STMicroelectronics' Voltage Regulator Shrinks Battery-Powered Devices
STMicroelectronics Press ReleaseFlashlightNews.org - 08/16/2006
New high-frequency step-down dc-dc converter offers higher efficiency while reducing the number of external components
STMicroelectronics ST1S06
GENEVA, Ch. - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a leading supplier of semiconductors for power management, today introduced an advanced high-frequency step-down dc-dc converter particularly suited for use in data-storage applications, such as hard disk drives, DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, High-Definition DVDs, and in portable devices, such as MP3 players and digital cameras, that require high efficiency, small size, and light weight. The new, cost-competitive ST1S06 integrates functions that benefit users with excellent electrical performance while minimizing the need for external components.
An evolutionary advance over the previous ST1S03 and ST1S03A switching voltage regulators, the new ST1S06 includes a synchronous rectification block to avoid the use of an external Schottky Diode while improving the device's efficiency up to 95%.
Other key features of the ST1S06 include an output current capability of 1.5A maximum over all operating conditions, a high switching frequency of 1.5MHz and great stability, allowing a drastic reduction in Printed Circuit Board (PCB) area. In fact, the high frequency performance allows the device to operate with a small inductor, while the high stability permits the use of small, low-ESR, ceramic capacitors. As a result, the ST1S06 requires only a few external components to operate: the small inductor, two capacitors and, for the adjustable version, two resistors.
The device provides a soft-start, which prevents inrush current and minimizes start-up problems in battery-powered devices. Additionally, the ST1S06 is available with fixed output voltages or in the adjustable version that, using an external resistor divider, generates an output voltage adjustable from 0.8V feedback voltage.
Built using ST's proprietary BCD6 smart-power technology, the ST1S06 is designed in Italy and South China, diffused in the US, and assembled in Malaysia. The device is offered in two versions: with and without an enable feature. Both versions are available in the increasingly popular tiny DFN6 3x3mm ECOPACKŪ package. The voltage regulator can be combined with several codified versions of a demo board for evaluation purposes. The demo boards are orderable in the ST web site typing ST1S06DEMOBO* in the search engine section and choosing the desired version.
In production now, pricing ranges from $0.35 to $0.45 in very high volume.
Further information is available at www.st.com/vregs
This press release is also available at st.com/stonline/stappl/press/news/year2006/p2048.htm.......with links to further information on the ST1S06.
About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2005, the Company's net revenues were $8.88 billion and net earnings were $266 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com