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World's lowest power Bluetooth smart chip is unveiled May 21, 2013
Dialog Semiconductor plc launches SmartBond, which claims to be the world’s lowest power and smallest Bluetooth Smart System-on-Chip that more than doubles the battery life of an app-enabled smartphone accessory or computer peripheral compared with competing solutions on the market.
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Ultra-low-power SoC supports world's smallest Bluetooth location stickers
May 16, 2013
Nordic Semiconductor ASA's nRF51822 SoC has been specified into the world's smallest Bluetooth low energy coin-sized location stickers.
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100-mA synchronous buck converter delivers 150-V input capability with 12-uA quiescent current
May 13, 2013
Linear Technology has introduced a 150 V input-capable synchronous buck converter that delivers up to 100 mA of continuous output current. Read more Integrated temperature sensor in BAP RFID chip is ideal for wireless real-time or data-logged monitoring May 1, 2013
EM Microelectronic, the semiconductor company of the Swatch Group, has introduced a versatile and multipurpose, battery-assisted passive (BAP) RFID chip with a calibrated temperature sensor.
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12/16-channel AFEs double accuracy, reduce battery-management systems cost by up to 35 percent
April 25, 2013
Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. has begun sampling the MAX14920/MAX14921, high-accuracy, 12/16-channel cell-measurement analog front-ends (AFEs) that lower battery-management electronics costs by up to 35%. Read more
Smart watches will leverage smartphones adoption to flourish in 2013, says ABI Research
Smart Watches have been around for the last decade. The wearable computing device has failed to take off for one reason or another: they looked ugly, were too bulky, had weak functionality, or the battery life was not good enough. However, over the last nine months a number of new smart watches have emerged that could change consumers' perceptions.
1-cell Li-Ion/Li-polymer battery protection ICs
Ricoh Europe has launched two new 1-cell Li-Ion / Li-polymer battery protection ICs, the R5475 and R5478 for use in rechargeable portable electronic devices. The 2.9x2.8x1.2mm chips offer advanced features including electronic safety measures for the charge and discharge process in order to assure a failsafe operation of the battery pack.
TI claims breakthrough battery monitoring technology for lead-acid batteries
Texas Instruments Incorporated has introduced the first lead-acid battery management gas gauge integrated circuit with TI’s proprietary Impedance Track capacity measurement technology for lead acid batteries.
Intelligent enumerating battery charger delivers the safest and fastest charge for mobile equipment
Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. has begun sampling the MAX77301 Li+ battery charger which integrates the intelligence to enumerate with the host device, automatically identify the adapter type, and then determine the fastest rate to charge a battery. High accuracy battery fuel gauge maximizes battery capacity and boosts user confidence
Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. has begun sampling the MAX17050, the industry’s highest accuracy battery fuel gauge. NXP unveils world's first low VCEsat double transistors in 2-mm x 2-mm leadless package
NXP Semiconductors N.V. has introduced what the company claims are the industry’s first double transistors with low saturation voltage in a 2-mm x 2-mm DFN (discrete flat no-leads) package. High efficiency bidirectional multicell battery balancer
With the LTC3300-1, chipmaker Linear Technology addresses the fledgling market of batteries for electric and hybrid electric vehicles. The LTC3300-1 is a fault-protected controller IC for transformer-based bidirectional active balancing of multicell battery stacks. The device can also be used in high-power UPS/grid energy storage systems and general purpose multicell battery stacks.
LED driver matches flash LED input current in real time with safe output capability of battery
ams AG has introduced a new intelligent LED driver for mobile phone cameras that maximizes the brightness of the flash without causing the phone’s battery to fall below its minimum operating voltage.
Battery fuel gauge IC offers reliable runtimes for mobile users
STMicroelectronics has unveiled the company’s latest battery fuel-gauging device featuring patented innovations that improve long-term accuracy. Buck-boost DC/DC controller converts input voltages from 2.8V to 80V to fixed output voltage at high efficiency
A high efficiency and wide input voltage range are the main characteristics of Linear Technology's new LT8705 Toshiba unveils first 2.0-A USB-ready Li-ion battery charger IC for fast charging portable devices
Toshiba Electronics Europe (TEE) has launched the company's first high-current USB ready Li-ion battery charger IC, which offers one of the industry’s fastest charging currents up to 2.0 A. Power management front-end chip boosts battery run-time in ARM Cortex A15-based designs
Texas Instruments Incorporated has introduced what the company claims is the industry’s first single-chip, front-end power management unit (PMU) for battery-powered applications based on ARM Cortex A9 and A15 processors. Low power bidirectional I2C isolators extend industrial isolation lifetime
Texas Instruments Incorporated has introduced a bidirectional isolator family compatible with I2C interfaces that claims to consume as much as 38-percent lower power than competitive devices.
