IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 18, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Microsemi Corporation (Nasdaq:MSCC), a leading manufacturer of high performance analog/mixed signal integrated circuits and high reliability semiconductors, today extended its family of DC-to-DC controllers and switching regulators with the introduction of a synchronous buck switching regulator in a compact multi-chip module with built-in power functionality. The NX9415™ is designed for step-down DC-to-DC converter applications in LCD TVs, set-top boxes, DSL modems, netbooks, telecom, networking and other point-of-load DC-to-DC applications.
Microsemi's use of advanced multi-chip module (MCM) packaging enables the NX9415 to convert 8- to 22-volt input voltages down to as low as 0.8 volts with an output current of up to 5A amps, while occupying a small, 4mm x 4mm footprint and maintaining the device's high-frequency capability. Alternative, monolithic silicon solutions require a die size with a significantly larger footprint in order to achieve the same high frequency and low drain to source on-resistance (RDS(on)) as the NX9415.
"The NX9415 solves the problem of achieving up to 5 amps output current on an 8 to 22 volt bus using the smallest possible switching regulator with internal power FETs," said Amir Asvadi, Director of Marketing with Microsemi's Analog Mixed Signal Group.
"We continue to drive down the size and cost of high-output integrated power solutions using advanced MCM packaging, while also offering a growing family of monolithic controllers that work with our customers' choice of external power devices," Asvadi said. "The unique advantages of MCM DC-to-DC solutions as compared to monolithic solutions are especially significant in the 12-volt-and-higher voltage input range that, until now, required an external adaptor."
The NX9415 incorporates a 2MHz controller that supports an 8- to 22-volt input supply voltage, plus two metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) with a low, 31-milliohm RDS(on) and the ability to deliver 5 amps of maximum current output. An internal 5-volt regulator, which provides the voltage supply to internal logic and a driver circuit, allows for single supply operation. The module operates from 200kHz to 2.2MHz and employs loss-less current limiting by sensing the RDS(on) of the synchronous MOSFETs.
Other key features include an internal boost Schottky diode, adjustable frequency for circuit optimization, and adjustable over-current protection with Hiccup logic. Additionally, the module features thermal shutdown capability, a 5-volt gate drive and adaptive deadband control, as well as an internal digital soft-start capability, and a 5-volt undervoltage lock-out and shutdown capability.
Microsemi offers a broad and growing family of DC-to-DC products that support up to 40-volt input voltages across a wide range of current output, up to 40 amps. The family includes switching regulators with built-in power FETs, as well as controllers that use external power FETs and can operate at frequencies up to 2MHz.
In addition to the NX9415, Microsemi plans to extend its switching regulator family to include both monolithic and multi-chip-module (MCM) products ranging from 1-amp to 8-amp output currents and input voltages of 5-volts to 18-volts, giving customers a broad portfolio of options.
Technical data sheets are available on the Microsemi website: www.microsemi.com. The NX9415 is packaged in a 4mm x 4mm, 24-lead quad-flat no-lead (QFN) package with excellent thermal capability. Samples are available immediately, and the module is priced at $0.50 in OEM volumes of 1,000.
Microsemi will feature the NX9415 and other power product innovations in Booth 122 at the Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exhibition (APEC), February 21-25, at the Palm Springs Convention Center, Palm Springs, Calif.
About Microsemi
Microsemi Corporation, with corporate headquarters in Irvine, California, is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of high performance analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits, high reliability semiconductors and RF subsystems. The company's semiconductors manage and control or regulate power, protect against transient voltage spikes and transmit, receive and amplify signals.
Microsemi's products include individual components as well as integrated circuit solutions that enhance customer designs by improving performance and reliability, battery optimization, reducing size or protecting circuits. The principal markets the company serves include implanted medical, defense/aerospace and satellite, notebook computers, monitors and LCD TVs, automotive and mobile connectivity applications. More information may be obtained by contacting the company directly or by visiting its website at http://www.microsemi.com.
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"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Any statements set forth in this news release that are not entirely historical and factual in nature, including without limitation statements concerning the introduction of a synchronous buck switching regulator in a compact multi-chip module with built-in power functionality, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. The potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, such factors as rapidly changing technology and product obsolescence, potential cost increases, variations in customer order preferences, weakness or competitive pricing environment of the marketplace, uncertain demand for and acceptance of the company's products, adverse circumstances in any of our end markets, results of in-process or planned development or marketing and promotional campaigns, difficulties foreseeing future demand, potential non-realization of expected orders or non-realization of backlog, product returns, product liability, and other potential unexpected business and economic conditions or adverse changes in current or expected industry conditions, difficulties and costs of protecting patents and other proprietary rights, inventory obsolescence and difficulties regarding customer qualification of products. In addition to these factors and any other factors mentioned elsewhere in this news release, the reader should refer as well to the factors, uncertainties or risks identified in the company's most recent Form 10-K and all subsequent Form 10-Q reports filed by Microsemi with the SEC. Additional risk factors may be identified from time to time in Microsemi's future filings. The forward-looking statements included in this release speak only as of the date hereof, and Microsemi does not undertake any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.