ON Semiconductor Corp has completed its acquisition of the voltage regulation and thermal monitoring products for computing applications from Analog Devices

The total consideration value paid of approximately US $184 million in cash includes the purchase price for the acquired assets and intellectual property rights related to the product lines as well as amounts payable under a one-year manufacturing supply arrangement with ADI. ‘The customers and products associated with the computing end-market are a critical component to our ongoing success and strategy’, says Keith Jackson, ON Semiconductor President and CEO.

‘The technical expertise, customer relationships and power management knowhow of the ADI team expands our overall computing power management business and accelerates our notebook power management revenue’.

The TPS61165 can drive backlight LEDs for media form factor displays up to 9in diameter, such as those used in ultramobile PCs and LCD photo frames

Texas Instruments has a new high-brightness LED driver with an integrated 40V/1.2A switch that can drive up to three 1W LEDs in series. The new TPS61165 device’s high-performance features and input voltage range of 3 to 18V allow designers to efficiently manage multiple high-power LEDs used in single-cell, battery-powered applications or point-of-load designs with a 9 or 12V bus.

The TPS61165 allows LED brightness to be controlled by a digital single-wire interface or pulsewidth modulating (PWM) signal.

The digital interface can program an internal register to set the LED current to one of the 32 logarithmic steps.

The convertor also comes with built-in protection features, such as open LED protection, soft-start, overcurrent limit and overtemperature protection.

In addition to driving illumination LEDs, the TPS61165 can drive backlight LEDs for media form factor displays up to 9in diameter, such as those used in ultramobile PCs and LCD photo frames, industrial laser diodes or medical and industrial lighting.

TI also introduced its new TPS61160 and TPS61161 convertors that support input voltages from 3 to 18V.

Both devices integrate a 0.6A current switch and target portable and battery powered applications with small displays, such as small 3 or 4in LCD backlighting in portable game players, GPS systems and smart phones.

The TPS61160 drives up to six LEDs with 26V open LED protection, whereas the TPS61161 drives up to 10 LEDs with 38V open LED protection.

As with the TPS61165, the brightness of the LED can be controlled by a singe-wire digital interface or PWM signal, and analogue dimming eliminates noise.

The TPS61165, TPS61161 and TPS61160 are available today from TI, and come in thin 2 x 2mm QFN packages.

Power saving modes make the LTC3826/-1 ideal for automotive applications such as navigation systems, where one or both supplies remain active while the engine is off

Linear Technology has released the LTC3826/-1, an ultralow-quiescent-current two-phase dual-output synchronous step-down DC/DC controller. The LTC3826/-1 draws only 30uA when one output is active and only 50uA when both outputs are active, making it ideal for automotive applications, such as navigation systems, where one or both supplies remain active while the engine is off.

With both outputs shut down, the LTC3826/-1 draws a mere 4uA.

The LTC3826/-1’s input supply range of 4 to 36V is wide enough both to protect against high input voltage transients and to continue operation during automotive cold crank.

The LTC3826/-1 features a tight +/-1% reference voltage tolerance over the operating temperature range of -40 to +85C and can provide output voltages from 0.8 up to 10V, suitable for powering audio systems, analogue tuners and CD/DVD players in automobiles.

Each output can deliver up to 20A of current at efficiencies as high as 95%.

The LTC3826/-1’s constant frequency, current mode architecture provides excellent line and load regulation, and its two-phase operation reduces input capacitance requirements.

The LTC3826/-1 smoothly ramps each output voltage during startup using separate adjustable soft-start and tracking pins.

It operates at a selectable frequency between 250 and 550kHz, and can be synchronised to an external clock from 140 to 650kHz using its phased-locked loop (PLL).

In addition, the user can select from Burst Mode operation, pulse skipping and continuous operation at light loads.

There are two versions offered: the LTC3826 is the fully featured part with additional functions that include a clock out, phase modulation, two separate power good signals and a current limit foldback disable capability.

The LTC3826 is offered in 32-lead 5 x 5mm QFN package, whereas the LTC3826-1 is housed in the 28-pin SSOP.

Dual-output boost convertor combines a 2.3MHz PWM LED driver with a low-noise OLED driver

The LT3498 from Linear Technology is a dual-output boost convertor featuring a 2.3MHz PWM LED driver and a low-noise OLED driver. The device includes an internal power switch and Schottky diode for each channel, all in 2 x 3mm DFN package. The LT3498’s wide 2.5 to 12V input voltage range enables it to operate from single cell Li-ion batteries up to fixed 12V input rails, delivering outputs up to 32V.

