Audio codec meets the needs of 'wearables' market

The DA7212 audio codec has exceptionally low always-on power consumption (650µW) which can extend the battery life of portable devices – including new ‘Wearables’ such as smart watches and connected fitness devices – in an ‘always-on’ mode enabling constant tracking and instant recognition of voice commands. It also integrates an enhanced hybrid Automatic Level Control (ALC) that offers faster reaction times and finer gain resolution to maintain a consistent audio quality level when recording.

It has an integrated beep generator for DTMF keypad tone generation and a speaker amplifier that can drive up to 1.2W. The advanced start-up controller has been designed to offer seamless audio transitions, silent volume ramping and highly effective pop and click suppression. It comes in a 34 bump WLCSP package that has a novel, staggered ball-out conducive for cost effective PCB manufacturing.

Udo Kratz, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Mobile Systems Business Group at Dialog Semiconductor commented, “Dialog is pleased to launch its latest audio product in a line of CODECs with exceptionally-low power consumption. ‘Always-on’ operation is becoming a required feature to enable voice-triggered activation of applications on portable and next generation wearable devices. DA7212 allows our OEMs to design an audio CODEC that not only consumes less power but also requires a footprint of less than 7.5mm² – a very important factor for space-constrained applications.”

The DA7212 is offered in a 34 bump WLCSP package with a 0.5mm pitch and an operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. Dialog’s new DA7212 audio codec is now available for the Arduino Development Platform as a new peripheral module delivering Hi-Fi sound quality at lower power levels. This audio module (ARD-AUDIO-DA7212) can be downloaded from the Dialog Website.