CamSemi C2163 enables low standby consumption for higher power apps

CAMBRIDGE, UK: CamSemi has announced a new addition to its existing C2160 family of Primary Side Sensing (PSS) controllers enabling manufacturers of higher power embedded and multiple output power supplies to fully exploit the cost benefits of bipolar transistors in developing lower cost and more energy-efficient solutions. The C2163 PSS controller is aimed at universal input adapters and chargers above 8 Watts.

C2163 delivers ultra-low standby power consumption and high efficiency power supplies for major applications such as networking products and set-top boxes, typically around 16 W but is also well suited for tablet computer and power tool chargers and other fast-growing, higher powered sectors.

The new controller uses low cost bipolar transistors to very significantly cut power supply system costs but without impacting performance. For example, a 12 W adapter based on C2163 delivers an average efficiency greater than 80% and a no-load power
consumption of less than 100 mW against the current Energy Star 2.0 requirement of 300 mW. But more importantly for manufacturers, the BOM cost is much lower compared with any of today’s more expensive MOSFET-based solutions.

“CamSemi’s new C2163 controller is the first of our products targeting higher power universal chargers and builds on the success we are achieving with our other PSS controllers in the mobile phone charger market. All the techniques we developed to cut no-load power consumption to less than 30 mW for 5 star-rated chargers have been utilised but at higher powers. C2163 is unique in combining low cost and energy efficiency with greater design and manufacturing flexibility where one controller can be utilised for multiple designs,” said David Baillie, CEO of CamSemi.

C2163 delivers the same key design benefits as the company’s existing PSS controller families including: ‘best in class’ voltage and current regulation without board level trimming; easily programmable cable compensation of up to 10 percent; switching frequency adjustment; and quasi-resonant switching to improve efficiency and reduce EMI. The C2163PX2 part is packaged in SOT23-6 and available in volume now.

An abbreviated C2163 datasheet is available from www.camsemi.com/support/datasheets with more detailed information, reference designs and other support from CamSemi or via one of the company’s distributors.