Microchip’s low-voltage, programmable photoelectric smoke-detector IC receives UL certification

CHANDLER, USA: Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller, analog and Flash-IP solutions, announced that its RE46C190 3V programmable photoelectric Smoke-Detector IC received UL component certification for use in single- and multiple-station smoke alarms, per specification UL 217.

This UL-certified component simplifies the certification of smoke-detector products by the UL. A complete list of Microchip’s UL-certified devices is available on the UL website. The RE46C190 device, introduced earlier this year, is the world’s first smoke-detector IC to offer low-voltage operation with programmable calibration and operating modes, which enables the desired modes to be selected and calibrated during manufacturing.

The RE46C190’s low operating voltage and low operating current of 8 microamperes typical allows a 10-year operating life for a smoke detector with a lithium battery. Two alkaline batteries may also be used to power the device.

Programmable calibration and selection of smoke-detector operating modes provides designers with an easy way to control smoke-detector operation, and enables the use of a single IC to design multiple smoke detectors for different markets and regulatory requirements. The IC also reduces external component counts, since electronic programmability allows the integration of several formerly external components into the device.

“Microchip is proud to offer yet another UL-certified smoke-detector IC,” said Bryan J. Liddiard, vice president of marketing with Microchip’s Analog and Interface Products Division. “This device simplifies the design and manufacture of difficult low-voltage smoke detector systems, and the customization of the smoke detector system for particular applications. Those features, combined with UL certification, make the RE46C190 an attractive solution for our customers.”