WM9081GICN/V - 24-Bit Mono DAC with 2.6W Amplifier | Cirrus Logic
MPN: WM9081GICN/V ✗ End of LifeWM9081GICN/V Overview
An audio DAC converts digital audio samples into an analog voltage signal suitable for an audio amplifier or speaker driver. The WM9081GICN/V combines that conversion function with a programmable output stage and integrated mobile parametric equalization. Its fully programmable EQ coefficients allow speaker and enclosure characteristics to be optimized, while programmable dynamic-range control supports louder playback at low listening levels. The result is a compact audio signal-chain component that reduces the need for separate DAC and speaker-driver packages.
The device supports 2-wire, 3-wire, 4-wire, and hardware control modes, with digital audio formats including LJ, RJ, I2S, and DSP. TDM support broadens its usefulness in multi-channel portable audio systems where several codec or converter functions share one digital bus. A thermal-shutdown interrupt provides a system-level indication that the integrated output stage has entered its protected operating condition. The manufacturer also identifies programmable gain as part of the device feature set.
Typical applications include portable media players, mobile phones, compact personal audio systems, docking speakers, and other battery-powered products with an integrated single-speaker output. Placing the DAC and amplifier in one package reduces board area, external component count, and the number of signal connections between the digital audio source and the speaker.
Design layouts should follow the manufacturer datasheet for decoupling, exposed-pad grounding, and analog output routing. Keep the digital interface traces away from the speaker output and amplifier supply nodes to reduce the chance of switching-edge coupling into the audio path. Confirm the configured control mode and digital format in firmware before enabling the output stage.
This page organizes the WM9081GICN/V specifications, application guidance, package details, and sourcing information into a single engineering reference for compact mono audio output designs.
Drop-in alternatives for WM9081GICN/V — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
No drop-in alternatives available for this product.
Request AlternativesWM9081GICN/V Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Device Type | Mono audio digital-to-analog converter with integrated speaker amplifier |
| DAC Resolution | 24 bit |
| Integrated Amplifier Output Power | 2.6 W |
| Amplifier Topology | Class AB/Class D |
| Supported Digital Audio Formats | LJ, RJ, I2S, DSP |
| Digital Interface | I2S with DSP processing |
| Control Interface Modes | 2-wire, 3-wire, 4-wire, and hardware control |
| TDM Support | Supported |
| Parametric Equalization | Fully programmable mobile parametric EQ coefficients |
| Dynamic Range Control | Programmable |
| Programmable Gain | Supported |
| Thermal Protection | Thermal shutdown interrupt |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.71 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +85 °C |
| Package | 28-pin QFN, 4 x 4 mm, 0.45 mm lead pitch |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
| Channel Count | 1 mono output channel |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
WM9081GICN/V 28-pin qfn, 4 x 4 mm, 0.45 mm lead pitch Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for WM9081GICN/V (28-pin qfn, 4 x 4 mm, 0.45 mm lead pitch 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 WM9081GICN/V.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
WM9081GICN/V is suitable for 6 applications: Portable Media Player Speaker Output, Mobile Phone Loudspeaker Drive, Bluetooth Speaker Product, Docking Speaker and Tablet Accessory, Industrial Voice and Annunciator Output, Personal Audio and Wellness Device.
Portable Media Player Speaker Output
The WM9081GICN/V fits portable media players that need one high-quality mono speaker channel in a tightly constrained enclosure. Its 24-bit DAC converts I2S, DSP, LJ, or RJ data, while the integrated 2.6 W Class AB/Class D amplifier replaces a separate codec-output DAC and speaker-driver stage. That consolidation reduces board area and analog interconnect inside a battery-powered product. Programmable parametric EQ and dynamic-range control can be tuned to the installed speaker and enclosure, improving perceived output at low listening levels. The 4 x 4 mm, 28-pin QFN package leaves more board area for storage, connectivity, and protection components.
Recommended
Mobile Phone Loudspeaker Drive
The WM9081GICN/V is appropriate for a mobile-phone or handset loudspeaker path where component count and board area are tightly restricted. The device accepts I2S digital audio and combines conversion with a 2.6 W integrated speaker amplifier, eliminating one analog handoff between separate functional blocks. Its 1.71 V to 3.6 V operating range suits low-voltage portable power systems, while the programmable EQ allows one speaker response to be adapted across different handset models or acoustic cavities. The thermal-shutdown interrupt can inform the system controller during an overload condition.
