Miniature Power Chip enhances AMOLED smartphone designs.
Press Release Summary:
Supplied in 3 x 3 mm package, STOD13AS is produced using Silicon On Insulator process technology and integrates step-up and inverting DC/DC converters needed to generate positive and negative supplies on same chip. Immunity to cellphone communication noise produces consistent, flicker-free display, while Enable pin and pulse-skipping operation promote power conservation. Along with 85% typ efficiency, chip features 250 mA output current capability and 1.5 MHz operating frequency.
Original Press Release:
STMicroelectronics Extends Lead in Power-Supply Chips for Advanced Smartphone Displays
Market-leading AMOLED IC family gains extra performance edge as advanced displays show multi-billion dollar potential
Geneva - The latest miniature power chip from STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, is produced using an advanced technology that could see it used in nearly every new smartphone or small electronic device that has an AMOLED[1] display.
ST already supplies over 80% of the world's ICs for powering AMOLED displays, which are ultra thin and promise even more vivid displays and wider viewing angles than today's LCDs. Increasing use in smartphones and other slim-line electronics such as digital cameras and appliance user interfaces will drive annual AMOLED shipments to $3.6 billion by 2015, from just over $600 million in 2008, according to analysts at IHS iSuppli; each AMOLED would require a driver/power-supply chip.
AMOLEDs have more complex power requirements than LCDs and need both a positive and negative voltage. ST's dedicated AMOLED power ICs add value to new designs by simplifying power-supply circuitry. The new chip, the STOD13AS, is produced using ST's innovative Silicon On Insulator (SOI) process technology, which ensures outstanding energy efficiency and results in longer battery life. In addition, high immunity to cellphone-communication noise produces a consistent, flicker-free display.
"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.
As the successor to ST's popular STOD03A, the 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.
Major features of STOD13AS:
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.
About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications with innovative semiconductor solutions. ST aims to be the undisputed leader in multimedia convergence and power applications leveraging its vast array of technologies, design expertise and combination of intellectual property portfolio, strategic partnerships and manufacturing strength. In 2011, the Company's net revenues were $9.73 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
[1] Active-Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode
