Wolfson's integrated audio and power management solution selected by ZiiLABS
Faster time-to-market for media-rich, low power portable designs
Edinburgh, UK - 25 August 2009 - : Wolfson Microelectronics plc (LSE: WLF.L) announces that applications processor vendor ZiiLABS has selected the WM8350 Stereo CODEC with Integrated Power Management for inclusion on both its ZMS-05 System Module for embedded devices and its Zii EGG StemCell Computer, the first market-ready handheld Plaszma platform.
The WM8350 is one of Wolfson's successful family of power management solutions, which are compatible with leading multimedia application processors. It features an integrated high fidelity audio CODEC and power management subsystem that delivers high performance audio and extended battery life at a reduced system cost. Coupled with ZiiLABS' media-rich processor technology, the WM8350 enables the creation of new and exciting high performance designs, whilst significantly reducing power consumption, system cost, design challenges, manufacturing complexity and time-to-market. In the case of the WM8350, the savings can be up to 25 percent on the device bill of materials (BOM) and up to 50 percent on the board footprint.
"Wolfson is delighted to be working with ZiiLABS. The WM8350 provides a highly integrated solution without compromising on audio performance, a perfect fit for their platforms and processors", comments Jess Brown, power management product line manager at Wolfson. "Successful portable consumer electronics products are increasingly differentiated through enhanced, high performance multimedia user experiences, in ever smaller sizes with longer battery life. Working with Wolfson offers processor vendors such as ZiiLABS the ideal companion technology and an innovative product architecture optimised to help the designer meet these demands."
The ZMS-05 is a fully programmable, media-rich applications processor capable of delivering high-performance HD video, 2D/3D graphics and multimedia capabilities within a low-power environment. The ZMS-05 System Module, incorporating the ZMS-05 and WM8350, comes in a production-ready SODIMM form factor simplifying customer base board developments. Based on the ZMS-05, the Zii EGG handheld StemCell Computer, offers an energy efficient handheld platform featuring a multi touch display, GPS, forward and rear facing cameras, Bluetooth, HDMI, full size SD card slot, 256MB RAM, 16/32GB Flash Memory and Wi-Fi.
"We have chosen the WM8350 because of Wolfson's world-class expertise in audio and power management mixed-signal design. Wolfson has provided excellent application support throughout the project, something that has been an essential component in our decision to work with them", comments Tim Lewis, Marketing Director at ZiiLABS. "The WM8350 and ZMS-05 processor form a powerful combination that will help designers differentiate their products with media-rich applications at the lowest possible power consumption. Both the WM8350 and ZiiLABS' ZMS-05 are highly integrated devices that help shorten system design times and reduce the requirement for additional components, whilst delivering a superb, non-compromised multimedia experience."
The WM8350 functions include a high performance, low power audio CODEC with advanced mixing capability that delivers excellent 98dB SNR performance. The device also features on-chip clock generation, six DC-DC converters, four LDO voltage regulators, a lithium battery charger, two white LED drivers and an auxiliary analogue to digital converter (ADC), all inside a compact 7x7mm BGA package.
About Wolfson Microelectronics
Wolfson Microelectronics plc is a leading global provider of high performance, mixed-signal semiconductors to the consumer electronics market.
Wolfson is known for its high performance audio and ultra low power consumption, its devices are at the heart of many high profile consumer electronics products, including mobile phones, mp3 players, flat panel TVs and in-car infotainment systems. Wolfson technology enables exciting new end-user experiences by connecting the digital world to the human senses.
Headquartered in Edinburgh, UK, Wolfson has sales and engineering offices in the USA, Japan, China, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore and India.
Wolfson Microelectronics plc is listed on the London stock exchange (LSE: WLF.L).
For more information about Wolfson Microelectronics, please visit: www.wolfsonmicro.com or sign up for Wolfson eNews at: www.wolfsonmicro.com/enews
About ZiiLABS
ZiiLABS is a worldwide leader in low-power, media-rich application processors, hardware platforms and advanced middleware that enable OEMs, ODMs, System Integrators and Software Developers to deliver best-in-class products across a broad range of consumer electronics and embedded markets. Originally founded in 1994 as 3DLABS, the company re-branded and joined with the Personal Digital Entertainment group of Creative Technology to form ZiiLABS in January 2009. ZiiLABs now has over 800 R&D engineers working on ZiiLABS related projects and has invested US$1 billion and 10,000 man years in media processing solutions. The company has offices in the UK, China, USA and Singapore.
