Leadis Technology Offers World's First Portable Audio CODEC With Integrated FM Transmitter
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Leadis Technology Offers World's First Portable Audio CODEC With Integrated FM Transmitter

LAS VEGAS, NV -- (MARKET WIRE) -- Jan 07, 2008 -- CES (Consumer Electronic Show 2008) - Leadis Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: LDIS) today unveiled at CES its latest family of audio CODECs incorporating advanced FM transmitters and its Gmax™ audio 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, MP3/PMP (portable media player), portable gaming, GPS/PND (personal navigation device), and DSC (digital still camera) products, the LDS9350, LDS9302, LDS9302L, and LDS9200 are available now in production quantities.

"Our line of Gmax™-enabled CODECs with integrated FM transmitters requires only 4mW of power for quiescent playback," said Greg Davis, Senior Director of Leadis' Audio Business Unit. "More importantly, our Gmax™ amplifier technology really shines when comparing power consumption at average listening levels -- something few chip manufacturers are willing to disclose. 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 70% lower system power consumption at typical listening levels and more than 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 feature at a lower incremental cost."

The LDS9350 integrates a stereo FM transmitter, a low power and low noise stereo audio CODEC, a highly efficient Gmax™ stereo headphone amplifier, DC-DC converter, and PLL in a single compact solution.

Leadis also offers CODEC-only versions, the LDS9302 (3.3V) and LDS9302L (1.8V single-supply), and a stand-alone FM transmitter, the LDS9200.

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 microphone. Other features include a PLL, programmable gains, microphone bias, and a low-power analog bypass mode. The CODEC also features an integrated high fidelity stereo audio Gmax™ headphone amplifier. Design innovations dramatically reduce system parts count and BOM cost while providing programmable control features for optimal audio quality.

FM Transmitter

The LDS9350 and LDS9200 provide a FM transmitter function fully programmable via I2C interface with few 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 addressable to meet country-specific regulatory standards. Advanced digital radio techniques deliver professional FM broadcast audio quality. Audio to the transmitter can be digital via I2S or analog via stereo line-in or microphone inputs.

DC-DC Converter

The highly integrated architectures include an on-chip DC-DC converter which can be configured to generate system voltages and eliminate the need for external voltage regulators.

Price, Packaging and Availability

The LDS9350, LDS9302, LDS9302L, and LDS9200 are available now in mass production. All are packaged in a standard 40-pin 6x6 QFN, as well as ultra-small CSP packaging. Single-unit pricing for 1,000-piece purchases is $2.93 for the LDS9350 and $2.38 for the LDS9302/L, and $1.95 for the LDS9200. An immediately available turnkey evaluation module includes a PC-based interface for easier programming and reducing time to market.

Leadis Technology at CES 2008

Leadis Technology is exhibiting at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas from the 7th through the 10th of January, 2008. Private live product demonstrations are being held at Leadis' designated hospitality suite 16121 at the Las Vegas Hilton. Viewing is by appointment only. Interested parties can contact Media Contact, Elizabeth Estrella-Basilio or Marketing Communications Director, Tracy Lam for further information.

About Leadis Technology

Leadis Technology, Inc., headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, designs, develops and markets analog and mixed-signal semiconductors that enable and enhance the features and capabilities of mobile and consumer electronics devices. Leadis' product offerings include color display drivers, which are critical components of displays used in mobile consumer electronic devices; LED drivers, which provide controlled levels of current required to drive light emitting diodes in diverse applications including mobile backlight units; and audio CODEC and FM transmitter ICs, which are integral components in mobile media players and their associated aftermarket accessories. Leadis currently supplies display drivers supporting the major small panel display technologies, including a-Si and LTPS TFT LCDs, color STN LCDs, and color OLED displays, LED drivers supporting mobile backlighting applications, and audio ICs supporting portable media players and aftermarket audio accessories.

Certain statements in this press release including, but not limited to, statements as to the anticipated features, capabilities, benefits, potential market size, intended uses and performance of Leadis' new audio CODECs and FM transmitters, are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results to be materially different than expectations. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, delays in ramping new products into production, lack of market acceptance of our new products, risks associated with the company's efforts to expand its business beyond LCD display drivers, including the new audio products, delays in the integration of our ICs into consumer electronic devices, our reliance on third-party manufacturers, general mobile handset and semiconductor industry trends, and other risks detailed from time to time in Leadis' reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission including its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007. Leadis disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. (LDISG)

Gmax is a trademark of Leadis Technology Inc. All other trademarks belong to their respective owners.

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Estrella-Basilio
Cross Border Communications-SFO, Inc.
Email: 
Email Contact
Phone 408-238-8822

Product Inquiries:
Tracy Lam
Leadis Corporation
Email: 
Email Contact
Phone 852-21528880