WM8955LSEFL - Stereo Audio DAC with Speaker Driver | Cirrus Logic
MPN: WM8955LSEFL ✗ End of LifeWM8955LSEFL Overview
An audio DAC is a mixed-signal integrated circuit that converts digital audio samples into analog voltage signals for amplifiers, headphones, or loudspeakers. Within the broader signal-chain hierarchy, the WM8955LSEFL combines a digital-to-analog converter, digital signal processing, clock generation, and output-driver functions. Integrating these blocks reduces the component count and board area required around a portable device's audio output stage.
Key device attributes include two output channels, 24-bit resolution, and a 48 kSPS audio sampling rate listed for the WM8955LSEFL. The manufacturer also identifies DSP and I2S interfaces, along with separate analog and digital supply domains. A related WM8955LSEFL/R variant is described as supporting a 96 kSPS sampling rate, demonstrating the family's capability for higher-rate digital audio transmission.
The integrated digital processing and PLL allow the converter to derive the required audio clock from a system reference and support multiple serial audio formats. The manufacturer lists DSP and I2S as the principal data interfaces, making the device suitable for application processors and portable audio hosts that provide digital sample streams. Its low-voltage operation suits battery-powered equipment where analog and digital rails commonly sit between 1.8 V and 3.3 V.
Typical uses include portable media players, smartphones, tablets, digital audio accessories, and compact consumer products. The WM8955LSEFL can also serve as the output stage in a portable speaker system, reducing the need for separate analog codec and output-amplifier blocks. System designers should confirm the selected host interface, required sampling rate, output configuration, and load impedance against the manufacturer datasheet before releasing a PCB.
A key design consideration is the relationship between supply voltage, output drive, and thermal dissipation. Headphone and speaker outputs dissipate power as voltage drop across the output transistors, so sustained high-level playback can raise junction temperature even though the digital interface consumes comparatively little power. Reserve copper around the exposed pad, follow the manufacturer's layout guidance, and place output protection components where they cannot compromise the intended load drive.
This page consolidates device specifications, interface details, application guidance, and component-selection considerations for engineers evaluating the WM8955LSEFL in compact audio systems.
Drop-in alternatives for WM8955LSEFL — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
No drop-in alternatives available for this product.
Request AlternativesWM8955LSEFL Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Device Type | Stereo DAC with headphone/speaker driver and PLL |
| Number of Channels | 2 channels |
| Resolution | 24 bits |
| Sampling Rate | 48 kSPS |
| Related Variant Sampling Rate | 96 kSPS for WM8955LSEFL/R |
| Data Interface | DSP and I2S |
| Analog Supply Voltage | 1.71 V to 3.6 V |
| Digital Supply Voltage | 1.71 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -25 °C to +85 °C |
| Package | 32-QFN, 5 mm x 5 mm |
| Package Pin Count | 32 pins |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
| Integrated Functions | Stereo DAC, headphone driver, speaker driver, DSP, and PLL |
| Primary Application | Portable audio equipment |
WM8955LSEFL 32 pins Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for WM8955LSEFL (32 pins package). This analog component features input, output, and power supply pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for offset null, compensation, and enable pin configurations. Ideal for signal conditioning and amplifier circuits.
No detailed pinout data available for WM8955LSEFL.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
WM8955LSEFL is suitable for 6 applications: Portable Media Player Audio Output, Headphone Output for Mobile Devices, Compact Speaker Drive in Portable Equipment, Digital Audio Accessory Interface, Battery-Powered Audio Processing, Stereo Digital Audio Playback Module.
Portable Media Player Audio Output
The WM8955LSEFL fits portable media players that need a stereo analog output without a separate codec and output-amplifier stage. Its 24-bit DAC architecture, DSP and I2S interfaces, and 1.71 V to 3.6 V supply range align with low-voltage portable equipment. Integrating the converter, headphone and speaker drivers, processing, and PLL reduces the number of external audio ICs and shortens the path between the digital source and analog output. Designers should confirm that the host can provide the required serial data and clock signals, then size the output network and load according to the manufacturer application circuit.
Recommended
Headphone Output for Mobile Devices
The WM8955LSEFL provides an integrated path from a digital audio stream to a stereo headphone output in mobile and wearable products. Its two-channel DAC, low-voltage 1.71 V to 3.6 V operation, and compact 32-QFN 5 x 5 mm package suit space-constrained boards. The integrated headphone driver removes the need for a separate discrete output stage when the required load and drive level fall within the device specifications. Headphone impedance varies widely, so verify the load, output configuration, dc blocking arrangement, and maximum output level in the manufacturer reference circuit before selecting component values.