SiP provides integrated solution for automotive battery sensing
The AS8515 system-in-package (SiP) introduced today by ams AG enables the implementation of a complete automotive battery measurement system when interfaced via SPI to any microcontroller. Combining signal processing, voltage regulation and LIN transceiver in a single package, it provides accurate and linear current, voltage and temperature measurement outputs
24-bit, 3-channel ECG analog front end cuts power consumption by 85 percent compared with alternative integrated solutions
Texas Instruments Incorporated has expanded the company’s ADS1298 analog-front-end (AFE) family with the industry's most power-efficient 24-bit, 3-channel AFE for biopotential measurement applications, such as portable, battery-powered electrocardiogram (ECG) solutions, Holter monitors and wireless patient monitoring equipment.
Hall effect switches help optimize sensitivities
Diodes Incorporated has released four omnipolar Hall effect switches offering sensitivities to closely match the magnetic field strengths used in proximity and position detection duties in a variety of different product designs.
New power metal strip battery shunt resistor with molded enclosure delivers 36-W power capability
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. has introduced a new Power Metal Strip battery shunt resistor featuring a molded enclosure with a 4-pin connector. New integrated DC-DC converter targets graphic and core processor applications in portable electronics
ON Semiconductor has addressed the growing demand for higher power densities in portable consumer electronics designs with the introduction of the NCP6338, a configurable, 6 A step down DC-DC converter IC.Accurate hybrid/electric battery monitor includes isolated interface
Linear Technology has introduced a high voltage battery monitor for hybrid electric and electric vehicles, and other high voltage, stacked-battery systems.
Nujira samples low noise second-generation Envelope Tracking chip for smartphones
Envelope Tracking technology pioneer Nujira Ltd, has begun sampling the company's next generation ET IC for mobile handsets, the NCT-L1200, to lead partners.
Firm seeks breakthroughs in rechargeable batteries
Wildcat Discovery Technologies, a privately held San Diego company focused on battery materials development, said it signed a multi-year joint development agreement to develop materials to improve rechargeable battery technology with Japan's Ashai Kasei Corp., one of the world’s largest producers of advanced battery separators.
Maxim sees integration as the engine of sales growth
Last week EE Times Europe met Chris Neil, Senior Vice President of Maxim Integrated’s Industrial and & Medical Solutions group to discover more about the company’s new brand makeover and find out what Maxim is planning for the future and what is likely to be revealed in November at the electronica event in Germany.
Maxim Integrated plans to demo new wearable vital signs monitoring shirt at electronica 2012
Maxim Integrated is collaborating with Clearbridge VitalSigns and Orbital Research to produce a reference design for a highly integrated, telehealth fitness (‘Fit’) shirt that enables patient monitoring and lowers the cost of medical diagnoses.
70V-tolerant, 12-cell battery sensor extends battery life, supports highest automotive safety rating
Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. has unveiled a fourth-generation high-voltage battery sensor for mission-critical automotive and industrial lithium-ion battery and fuel cell applications.
Low power system design optimizations with SAR A/D Converters
Power consumption is one of the key requirements for battery powered A/D converter applications today.
Nujira raises $12 million to support rollout of Coolteq.L IC technology and start volume production
New Li-Ion battery charger targets next generation power efficiency demands
ON Semiconductor has introduced a fully programmable Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) switching battery charger optimized for power efficiency in smart phones, tablets and other handheld devices. The NCP1851 reduces charge time, increases battery life and includes advanced startup features.
20-V single P-channel PowerTrench MOSFETs improve portable device battery charging and load switching
Fairchild Semiconductor has expanded the company’s line of P-Channel PowerTrench MOSFETs To help designers of cellular handsets and other portable applications improve battery charging and load switching.RF transceiver claims a new standard for low current and high performance
Semtech Corporation has expanded the company's RFIC platform with the new SX1232, a fully integrated, high performance, low current sub-GHz RF transceiver.
