Wolfson Microelectronics Revolutionizes the PDA Industry With First Ever Combination of Pen Input and AC'97 Compliant Audio Converter

Business Wire, May 7, 2001

Business Editors/High Tech Writers

EDINBURGH, Scotland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 7, 2001

Wolfson Microelectronics

-- Maintains exceptional audio performance with low power consumption

-- Adds convenient touch screen functionality to next generation portable
devices.

Wolfson Microelectronics, Ltd., a technical leader in developing audio ICs for multimedia and communications applications, today revolutionized the PDA industry, combining pen-input functionality with a high performance portable audio CODEC. Dubbed the WM9705, this new audio CODEC delivers a convergence of audio and PDA facilities to next-generation portable information devices. At the same time, the WM9705 conforms to Intel's AC'97 Revision 2.1 audio specification. This combination of high quality audio and pen-input functionality will be a boon to the next generation of portable information devices which will require both advanced multimedia functionality and touch screen capability for easy user navigation.

"High quality multimedia is the key feature in next generation portable information devices", said David Milne, president and CEO of Wolfson Microelectronics. "Combining pen-input functionality eases the task of integration for OEMs. Wolfson's expertise and experience in mixed signal technology really brings advanced solutions like this to the forefront."

Integration is Key to Portable Devices

Part of Wolfson's growing family of Internet audio "Media Delivery Devices", the WM9705, is the first ever audio CODEC to maintain the AC'97 audio standard while integrating advanced features such as a stereo headphone driver and touch screen controller.

The audio section provides full-duplex 18-bit codec functions and supports variable sample rates from 8 to 48k samples/sec with high signal to noise ratio. Additional audio features include 3D sound enhancement, line-level outputs and stereo-buffered headphone outputs. The WM9705 also features microphone and headphone switching capabilities that make it a good choice for mobile telephony applications.

Additionally the WM9705 integrates a complete 4-wire touch screen controller, complete with on-chip screen drivers. Pen-down detection features and pressure measurement capabilities are also provided. These robust features significantly ease the integration task for OEMs.

Price & Availability

The WM9705 will be available for sampling in Q2 of this year with production volume scheduled for Q3. 1K pricing for the WM9705 is $5.48.

About Wolfson Microelectronics

Wolfson Microelectronics Ltd., develops mixed-signal semiconductors for multimedia and communications applications. Privately-held and based in Edinburgh, UK, Wolfson is a supplier into both audio and imaging markets and to market makers around the world. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.wolfsonmicro.com.