DC-DC Converter offers digital programming via I2C interface.

Press Release Summary:




Housed in 3.0 x 3.0 x 0.6 mm MLPQ package, EcoSpeed(TM) SC493 features input supply voltage of 3-28 V and output voltage of 0.5-5 V. I²C interface can be used to fine adjust output voltage and implement margining, as well as to program all device functions. Providing programmable switching frequency from 250 kHz to 1 MHz, converter incorporates SmartDrive(TM) technology, which minimizes EMI and provides FET gate drives capable of supporting output currents to 25 A.



Original Press Release:



Semtech Enters Digital Power Market with 28V EcoSpeed (TM) I²C PWM Controller



SC493 combines ultra-fast transient response and high efficiency with flexibility of digital control

Camarillo, California - Semtech Corp. (Nasdaq: SMTC), a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors today announced the SC493, the company's first digitally controlled DC-DC converter. The SC493 addresses today's increasingly complex power management requirements by enabling users to digitally configure and interrogate the status of the controller via an I²C bus. The SC493 is the latest addition to Semtech's EcoSpeed(TM) converter platform, and it combines the flexibility and feature set of a digital converter with the ultra-fast transient response and high efficiency of Semtech's patented adaptive on-time (AOT) controller architecture.

"Most controllers today are analog, which can achieve high performance but lack flexibility," said Alan Burchfield, Senior Product Marketing Manager for Semtech's Power Management Group. "Some controllers now provide digital flexibility, but it is typically achieved via totally digital topologies. This requires the addition of high-speed data converters and power-hungry DSPs. Semtech's approach takes our best-in-class, adaptive on-time EcoSpeed controller core, and wraps it with a digital interface to provide the benefits of an efficient, high-performance analog core and the flexibility of digital control."

The I²C interface of the SC493 can be used to fine adjust the output voltage and implement margining, as well as to program device functions including output enable/disable, switching frequency, power-on delay time, soft-start time, power-save mode and ultrasonic power-save frequency. The I²C status register bits can be used for diagnostics, including current limit, over temperature, over/under voltage, brown out and power good.

The AOT topology of the SC493 helps designers meet today's demanding green power requirements by efficiently managing both standby and full current demands. This powerful AOT core, combined with I²C programmability makes the SC493 an optimal choice for high-current, distributed main power supply rails in embedded applications for networking, communications, industrial, and office automation equipment.

Semtech's AOT core provides the best of conventional current mode, voltage mode and constant on-time control topologies, with minimal tradeoffs. This architecture enables superior static and dynamic regulation and very high efficiency across light to full power loads, while eliminating the need for external compensation components, providing a simple, space-saving and cost-effective power management solution.

The SC493 switching frequency is programmable from 250kHz to 1MHz, which allows power supply rails to be optimized for either conversion efficiency or solution size. The device also incorporates Semtech's proprietary SmartDrive(TM) technology, a two-step, high-side FET turn-on technology that reduces EMI in noise-sensitive applications, and provides strong FET gate drives capable of supporting output currents up to 25A.

The EcoSpeed architecture allows the SC493 to work with ceramic input and output capacitors, providing further design flexibility and reliability. This, combined with no external compensation components, optimizes BOM costs and reduces time-to-design. The SC493 is packaged in a low-profile 20-pad, 3.0 x 3.0 x 0.6 mm, lead-free, halogen-free MLPQ package for added space savings.

Key Features of the SC493 EcoSpeed Digital PWM Controller

o VIN: 3V to 28V; VOUT: 0.5V to 5V

o Digital I²C programming and diagnostics interface

o Ultra-fast transient response

o Very high efficiency across light to full power loads

o No external compensation components required

o Ultrasonic PSAVE: up to 95% peak efficiency during light loads

o Pseudo-fixed switching frequency with ±15% accuracy (programmable 250kHz to 1MHz)

o SmartDrive(TM) technology reduces EMI

o Fully protected with output OVP, UVP and short circuit protection

o Ultra-thin, 20-pad MLPQ package - 3.0 x 3.0 x 0.6 mm

Applications:

Laser Printer: Cable (DOCSIS), Ethernet MAC/PHY, Micro Controller, Optical (FFTH)
Notebook PC: LCD Display & Backlight, Graphic Memory Controller, I/O Controller Hub

Pricing and Availability

The SC493 is available immediately in production quantities and is priced at $1.06 each in 3,000-piece lots. The ordering code is SC493ULTRT. Evaluation boards (SC493EVB) 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 www.semtech.com/info.

I²C and I²C bus are trademarks of NXP B.V.

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.

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