Industry's smallest 1.8-A brushed DC motor driver supports battery powered applications
Texas Instruments Incorporated has expanded its growing family of low-voltage DRV8x motor drivers with the industry’s smallest 1.8-A brushed DC motor driver. LEM brings high-accuracy current measurement to electric vehicle battery packs
LEM has introduced the CAB high-accuracy current transducer that enables makers of battery packs for Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) to achieve a new level of precision when measuring current flow into and out of the battery. Qualcomm acquires Summit Microelectronics to broaden power management solutions
Qualcomm Incorporated has acquired Summit Microelectronics, a leading developer and provider of programmable power integrated circuits based in Sunnyvale, California, USA. Video amplifiers integrate short-to-battery protection and fault detection for automotive video applications
Analog Devices, Inc. has introduced a series of high-speed video amplifiers that integrate short-to-battery protection and fault detection for analog video systems in automotive safety and infotainment applications.
65-V, 500-mA synchronous buck converter delivers 90 percent efficiency, requires 12-uA quiescent current
Linear Technology has released a 65 V input-capable synchronous buck converter, which delivers up to 500 mA of continuous output current from a 16-lead thermally enhanced 3 mm x 5 mm DFN or MSOP package.
42-V, 2.5-A(IOUT), 2.2-MHz synchronous step-down DC/DC converter delivers 96 percent efficiency
Linear Technology Corporation has introduced a 2.5 A, 42 V input capable synchronous step-down switching regulator. Synchronous rectification delivers efficiency as high as 96% while Burst Mode operation keeps quiescent current under 2.5 µA in no-load standby conditions.
Low-power FPD-Link serializer offers industry’s highest resolution for tablets
Texas Instruments Incorporated has introduced a low-power, FPD-Link serializer that delivers the industry's highest screen resolution while extending battery life in tablet computers, ebooks, laptops and portable display monitors.
Voltage references deliver ultra-low noise, high accuracy and value for precision applications
Analog Devices, Inc. has introduced a series of voltage references offering the industry’s best combination of noise performance, initial output voltage accuracy, low temperature coefficient (TC), and excellent long-term stability at unmatched price points.
Integrated switching buck regulators offer industry leading conversion ratios
ON Semiconductor has introduced a new series of switching buck regulators for space-constrained, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) sensitive automotive entertainment and infotainment applications. The highly integrated devices claim to offer industry leading conversion ratios for battery connected switch-mode power supplies.
Dual positive/negative ±20-V IN ±150-mA LDO with 20-uV RMS noise supports wider temperature range
Linear Technology Corporation has released a new high reliability MP grade, wider temperature range version of the LT3032, a dual, low noise, positive/negative low dropout voltage linear regulator.
MOSFET reduces off-board height by 50 percent
Diodes Incorporated has launched a line of high-efficiency N- and P-channel MOSFETs in low-profile DFN2020-6 packages.
15-V 800-mA step down synchronous regulators deliver improve power efficiency and density for portable electronics
Analog Devices, Inc. has introduced an 800-mA output DC-to-DC regulators optimized for better energy efficiencies in battery-powered applications using multiple alkaline/NiMH, lithium cells, or other standard power sources.
2.4-GHz low-power RF transceiver claims lowest power consumption for industrial applications
Atmel Corporation has introduced a RF transceiver for battery-operated wireless applications that is optimized for industrial and consumer products complying with ZigBee/IEEE 802.15.4, IPv6 over low-power wireless personal area networks and high data rate 2.4 GHz ISM band applications.
36-V nano current voltage monitor focuses on multicell applications
Linear Technology Corporation has introduced a 2.5 V to 36 V, two input voltage monitor that draws 850 nA of quiescent current, offering extended battery life in battery-powered applications.
Class-D amplifier device reduces distortion and prevents early phone software shutdown
Fairchild Semiconductor has developed the FAB3103 2.3 watt class-D audio amplifier with integrated boost regulator and battery automatic gain control (AGC) which is suitable for use in mobile handsets, smart phones, and tablets, as well as portable media players.
NXP claims industry's most efficient low-VF schottky rectifier for mobile devices
NXP Semiconductors N.V. has launched what the company claims are the most efficient Schottky rectifier available in the ultra-small and flat 1.0 x 0.6 x 0.37-mm plastic SMD package DFN1006D-2 (SOD882D).
New UHF Battery-Assisted Passive RFID chip incoprorates temperature sensor and SPI interface
New Schottky diode series offers high-speed switching improvements in battery-powered products
Toshiba Electronics Europe (TEE) has introduced a new series of Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) aimed at high-speed switching applications in the 500 mA to 1000 mA current range. The new devices use a next generation process for improved forward voltage and reverse current performance, which results in lower losses.
15-W I2C power manager charges LiFePO4 cells at 3.5-A for high power density portable and battery back-up systems
Linear Technology Corporation has introduced a high power, I2C controlled, high efficiency PowerPath manager, ideal diode controller and Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery charger for single-cell devices such as portable medical and industrial devices, backup devices and other high power density battery-powered applications.
Lattice supports new MIPI BIF standard
Lattice Semiconductor Corporation has adopted the MIPI Battery Interface (BIF) standard within the iCE40 mobileFPGA family of products. As an industry-created and adopted standard, the MIPI BIF single-wire specification accelerates the design and use of smart batteries in mobile devices.
TI's new Wolverine microcontroller platform slashes power by 50 percent
Texas Instruments Incorporated has unveiled feature-packed MSP430 microcontroller platform with the aim of pushing ultra-low-power limits, bringing consumers one step closer to a battery-free world.
European IcyHeart project to focus on real-time ECG monitory for ambulatory use
Initiated by the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM), the European IcyHeart project targets the development of an unobtrusive, wireless, battery-powered ECG monitoring-solution for ambulatory use, with the ability to analyze the ECG waveform and detect abnormal events in real time.
NXP releases world's first dual supply voltage ARM Cortex-M0 microcontrollers
NXP Semiconductors N.V. is releasing the world’s first ARM Cortex-M0 microcontroller with dual supply voltage of 1.65 V to 1.95 V V DD and 1.65 V to 3.6 V V IO . The company’s new LPC1100LV series offers 50 MIPS performance in a 2-mm x 2-mm footprint with over three times power reduction compared to similar 3.3 V V DD devices. The LPC1100LV platform is specifically designed for battery-powered end applications ranging from mobile phones, tablets, Ultrabooks and mobile accessories to active cable, cameras, and portable medical electronics.
Smallest USB battery charger detectors offer universal charging potential
Maxim Integrated Products Inc. has unveiled what the company claims are the industry’s smallest USB battery charger detectors that are compliant with the USB Battery Charging Specification. The MAX14578E/MAX14578AE devices detect USB standard downstream ports (SDPs), USB charging downstream ports (CDPs), or dedicated charger ports (DCPs), in addition to proprietary charger adapters from Apple and Sony.
New family of RS-485/RS-422 transmitters and receivers simplifies industrial designs to improve reliability
Intersil Corporation has introduced the ISL3261x series of RS-485/RS-422 transmitters and receivers designed to meet the strict power budgets of battery and remote sensing applications. Operating from an industry-low 1.8 V supply voltage and consuming less than 150 uW, this new family is the optimal solution for designers who need to increase battery life and/or reduce the size of their power supply.
Battery-monitor IC combines high accuracy with low power in smallest-in-class package
STMicroelectronics has introduced a new battery monitoring 'gas gauge' for handheld applications. ST’s STC3105 claims to combine the industry’s smallest footprint with outstanding measurement accuracy and miserly power consumption to increase battery runtime and lifespan in mobile phones, multimedia players, digital cameras, and other space-constrained portable gadgets.
Texas Instruments unveils industry's most accurate amplifier for high common-mode-voltage applications
Texas Instruments Incorporated is claiming the industry's most accurate difference amplifier for high common-mode-voltage applications up to +275 V. The company's INA149 increases overall measurement accuracy more than two fold compared to the closest competitor. The device claims to be the first difference amplifier with guaranteed 90 dB CMRR performance in harsh, high temperature environments up to 125 degrees C.
New low-power MCUs feature RC ADCs for accurate temperature measurement
The newest members to the ML610Q4xx series of low-power microcontrollers from LAPIS Semiconductor (formerly OKI Semiconductor) will give designers even more choices when creating products that provide comprehensive control over the operation of battery-powered devices used for the measurement and display of temperature, humidity and carbon monoxide (CO) in industrial and commercial environments.
15-V, 300-mA synchronous buck converters consumes 1.8-uA of quiescent current
Linear Technology has introduced 15 V, fixed frequency synchronous buck converters capable of delivering 300 mA of continuous current to output voltages from 0.6 V to 13.8 V. The LTC3103 consumes 1.8 µA of quiescent current, while the LTC3104 (which offers a 10 mA programmable LDO output) requires only 2.6 µA of quiescent current.
New software tool removes guesswork from battery life predictions
A software tool has been introduced by Energy Micro that enables designers to accurately predict battery cell life expectancy in applications based on the company’s low power EFM32 Gecko microcontrollers. Called the energyAware Battery Estimator, the free tool provides a full simulation of total system energy usage, that takes into account actual battery source, MCU energy modes, peripherals employed and external circuit components.
