Analog Devices DC/DC Converter
Analog Devices has announced the LT8364, a current-mode 2MHz step-up DC/DC converter with an internal 4A, 60V switch. It operates from an input voltage range of 2.8V to 60V and is suitable for applications with input sources ranging from a single-cell Li-ion battery to multicell battery stacks, automotive inputs, telecom power supplies and industrial power rails.
The LT8364 can be configured as either a boost, SEPIC or an inverting converter. Its switching frequency can be programmed between 300 kHz and 2 MHz, allowing designers to minimize external component sizes and avoid critical frequency bands, such as AM radio. Furthermore, it offers over 90 percent efficiency while switching at 2MHz.
For more information, visit Analog Devices’ website.
Microchip MEMS Oscillators
Microchip Technology has unveiled its DSA family of automotive-grade Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) oscillators that provide 20 times better reliability, 500 times better tolerance to shock and 5 times better vibration resistance than traditional quartz-based crystal devices. The DSA family also includes a multiple-output MEMS oscillator, offering users a system that can replace multiple crystals or oscillators with one device.
MEMS oscillators are built entirely with standard semiconductor processes, giving systems the same reliability and stability as integrated circuits. Crystal oscillators rely on the thickness of the crystal blank inside the oscillator, making them susceptible to vibration damage with longer lead times and fixed frequency. This can delay product development or release times if a designer needs to make a last-minute frequency change.
Additional technical specifications are available on Microchip’s website.
Microsemi Eight-Channel Source Driver
Microsemi has announced that its radiation-tolerant AAHS298B eight-channel source driver for space applications is now in production. It has been successfully qualified and certified by the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency as Qualified Manufacturers List Class V and Q (with four Standard Microcircuits Drawings listed).
The AAHS298B source driver provides an interface between spacecraft bus electronics and other subsystems, with a high-output source current for space applications requiring radiation tolerance. Command signal outputs from the spacecraft’s digital control electronics are typically TTL (5V), CMOS (3V) and high-level (12V) logic and are not directly compatible with users’ command input requirements. The AAHS298B is an interface between these systems, providing a continuous 700mA current to switched high side-drivers on the output.
For more information, visit Microsemi’s website.
RS Components Flyback Switcher Chips
RS Components has released a family of offline flyback switcher ICs from Power Integrations that offer efficiency of up to 94 percent and are ideal for use in compact power supply designs. The chips can also cut power supply losses by a further 25 percent when compared to the previous generation, enabling the development of small and lightweight power supplies that do not require heatsinks, but can still handle up to 65W of power.
All the devices use isolated digital communications technology, but also add synchronous rectification, quasi-resonant switching and a secondary-side feedback sensing and control circuit. Designers can therefore use these devices to produce power supply circuits without optocouplers. The ICs also incorporate a number of protection features, including lossless line over-voltage and under-voltage, output over-voltage, over-power, over-current and over-temperature protection, as well as output rectifier short-circuit protection.
Information concerning pricing and availability can be found on RS Components’ website.
Synopsys Automotive ISO Certification
Synopsys has announced the ISO 26262 functional safety assessment and certification for all the tools in the company’s Design Platform. This certification allows automotive semiconductor component and system designers to meet the stringent safety-related requirements for modern-era vehicles.
The ISO 26262 standard outlines requirements that must be considered during the development of safety-related automotive systems and components, including mandatory software tool evaluation and potential qualification for design tools. Synopsys’ ISO 26262 certification covers 40 tools spanning custom, analog/mixed-signal (AMS), digital implementation, sign off and library development products.
For more information, visit Synopsys’ website.
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