Power supply ICs target smartphone displays

STMicroelectronics N.V. (ST) has introduced a power supply IC that according to the company is produced using silicon-on-insulator (SOI) manufacturing technology. The target applications for the STOD13AS include AMOLED displays for smartphones or other small electronic devices such as digital cameras.

ST explained that its dedicated AMOLED power chips add value to new designs by simplifying power supply circuitry. The company's technology process for creating the chips claims to ensure outstanding energy efficiency that yields longer battery life.

The STOD13AS integrates step-up and inverting DC/DC converters needed to generate the positive and negative supplies on the same chip. Other enhancements include increased display-driving capability as well as additional short-circuit and overload protection modes to maximize ruggedness and reliability, described the company.

The device boasts 85 percent typical efficiency and has increased output current capability from 200mA to 250mA. It offers low output ripple and high immunity to GSM noise that ST said produces a consistent, flicker-free display. The power supply IC flaunts 1.5MHz operating frequency and 2.5V-4.5V input voltage range. Likewise, it features a 4.6V positive output and user-programmable negative output voltage.

The STOD13AS is in volume production now, in the DFN12L 3 x 3mm package, priced at $1.08 for orders of 1000 units.