Industry's smallest intelligent battery sensor IC offers ADC resolution and lowest sleep mode current
ZMD AG has unveiled a new Intelligent Battery Sensor IC for fuel saving start/stop systems and other solutions for measuring State-of-health (SOH), State-of-charge (SOC) or State-of-function (SOF) of a vehicle’s battery. The first member of a new Battery Power Management product line from ZMDI, the ZSSC1856 comes in a QFN32 5x5 package of only 0.85 mm height.
Dual-interface memory applies energy harvesting to enable true battery-free system design
STMicroelectronics is extending the company’s family of RFID/NFC wireless memory ICs with a new 16-Kbit device that can also harvest enough energy to enable small electronic items using it to become completely battery-free electronic applications.
36-V, 4-A synchronous step-down regulator tackles high temperature and high reliability demands
Linear Technology has released high temperature (H-grade) and High Reliability (MP-grade) versions of the company’s LT3690 synchronous step-down switching regulator. The36 V input capable device can deliver up to 4 A of continuous output current at efficiencies as high as 93%.
"Subconscious mode" for smartphones could extend battery life by over 50 percent
A proof-of-concept stage "subconscious mode" for smartphones and other WiFi-enabled mobile devices could extend battery life by as much as 54 percent for users on the busiest networks, described in a paper titled "E-MiLi: Energy-Minimizing Idle Listening in Wireless Networks."
New ultra-low-power, 32- to 64-pin Kinetis microcontrollers focus on cost-sensitive applications
New low-power op amps combine power and performance benefits for low-voltage, cost-sensitive applications
Phase-shifted LED backlight driver supports ultra-thin notebooks LCD panels for the first time
Semtech Corp., has launched the first device in its innovative platform of phase-shifted boost LED drivers. The new SC5010 is an 8-channel white LED driver with an innovative PWM phase-shift dimming control that uses low-profile inductors, allowing LED drivers to be built directly into the LCD panel in Ultrabook PCs and ultra-mobile PCs (UMPC) for displays as thin as 4 mm.
4-terminal, 1-W power metal strip resistor in 0612 package size offers low resistance benefits
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., has introduced a new surface-mount power metal strip resistor that the company claims is the industry’s first 4-terminal, 1 W current sensing resistor in the compact 0612 package size to offer a low resistance range from 0.5 mΩ to 5 mΩ.
Intersil claims industry's highest performance integrated buck-boost regulator
Intersil Corporation has developed a compact, high-efficiency 1.2 A buck-boost regulator that uses a proprietary H-Bridge Buck-Boost control architecture. The ISL9110's compact size makes it ideal for battery-powered devices such as handheld instruments, games, point-of-sale systems and similar applications.
ARM wrestles with silicon, battery hurdles
Big hurdles in silicon scaling and battery technology stand in the way of huge opportunities in mobile systems, said an ARM executive in a keynote here.
High-efficiency 3-A step-down converter features efficiency up to 96 percent with tiny footprint
austriamicrosystems has unveiled a high-efficiency 1.5 MHz synchronous DC-DC step-down converter. The AS1328 buck regulator features efficiencies up to 96%, excellent light load efficiencies and with a quiescent current of only 25 uA.
1-A synchronous buck-boost DC/DC converter delivers extended battery run time for Li-Ion and alkaline-powered devices
Linear Technology has introduced a synchronous buck-boost converter that delivers up to 1 A of output current from a Li-Ion/Polymer source or 300 mA from dual cell alkaline/NiCd/NiMH sources. The LTC3536’s 1.8 V to 5.5 V input and output voltage range achieves a +/-1% accurate output with inputs above, below or equal to the regulated output.
World's first 128-Mbit, 64-Mbit and 32-Mbit low-power asynchronous SRAMs feature 32-bit bus widths
Cypress Semiconductor Corp., has introduced 128-Mbit, 64-Mbit and 32-Mbit MoBL (More Battery Life) Asynchronous SRAMs with 32-bit bus widths. The new devices add to Cypress's industry-leading SRAM portfolio, which include high-performance synchronous, asynchronous and micropower devices. The new MoBL SRAMs cater to applications in telecommunications, computers, peripherals, and consumer, medical and military domains to enhance system performance in concert with 32-bit DSPs, FPGAs and processors.
World's smallest real-time clock with embedded crystal saves space and optimizes battery life
STMicroelectronics has unveiled what the company claims is the world’s smallest combined crystal and real-time clock (RTC) IC for time, calendar and alarm functions. ST has combined the world’s smallest real-time clock die and a matched oscillator crystal in the same package size as the smallest crystal-only devices on the market today. The device delivers the world’s smallest integrated RTC/crystal, measuring only 3.2 x 1.5mm and offering ultra-low power consumption.
