New Power Management ICs from ZMDI Targeted Towards Applications With Ultra-Low Power Requirements

New Products Aug 06, 2012 by Jeff Shepard

ZMD AG (ZMDI) announced the release of the ZSPM4121 and ZSPM4141, a family of ultra-low power, low drop-out (LDO) regulators and under-voltage battery protection switches. According to the company, with standby power consumption of 20nA for the ZSPM4141 and 70nA for the ZSPM4121, they are truly in a league of their own.

The ZSPM4121 protects batteries from destructive discharge by connecting or disconnecting the battery from the load based on a set threshold voltage. Even during the off-mode, charger current can be delivered to the battery through the ZSPM4121’s internal Schottky diode. In this off-mode state, the ZSPM4121 will only draw 100pA standby current(Iqq-off). With its low on-mode standby current of only 70nA, the ZSPM4121 is perfectly suited for voltage monitoring in conventional or solar trickle-charging applications.

The open-drain pull-down power-good-not (NPG ) pin allows connecting an LED for power-good indication. The factory-programmable threshold voltage from 1.2V to 4.2V (in 100mV steps) gives the ZSPM4121 a wide application range. The integrated over-current protection (3A) eliminates external components, minimizing the application footprint and engineering effort.

The ZSPM4141 is an ultra-low power LDO capable of driving up to 200mA while consuming only 20nA in standby and 100pA in power-down mode. Its power consumption is up to 100 times lower than conventional LDOs. The ZSPM4141 is a perfect match for any battery-operated application, extending battery life to its maximum. A wide Vin range of 2.5 to 5.5V and voltage output of 1.2 to 4.2V (factory-programmable in 100mV steps) provide maximum application flexibility.

"ZMDI is a market leader developing technologies that enable our customers to create systems that further optimize energy efficiency, system operation and battery life. The ZSPM4121 and ZSPM4141 family of power management ICs truly benefits our customers by offering solutions for applications that require ultra-low power," stated Edward Lam, Vice President of Product Marketing and Business Development at ZMDI.

ZSPM41x1 Family Features

-- Under voltage threshold range: 1.2 to 4.2V (factory-programmed in 100mV steps)

-- Temperature (junction) range: -20 to 85°C

-- Package options: 8-L DFN (2x2mm)

Unique Features-ZSPM4121 Battery-Protection Under-Voltage Switch

-- Vin: 1.2 to 5.5V

-- Integrated over-current protection 3A

-- Standby current 70nA (on-mode), 100pA (off-mode)

Unique Features-ZSPM4141 Ultra-Low Power LDO

-- Vin: 2.5 to 5.5V

-- Integrated over-current protection: 250mA

-- Standby current: 20nA (Iqq), 100pA (Iqq-disable)