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95% Efficient, 28V Synchronous Buck Controller Delivers Compact, High Power Density DC/DC Converters

SC4612 delivers 93W per square inch of power with built-in protection features

Camarillo, California - October 05, 2006

Semtech Corp. (Nasdaq: SMTC), a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors for communications, portable devices, computers, and industrial equipment, today announced the SC4612, a 28-volt synchronous buck power converter with a wide input range and a programmable 1.2 MHz frequency for compact power supply designs.

The SC4612 is a voltage-mode synchronous, PWM controller that operates in a 4.5V to 28V input voltage range and drives external N-channel MOSFETs. The design uses a novel low-voltage technique that enables high-frequency switching with high gate drive.  The controller runs at a constant 1.2MHz frequency that can be programmed using an external capacitor. The device’s 1.7A gate drive current is capable of driving large MOSFETs resulting in efficient 40A single phase converter designs.

The device supports an asynchronous start-up mode to keep the lower side MOSFET turned off until output is within regulation so that the external bus is not discharged. This is an ideal feature for applications with preset external voltage or pre-biased output voltage. Built-in cross conduction prevention circuitry prevents shoot-through minimizing dead time and losses.

“Datacom and server designs face increased power requirements in a limited space and call for a solution like the SC4612 to allow system designers to increase their port density while shrinking board size,” said Nejo Necar, Vice President of Marketing for Semtech’s Power Management Group. “The SC4612’s synchronous rectified buck topology results in 95% peak efficiency that enables  industry leading compact on-board dc to dc converter designs with  93W/sq. inch of power density.”

SC4612 features programmable current limit with built-in hiccup mode and over temperature protection. It is available in either an MLPD-12 or a SOIC-14 package in lead-free versions that meet RoHS/WEEE specifications. 

Key Features of the SC4612

• Wide input voltage range – 4.5-28V
• Internally regulated DRV
• Asynchronous start up mode
• Programmable frequency up to 1.2 MHz
• Output voltage as low as 0.5V
• Programmable current limit
• -40 to 125°C junction operating temperature range
  

Pricing and Availability

The SC4612 is available immediately in production quantities. Order code for the MPLD-12 packaged device is SC4612MLTRT and is priced at $0.80 each in 1,000-pc quantities. Order code for the SOIC-14 packaged device is SC4612STRT and is priced at $0.93 each in 1,000-pc quantities. 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 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 & measurement, and wireless connectivity 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