Murata debuts technologies to shrink footprint and increase functionality and battery life of mobile devices

Murata has drawn on its expertise in materials technology, assembly and test processes, high frequency design and miniaturisation to develop its Micro DC-DC converter module, the LXDC2HL. This tiny buck converter module is designed to be used with nominal 3.6V input from a Li-ion battery. It uses a newly developed ferrite multilayer substrate which incorporates the power inductor embedded within it. The module features very low noise as the primary noise, the power inductor, is confined within the ferrite substrate. Length of the connection between the controller IC and the inductor is close to zero, also helping reduce noise emissions.

The Micro DC-DC converter is many times smaller than discrete solutions, measuring just 2.5 x 2.0 x 1.1mm (maximum) and features high efficiency of up to 86%. Input voltage range is 2.3-5.5V. Output voltages are 1.2, 1.5, 1.8, 1.85, 3.0 and 3.3V. Output current is between 300 and 600mA, depending on voltage. Switching frequency is 3MHz

Murata, in partnership with Cap-XX, has also announced its first range of super-capacitor products (Supercaps), the DMC series using EDLC (electric double layer capacitor) technology. This series is ideally suited for mobile applications requiring burst power or peak power assists unable to be handled by Li-ion batteries, enabling innovative, smaller, lighter devices with increased functionality and longer battery life.

The DMC series of Supercaps features low ESR and high capacitance in small and thin packages. Parts with peak rated voltage of 5.5V in package size 20.5 x 18.5 x 3.2mm (max) exhibit capacitance between 250 and 450mF ±20% and ESR from 100 down to 60mOhm ±10%. Single Cell types with peak rated voltage of 2.7V feature package size of 20.5 x 18.5 x 1.6mm (max) and exhibit capacitance between 400 and 900mF ±20% and ESR from 50 down to 30mOhm ±10%.

Also launched today is Murata's latest Bluetooth, W-LAN and FM module whose high levels of integration and tiny dimensions will enable footprint savings in mobile devices such as e-readers and web tablets. The module, part number LBEH19XMMC, measures just 9.2 x 8.4 x 1.35mm maximum. It is compliant with Bluetooth ver.2.1+EDR and Power class 1.5, plus IEEE802.11b/g/n. The module integrates a Bluetooth/WLAN/FM IC, a front-end chip, Murata's proprietary DC-DC converter, band-pass filter and related passive components.
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