Fujitsu's fast-response DC/DC converter IC for consumer electronics

BANGALORE, INDIA: Fujitsu Microelectronics Asia Pte Ltd (FMAL) announced a new two-channel DC/DC converter(*1) IC with fast transient response, for use in digital consumer products, such as LCD TVs and digital video recorders.

This new DC/DC converter IC, the MB39A145, utilizes a “bottom detection comparator method”, and includes new enhanced circuits which provide changes in voltage, for changes in current to realize a more stable and low ripple output voltage.

This improved stability subsequently reduces the number of external components that are needed, such as condensers, thus reducing space. The IC also includes Pulse Frequency Modulation (PFM)(*2) that is highly efficient in low-current ranges, and allows the equipment to have low power consumption in stand-by mode.

Samples of the new converter IC will be available from January 2010.

Today’s consumer AV equipment, such as LCD TVs and digital video recorders, have increasingly larger screens, come with multiple functions and utilize advanced video compression technologies. These are supported by ICs required to provide high-speed and multi-functionality. To supply power to those ICs, power supplies must handle the requirements of large currents and fast transient response.

To meet these needs, Fujitsu Microelectronics has been providing DC/DC converter ICs making use of a “bottom detection comparator method” it introduced in 2005, to give fast transient response to rapid changes in output current.

This new IC enhances some of the comparator circuits, to provide even greater stability in output voltage. In addition, for low current ranges below 100 milli-Amperes(mA), the use of PFM reduces the power consumption in stand-by mode.

This IC was jointly developed by Fujitsu Microelectronics and Fujitsu VLSI Ltd.