Wolfson Microelectronics launched the WM8941, a high-performance low-power CODEC with an integrated video buffer and speaker driver to enhance the performance of digital still and video cameras. The WM8941 mono CODEC uses four programmable notch filters to provide high quality audio recording, whilst the integrated video buffer provides the convenience of direct connectivity to a television.

Wolfson has integrated the new CODEC, video buffer and speaker driver inside an ultra-compact 4x4mm chip, allowing the WM8941 to be easily and cost-effectively employed inside even the smallest of digital cameras.

The WM8941, a high-performance low-power CODEC with an integrated video buffer and speaker driver to enhance the performance of digital still and video cameras.(credit : Wolfson)

Focusing on audio quality, the chip features a wind filter and four programmable notch filters in the ADC path, enabling the WM8941 to be tuned, suppressing narrowband noise. This includes motor and mechanical noise; giving a higher quality recording and a richer end-user experience. The current mode video buffer gives a seamless transition from a video DAC output to TV input and provides programmable gain of 0 or 6dB. A third order low pass filter also assures video buffer quality, removing undesired images from the unfiltered video DAC output.

In addition, Wolfson has provided an on-chip speaker and headphone driver, further reducing the need for external components. The headphone driver supports 40mW output power into 16ohms. Three flexible analogue inputs are provided: one auxiliary input and two for microphones - supporting differing configurations of single-ended and differential inputs.

The WM8941 provides a low power solution for digital cameras and operates between 2.5V and 3.6V (or 1.71V with digital). Sections of the chip can also be powered down with software control.

The WM8941 is available for sampling now, packaged in a 4x4x0.75mm 28-lead QFN package, priced at $1.79 in volumes of 10,000.