WM5102 has the added benefit of providing 102dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and packs 50 MIPS of processing power using Wolfson's advanced audio DSP, offering a vastly superior high definition audio experience with minimal power consumption. The WM5102 is also up to 20% smaller than competitor parts, with up to 17 fewer components, significantly reducing the printed circuit board (PCB) footprint and overall bill of materials cost for the manufacturer. Its fully digital mixing architecture means that the WM5102 is a highly flexible, future-proof and scalable solution, allowing concurrent use case support, ease of integration and a fast time to market. Its digital core provides a powerful combination of fixed-function signal processing blocks with a programmable DSP, including filters, fully parametric equalisers, Dynamic Range Control (DRC) and sample rate converters. Duncan Macadie, Product Line Manager for Audio Hubs at Wolfson Microelectronics, said: "By boosting the DSP capability on our Audio Hubs to a level unavailable in the market today, and at the same time retaining ultra-low power performance, we are able to integrate transmit noise reduction to work seamlessly with other audio processing functions. "Customers have been looking for this level of integration to significantly reduce their BOM cost. By adding a SLIMbus interface we enable customers to use this audio platform across all their products, regardless of application processor choice." www.wolfsonmicro.com