PMU designed for multimedia apps

Royal Philips Electronics announced the launch of its latest power management unit (PMU), the PCF50626. The PMU is designed to meet the power requirements of multimedia applications for mobile devices, and supports Intel Corp.'s Monahans processor family.

The PMU has a real-time software controlled mechanism that is said to reduce power consumption by up to 70 percent in feature-rich handsets, VoIP phones, mobile gaming and music devices, wireless PDAs, and Philips' Nexperia cellular system solution 7210 for 3G.

The product integrates a high-current charger, power supplies, ambient light circuitry and a touch screen interface. It is also software-controllable through its integrated digital interface. According to Philips, the chip uses 25 percent less space and saves about $2 on total BOM comparing to equivalent semiconductors.

"The power budget is critical in today's handsets. Power is needed for LCDs cameras and more processing capability," said Alan Brown, research director, Gartner. "Reducing power consumption is a major challenge for ASIC and ASSP designers as more and more functions are crammed into mobile devices."

Samples of the PCF50626 are already available and will be in mass production in Q3 2006. The product is part of the Philips' Nexperia cellular system solution 7210 for 3G.