Leadis Technology Launches World's Lowest Power Stereo CODEC Family With Gmax(TM) Amplifier and Optional On-chip FM Transmitter

Leadis Technology Inc. (Nasdaq:LDIS) today unveiled a family of audio CODECs using it’s Gmax™ amplifier technology, which dramatically increases power efficiency, maintains best-in-class SNR, and substantially extends battery life in portable audio applications. Well suited for smart mobile phone, PMP (portable media player), portable gaming, GPS, and DSC (digital still camera) products, the LDS9350 and LDS9302L are sampling now and will begin shipping in volume in Q4-2007. "Our Gmax™-enabled CODECs need only 4mW of power for quiescent playback,” said Tim Massey, V.P. and General Manager of the Leadis Audio Business Unit. "More importantly, the Gmax™ amplifier technology really shines when comparing the power consumption at average listening levels – something few chip manufactures are willing to specify. We specify power consumption at average listening levels to provide a real world estimate of battery life and to demonstrate the significant power saving capability of the Gmax™ amplifier technology. This translates to 50% lower system power consumption at typical listening levels and doubles the battery life of high fidelity audio playback.” Commenting on his company’s selection of the LDS9350 chip to power its newest portable media players, Jack Lau, CEO of Perception Digital, said "We wanted to take advantage of Gmax™ power savings and the excellent audio quality in Leadis’ line of audio CODECs. Moreover, the integrated FM transmitter allows us to offer our customers a highly desirable aftermarket feature at a lower incremental cost.” The LDS9350 integrates a low power and low noise stereo CODEC, a highly efficient Gmax™ stereo headphone amplifier, an integrated stereo FM transmitter, and a DC-DC converter in a single compact solution. Well suited for portable audio applications, the LDS9350’s features include:   CODEC and Headphone Amplifier The 3.3V 2-channel 24-bit DAC exceeds portable audio noise requirements with an SNR of up to 102dB and can operate with sampling rates between 8 - 192ksps. The CODEC has multiple analog inputs including stereo microphone, stereo line, and a fully differential mono microphone. Other features include programmable gain, line and microphone inputs, microphone bias, and a low-power analog bypass mode. The chip also features high fidelity audio outputs to either stereo headphones or to a stereo FM radio via the FM transmitter. Design innovations dramatically reduce system parts count and BOM cost while providing programmable control features for optimal audio quality.   FM Transmitter The LDS9350 provides an FM transmitter function with no additional external components. FM radio bands are selectable for worldwide operation: 87.5 to 108MHz for US and Europe, and 76 to 90MHz for Japan. Pre-emphasis and transmit power levels are programmable to meet country-specific regulatory standards. Advanced radio techniques deliver professional FM broadcast audio quality. Audio to the transmitter can be digital via I2S or analog via line-in and stereo microphone inputs. Chip operation is conveniently controlled through an I2C or a 3-wire microprocessor interface.   DC-DC Converter The LDS9350's highly integrated architecture includes an on-chip DC-DC converter which can be configured as a voltage booster or divider to generate system voltages and eliminate the need for external voltage regulators. The LDS9350 can be powered from a single supply and still maintain very low power consumption. In addition, the flexible clock PLL accepts and generates many standard audio frequencies, eliminating the need for multiple crystals. The LDS9302L includes the Gmax™ headphone amps and provides all the same CODEC functionality and performance as the LDS9350 but without the on-chip FM transmitter. In addition, the LDS9302L requires only a single 1.8V power supply which is important for applications with lower supply voltage. Price, Packaging and Availability The LDS9350 and LDS9302L are sampling now and will be in volume production in Q4-2007. Both are packaged in a standard 40-pin 6x6 QFN package. Single-unit pricing for 1,000-piece purchases is $3.85 for the LDS9350 and $2.75 for the LDS9302L. An immediately available turnkey evaluation module includes a PC-based interface for easier programming and reducing time to market. About Leadis Technology Leadis Technology Inc. (Nasdaq:LDIS) designs, develops and markets advanced semiconductor solutions that enhance the video and audio capabilities of consumer and mobile electronic products. The company’s products encompass color display drivers, LED drivers, and a family of audio ICs. Leadis’ video solutions include small-panel display drivers that support popular LCD technologies (a-Si, LTPS TFT, color STN) and color OLEDs as well as LED drivers for mobile display backlighting. Audio solutions include both CODECs with on-chip Gmax™ amplifiers and FM transmitters for use with portable media players and aftermarket audio accessories. Based in Sunnyvale, California, Leadis supports its fabless business model with operations in China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. For more information, visit www.leadis.com. Gmax is a trademark of Leadis Technology Inc. All other trademarks belong to their respective owners.