Advanced Analogic Introduces New Multi-Function IC

Advanced Analogic Technologies Inc. (AnalogicTech) (Nasdaq: AATI) announced the AAT2556, the company's first multi-function SystemPower™ IC to combine a battery charger and step-down converter in a single package. This new device offers a highly compact and power efficient solution for a growing number of single-cell lithium-ion/polymer battery-based ultraportable systems, such as Bluetooth™ headsets, handheld GPS devices, and high-end portable music players.

"Ultraportable devices that operate from small lithium-ion batteries need high power efficiency in an extremely small footprint," noted Bill Weiss, Product Line Director for AnalogicTech. "By sizing the converter appropriately for these applications and integrating a battery charger into the same device, the AAT2556 allows designers to maximize power efficiency while occupying only nine square millimeters of PCB real estate. Previous solutions consume 67 percent more PCB area than does AAT2556."

The step-down converter in the AAT2556 delivers up to 250mA output current. It operates in both fixed and variable frequency modes to support high efficiency levels that range up to 96%. No load quiescent current is a low 30µA. A 1.5MHz switching frequency minimizes the size of external components and keeps switching losses low.

The battery charger is a complete current/constant voltage linear charger. Designed to operate from USB or AC adapter inputs across a 4.0V to 6.5V input range, it integrates a charging device and reverse blocking diode to regulate battery charge voltage and current for single-cell lithium-ion/polymer batteries. Charging current is programmable from 15mA to 500mA via an external resistor. To ensure device integrity, the AAT2556 adds over-voltage, over-current, and thermal protection circuits.

The AAT2556 is the second production device developed using AnalogicTech's ModularBCD process technology. Unlike conventional BCD technologies, this new process uses a low-temperature, CMOS-like flow capable of achieving high yields while ensuring device performance and electrical isolation. By allowing AnalogicTech's designers to easily add or remove modules and devices for different voltages, this highly modular new process promises to vastly simplify analog and mixed-signal circuit reuse.

The AAT2556 is specified over the -40°C to +85°C temperature range. It is immediately available in a Pb-free, compact 3x3mm, 12-pin TDFN package. The device sells for $1.68 each in 1000-piece quantities.