Recommended
Bluetooth Speaker Product
A compact Bluetooth speaker benefits from a single-package output stage when its design uses one mono channel and limited board area. The WM9081GICN/V takes digital audio from a wireless-audio decoder and drives the speaker through its integrated 2.6 W Class AB/Class D stage. Programmable parametric EQ can compensate for the enclosure and speaker after mechanical tolerances are known, while dynamic-range control can improve consistency across low and high volume positions. The compact QFN-28 footprint supports dense portable products without requiring a separate DAC footprint.
Recommended
Docking Speaker and Tablet Accessory
The WM9081GICN/V can serve as the mono output path in a tablet dock, docking speaker, or compact accessory that receives digital audio from a host device. I2S, DSP, LJ, and RJ support gives the product designer flexibility across host interfaces, and TDM support can simplify sharing a serial link in multi-function systems. Integrating the DAC and 2.6 W amplifier limits the analog trace count and reduces board area compared with two discrete stages. The programmable EQ provides a way to tune the dock speaker without changing the external mechanical design.
Recommended
Industrial Voice and Annunciator Output
The WM9081GICN/V can be used for compact industrial voice panels, status annunciators, and equipment-feedback speakers that require a controlled mono audio output. Its specified -40 °C to +85 °C operating range accommodates industrial environments, while the integrated amplifier avoids a discrete output stage in space-constrained control boxes. Programmable gain and EQ allow the audio response to be adjusted for different speaker impedances and enclosure acoustics. The thermal-shutdown interrupt supports a controlled system response if the output stage reaches its protection limit.
Recommended
Personal Audio and Wellness Device
Personal audio products, including compact wellness devices and personal listening products, can use the WM9081GICN/V for a single integrated speaker channel. The 24-bit DAC preserves digital-audio resolution, and the integrated Class AB/Class D output stage delivers up to 2.6 W without a separate analog output amplifier. Programmable dynamic-range control can increase perceived loudness during quiet playback, while the parametric EQ can compensate for small plastic enclosures where bass response is limited. The QFN-28 footprint also supports compact layouts where board area directly affects the enclosure size.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for WM9081GICN/V — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product |
|---|---|
| Brand | Cirrus Logic |
| Package | 28-pin QFN, 4 x 4 mm |
| Device Function | Mono DAC with integrated speaker amplifier |
| DAC Resolution | 24 bit |
| Integrated Output Power | 2.6 W |
| Amplifier Class | Class AB/Class D |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.71 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +85 °C |
| Digital Audio Formats | LJ, RJ, I2S, DSP with TDM support |
| Programmable Processing | Parametric EQ, dynamic-range control, and gain |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated mono DAC and speaker amplifier (vs Separate DAC and Class-D amplifier implementation)
- Programmable mobile acoustic optimization (vs Fixed-response portable audio output)
- Broad digital-audio interface support (vs I2S-only mono converter)
Design Notes
Place the input, output, and bypass capacitors close to their associated pins and follow the manufacturer datasheet layout exactly. The 4 x 4 mm QFN package has a 0.45 mm lead pitch, so trace spacing and exposed-pad via placement determine assembly yield. Connect the exposed pad to the recommended ground plane with multiple thermal vias, and check the land pattern against the package drawing before releasing artwork.
Keep I2S, clock, and control traces away from the speaker output and power-amplifier supply nodes. Place the analog output routing on the quiet side of the board and avoid routing digital interfaces beneath the analog and amplifier section. This separation limits switching-edge and supply-current coupling into the 24-bit DAC and reduces the chance of audible clicks, hiss, or intermittent distortion.
Estimated: At 2.6 W continuous output and 85 °C ambient, an exposed-pad thermal path must be evaluated against the datasheet thermal data before operation is considered reliable. Use the manufacturer power-versus-temperature limits rather than assuming the full 2.6 W rating applies at every ambient temperature. Preserve copper around the pad, add thermal vias, and verify operation in the smallest intended enclosure.
Confirm the digital format, master-clock relationship, sample rate, word length, and control mode in the manufacturer configuration sequence before driving the speaker output. Do not assume a generic I2S default is correct for every source. Also allow for speaker startup transients and verify that the speaker impedance and amplifier configuration match the datasheet power conditions.
Compliance Information
The JLCPCB component listing identifies the WM9081GICN/V as RoHS compliant. No additional environmental declarations are stated for this part.