Each of the convertors can be independently dimmed or shut down.

From a single-cell Li-ion input, the LED driver channel can drive up to six series 20mA white LEDs while the OLED driver can deliver up to 24mA to a 16V output.

This highly integrated power solution is ideal for dual display electronic devices.

The LT3498’s LED driver uses a 2.3MHz PWM frequency, keeping switching noise out of critical wireless and audio bands.

The device also uses a high side current sense topology, providing a one-wire current source for the LED driver.

Similarly, the OLED driver uses a unique control scheme that delivers both high efficiency and low output ripple over a wide load current range.

This technique guarantees that the switching frequency stays above the audio band for the entire load range, making it ideal for noise-sensitive applications such as MP3 players and cellular phones.

Additional features include open LED protection and OLED output disconnect.

Power over Ethernet interface controller integrates a synchronous current-mode switching regulator for delivering precise regulation and high efficiency

Linear Technology has released the LTC4268-1, a power over Ethernet (PoE) interface controller with a synchronous current-mode switching regulator for delivering precise regulation and high efficiency to power-hungry powered devices (PDs). The LTC4268-1 provides up to 35W for two-pair systems and as much as 70W for four-pair systems.

As the momentum for PoE continues to grow, the LTC4268-1 bridges the gap to enable development of innovative high-power PoE devices in anticipation of the evolving PoE+ (IEEE802.3at) standard.

At the heart of the LTC4268-1 is a high-performance switching regulator optimised for isolated PoE applications.

The LTC4268-1 incorporates Linear Technology’s patented NoOpto feedback topology to provide full IEEE802.3 isolation without the need for optoisolator circuitry.

A feedback amplifier senses the output voltage through the transformer winding during the flyback period and uses this voltage to tightly regulate the output.

The transformer isolates the load from the input supply and provides feedback, improving output transient response and overall reliability.

The synchronous flyback convertor provides a low part count design with the advantage that additional outputs can be obtained by simply adding windings.

Synchronous rectification offers the benefit of higher output power, increased conversion efficiency and improved cross regulation in applications with multiple outputs.

The LTC4268-1 offers the flexibility of programmable switching frequency from 50 to 250kHz for optimised power supply design.

In low-noise system designs, the controller can be synchronised to an external oscillator.

The LTC4268-1 includes a field-proven PD controller front end for worry-free use in hostile PoE environments.

By incorporating a precision dual current limit, the LTC4268-1 ensures trouble-free interoperability with any power sourcing equipment (PSE).

The LTC4268-1 is capable of handling 750mA with the lowest on-resistance (typically 0.55ohm) Hot Swap MOSFET on the market.

The ultralow FET on-resistance minimises device heating and improves overall efficiency.

For even higher output power, the normal current limit can be disabled, allowing implementation of proprietary, ultra-high-power designs.

Specified over the commercial and industrial temperature ranges, the LTC4268-1 is offered in a space saving 32-pin 7 x 4mm thermally enhanced DFN package.

Highly integrated power-management ICs include USB/AC-adapter linear charger and Smart Power Selector for portable devices powered by rechargeable single-cell Li-ion batteries
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New from Maxim Integrated Products, the MAX8662 and MAX8663 are highly integrated power-management ICs each with a USB/AC-adapter linear charger and Smart Power Selector for portable devices powered by rechargeable single-cell Li-ion batteries. Integrating Smart Power Selector circuitry that seamlessly distributes power between an external input, the battery and system load, the MAX8662 and MAX8663 are ideal for smartphones, PDAs, portable media players and other portable devices for which energy efficiency is vital.

The MAX8662 and MAX8663 use Maxim’s proprietary Smart Power Selector circuitry to efficiently distribute power between a USB/AC-adapter source, the battery, and system load.

When external power is connected, the Smart Power Selector allows the system to operate with no battery or a deeply discharged battery.

It automatically switches the system load from the battery and makes the best use of limited USB or adapter power while charging the battery from input power not used by the system.
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All necessary power switches and current-sense circuitry are included on the chip.

The MAX8663 integrates two high-efficiency, step-down DC/DC convertors, four LDOs and a full-featured charger with Smart Power Selector.

