Semtech’s New Switching Regulator Platform is as Easy to Use as LDOs

SC202 buck converter integrates inductor in tiny, 2.5 x 3 x 1mm package, offers 94% efficiency

Camarillo, California - September 23, 2010

Semtech Corp. (Nasdaq: SMTC), a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, today announced a new switching regulator platform, offering a buck converter with an integrated inductor in a tiny, 2.5 x 3 x 1mm package. The new SC202 is a synchronous step-down regulator with 3.5MHz PWM switching frequency, 500mA output current and very high efficiency up to 94%. Additionally, on-chip loop compensation and a programmable output voltage eliminate the need for external stability control components and programming resistors, further reducing total PCB space. The combination of high integration and ultra-small packaging occupies a footprint of less than 14mm2, providing designers a more efficient switching regulator as an LDO alternative.

Designing with the SC202 is easy, requiring only two external capacitors, one for input decoupling and one for output filtering. In addition to very high operating efficiency, the SC202 maintains high efficiency during light loads via an automatic power-save (PSAVE) feature that reduces standby (quiescent) current to just 38µA (typ.). It also features a low, 1µA (typ.) shutdown current and excellent transient response. The combination of high integration, ultra-small size, high efficiency, and design simplicity makes the SC202 an ideal solution for low voltage point-of-load (POL) regulation applications and for the next-generation of small, super light-weight, extended battery-life handheld devices.

“By integrating the inductor, the SC202 enables designers to easily replace linear regulators with a more efficient switching regulator,” said Athar Zaidi, Director of Marketing in Semtech’s Power Management Group. “For customers already using switching regulators, it simplifies board layout and provides an easier-to-use, more integrated alternative. In both cases it is an extremely small, simple and cost-effective power management solution.”

The SC202 operates from inputs of 2.9V to 5.5V and provides 15 pin-programmable output voltages from 0.8V to 3.3V, covering all the typical core and I/O voltage rails with one device. It also offers full protection features, including internal soft start to minimize inrush current and better manage overall system power drain; input under-voltage lockout; output over-voltage and current-limit protection; over-temperature protection; and floating programming pin protection.

The SC202 expands Semtech’s broad line of POL regulators, which includes the SC195 offering functionality and performance on par with the SC202, but with an external inductor.

Key Features of the SC202

• Integrated inductor for simple design and board layout
• Ultra-small, low-profile 13-pad MLPQ package: 2.5 x 3 x 1 mm
• Compact solution footprint: < 14mm2
• Easy to design: requires only two external capacitors
• High operating efficiency up to 94%
• Automatic power-save (PSAVE) to maximize standby efficiency
• Fast transient response
• 3.5MHz PWM switching frequency
• 500mA output current

Applications

Cable Modem: Companion Function Chip
Cell Phone: Camera Power, CPU, Digital Control, Direct Video Broadcast, DSP, External Memory, Mixed Signal
Digital Camera: External Memory, Support Function IC, System Controller & MCE
DSL Modem: Ethernet MAC/PHY, Micro Controller
MP3 Player: Audio DSP, System Controller & MCE; External Memory Interface; Memory; Support Function IC, Touchpad/User Input Device
Notebook PC: Graphics Memory Controller, Peripheral Power
Router and Switch: Micro Controller
Set Top Box: Switching Regulators
Wireless Base Station: Low Current Power
Wireless Node B: Low Current Power

Pricing and Availability

The SC202 is available immediately in production quantities and is priced at $0.84 each in 3,000-piece lots. The ordering code is SC202MLTRT. Evaluation boards (SC202EVB) are also available. Semtech offers comprehensive design assistance, including field- and factory-based support. Data sheets, volume pricing, and delivery quotes, as well as evaluation kits and samples, are available at http://www.semtech.com/info.

About Semtech

Semtech Corporation is a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors for high-end consumer, computing, communications and industrial equipment. Products are designed to benefit the engineering community as well as the global community. The company is dedicated to reducing the impact it, and its products, have on the environment. Internal green programs seek to reduce waste through material and manufacturing control, use of green technology and designing for resource reduction. Publicly traded since 1967, Semtech is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol SMTC. For more information, visit www.semtech.com.

Press Contact

Pauline Cadena, Public Relations, Telephone: (805) 389-2755