Fairchild Introduces New Micro-SerDes Products for Portable Applications

Fairchild Semiconductor introduced key enhancements to its uSerDes™ (micro-SerDes) technology. Using the same footprint and base architecture as its predecessor, the FIN24AC, the new FIN224AC offers enhanced ESD protection and reduced EMI. As with any handheld electronic equipment, damage from electrostatic discharge is a primary concern. Fairchild addressed this challenge by increasing ESD protection from 8kV in the FIN24AC to 15kV in the FIN224AC. Another enhancement is the implementation of rolled edge rates for the LVTTL outputs to further reduce EMI. This is particularly advantageous in cell phones and other wireless applications where minimizing noise is crucial.

Fairchild's uSerDes products use patented low-power, low-EMI CTL™ technology to reduce 24 or 12 parallel LVTTL signals typically required in ultra-portables to a single differential serial signal. This innovative approach eliminates the number of wires in an application, simplifying the design and saving space, while also removing problematic electromagnetic radiation from wide, high-speed data paths. Fairchild's uSerDes devices are easily adaptable to a wide range of technologies since they offer similar benefits to any application with a small display or camera.

Fairchild's uSerDes is a breakthrough technology embodying the company's focus on high-performance analog products. After successfully developing this advanced technology in cooperation with its customers, Fairchild continues to enhance uSerDes devices to meet the requirements of next-generation electronics. The devices simplify designs with high-resolution HVGA displays and multi-megapixel cameras. In many designs, this approach also lowers the total solution cost of these high-speed interfaces by reducing connector and flex cable requirements and by eliminating the need for EMI shielding and filters.

The FIN224AC is a lead (PB)-free device that meets or exceeds the requirements of the joint ICP/JEDEC standard J-STD-020C and is compliant with the European Union regulations now in effect. Pricing is (each, 1000 pieces): FIN224ACGFX (BGA) – $1.74; FIN224ACMLX (MLP) – $1.66. The product is available now with a delivery time of 4 weeks ARO.