Analog is Everywhere

News Release from: Wolfson Microelectronics
Subject: WM8718
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial Team on 16 July 2002

Audio DAC aims for surround-sound systems

The WM8718 is a 24bit differential stereo DAC designed to work in conjunction with surround-sound decoder DSPs from Sanyo and others.

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The WM8718 is a 24bit differential stereo DAC designed to work in conjunction with surround-sound decoder DSPs from Sanyo and others. The high-performance DAC integrates left and right zero flag outputs, PCM playback support along with differential outputs for improved audio quality, minimising the number of components and lower overall system cost. The WM8718 has a winning combination of 112dB signal to noise ratio (A weighted at 48kHz) and -100dB total harmonic distortion.

"The WM8718 is designed to address the needs of customers who want a product that fits in between the WM8728 and WM8740 in performance and price", said David Milne, Wolfson's CEO and Managing Director.

"The WM8718 is an ideal device to interface to AC-3, DTS and MPEG audio decoders for surround sound applications, or for use in DVD players including those supporting the new DVD-A format".

The WM8718 includes several key architectural features that lower the overall system cost.

For example, it is based upon Wolfson's patent-pending linearisation scheme and provides class leading measure performance.

Unlike some competitive chips, this audio DAC uses a low-order modulator that produces less high-frequency noise, requiring fewer analogue output filter components, and like Wolfson's other audio DACs the WM8718 uses the multi-bit sigma-delta architecture, making it less sensitive to clock jitter.

The WM8718 simplifies the design process because it includes left and right zero flag outputs to control external mute circuits, allowing manufacturers to increase the channel separation specifications.

The WM8718 supports PCM data input word lengths from 16 to 32bit and sampling rates of 192kHz.

These features combine to provide the WM8718 with best of class performance for its targeted applications.

The WM8718 in a 20-pin SSOP is available now in sample quantities.

Wolfson is also offering an evaluation board and complete reference design documentation (schematics and layout).

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