Fairchild's single and dual comparators help solve supply chain management challenges

SAN JOSE, USA: Purchasing managers and supply chain management are faced with many challenges. Among them – the need to ensure they have a constant, reliable source for the devices they need. Working closely with a key customer, Fairchild Semiconductor (NYSE: FCS), a leading global supplier of high performance power and mobile products, developed the FAN156 low voltage comparator and the FAN256 dual low voltage comparator to provide supply chain flexibility.

Engineers at Fairchild leveraged existing core design IP for comparator technology to rapidly develop devices to meet specific customer demands. By having both single and dual low voltage comparator options, the solution provided the customer the flexibility they needed by offering the option to use one or the other – or both – depending on the application requirements. In addition, it simplified their supply chain management having both solutions available from one source.

The FAN156 and FAN256 are low power comparators that typically consume less than 10µA of supply current. They are guaranteed to operate at a low voltage of 1.6V and are fully operational up to 5.5V, making them ideal for use in 1.8V, 3.0V and 5.0V systems. These comparators are ideal for applications including mobile phones, alarm and security systems, personal digital assistants, computers and portable medical devices.

In mobile applications, the FAN156 and FAN256 help reduce the 3-times falling issue associated with slow insertion of an audio headset jack, as well as enable different audio headset jacks to be used in the same device. Both devices feature a complementary push-pull P- and N-channel output stage capable of driving a rail-to-rail output swing with a load ranging up to 5.0mA.

The FAN156 is packaged in 6-lead, 1.0 x 1.45mm MicroPak package, while the FAN256 is packaged in an 8-lead, 1.6 x 1.6mm MicroPak package.

By integrating leading circuit technologies into tiny, advanced packaging, Fairchild offers mobile users advantages while reducing the size, cost and power of designs. Fairchild engineers work closely with every manufacturer to achieve faster time to market, and to identify size, cost and power improvements in subsequent generations.

Additionally, Fairchild provides proactive, open and transparent supply chain management, allowing customers to meet inventory and manufacturing requirements, a key in maintaining a competitive edge in the market.