ST delivers extra micropower choices for analog designers

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND: STMicroelectronics has introduced an ultra-low-power comparator in a choice of tiny packages. These devices enable increased performance and functionality in portable products that use power-saving design techniques to maximize battery life.

Applications that will benefit from the features of these comparators include cellphones, Mobile Internet Devices, MP3 players, digital cameras and portable test equipment.

The new device, the TS331, is among ST's Micropower analog devices, and offers typical current consumption of only 20 microamps, thereby minimizing drain on the battery. In addition, the TS331 can operate from a supply voltage as low as 1.6V, allowing its use in systems designed to operate from low voltages to save overall system power consumption.

The device's rail-to-rail inputs make the chip capable of accepting voltages up to the supply voltage. This capability allows designers to best use the limited dynamic range imposed by low operating voltages, which can otherwise restrict the performance of portable systems.

Further features of the TS331, which come in packages as small as 2.1x2.0x1.0mm, include an extended operating temperature range, from –40 degrees C to +125 degrees C, allowing the device to perform reliably in a wide range of environments and applications including industrial computing equipment and mobile communications infrastructure.

The high maximum temperature also allows use in highly miniaturized products where densely populated boards and small sealed fan-less enclosures can cause operating temperatures to rise quickly.

Major features of the TS331:
* 20-microamp current consumption.
* 1.6V to 5V supply voltage range.
* Rail-to-rail inputs.
* Propagation delay of 200ns typical.
* Open-drain output.
* High ESD tolerance: 2kV HBM / 200V MM.
* Surface-mount SC70-5 (2.1x2.0x1.0mm) or SOT23-5 (3.1x3.2x3.45mm) package.

The TS331 is available immediately, priced from $0.40 for a minimum order of 1000 units, depending on the package. Alternative pricing options are available for larger quantities.