The MAX8662 adds a step-up DC/DC convertor for up to seven WLEDs or OLED displays.

The two step-down DC/DC convertors offer up to 97% efficiency, provide a 1 to 3.3V adjustable output, and support 1.2A and 900mA loads.

The four LDOs support 500, 300 and two 150mA loads; to minimise power loss, they operate from a 1.7 to 5.5V input-voltage range.

Additionally, the LDOs have selectable output voltages to eliminate external resistor-dividers and minimise board space.

The charger’s DC-input current limit is adjustable up to 2A and supports 500mA, 100mA and USB-suspend modes.

Charge current is adjustable up to 1.5A to accommodate a wide range of battery capacities.

Other charger features include thermal regulation, overvoltage protection, charge status and fault outputs, a power-OK monitor, a battery-thermistor monitor and a charge timer.

The MAX8662 is available in a thermally enhanced 6 x 6mm 48-pin TQFN package; the MAX8663 is available in a thermally enhanced 5 x 5mm 40-pin TQFN package.

These devices are specified for the extended temperature range (-40 to +85C).

Prices start at US $3.95 (1000-up).

Evaluation kits are available to speed designs.

The ADL5570 is a high-linearity power amplifier designed for use in mobile WiMAX terminals
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The ADL5570 is a high-linearity power amplifier (PA) designed for mobile WiMAX terminals. The ADL5570 is optimised for operation in the 2.3 to 2.4GHz band and provides good performance across frequency bands from 2.5 to 2.7GHz. The device provides high levels of linearity, output power and efficiency to ensure seamless connectivity and reduce battery drain in portable devices.

Battery life is a key consideration in the design of portable applications such as laptop computers, cellular handsets and PDAs.

Compared with WiMAX PAs from other vendors, the ADL5570 consumes half the current and offers a PAE (power-added efficiency) of more than 20%.

This lower power consumption limits the need for heat sinks, increases system reliability and reduces size and cost.
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The exceptional output power of the ADL5570 is complemented by high linearity, which enables the higher data rates and increased signal propagation required for reliable WiMAX broadband connections.

The output 1dB compression point (P1dB) of 31dBm allows the ADL5570 to operate in the linear region at output power levels of up to 26dBm - at 3.5V supply and 2.35GHz - while maintaining an EVM (error vector magnitude) of less than 3% to minimise system-level signal noise.

The combination of high output power, efficiency and signal fidelity provide users of WiMAX communications devices longer operation and fewer breaks in transmission, maximising their mobile broadband experience.

Additionally, the ADL5570 features a gain of 29dB, which allows the device to be used with a wide variety of transceivers.

Operating with a single 3.2 to 5.5V supply, the ADL5570 consumes 250mA.

A low-power mode is also available for operation at levels less than 10dBm, with optimised operating and quiescent currents of 100mA and 70mA, respectively.

A standby mode is also available, which reduces the quiescent current to 10mA and is useful when a time-division duplex terminal is receiving data.

The ADL5570 is sampling now, with volume production scheduled for May 2007.

Priced at US $3.00 per unit in 10,000-piece quantities, it is available in a 16-pin 4 x 4mm LFCSP (lead-frame chip-scale package).

The device is specified over the extended industrial temperature range ( - 40 to +85C).

The FMS6502 is an 8-input, 6-output video switch matrix for use in consumer and industrial video applications such as in-car entertainment systems, HDTVs and flat-panel displays
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Fairchild Semiconductor has introduced the FMS6502, an 8-input, 6-output video switch matrix that offers cost effectiveness and space savings in consumer and industrial video applications such as automotive in-cabin entertainment systems, HDTVs, flat panel displays and Audio/Video receivers.

The FMS6502 offers more functions than comparable crosspoint video switch matrices by integrating analogue switch capability, input clamps, bias circuitry and cable drivers into a single device.

Consuming approximately half the board space of discrete solutions, the FMS6502 dramatically reduces part count while simplifying designs.

The second-generation FMS6502 offers the same high level of integration as Fairchild’s previous-generation video switch matrix technology while providing enhanced flexibility.
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‘Fairchild’s FMS6502 eight-by-six video switch matrix is the most highly integrated switching solution on the market and is tailored to fit designers’ specific configuration needs and cost targets’, says Bill Boldt, Fairchild’s Senior Marketing Manager for Signal Path Products.

