AMI Semiconductor Launches World's Smallest Single-Chip Stepper Motor Driver-Controller ICs.

POCATELLO, Idaho -- Green Parts in near Chip Scale Package Save Space and Deliver Increased Functionality for Automotive, Industrial, Security, and Medical Applications

AMI Semiconductor (Nasdaq:AMIS), a designer and manufacturer of state-of-the-art integrated mixed-signal and structured digital products for the automotive, medical and industrial markets, today announced the industry's smallest single-chip stepper motor controller ICs. Supplied in Micro Leadframe (MLF) packaging, the Green AMIS-30621 and AMIS-30622 mixed-signal ICs provide miniature, highly integrated solutions for remote and multiple axes positioning applications requiring LIN and serial connectivity respectively.

Both the AMIS-30621 and AMIS-30622 integrate a bus connection, positioning and control electronics and a motor driver in a single 32-pin, 'near chip scale' NQFP package with a profile of under 1mm and a footprint of just 7mm x 7mm. As a result, they require eight times less volume than previous devices and can be mounted on just a third of the PCB area. Small package size also facilitates direct mounting onto the motor for further space saving and reduced circuit complexity. By employing an exposed die pad design that significantly improves thermal resistance, the new AMIS ICs also offer more efficient heat dissipation from IC to PCB than was previously possible.

Providing 800mA two-phase motor control, the AMIS controller ICs are ideal for small-positioning automotive applications such as headlamp leveling and swiveling, cruise control, idle control, and HVAC systems. The devices also suit industrial applications such as X, Y, Z tables, robots, climate control and process control, and security and surveillance systems requiring camera positioning. Designers of medical electronics will find the devices useful in areas such as fluid control and laboratory equipment.

The AMIS-30621 with LIN interface is ideally suited to remote, single or multiple axes positioning applications. The device can be used in dedicated mechatronics solutions that are connected remotely to a LIN master. Compared to solutions with centrally placed drivers, the bus-system (LIN) not only saves wiring cost, but also has better EMC performance, which is key for applications in harsh environments such as automotive systems.

The AMIS-30622 with serial interface is able to act as a peripheral device next to a microcontroller on a single PCB, and is ideally suited for positioning multiple axes. This smart driver chip with high-level command interface and integrated positioner allows modular hardware and software design.

Flexibility of motion parameters like maximum speed, acceleration and driving current, allow the on-chip position controllers to work with different motor types, load conditions and positioning ranges. Both the AMIS-30621 and AMIS-30622 also feature hold current and very low stand-by current.

"The market trend towards mechatronic solutions is challenging engineers to improve integration levels and save space," said Bart De Cock, Product Manager of AMI Semiconductor's motor control product line. "As the only available products that integrate all of the features required for bus connectivity and stepper motor control into such a small package, the AMIS-30621 and AMIS-30622 allow engineers to address this challenge without performance or cost compromise."

Available for sampling now, the AMIS-30621-ANA and AMIS-30622-ANA will be priced for budgetary purposes, under $4.50 per piece in 10k volumes. Please contact AMIS for a custom quote based on volume, use and application.

About AMI Semiconductor

AMI Semiconductor (AMIS) is a leader in the design and manufacture of silicon solutions for the real world. As a widely recognized innovator in state-of-the-art integrated mixed-signal and structured digital products, AMIS is committed to providing customers with the optimal value, quickest time-to-market semiconductor solutions. Offering unparalleled manufacturing flexibility and dedication to customer service, AMI Semiconductor operates globally with headquarters in Pocatello, Idaho, European corporate offices in Oudenaarde, Belgium, and a network of sales and design centers located in the key markets of North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region. For more information please visit the AMIS Web site at www.amis.com.