Date: 08/09/2010

1.8A dual channel regulator from Semtech for POL applications

Semtech has unveiled the SC283, a 1.8A dual-channel regulator for point-of-load (POL) applications. This device combines two step-down regulators in an ultra-small, low-profile 2 x 3 x 0.8mm, 18-pad MLPQ package. This regulator has an integrated VID pins to enable independent configuration and control of the output voltages of each regulator, thus eliminating the need for two pairs of external feedback resistors. The SC283 POL regulator operates at a fixed switching frequency of 2.5MHz.

"No competitor even gets close to offering 1.8A in a dual buck regulator in this footprint," said Alan Burchfield, Senior Product Marketing Manager for Semtech's Power Management Group. "This amazingly small size is achieved without compromising performance. In fact, the SC283 offers very high efficiency, excellent transient response and the capability to perform dynamic voltage transitioning, giving designers an easy-to-use, green solution in an incredibly small footprint."

The SC283 supports output currents up to 1.8A per channel along with high power conversion efficiency of up to 94%. This device has a shutdown current of 1µA typ and transient response for fast system wake-up from low-power standby mode to full-power operation. The SC283 is suggested for powering a wide range of loads, including analog-to-digital converters, microcontrollers, DSPs and digital ASICs in networking, communications, consumer, industrial and office automation equipment and solid-state drive applications.

The integrated VID pins enable designers to individually configure the output voltages of the two regulators by tying those pins either high or low. Each channel offers fifteen pre-determined output voltages via four control pins that are programmable from 0.8 to 3.3V. The VID pins can be switched on-the-fly during operation to enable dynamic control of the output voltages for voltage scaling and power savings when driving some microprocessors or digital ASICs.

The SC283 offers protection features such as internal soft start to minimize inrush current, input under-voltage lockout, output over-voltage and current-limit protection, and over-temperature protection.

The SC283 joins Semtech's existing platform of point-of-load regulators, which cover a wide range of low output currents ranging from 500mA to 4A. This platform includes the SC173 (3A) and SC174 (4A) EcoSpeed regulators and the SC195 (500mA), SC202 (500mA), SC4626 (1A), SC189 (1.5A), SC183C (2A) and SC185 (4A) devices.

Applications

--Cable Modem: Switching Regulators
--GPON - Gigabit Capable Passive Optical Network: Switching Regulators
--HDTV: Switching Regulators
--Laser Printer: Switching Regulators
--Notebook PC: Graphics Memory Controller, I/O Controller Hub, Peripheral Power
--Router and Switch: Switching Regulators
--Set Top Box: Switching Regulators
--Wireless Base Station: Low Current Power, System Control Processor
--Wireless Node B: Low Current Power, System Control Processor

Price: Each US$1.32 for 3K pieces.

Availability: Now

For mare information visit: http://www.semtech.com/info.