WM8974

series introduction

# WM8974 Product Series Introduction

## 1. Overview
The WM8974 is a highly integrated audio codec product series developed by Wolfson Microelectronics (now part of Cirrus Logic). These audio codecs are designed to provide high - quality audio processing and playback capabilities in a wide range of applications, from portable consumer devices to more complex multimedia systems.

## 2. Key Features

### 2.1 High - Quality Audio Performance
- **Low Noise and Distortion**: The WM8974 offers extremely low total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N). This ensures that the audio output is clean and free from unwanted artifacts, providing a pure and immersive listening experience. For example, in music playback, it can accurately reproduce the original sound of instruments and vocals, making the music more vivid and realistic.
- **Wide Dynamic Range**: With a wide dynamic range, it can handle both soft and loud audio signals effectively. This is crucial for applications such as movie soundtracks, where there are often large variations in volume levels between quiet dialogues and intense action scenes.

### 2.2 Integrated Functionality
- **Multiple Audio Inputs and Outputs**: It comes with a variety of audio input and output options. There are analog inputs for connecting external microphones or line - level audio sources, and analog outputs for driving speakers or headphones. Additionally, it may support digital audio interfaces such as I2S (Inter - IC Sound), which allows for seamless integration with digital audio processors and other components in a system.
- **Built - in Amplifiers**: The WM8974 often includes built - in headphone amplifiers and speaker amplifiers. This reduces the need for external amplifier components, saving board space and cost in the overall design. The headphone amplifier can provide sufficient power to drive a wide range of headphones, ensuring high - quality audio output directly to the user.

### 2.3 Power Efficiency
- **Low Power Consumption**: In today's portable device market, power efficiency is of utmost importance. The WM8974 is designed to operate with low power consumption, which is beneficial for battery - powered devices such as smartphones, tablets, and portable media players. It can extend the battery life of these devices without sacrificing audio quality.
- **Power Management Modes**: It offers different power management modes, allowing the system to optimize power consumption based on the operating conditions. For example, in standby mode, the codec can consume minimal power while still being ready to quickly resume normal operation when needed.

### 2.4 Flexible Configuration
- **Programmable Settings**: The WM8974 can be configured through software to meet the specific requirements of different applications. Users can adjust parameters such as gain, equalization, and audio routing. This flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of audio applications, from simple mono audio systems to complex multi - channel surround sound setups.
- **Compatibility with Different Systems**: It is compatible with a variety of microcontrollers and processors, making it easy to integrate into existing system designs. Whether it is an ARM - based microcontroller or a more powerful multimedia processor, the WM8974 can work seamlessly with them.

## 3. Applications

### 3.1 Portable Consumer Devices
- **Smartphones and Tablets**: In smartphones and tablets, the WM8974 provides high - quality audio playback for music, videos, and games. It also enables clear voice communication by processing microphone input effectively. The low power consumption is a significant advantage in these battery - powered devices, allowing for longer usage times.
- **Portable Media Players**: For portable media players, the codec ensures that the audio quality is top - notch, whether the user is listening to MP3 files, FLAC files, or other audio formats. The built - in amplifiers can drive headphones directly, eliminating the need for

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Datasheets

• PDF 1
• PDF 2

Partlist