High-performance voltage regulator adds 20-percent run-time to ultra-low power wireless applications
Energy Micro adds 12 energy friendly devices to its Cortex-M3 microcontroller range
Energy Micro is making the company’s EFM32 Gecko and Tiny Gecko product lines in a QFP64 package. The new 64-pin devices are suitable for smart metering applications as well as energy sensitive applications like building automation, security systems and portable health and fitness equipment.
Audio streamer IC delivers class-leading cost and power optimization for mono wireless audio applications
Compact energy-harvesting and power-management IC enables low-power wireless devices
Maxim Integrated Products has introduced the industry's first IC to integrate all of the power-management functions for ambient energy harvesting, as well as for charging and protecting micro-energy cells (MECs), a form of solid-state battery. Operating at an ultra-low current level, the MAX17710 accepts energy from a variety of poorly regulated energy harvesting sources with output levels ranging from 1 uW to 100 mW.
15-W I2C power manager charges Li-Ion cells at 3.5-A for tablets, UMPCs and portable power systems
Linear Technology Corporation has introduced a high power, I2C controlled, high efficiency PowerPath manager, ideal diode controller and lithium-ion battery charger for single-cell portable devices such as tablet PCs, ultra-mobile PCs (UMPCs), personal video players, smart phones, digital cameras, PDAs, portable medical and industrial devices and personal navigation devices.
New touchscreen technology aims to stifle electrical noise
Super capacitor manager optimizes battery performance, lifetime and safety
New mobile audio initiative deploys high performance mixed signal technology to boost audio performance while minimizing battery life
Fairchild Semiconductor is stepping up its efforts to address what the company claims is one of the most significant challenges facing audio applications in the mobile industry today – the need to meet consumer demand for multimedia mobile devices that offer smaller speakers, sound louder and better, while minimizing impact on battery life.
Skyworks agrees to acquire Advanced Analogic Technologies
Wireless-based, solar-powered sensor module offers continuous monitoring of carbon monoxide levels
Unitronic is planning to present a wireless-based, solar-powered sensor module for continuous monitoring of the carbon monoxide (CO)concentration in various buildings and in industrial applications at SENSOR+TEST 2011 in Nuremberg (Germany) from 7 to 9 June 2011
New micro PMIC targets Li-Ion battery based mobile applications
60-V battery charging controller offers power management benefits
Linear Technology Corporation has introduced the LTC4000, a high voltage controller and power manager that converts virtually any externally compensated DC/DC power supply into a full-featured battery charger. The LTC4000 is capable of driving typical DC/DC converter topologies, including buck, boost, buck-boost, SEPIC and flyback.
Voltage detectors offer enhanced safe recovery
STMicroelectronics has developed a new generation of innovative voltage detectors with extra features that enhance system safety and reliability for a wide variety of applications.
10-bit magnetic rotary encoder claims lowest current drain performance
austriamicrosystems has launched a 10-bit magnetic rotary encoder IC for contactless position sensing with the industry's lowest power and smallest size. Featuring automatic power-down and wake-up modes, the AS5050 encoder is targeted for low-power applications such as robotics and is also suited for servo motor control and as an input device for low-cost battery operated devices.
Smart battery sensor computes battery status
Freescale Semiconductor's MM912J637 battery sensor measures current, voltage and temperature of lead-acid batteries and deduces the status of the battery from these parameters. Amidst increasing numbers of hybrid electric vehicles and start-stop systems (“mild hybrid”), it becomes increasingly important for car designers to determine the battery status.
Low-power RF transceiver targets short-range wireless systems in industrial, science and medical applications
Novel touchscreen controller enables touchscreens to function seamlessly with noisy battery chargers
Cypress Semiconductor Corp., has unveiled a new feature for the company’s TrueTouch touchscreen controllers that enables touchscreens in handsets, cameras, GPS systems and other mobile systems to function seamlessly while connected to noisy chargers. Low-cost, third-party and after-market battery chargers emit large levels of common-mode noise that adversely affects touchscreen performance, often resulting in inaccurate touch readings or phantom touches.
Sensor shuts off HV battery during accident
Automotive supplier Continental has developed a sensor (satellite) for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles which will immediately shut off the high-voltage battery in the event of a collision while the vehicle is in charge mode. Thus, emergency service personnel can recover vehicles without running the risk of suffering an electric shock.
