How to Use WM8960 Audio Board: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The WM8960 Audio Board, manufactured by Waveshare, is a high-performance audio codec designed for portable and multimedia applications. It features low-power stereo audio processing capabilities, supporting high-quality audio playback and recording. The board integrates advanced features such as digital signal processing (DSP), integrated amplifiers, and multiple input/output options, making it ideal for use in devices like smartphones, tablets, and other audio-centric systems.

• Portable audio devices (e.g., MP3 players, smartphones, tablets)
• Voice recording and playback systems
• Multimedia systems and IoT devices
• Audio processing in embedded systems
• Educational and prototyping projects with microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi)

• Manufacturer: Waveshare
• Part ID: WM8960
• Audio Channels: Stereo (2-channel)
• Supported Audio Formats: 16-bit, 24-bit
• Sampling Rates: 8 kHz to 48 kHz
• Power Supply Voltage: 2.5V to 3.6V (core), 1.8V to 3.6V (I/O)
• Power Consumption: Ultra-low power for portable applications
• Integrated Features:
  • Stereo DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) and ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter)
  • Digital Signal Processing (DSP) for audio enhancement
  • Integrated headphone and speaker amplifiers
  • Microphone input with biasing support
• Communication Interface: I2C (control) and I2S/PCM (audio data)
• Operating Temperature: -40°C to +85°C

The WM8960 Audio Board has a set of pins for power, control, and audio data communication. Below is the pin configuration:

1. Power Supply: Connect the VCC pin to a 3.3V power source and GND to ground. Ensure a stable power supply to avoid noise in audio signals.
2. I2C Communication: Connect the SCL and SDA pins to the corresponding I2C pins of your microcontroller (e.g., Arduino or Raspberry Pi). Use pull-up resistors (typically 4.7kΩ) on the I2C lines if not already present.
3. Audio Data Communication: Connect the BCLK, LRCLK, DIN, and DOUT pins to the I2S/PCM interface of your microcontroller or processor.
4. Audio Input/Output:
   • For microphone input, connect a microphone to the MIC_IN pin.
   • For audio output, connect headphones or speakers to the HP_OUT_L/HP_OUT_R or SPK_OUT_L/SPK_OUT_R pins, respectively.
5. Software Configuration: Use the I2C interface to configure the WM8960 registers for desired audio settings (e.g., sampling rate, volume, input/output selection).

• Power Supply: Use decoupling capacitors (e.g., 0.1µF and 10µF) near the VCC pin to reduce noise and ensure stable operation.
• I2C Address: The default I2C address of the WM8960 is 0x1A. Ensure no address conflicts if multiple I2C devices are connected.
• Audio Quality: Use shielded cables for audio input/output connections to minimize interference.
• Microcontroller Compatibility: Ensure your microcontroller supports I2S/PCM communication for audio data transfer.

The Arduino UNO does not natively support I2S communication. However, you can use an external I2S module or switch to a microcontroller like the ESP32, which has built-in I2S support. Below is an example code snippet for configuring the WM8960 using I2C:

#include <Wire.h> // Include the I2C library

#define WM8960_I2C_ADDR 0x1A // Default I2C address of WM8960

void setup() {
  Wire.begin(); // Initialize I2C communication
  Serial.begin(9600); // Initialize serial communication for debugging

  // Configure WM8960 registers
  configureWM8960();
}

void loop() {
  // Main loop does nothing in this example
}

void configureWM8960() {
  // Example: Set the WM8960 to power up and enable DAC
  writeWM8960Register(0x0F, 0x000); // Reset the device
  writeWM8960Register(0x19, 0x1F0); // Enable DAC and headphone output
  writeWM8960Register(0x1A, 0x1F0); // Enable speaker output

  Serial.println("WM8960 configured successfully!");
}

void writeWM8960Register(uint8_t reg, uint16_t value) {
  Wire.beginTransmission(WM8960_I2C_ADDR);
  Wire.write((reg << 1) | ((value >> 8) & 0x01)); // Send register address
  Wire.write(value & 0xFF); // Send register value
  Wire.endTransmission();
}

1. No Audio Output:

   • Ensure the power supply is stable and within the specified range.
   • Verify that the I2C communication is working correctly by checking the connections and pull-up resistors.
   • Check the audio output connections (headphones/speakers) for proper wiring.

2. Distorted Audio:

   • Reduce the volume settings in the WM8960 configuration.
   • Use shielded cables to minimize interference.
   • Ensure the power supply is free from noise.

3. I2C Communication Failure:

   • Confirm the I2C address (0x1A) matches the device configuration.
   • Check for loose or incorrect connections on the SCL and SDA lines.
   • Use a logic analyzer to debug I2C signals if necessary.

• Can the WM8960 work with 5V microcontrollers?
  No, the WM8960 operates at 3.3V. Use a level shifter if interfacing with a 5V microcontroller.

• What is the maximum sampling rate supported?
  The WM8960 supports sampling rates up to 48 kHz.

• Can I use the WM8960 with Raspberry Pi?
  Yes, the WM8960 is compatible with Raspberry Pi via the I2C and I2S interfaces. Use appropriate drivers or libraries for configuration.

• Does the WM8960 support stereo recording?
  Yes, the WM8960 supports stereo recording through its ADC and microphone input.