Power management IC features 4MHz switching frequencies

AMS AG recently released a configurable power management IC (PMIC) that enables implementation of power circuits for multiple end products featuring the same hardware design.

The AS3715 integrates five 4MHz DC-DC buck and boost converters with programmable outputs, a DC-DC step-down controller and eight LDOs—essential power management building blocks required to provide a power solution for handheld devices powered by Li-ion batteries, such as cameras, navigation devices, tablets, media players and gaming consoles.

The DC-DC controller controls external power stages, allowing engineers to maximise efficiency, simplify PCB routing and distribute power and heat dissipation over a wide board area. It supports configuration as either a single- or dual-phase controller, which means that the system's efficiency can be adapted to the requirements and size constraints of the design. The DC-DC controller can manage an output current of up to 8A.

Two of the eight LDOs are low-noise devices well suited to RF modules, image sensors and other noise-sensitive circuits.

Aside from the power regulation blocks, the PMIC includes eight GPIOs, a charger circuit supporting a 1.5A output, an I2C interface, three current sinks, an ADC and a watchdog timer. The high-voltage current sinks intended for LCD backlighting provide a programmable current output adjustable in 150μA increments in a 0A to 40mA range. In addition, PWM input options provide a simple means to implement dynamic luminance scaling. The integrated 5V boost converter can supply power to HDMI interfaces or other 5V peripherals.

The PMIC gives the capability to programme the start-up configuration, so that the operation of the power system can easily be adapted for different application processors. The programmability of the start-up sequence and of the built-in DC-DC converters' outputs allows design teams to accommodate changes in end-product specifications at any time without re-spinning their board design.

"Because the AS3715 is a very versatile PMIC, design engineers can easily use it as the basis for a single power system platform supporting a wide portfolio of products," said Peter Kammerlander, product manager in the power and wireless business unit at AMS. "The flexible configuration capability of the AS3715 PMIC also allows developers to react quickly to late changes in the design specification. Even changing or upgrading the processor will not necessarily require a re-design of the power management circuit."

Other configuration options include the ability to implement either switched-mode or linear charging, depending on whether the design must be optimised for power efficiency or for space and cost. Safety features include a customisable, JEITA-compliant temperature supervision and voltage/current control circuit.

The AS3715 is currently sampling, available in 1,000-unit quantities. It comes in a 3.7mm x 3.7mm WL-CSP 91 package, operates from a single 2.7V to 5.5V supply, and is rated for operation over temperatures ranging from -40°C to 85°C.