ams AG (SIX: AMS), a leading provider of high performance analog ICs and
sensors, today introduced the AS3715, a configurable power management IC
(PMIC) which enables OEMs to implement power circuits for multiple end
products with the same hardware design.
The new AS3715 includes all the essential power management building
blocks required to provide a power solution for handheld devices powered
by lithium-ion batteries, such as action cameras, navigation devices,
tablets, media players and gaming consoles.
Highly versatile, it offers the capability to program the start-up
configuration, so that the operation of the power system can easily be
adapted for different application processors. The programmability of the
start-up sequence and of the built-in DC-DC converters’ outputs allows
design teams to accommodate changes in end-product specifications at any
time without re-spinning their board design.
The power regulation blocks in the AS3715 include:
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three 4MHz DC-DC step-down (buck) converters with programmable outputs
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one DC-DC step-down controller
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two DC-DC step-up (boost) converters with programmable outputs
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eight LDOs
The device also offers eight GPIOs, a charger circuit supporting a 1.5A
output, an I2C interface, three current sinks, an ADC and a
watchdog timer.
The DC-DC controller controls external power stages, allowing the user
to maximize efficiency, simplify PCB routing and distribute power and
heat dissipation over a wide board area. It supports configuration as
either a single- or dual-phase controller, which means that the system’s
efficiency sweet spot can be adapted to the requirements and size
constraints of the design. The DC-DC controller can manage an output
current of up to 8A.
Two of the eight LDOs are low-noise devices well suited to RF modules,
image sensors and other noise-sensitive circuits.
The AS3715’s three high-voltage current sinks, which are intended for
LCD backlighting, provide a programmable current output adjustable in
150μA increments in a range from 0A to 40mA. In addition, PWM input
options provide a simple means to implement dynamic luminance scaling.
The integrated 5V boost converter can supply power to HDMI interfaces or
other 5V peripherals.
Other configuration options include the ability to implement either
switched-mode or linear charging, depending on whether the design must
be optimized for power efficiency or for space and cost.
Safety features include a customizable JEITA-compliant temperature
supervision and voltage/current control circuit.
‘Because the AS3715 is a very versatile PMIC, design engineers can
easily use it as the basis for a single power system platform supporting
a wide portfolio of products,’ said Peter Kammerlander, product manager
in the power and wireless business unit at ams. ‘The flexible
configuration capability of the AS3715 PMIC also allows developers to
react quickly to late changes in the design specification. Even changing
or upgrading the processor will not necessarily require a re-design of
the power management circuit.’
The AS3715, which is available for sampling now, is priced at $3.68 for
1,000-unit quantities. It is housed in a space-saving 3.7mm x 3.7mm
WL-CSP 91 package. It operates from a single 2.7-5.5V supply, and is
rated for operation over a temperature range from -40°C to +85°C.
More information about the AS3715 may be found at
www.ams.com/Power-Management-Units/AS3715.
Copyright Business Wire 2014