Recommended
Compact Speaker Drive in Portable Equipment
The WM8955LSEFL can combine digital-to-analog conversion and speaker drive in compact portable products such as radios, personal audio players, and connected accessories. The listed 48 kSPS operation, two-channel DAC, and integrated speaker driver simplify the signal chain compared with a discrete converter and power amplifier. The design trade-off is thermal and load capability: sustained high output level dissipates more energy in the integrated output stage than at low headphone listening levels. Confirm the supported speaker impedance and continuous output conditions in the manufacturer datasheet before finalizing the amplifier, protection, and thermal layout.
Recommended
Digital Audio Accessory Interface
The WM8955LSEFL is suitable for digital audio accessories that receive PCM or I2S data from a host processor and require an integrated analog output path. Its DSP interface, I2S support, and PLL organization allow the converter to integrate into an audio subsystem with a system-generated reference clock. The 32-QFN package keeps the footprint compact, while the 1.71 V to 3.6 V operating range supports common portable system rails. Use the manufacturer clocking and application diagrams to determine the required master-clock relationships, and validate digital timing margins at the maximum supported sample rate.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Audio Processing
The WM8955LSEFL can serve as the audio conversion and output block in battery-powered equipment where a compact, low-voltage signal path is required. Operation from 1.71 V to 3.6 V supports 1.8 V and 3.3 V system architectures, and the integration of conversion, processing, PLL, and output drivers reduces board area. Because the device is listed as obsolete, engineers developing new battery-powered products should evaluate lifecycle risk as well as electrical fit. If continuity of supply is essential, request the manufacturer's recommended lifecycle path and evaluate a currently supported successor with equivalent functional and pin requirements.
Recommended
Stereo Digital Audio Playback Module
The WM8955LSEFL can implement a compact stereo playback module when a digital audio source must be converted to analog left and right channels. The device combines a 24-bit DAC with digital processing, clock generation, and output drive, allowing a host processor to deliver audio over the documented DSP or I2S interface. This arrangement is appropriate for portable playback products and compact add-on modules where component count is constrained. Engineers should verify supported clock modes, sample-rate expectations, output routing, and the external component values specified in the manufacturer reference design.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for WM8955LSEFL — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product |
|---|---|
| Package | 32-QFN, 5 mm x 5 mm |
| Brand | Cirrus Logic Inc. |
| Device Type | Stereo DAC with headphone/speaker driver and PLL |
| Number of Channels | 2 channels |
| Resolution | 24 bits |
| Sampling Rate | 48 kSPS |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.71 V to 3.6 V |
| Data Interface | DSP and I2S |
| Operating Temperature | -25 °C to +85 °C |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated portable-audio output chain (vs Generic standalone stereo DAC)
- Low-voltage portable-system alignment (vs General-purpose audio codec)
- Compact digital audio footprint (vs Multi-chip codec and amplifier implementation)
Design Notes
Estimated speaker-load dissipation depends on the selected output mode, load impedance, and continuous output level, none of which are specified for this ordering. Before release, calculate worst-case driver dissipation at the highest supported output power and verify the junction-temperature margin using the manufacturer thermal data. Keep the exposed pad thermally connected to a solid ground plane and provide copper area for heat spreading without compromising return-current paths.
Place the manufacturer-recommended bypass capacitors immediately beside their associated supply pins and ground pads, and keep analog output routing away from DSP, I2S, and clock traces. Treat the 32-QFN exposed pad as both a thermal and electrical structure, following the datasheet land pattern for via placement. Place output protection and filtering components where they will not add unwanted capacitance across the audio outputs.
Route digital audio and clock signals as controlled-impedance nets over a continuous reference plane, and keep clock traces away from headphone and speaker outputs. Confirm the source clock relationship, master-clock ratio, and digital interface timing in the manufacturer application diagrams. If the host and converter reference clocks are asynchronous, verify the PLL configuration and acquisition behavior before enabling audio output.
Do not assume that the standard WM8955LSEFL and the related WM8955LSEFL/R have identical host-configuration requirements. The standard ordering is listed at 48 kSPS, while the /R ordering is described at 96 kSPS, and the part is listed as obsolete. Confirm the exact suffix, firmware register setup, clocking, and supply configuration with the manufacturer before substituting either ordering or reusing an existing design.
Compliance Information
The device is a portable-audio mixed-signal IC rather than an automotive product, so AEC-Q100 does not apply. No specific RoHS, REACH, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals declaration was identified for this ordering.
