PMIC targets Freescale i.MX 6SoloLite Processors
Rohm Semiconductor has announced the development of a high-efficiency power management IC (PMIC) optimized for Freescale™ Semiconductor's i.MX 6SoloLite applications processor. The i.MX 6SoloLite processor possesses a market-proven track record as an application platform for battery-driven applications where power consumption is critical, such as e-books, wearable tech, tablet PCs, portable terminals for industrial equipment, and other portable devices.
ROHM's BD71805MWV utilizes power supply technology cultivated for mobile applications to optimize circuit configuration for the i.MX 6SoloLite processor. The result is significantly reduced power consumption during both standby (12 uW) and normal operation, prolonging battery life considerably. The high-efficiency buck converter ensures stable, high efficiency (82%+) operation during both light and heavy loads.
One of the most important considerations in the design of portable devices is maximizing battery life in order to increase operating time. However, reducing the power consumption of individual components to minimize energy expenditure has proven to be particularly challenging. And although Freescale's i.MX 6SoloLite processor has been adopted in a wide variety of mobile equipment to provide energy-efficient operation, there are increasing demands to decrease power consumption even further.
The integrated 2A li-ion battery charger with 30V overvoltage protection function reduces mounting area considerably. Lithium ion and lithium polymer batteries are used in a wide range of portable devices due to their compact form factor and high energy density. The BD71805MWV incorporates a battery charge function that significantly reduces mounting area, contributing to greater miniaturization. It includes a 15bit DeltaSUM-ADC Coulomb counter.
In addition, besides power supply from a battery, there are times when a surge of high voltage is unintentionally input when supplying power from an external device. As a countermeasure, an overvoltage protection circuit is built in to prevent damage by protecting against surge voltages up to 30V. This allows a variety of devices (ICs) to be safely connected to the VSYS pin, improving system reliability.
In response, the BD71805MWV leverages Rohm's analog technology to achieve power supply system for driving the i.MX 6SoloLite processor. This results in a power conversion efficiency of over 82% (during normal operation) and a reduction in standby current consumption by 45% vs. conventional products - both keys to lowering overall power consumption. In addition, an RTC (Real Time Clock) function that enables clock and calendar management without driving the main processor is built in, increased operating time, along with a li-ion battery charger featuring 30V input overvoltage protection that eliminates the need for an external IC, reducing footprint by 20% and contributing to greater miniaturization.
Going forward, Rohm will continue to expand its product lineup optimized for a variety of applications, from consumer equipment to industrial devices, including PMICs for the i.MX 6 series of processors including i.MX 6Solo, i.MX 6DualLite). The price for samples is $5.00. Samples are currently available with volume production scheduled for the end of this month.
