Micrel present analog technology solutions at APEC

The MIC28304/MIC45205/MIC45208/MIC45212 family of power modules operates from an input of 4.5-26.5V (70V for MIC28304) and are capable of delivering currents of 3, 6, 10 and 14A, respectively. These highly integrated power module solutions are designed to simplify the system power design process while offering exceptional performance. These modules feature a complete switching power supply solution in an ultra-compact, thermally-enhanced, rugged surface mount package. The devices integrate a PWM controller, power MOSFETs, inductor, and associated discrete components to save board space and reduce component counts which results in higher system reliability. The devices are ideally suited for RAID systems, network routers, blade servers, cellular base stations, medical test equipment, and test instrumentation.

The MIC33163/164 and MIC33263/64 family are high-efficiency, 4MHz, synchronous buck regulators with an integrated inductor capable of delivering current of 1 and 2A. In addition, the 100% duty cycle and HLL mode of operation delivers very high efficiency at light loads and ultra-fast transient response. These modules provide the optimal trade-off between footprint and efficiency and are perfectly suited for space-constrained applications. They are also an excellent alternative for low dropout regulators for applications such as SSD and handheld devices. The MIC33163/4 ultra-low profile of 1.1mm makes this part ideal for embedded point-of-load applications by providing a small, compact total solution with only a 22µF output capacitor and a few tiny external components.

The MIC2111 DC/DC multi-mode controller is capable of operating in a valley current mode or a voltage mode configuration. This controller provides the necessary PWM signal to interface with industry standard DrMOS. It also interfaces with fully discrete power stages to deliver a high current, low voltage solution to high performance power demanding core rails in the server, communication, and networking markets. The MIC2111 is the first multi-mode controller capable of operating in either a valley current or voltage mode configuration. The MIC2111 addresses the design challenge of delivering high power to low voltage core power rails in a constrained space.

In addition to these new products, Micrel will be demonstrating its innovative brushless motor solution. The demand for higher efficiency is increasing via new government regulations and since electrical motors are one of the largest consumers of electrical power, motor driver designers are in need of a more efficient and reliable solution. The MIC4605 is one of the industry's most robust and power efficient Half Bridge MOSFET drivers designed to address a wide variety of applications including motor drives, UPS and DC/AC invertors. The MIC4605 is an 85V Half Bridge MOSFET driver that features Adaptive-Dead-Time and Shoot-Through Protection. The Adaptive-Dead-Time circuitry actively monitors the Half Bridge to minimise the time between high and low side MOSFET transitions, which maximises power efficiency. Anti-Shoot-Through circuitry prevents erroneous inputs and noise from turning both MOSFETs on at the same time. The MIC4605 also offers a wide 5.5-16V operating supply range to maximise system efficiency. The low 5.5V operating voltage allows longer run times in battery powered applications. These features make the MIC4605 an ideal solution for the industry's most demanding battery operated motor applications including power tools and power DC/AC inverters.

Other live demos will include the MIC21000 and the MIC7400. The MIC21000 is true-digital PWM controller for high-current, non-isolated DC/DC power supplies in computing and telecomms applications. Designed to work with an external industry standard DrMOS, MIC21000 can be used as a flexible building block with an external industry standard DrMOS for +12 or +5V step-down, high current point-of-load power supplies. The MIC21000 is Micrel's first of a family of digital control, intelligent DC/DC controllers targeting cloud computing servers, computing and communication systems.

The MIC7400 is a powerful highly-integrated configurable power management IC featuring five synchronous buck regulators, one boost regulator and a high-speed I2C interface in both master and slave mode with EEPROM ideal for handheld devices, SSD, in-vehicle infotainment centres and security camera applications. The programmable switching converters can be configured to support a variety of start-up sequencing, timing, soft start ramp, output voltage levels, current limit levels and output discharge on each channel. An embedded EEPROM enables a single-chip solution across many platforms by allowing the designer to customise the PMIC for their design. Modifications can be made without the need to re-approve a new PMIC, thus saving valuable design resources and time. The MIC7400 supplies are designed for use with a very-small inductor (down to 0.47µ Henry for buck, 1.5µ Henry for boost), and an output capacitor as small as 10µF for a buck regulator thereby enabling a total solution size of 15x15mm and less than 1mm in height.