Innovative power management devices boost mobile battery life by up to 30 percent
Logic family saves space with 1-mm square package
LNAs extend receiver sensitivity and boost GPS receiver performance
Maxim Integrated Products has introduced the newest additions to its GPS/GNSS low-noise amplifier (LNA) family. Designed using Maxim's advanced SiGe processes, these fully integrated LNAs feature a low noise figure of 0.65 dB. The devices improve receive sensitivity and read range over discrete or highly integrated CMOS solutions.
2.1-MHz automotive step-down converters consume 25 microamps
Maxim Integrated Products has introduced automotive-grade, synchronous step-down converters that consume 25 microamps (no load) and deliver 1 A and 600 mA, respectively. The 2.1 MHz step-down converters are optimized for operation over the 3.5 V to 28 V range.
High efficiency current step-up DC-DC converter draws 1-uA quiescent current
austriamicrosystems has introduced the AS1310, an ultra low quiescent current hysteretic step-up DC-DC converter optimized for light loads (60 mA) and the highest efficiency - up to 92 %. With 1 µA the AS1310 step-up converter also claims to feature the industry’s lowest quiescent current, operates over a wide 0.7 V to 3.6 V battery supply, and provides output voltages between 1.8 V and 3.3 V. Even at loads as light as 100 µA, efficiency still reaches 85%, increasing battery life.
Single-cell AA/AAA, 555-like analog timer offers battery-safe operation
Semtech Corp. is releasing a sub-1 V analog timer platform that claims to revolutionize the conventional 555 timer for low-voltage, battery-operated small appliances. The new SX8122 analog timer offers the best-in-class battery life via its intrinsic 0.9 V operation, without the need for an external boost converter and inductor, saving board space and cost.
60-V input synchronous step-down DC/DC controller draws 50-uA in battery-powered systems
Linear Technology Corporation has introduced a high voltage synchronous step-down DC/DC controller that draws only 50 µA in standby mode with the output in regulation. The LTC3891's 4 V to 60 V input supply range is designed to protect against high voltage transients, continue operation during automotive cold crank and cover a broad range of input sources and battery chemistries.
LED driver family offers ultra-low dimming, maximizes battery life in portable products
A new family of innovative multi-channel LED drivers from Intersil Corporation provides an ultra-low dimming capability that extends battery life in notebook, netbook and tablet computers.
MCUs based on ARM Cortex-M Series claims industry's lowest 32-bit power consumption
3-channel low-frequency wake-up receiver claims best-in-class sensitivity of 80 uVrms
austriamicrosystems has introduced a 3-channel low-frequency wake-up receiver that enables battery powered systems to add remote wakeup capability. Claiming best-in-class sensitivity of 80 μVrms, both range and BOM cost can be optimized while the lowest current consumption of 2.7 μA extends battery life.
First true 0.9-V microcontroller enables multiple applications to run from a single-cell battery
Eight-channel transmit/receive chipset enables highest ultrasound image quality at lowest power
National Semiconductor Corp. has unveiled the industry's first eight-channel ultrasound transmit/receive chipset specifically designed for portable ultrasound systems used in hospitals, clinics, ambulances and remote point-of-care facilities. The PowerWise chipset's innovative circuit architecture enables the design of both hand-carried and handheld units that deliver longer battery life and imaging performance comparable to larger console systems.
GreenPeak appoints veteran Rohrer as chairman
GreenPeak Technologies BV, a pioneer of battery-free wireless
communications, has announced the appointment of semiconductor industry
veteran Hans Rohrer as non-executive chairman of the board.
144-channel dot matrix LED driver claims industry's highest efficiency and smallest size
austriamicrosystems has released what the company claims is the most advanced and smallest LED dot-matrix driver (channels vs. PCB space) available. The AS1119 drives 144 LEDs but requires only 9 mm˛ PCB space, reduces external component count, reduces connector pin count and requires fewer
PCB layers.
Synchronous monolithic 1-cell Li-Ion/polymer battery charger delivers up to 4-A charge current
Linear Technology Corporation has introduced a 4-A monolithic synchronous buck battery charger for 1-cell Li-Ion/Polymer batteries. The LT3651-4.2 accepts inputs up to 32 V with a 40 V absolute maximum rating for added system margin.