‘The new FMS6502 builds upon Fairchild’s popular, previously released FMS6501 twelve-by-nine matrix by offering a cost-effective solution for applications where fewer inputs and outputs are desirable’.

‘The FMS6502 reinforces our leadership position in providing low cost, highly integrated video products’.

The FMS6502 is available in a compact TSSOP-24 lead (Pb)-free package that meets or exceeds the requirements of the joint IPC/JEDEC standard J-STD-020C and is compliant with European Union regulations now in effect.

Fairchild Semiconductor will begin its 2007 series of power seminars at locations worldwide starting in April
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Fairchild power experts will provide the latest in design techniques for optimising system power with analogue, discrete, and optoelectronic solutions at these one day events. The 2007 power seminar technical sessions include: ‘Low cost, isolated current source for LED strings’; ‘Design considerations of LLC resonant convertor’; ‘Application review and comparative evaluation of low-side MOSFET drivers’; ‘Understanding diode reverse recovery and its effect on switching losses’; ‘Tips and tricks to get more out of your Spice simulations’; and ‘Design review: power stage design for a 200W offline power supply’.

The power seminars will be held in Europe, North America, Asia, Korea and Central and South America.

A complete listing, including abstracts of the sessions, a detailed schedule and the registration form can be found on the Fairchild website.

‘Fairchild’s power seminars provide design engineers with technical information to improve system performance, comply with energy efficiency regulations, and achieve significant system-level cost savings’, said Suzanne Bowser, Fairchild Semiconductor’s Market Development Manager.
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‘These power seminars are part of our Global Power Resource, providing a network of worldwide power design centres with a suite of online tools and system design experts who partner closely with customers to optimise and innovate designs’.

‘We are pleased to be able to offer these very popular technical power seminars, marking our fifth consecutive year’.

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Dallas Semiconductor, a wholly owned subsidiary of Maxim Integrated Products , has brought out the DS2792 programmable fuel gauge for 1- or 2-cell applications. Integrated into the DS2792 are a MAXQ microcontroller; generous program and data memory; and an accurate measurement system for battery current, voltage, and temperature.

These features provide the ability to greatly customise fuel-gauging algorithms in battery-powered products.

At the heart of the DS2792’s computing core is the low-power, 16bit MAXQ20 microcontroller with its advanced, accumulator-based, 16bit RISC architecture.

Because the DS2792’s instructions contain both the operation code and data, its fetch and execution operations are completed in one cycle without pipelining.

The processing core is supported by a 16-level hardware stack, which enables fast subroutine calling and task switching.

Data can be quickly and efficiently manipulated with three internal data pointers.
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Multiple data pointers allow more than one function to access data memory without having to save and restore data pointers each time.

To allow the user to program proprietary algorithms, the DS2792 contains three types of memory: programming memory, data EEPROM, and data RAM.

The memory is arranged in a Harvard architecture, with separate address spaces for program and data memory.

The 8K words of programming memory consists of 4K words of password-protected EEPROM and 4K words of ROM.

The inclusion of EEPROM allows the devices to be reprogrammed, which simplifies and reduces the cost of development and field upgrades.

The data EEPROM consists of 64 words and is available for storing important data such as charge parameters, cell characteristics, and manufacturing data that should remain unaffected by severe battery depletion, accidental shorts, or ESD events.

The data RAM is 256 words and is used for temporary data storage.

The DS2792 also provides precise current, accumulated-current, voltage, and temperature measurements.

Current measurements are internally summed to calculate the accumulated current, which is accurate to within 0.5% +/-4.0uV over a range of +/-64mV.

Using a 15mOhm sense resistor, this current accuracy translates to within 0.5% +/-267uA over a 4.2A range.

The DS2792 measures voltage as a 10bit value over a 0 to 4.99V range with a resolution of 4.88mV.

An on-chip temperature sensor measures the temperature of the battery and reports the results as a 10bit value with a resolution of 0.125C.

All measured data and any password-protected reprogramming of the EEPROM memory can be communicated to the host through the DS2792’s UART interface.

Typical applications for the DS2792 include digital video cameras, SLR digital still cameras, sub-notebook and ultra-portable PCs, industrial PDAs, and handheld GPS devices.

The DS2792 is available in an 8 x 4mm, 28-pin, lead-free TDFN package.

Prices start at US $3.28 (1000-up).