DACs Cut The Cost Of High-Quality Audio July 01, 2009
A pair of 2-Vrms ground-referenced digital-to-analog converters (DACs) cut the cost of bringing high-quality audio to digital TV, Blu-ray, set-top box, and game consoles. By removing the need for as many as 18 external components, the WM8523 and WM8524 DACs reduce the bill of materials (BOM) and simplify power distribution, allowing designers to achieve high-performance audio while minimizing cost. The WM8523/24’s proprietary charge pump architecture generates a pop-free, 2-Vrms stereo output from a single standard 3.3-V rail without the need for separate op amps or an expensive, noisy, high-voltage 9- or 12-V power supply. Delivering 106 dB SNR with excellent mute and crosstalk performance, the WM8523/4 creates an intense, clear audio signal. By driving a 1-kohm line load and generating a ground-referenced output with low DC offset, the WM8523/4 eliminates the need for a separate mute circuit and costly DC capacitors, as well as effectively guaranteeing elimination of pops and clicks. The DACs supports 24-bit conversion of all audio sampling rates between 8 and 192 kHz. The WM8523 is available for sampling now in a 20-pin TSSOP or 24-pin QFN package. The WM8524 is available in a 16-pin TSSOP package. Pricing starts at $0.93 for the WM8524 and $0.97 for the WM8523 in 10k-piece quantities. WOLFSON MICROELECTRONICS PLC, Edinburgh, U.K. +44 (0) 131 272 7000 or (408) 329-9800.
