Date: 11/10/2011

PMICs from austriamicrosystems packs buck/boost DC/DC, LDOs, GPIO and more

austriamicrosystems has launched the power management ICs AS3710 and AS3711. These ICs include three DC-DC 4 MHz step-down converters, two DC-DC step-up converters, eight LDOs, four GPIOs, a 1.5A charger, an I2C interface, three current sinks, an ADC, a watchdog timer, and a real-time clock (RTC). The AS3710 PMIC adds a third booster whereas the AS3711 adds a 3A step-down converter. Configuration options include selecting linear or switching charging based on maximizing power efficiency or minimizing space and cost.

The outputs of the converters are all programmable. Two of the eight LDOs are low noise, suitable for noise critical RF modules. The step-up converters can be used to power peripherals that require voltages higher than the Li-Ion battery, such as class D amplifiers, USB OTG/Host, OLED displays and LED backlight displays and three high-voltage current sinks are included for LCD backlighting, says austriamicrosystems. The programmable current level is adjustable in 150 µA increments from 0 to 40 mA. In addition, PWM input options offer a simple way of implementing dynamic luminance scaling (DLS).

"Our lead customers needed a highly versatile PMIC to accommodate design additions, as well as to have one power design for a platform of products," said Peter Kammerlander, Product Manager at austriamicrosystems. "The flexible configuration capability of the AS3710/11 PMICs allows developers to react quickly to late changes. Even changing or upgrading the processor will not cause a redesign of the power management section."

Each device is housed in a space saving 7x7 mm QFN56 package, operate from a single 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply and are specified over a -40 to +85°C temperature range.

Price and availability: The AS3710/11 PMICs are available now and are priced at $3.80 in 1000-piece quantities.

For more information visit www.austriamicrosystems.com