ON Semiconductor Introduces High-Frequency Step-Up DC-DC Converter for Battery Operated Portable Electronics Supplying Up to a 400 mA Load.

PHOENIX -- ON Semiconductor (Nasdaq: ONNN) today introduced the NCP1423 -- a monolithic, micro-power, high-frequency step-up dc-dc switching converter that boosts the voltage from one or two nickel metal-hydride (NiMH) or nickel cadmium (NiCd) cells up to a usable level of 1.8 volts (V) or 3.3 V. This new device is specifically designed for battery-operated portable electronic products, supplying up to 400 milliamp (mA) load -- including wireless optical mice and keyboards, wireless headsets, audio players, PDAs and other hand-held devices.

The NCP1423 integrates synchronous rectification to improve efficiency and to eliminate the external Schottky diode. Its high switching frequency (up to 600 kHz) allows for a low profile, small-sized inductor and output capacitor to be used. When the device is disabled, the internal conduction path from the LX or BAT pin to the OUT pin is fully blocked -- and the OUT pin is isolated from the battery. This True-Cutoff function effectively reduces the shutdown current. A Ring-Killer feature has also been integrated to eliminate the high-frequency ringing in discontinuous conduction mode.

Additional features -- such as a low-battery detector, cycle-by-cycle current limit and thermal shutdown -- provide other benefits for various battery-operated applications. For example, with all these functions enabled, the quiescent supply current is typically only 9.0 microamps, thereby minimizing battery current drain.

Package and Pricing

The NCP1423DMR2 is available in a Micro-10 package and prices at $0.95 per unit in 10,000-unit quantities.

Step-Up Device Portfolio

Many portable applications require multiple regulated voltages to be generated from a single power source. As such, these applications require a wide range of current capabilities and functional differences. To address this need, ON Semiconductor offers a portfolio of step-up converters. The NCP1423 expands the existing offering that includes:

--NCP1422 is an 800 mA, sync-rect power frequency modulation (PFM) step-up dc-dc converter with a switching frequency of up to 1.2 megahertz (MHz) and both True-Cutoff and Ring-Killer features. The device is capable of supporting displays, audio, flashlight and camera flash applications. It integrates synchronous rectification to boost efficiency and to eliminate the external Schottky diode. Its high switching frequency allows for a low profile, small-sized inductor and output capacitor to be used. When the device is disabled, the internal conduction path from LX or BAT to OUT is fully blocked and the OUT pin is isolated from the battery. This True-Cutoff function reduces the shutdown current to typically only 50nA. In addition to the above, Ring-Killer, Low-Battery Detector, Logic-Controlled Shutdown, Cycle-by-Cycle Current Limit and Thermal Shutdown provide value-added features for various battery-operated applications. With all these functions ON, the quiescent supply current is typical only 8.5 microamps. Packaged in 3x3mm DFN-10, the NCP1422MNR2 is offered at $0.98 per unit in 10,000-unit quantities.

--NCP1406 is a monolithic PFM step-up dc-dc converter. This device is designed to boost single lithium-ion or two-cell AA/AAA battery voltage up to 25 V output (with internal MOSFET) for handheld applications. It is ideal for biasing of organic light emitting diodes (OLED) and driving White LEDs. A "Chip Enable" feature is built in which will minimize battery drain current. In addition to standard boost converter topologies, this device can be configured for voltage-inverting and step-down applications. The device is also ideal for generating a boosted voltage from a 3.3 V or 5.0 V power rail. Packaged in TSOP-5, the NCP1406SNT1 is offered at $0.55 per unit in 10,000-unit quantities.

--NCP1403 is a monolithic PFM step-up dc-dc converter for use in battery-powered portable devices. This device contains an internal MOSFET and is designed to boost the single lithium-ion or two-cell AA/AAA battery voltage up to 15 V output at 50 mA, for handheld applications. A "Chip Enable" feature is included to minimize battery drain current. The device can also be configured in step-down and voltage-inverting configurations. Packaged in TSOP-5, the NCP1403SNT1 is offered at $0.43 per unit in 10,000-unit quantities.

About ON Semiconductor

With its global logistics network and strong portfolio of power semiconductor devices, ON Semiconductor is a preferred supplier of power solutions to engineers, purchasing professionals, distributors and contract manufacturers in the computer, cell phone, portable devices, automotive and industrial markets. For more information, please visit ON Semiconductor's Web site at http://www.onsemi.com.

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