Semtech Delivers Core-Voltage Controller to Meet Intel's Latest Mobile Pentium Processor Technology

Tailored for Intel's latest Pentium M processors, the highly integrated SC1476 controller supports Intel's Enhanced SpeedStep technology and reduced power sleep modes, thereby enabling outstanding mobile performance in new generation Notebook PCs

Camarillo, California - April 30, 2003

Semtech Corp. (NASDAQ: SMTC), a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors for communications, portable devices, computers, and industrial equipment, today announced the SC1476 Portable IMVP-IV Dual-Phase Power Supply Controller. The SC1476 controller is developed to meet the latest performance and power-saving technologies set forth by Intel for its mobile Pentium® M processor, including the recently launched Intel® Centrino™ mobile technology.

The SC1476 controller complies with the latest Intel Mobile Voltage Positioning specification, IMVP-IV, as well as the enhanced Intel SpeedStep® technology to extend battery life while optimizing performance. For added power efficiency, the SC1476 controller includes Automatic Power Save and DeeperSleep mode support.

Encompassing a rich feature set in one chip, the SC1476 integrates the same functionality that competitive products typically require 2 or 3 chips to implement, thereby cutting component costs and conserving scarce board space. The SC1476 also paves an easy transition from notebook computers and embedded PC products that use its predecessor, the SC1474 Dual-Phase Power Supply Controller. For reliability, the SC1476 builds on the SC1474's field-proven design.

"By complying with Intel's latest portable PC specifications, the SC1476 controller gives designers of notebook computers, especially the latest wireless models, an important edge in extending battery-powered running time," said Eddie Yeow, Director of Portable Power Management at Semtech. "This device represents state-of-the-art in Vcore power supply controllers for portable PCs."

Built using a hysteretic PWM topology, the SC1476 needs no error amplifier, thus assuring fast response and guaranteed stability compared to conventional PWM controllers. Moreover, the SC1476 enhances its dual-phase operation with dynamic current sensing to avoid hot spots caused by unbalanced current flow.

An integrated 6-bit ±0.85-percent-accurate DAC sets the processor core voltage to a value from 0.700 to 1.708V. The DAC's slew rate can be externally controlled to limit audible noise effects resulting from DeeperSleep transitions. In addition, built-in 4A gate drivers improve efficiency while allowing for low-cost MOSFETs. The high-side driver's soft turn-on reduces ringing, EMI, and low-side capacitive turn-on.

Still other features of the SC1476 include a boot-voltage setting and an open-drain "power good" signal, which is blanked (indicating good voltage levels) during output voltage and DeeperSleep mode changes.

Key Features of the SC1476

  • Complies with Intel IMVP-IV specification
  • Easy upgrade from SC1474 Dual-Phase Power Supply Controller
  • High-speed, stable hysteretic PWM topology
  • Multiphase operation with dynamic current sharing
  • 4A integrated gate drivers with soft high-side turn-on
  • Automatic power saving mode for light loads
  • Programmable DeeperSleep voltage
  • Programmable soft-start operation
  • Boot-voltage setting and open-drain "power good" signal with blanking
  • Slew-rate-limited. low-noise 6-bit, ±0.85-percent-accuracy DAC
  • Thermal, undervoltage, overvoltage, and programmable overcurrent protection
  • Space saving TSSOP-38 package

Pricing and Availability

The SC1476 IMVP-IV Power Supply Controller is available immediately in production quantities, priced at $3.33 in 1,000-piece lots. Semtech offers comprehensive design assistance, including field- or factory-based support. Requests for datasheets, volume pricing and delivery quotes, as well as evaluation kits and samples are available to Intel-licensed users by contacting salesinfo@semtech.com.

About Semtech

Semtech Corporation is a leading supplier of high-quality analog and mixed-signal semiconductor products. The company is dedicated to providing customers with proprietary solutions and breakthrough technology in power management, protection, advanced communications, human interface, test and measurement, and high-speed clock/logic products. Publicly traded since 1967, Semtech is listed on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol SMTC. For more information, contact Semtech Corp. at 200 Flynn Road, Camarillo, CA 93012-8790; phone (805) 498-2111; email to info@semtech.com; or visit its web site at www.semtech.com.

Press Contact

Terry Sears, Marketing Communications Manager, Telephone: 805.498.2111

 

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