Semtech DC-DC Converter Platform Addition Extends Battery Life in Portable Devices
Company expands buck converter platform with dual-output SC198 and SC198A, which provide on-the-fly voltage changes with minimal external components
Camarillo, California - January 9, 2008
Semtech Corp. (Nasdaq: SMTC), a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, today announced the SC198 and SC198A, two new dual-output synchronous DC-DC buck converters each with eight VID programmable output voltage settings that allow portable systems manufacturers to easily lower processor voltages and extend the battery life of their devices.
The SC198 and SC198A provide flexible and cost-effective options for powering core ICs in fixed 5V, single Li-ion cell portable systems or 3-cell NiMH/NiCd systems such as mobile/cordless phones, MP3 players and handheld game consoles.The SC198 and SC198A operate with an input voltage range of 2.7V to 5.5V. The output voltage for the devices can be digitally programmed via control pins to eight different output pairs, ranging from 1.0V to 3.3V. This capability allows system designers to dynamically change the output voltage without the need for four programming resistors that would be otherwise required.
Each of the two outputs from the SC198A is capable of supplying 800mA of current while the SC198 sources up to 600mA per converter.
Each channel from either converter operates with a fixed 1MHz oscillator frequency, which maximizes the efficiency under normal loads. Under light loads, the regulators automatically transition to power save (PSAVE) mode to maintain high efficiency.
The oscillators on both channels operate 180° out-of-phase with each other to minimize the input ripple current. Both devices can be forced to fixed pulse-width modulation (PWM) mode to further reduce noise for sensitive applications. Device quiescent current in shutdown is less than 1µA.
The regulators offer short-circuit and thermal protection on the output to safeguard the devices under extreme operating conditions. The SC198 and SC198A are both offered in thermally enhanced, RoHS and WEEE compliant 4x4 mm MLPQ-20 packages.
“We’ve combined the Semtech legacy of feature-rich converters with new integration and miniaturization capabilities to deliver compact and easy-to-use converters. VID output control as well as the integration of output voltage setting resistors and compensation components reduces both component selection and design time,” said Julius Sarkis, Semtech Product Marketing Manager, Power Management.
Key Features of the SC198 and SC198A
- Eight programmable output voltages ranging from 1.0V to 3.3V 2.7V – 5V input range
- Less than 50µA of device quiescent current for higher efficiency at light loads
- High efficiency: over 90% peak
- Oscillator 180° out-of-phase to minimize device input ripple current
- Soft start in-rush current protection
- Optional power-save mode under light-load conditions
- Optional synchronizable clock input
Pricing and Availability
The SC198 (order code: SC198MLTRT) and SC198A (order code: SC198AMLTRT) are both available immediately in production quantities and are both priced at $0.98 each in 1,000-piece lots. 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 by contacting salesinfo@semtech.com.
About Semtech
Semtech Corporation is a leading supplier of high-quality analog and mixed-signal semiconductor products. The company is dedicated to providing customers with proprietary solutions and breakthrough technology in power management, protection, test & measurement, advanced communications and wireless connectivity products. Publicly traded since 1967, Semtech is listed on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol SMTC. For more information, contact Semtech Corp. at 200 Flynn Road, Camarillo, CA 93012-8790; phone (805) 498-2111; email to info@semtech.com; or visit its web site at www.semtech.com.
Press Contact
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