Ultra-Small, 500mA Dual POL Regulator from Semtech Replaces LDOs with Higher Efficiency Alternative

CAMARILLO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Semtech Corp. (Nasdaq: SMTC), a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, today launched the latest device in its buck controller platform. The new SC197 is a 500mA, dual-output, point-of-load (POL) regulator, combining two PWM-modulated, DC-DC regulators in an ultra-small, low-profile 2 x 3 x 0.6mm package with an overall design solution footprint of just 80mm². The small size and footprint of the SC197 help designers save significant board space versus using two single-channel switchers and power efficiency up to 94% makes the device a higher efficiency alternative to LDOs. The SC197 is ideal for power management applications in portable equipment, as well as in lower-voltage, multi-rail power supply designs.

“Semtech’s buck regulator platform is blowing by the competition with high performance, ultra-small, and high efficiency solutions”

In addition to the two on-chip regulators, the SC197 features integrated 4-bit VID pins to provide dynamic voltage scaling (DVS), without the need for external programming resistors. Also, on-chip loop compensation eliminates the need for stability control components and a 3.5MHz fixed PWM switching frequency operation balances high efficiency and fast transient response, while enabling the SC197 to work with very small chip inductors. In typical designs, each regulator requires only two capacitors and a single inductor. This unique combination of high integration, tiny package, and low external parts count enables the small, 80mm² footprint of the SC197.

“Semtech’s buck regulator platform is blowing by the competition with high performance, ultra-small, and high efficiency solutions,” said Athar Zaidi, Director of Marketing in Semtech’s Power Management Group. “The SC197 joins our recently announced SC283 dual buck regulator, designed to drive down size in systems requiring higher power, up to 1.8A. The SC197 gives designers an easy-to-use, incredibly small switching solution for powering both core and peripheral functions in portable equipment applications, including smart phones, medical and personal navigation devices, POS terminals, digital cameras and portable gaming consoles.”

Both regulators in the SC197 operate from inputs of 2.9V to 5.5V and provide 15 pin-programmable output voltages from 0.8V to 3.3V, covering all the typical core and I/O voltage rails with one device. An automatic power-save (PSAVE) mode reduces quiescent current to 38μA (typical) per regulator to maintain high efficiency during light loads.

The SC197 offers full protection features, including internal soft-start to minimize inrush current; input under-voltage lockout; output over-voltage and current-limit protection; foldback current limit, short-circuit protection; and over-temperature protection. 100% duty-cycle operation is also supported for applications with low headroom between input and output.

For applications requiring just one regulator, the SC195, with an external inductor and the SC202 with an integrated inductor, offer the same performance as the SC197. For higher power applications requiring dual regulators, the SC283 integrates two, 1.8A regulators.

Key Features of the SC197

V_IN: 2.9V to 5.5V; V_OUT: pin-programmable 0.8V to 3.3V
Two channels: 500mA output current per channel
Ultra-small, low-profile 18-pad MLPQ package – 2 x 3 x 0.6mm
Works with very small chip inductors for ultra-compact 80mm² solution footprint
Integrated VID pins for dynamic voltage scaling, no need for external feedback resistors
3.5MHz switching frequency
Efficiency up to 94%
Fast transient response

Applications

The space-saving, high efficiency and DVS features of the SC197 make it ideal for portable equipment applications, including medical and personal navigation devices; POS terminals; and portable games. It can also be used to manage 3.3V to 5V internal power rails in embedded applications for networking, communications, industrial, and office automation equipment.

Smart Phone: Camera Power, Digital Control, Direct Video Broadcast, CPU, DSP, External Memory, Mixed Signal

Digital Camera: External Memory, System Controller and MCE, Support Function IC

Medical Equipment: Blood Glucose Meters, Blood Pressure Monitors

MP3 Player: Audio DSP, System Controller and MCE, External Memory Interface, Touchpad/User Input Device, Memory, Support Function IC

Router and Switch: Micro Controller

Sensing Process Control: Pressure Sensing, Temperature Sensing, Chemical Sensing, Magnetic Sensing, Barometer, Compass

Smart Energy Management: Water and Gas Meters, Electric Meters, Remote Data Collection Center

Pricing and Availability

The SC197 is available immediately in production quantities and is priced at $0.98 each in 3,000-piece lots. The ordering code is SC197ULTRT. Evaluation boards (SC197EVB) 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 http://www.semtech.com.

Semtech and the Semtech logo are registered marks of Semtech Corporation.