Semtech Expands Buck Converter Platform with 3.5MHz, 500mA Synchronous Device with Tiny Footprint and 15 Digitally Controlled Output Voltages

CAMARILLO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Semtech Corp. (Nasdaq:SMTC), a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, today announced the SC195, a highly integrated 500mA synchronous step-down (buck) regulator with the tiny size and output flexibility needed for low voltage point-of-load regulation, as well as mobile device applications.

“The SC195 gives our customers an excellent solution for critical power regulation – one that fits into designs where board space, high efficiency, low-power standby operation, flexibility, reduced inventory overhead, reliability and performance are necessary”

The 1.5 x 1.5mm (0.6mm max. height) SC195 operates from inputs of 2.9V to 5.5V and provides 15 pin-programmable output voltages from 0.8V to 3.3V, covering all the typical core and I/O voltage rails with one device. The 3.5MHz PWM operation balances high efficiency (up to 94%) and fast transient response with small external components. Automatic PSAVE operation reduces quiescent current to 38uA typical at light loads. The SC195 includes a 0.1uA typical shutdown mode.

To set the output voltage, the SC195 utilizes four digital programming pins to eliminate external feedback components, thereby saving space, increasing reliability and eliminating the inventory overhead of stocking individual fixed output voltage regulators for each different load. In applications such as graphics or other processors where voltage levels change on the fly, the programming pins can be driven from the host controller to dynamically position the output voltage level.

With the SC195’s fully-integrated feedback network and internal loop compensation, a complete solution requires only three external components: two small ceramic input/output capacitors and a 1uH inductor. Due to the 3.5MHz switching frequency, multi-layer shielded inductors are very suitable, making it possible to build the complete solution in less than 15mm² PCB footprint with a very thin sub-millimeter profile.

“The SC195 gives our customers an excellent solution for critical power regulation – one that fits into designs where board space, high efficiency, low-power standby operation, flexibility, reduced inventory overhead, reliability and performance are necessary,” said Karl Volk, Semtech Director of Marketing for Handheld Power. “The SC195 builds on Semtech’s extensive buck converter family, adding another green power converter with low-current capability and a unique blend of highly optimized features that bring real value.”

For increased system reliability, the SC195 has built-in soft-start, over-voltage protection, over-temperature protection, foldback current limit, short-circuit protection, under-voltage lockout and floating programming pin protection. Fast transient response protects sensitive downstream ICs from excessive supply voltage variations. 100% duty-cycle operation is also supported for applications with low headroom between input and output.

The SC195 is available in 1.5mm x 1.5mm lead-free 8-pin MLPQ-UT package, is halogen-free and complies with the European Union's Restriction on Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) directive to meet worldwide environmental and regulatory requirements.

Key Features of the SC195

Input voltage range: 2.9V to 5.5V
Output current rating: 500mA continuous
Pin-programmable output voltage: 15 steps from 0.8V to 3.3V
Dynamic output voltage scaling
Only three small external components; <15mm² total system solution
3.5MHz PWM operation with automatic PSAVE at light loads
38µA quiescent current; 0.1µA shutdown current
Extensive protection features: soft-start, over-voltage, over-temperature, foldback current limit, short-circuit, under-voltage lockout, floating programming pin detection
Ultra-thin MLPQ package: 1.5 x 1.5 x 0.6mm

Pricing and Availability

The SC195 (Order code: SC195ULTRT) is priced at $0.69 each in 3,000-piece lots and is available immediately in production quantities. An evaluation board (SC195EVB) is 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 by contacting 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 http://www.semtech.com.

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