An ultra-low power stereo DAC from Wolfson Microelectronics delivers high-quality audio to portable applications such as mobile phones, tablet PCs, wireless headsets, multimedia players and handheld gaming devices. The WM8918 DAC features stereo ground-referenced headphone amplifiers and a dual-mode charge pump architecture to optimise efficiency and power consumption during playback. The company claims that the DAC eliminates AC coupling capacitors and reduces PCB area, bill of material cost and improves bass response.
The DAC also features the company's SilentSwitch technology to minimise audible pops and clicks and shortens software driver development. The integrated dynamic range controller provides compression and level control to enhance the playback experience. The DAC incorporates the company's ReTune Mobile five-band parametric equaliser with programmable coefficients to optimise speaker characteristics. The DAC has a SNR ratio of 96dB and can operate directly from a 1.8V switched supply.
