Date: 05/02/2012

ST claims a share of 80% in semiconductor chips powering AMOLED

ST said in its release it supplies over 80% of the world's semiconductor ICs for powering AMOLED displays. STMicroelectronics has announced it has produced a IC coded STOD13AS using its innovative Silicon On Insulator (SOI) process technology for high energy efficiency and longer battery life. In addition, high immunity to cellphone-communication noise produces a consistent, flicker-free display, says ST.

AMOLEDs have more complex power requirements than LCDs and need both a positive and negative voltage. STOD13AS integrates the step-up and inverting DC/DC converters needed to generate the positive and negative supplies on the same chip; another advantage of its SOI technology. Other enhancements include increased display-driving capability as well as additional short-circuit and overload protection modes to maximize ruggedness and reliability. There are also energy-saving features that help maximize battery life such as an Enable pin, which allows the application to completely turn off the STOD13AS when it doesn't need to use the display, and pulse-skipping operation that optimizes efficiency when the display is consuming minimal power, explains ST.

"This breakthrough device extends ST's lead in AMOLED power integration just as display producers bring next-generation capacity on stream, allowing AMOLEDs to be used in many new product designs," said Sergio Pioppo, Handheld & Portable Consumer Business Unit Director, STMicroelectronics.

Major features of STOD13AS:
o Typical efficiency of 85%
o Output current capability increased from 200mA to 250mA
o Low output ripple and high immunity to GSM noise
o 1.5MHz operating frequency enabling small external components
o 2.5V-4.5V input voltage range
o +4.6V positive output
o User-programmable negative output voltage

The STOD13AS is in volume production now, in the DFN12L 3 x 3mm package, priced at $1.08 for orders of 1000 units. Alternative pricing options may be available for higher quantities.

For more info visit www.st.com