Wolfson’s power management IC and speaker driver selected by Samsung

The WM8351 enables the creation of new and exciting multimedia platforms, whilst significantly enhancing the user experience, reducing power consumption, system cost, design and manufacturing complexity and time-to-market. By incorporating the WM8351, consumer electronics manufacturers can make savings up to 25% off the bill of materials (BOM) cost and 50% on the board footprint in the areas of audio and power management.

Compatible with leading multimedia application processors, the WM8351 features an integrated audio CODEC which provides all the necessary functions for high-quality stereo recording and playback, while programmable on-chip amplifiers allow direct connection of headphones and microphones with a minimum of external components. An on-chip battery charger also supports both trickle charging and fast (constant current, constant voltage) charging of single-cell lithium batteries.

Complementing the WM8351 in the M1 is the WM9001; a flexible class AB/D speaker driver solution designed to deliver exceptional audio performance and enhanced flexibility to portable multimedia devices. User selectable features such as class D or AB output modes, single ended or differential input modes, device clocking and speaker boost gain can all be configured for application optimisation.

Jess Brown, power management product line manager at Wolfson, said: “We are delighted that Samsung has selected our technology for its innovative M1 media player. Our inclusion in the M1 is a great endorsement of our power management and audio amplifier product lines, and is testimony to the exceptional quality that our products offer. The WM8351 provides a highly integrated solution, and connects seamlessly with the flexible WM9001 Class AB/D speaker driver: a perfect fit for today’s leading edge multimedia devices, like the Samsung M1.”

The recently launched Samsung M1 features 720p high-definition video playback, active matrix OLED display, built-in stereo speaker, microSD card slot, advanced audio functionality, and an intuitive, flash-based 3D user interface.