Semtech Expands Buck Regulator Platform with World’s Smallest 1.8A Dual Point-of-Load Regulator

SC283 combines two buck regulators in a tiny 2 x 3 x 0.8mm package with integrated VID pins for independent control of each output and ultra-small design footprint

Camarillo, California - September 01, 2010

Semtech Corp. (Nasdaq: SMTC), a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, today announced the latest device in its buck controller platform. The new SC283 is the world’s smallest 1.8A dual-channel regulator for point-of-load (POL) applications, combining two step-down regulators in an ultra-small, low-profile 2 x 3 x 0.8mm, 18-pad MLPQ package. With integrated VID pins to enable independent configuration and control of the output voltages of each regulator, the SC283 eliminates the need for two pairs of external feedback resistors, further reducing the overall design footprint of the device. The SC283 POL regulator operates at a fixed switching frequency of 2.5MHz enabling it to work with very small chip inductors, providing an ultra-compact, 111mm2 solution footprint.

“No competitor even gets close to offering 1.8A in a dual buck regulator in this footprint,” said Alan Burchfield, Senior Product Marketing Manager for Semtech’s Power Management Group. “This amazingly small size is achieved without compromising performance. In fact, the SC283 offers very high efficiency, excellent transient response and the capability to perform dynamic voltage transitioning, giving designers an easy-to-use, green solution in an incredibly small footprint.”

The SC283 supports output currents up to 1.8A per channel, along with very high power conversion efficiency (up to 94%), low shutdown current (1µA typ.) and excellent transient response for fast system wake-up from low-power standby mode to full-power operation. This combination of ultra-small size, high efficiency and high performance makes it an ideal solution for powering a wide range of loads, including analog-to-digital converters, microcontrollers, DSPs and digital ASICs in networking, communications, consumer, industrial and office automation equipment, as well as solid-state drive applications.

The integrated VID pins enable designers to individually configure the output voltages of the two regulators by tying those pins either high or low. Each channel offers fifteen pre-determined output voltages via four control pins that are programmable from 0.8 to 3.3V. Additionally, the VID pins can be switched on-the-fly during operation to enable dynamic control of the output voltages for voltage scaling and power savings when driving some microprocessors or digital ASICs.

The SC283 offers full protection features, including internal soft start to minimize inrush current, input under-voltage lockout, output over-voltage and current-limit protection, and over-temperature protection.

The SC283 is packaged in a low-profile 18-pad, 2 x 3 x 0.8 mm MLPQ package with exposed thermal paddles for excellent heat sinking and is lead-free, halogen-free and fully RoHS compliant. For applications requiring just one regulator, the SC183C offers the same performance, with a single output.

Key Features of the SC283 Dual-Channel Synchronous Buck Regulator

• VIN: 2.9V to 5.5V; VOUT: pin-programmable 0.8V to 3.3V
• Up to 1.8A output current per channel
• Works with very small chip inductors for ultra-compact 111mm2 solution footprint
• 2.5MHz switching frequency
• Efficiency up to 94%
• Fast transient response
• Integrated VID pins provide independent control of the output voltages for each regulator and eliminate the need for external feedback resistors
• Fully protected
• Ultra-small, low-profile 18-pad MLPQ package - 2 x 3 x 0.8mm

The SC283 joins Semtech’s existing platform of point-of-load regulators, which cover a wide range of low output currents ranging from 500mA to 4A. This platform includes the SC173 (3A) and SC174 (4A) EcoSpeed™ regulators and the SC195 (500mA), SC202 (500mA), SC4626 (1A), SC189 (1.5A), SC183C (2A) and SC185 (4A) devices.

Applications

Cable Modem: Switching Regulators
GPON - Gigabit Capable Passive Optical Network: Switching Regulators
HDTV: Switching Regulators
Laser Printer: Switching Regulators
Notebook PC: Graphics Memory Controller, I/O Controller Hub, Peripheral Power
Router and Switch: Switching Regulators
Set Top Box: Switching Regulators
Wireless Base Station: Low Current Power, System Control Processor
Wireless Node B: Low Current Power, System Control Processor

Pricing and Availability

The SC283 is available immediately in production quantities and is priced at $1.32 each in 3,000-piece lots. The ordering code is SC283WLTRT. Evaluation boards (SC283EVB) 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 http://www.semtech.com/info.

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.

Press Contact

Pauline Cadena, Public Relations, Telephone: (805) 389-2755