Industry's first 4G/LTE Band 7 Duplexer FBAR technology offers improved battery life and service quality
High precision linear RMS RF power detector extends battery life for 3G/4G handsets
A new linear root-mean-square (RMS) radio frequency (RF) power detector from National Semiconductor Corp., offers the industry’s highest precision with up to 40 dB dynamic range. The PowerWise LMH2120 increases wireless coverage and extends battery life for third-generation (3G) and fourth-generation (4G) mobile handsets.
New IC reduces battery-management system costs by 80 percent in hybrid and electric vehicles
Maxim Integrated Products has introduced a high-voltage, 12-cell, battery-monitoring IC for hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, and any system that stacks long series strings of batteries.
Intelligent PMIC focuses on portable consumer applications
Integrated Device Technology, Inc., has unveiled an integrated microcontroller-based Intelligent System Power Management Solution targeted for portable consumer products, such as Smartphones, portable navigation devices, mobile Internet devices and eBooks.
Ultra-low-power security manager provides nonimprinting memory and tamper detection
Maxim Integrated Products has introduced the MAX36051 security manager which provides 128 bytes of nonimprinting memory to securely store sensitive data, while drawing little battery power in standby mode (1.5 microamps).
WLED driver integrates a 48-V MOSFET to provide a complete backlighting solution
Maxim Integrated Products has introduced a six-string WLED driver that provides a complete backlighting solution for notebooks and netbooks. The high-performance step-up controller integrates a 48 V MOSFET capable of driving up to 13 LEDs/string.
Power-saving low-voltage comparator offers analog designers more micropower benefits
Reset timer device enables one-button restart without battery removal
TI offers low-cost development kit for MSP430 Value Line MCUs
Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) has released its new MSP430 MCU Value Line LaunchPad development kit which claims to be the industry's lowest cost microcontroller (MCU) kit to enable prototyping, debugging and programming for new and experienced developers of sensing, consumer electronics and other cost sensitive applications
Freescale releases PMIC for new Intel Atom processor
Synchronous boost regulators offers low-voltage support to any PIC microcontroller
Microchip Technology Inc. has introduced the MCP1623 and MCP1624 (MCP1623/4) Synchronous Boost Regulators, which bring low-voltage support to any PIC microcontroller, providing a customizable solution for single-cell battery applications.
Next-generation ultra low-power microcontroller enters volume production
STMicroelectronics' STM8L ultra low-power microcontroller family is entering full production following the device’s unveiling in late 2009.
LED lighting drivers simplify low power single cell applications
All-in-one power solution offers twin benefits
Maxim Integrated Products has introduced a highly integrated power solution that combines a multichemistry battery charger with dual Quick-PWM step-down controllers.
Data acquisition front-end IC offers battery management benefits
austriamicrosystems has unveiled a high precision data acquisition front-end IC for automotive battery current, voltage, temperature sense applications and in general for sensor interface applications where precise measurement of small signals close to ground is required.
Class-G amplifier delivers analog audio performance, extends battery life
STMicroelectronics has introduced a stereo headphone amplifier IC that achieves higher efficiency than previous-generation devices, enabling listeners to enjoy high-quality sound for longer between battery charges.
Smart on/off controllers improve reliability of battery-powered devices
STMicroelectronics has introduced new smart pushbutton 'on/off' controller ICs that are designed to improve the user experience for virtually any battery-powered portable device, including e-readers, tablets, media players, smartphones and digital cameras.
Low ICCT gate solutions extend battery life for mobile devices
As an innovative way of addressing the extended battery life being demanded by modern feature-rich cell phones, Fairchild Semiconductor’s Low ICCT gate TinyLogic devices aim to provide solutions to reduce the potential of hidden power consumption that can occur in mixed supply voltage mobile designs in feature-rich mobile products such as mobile handsets, smart phones and medical applications.
Dual output synchronous step-down DC/DC controller draws 50 µA in battery-powered systems
Linear Technology Corporation has introduced the LTC3890/-1, a high voltage dual output synchronous step-down DC/DC controller that draws only 50 µA when one output is active and 60 µA when both outputs are enabled.
Integrated lithium-ion battery protection circuit and safety monitor is unveiled by Analog Devices
Analog Devices, Inc., has unveiled a Li-ion battery monitoring and protection system that integrates all necessary components, including voltage and current measurement, signal isolation and safety monitoring.
Battery management circuit features active cell balancing for high-cell-count Li-Ion batteries
Synchronous boost regulator enables longer-lasting battery applications
Battery gas gauges for single Li-ion cells offer one percent accuracy
Linear Technology Corporation has introduced the LTC2941/LTC2942 battery gas gauges with an I2C interface for 2.7 V to 5.5 V systems.
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