Effective architecture allows zero no-load consumption

With more than 2.4Bn portable/mobile phones, tablets, and computers expected to have been sold in 2014, power consumption from chargers left plugged into the wall could be 300MW or an annual waste of more than 2.5Bn kWh. This figure was reached by estimating an average of 0.15W  consumption in no load for each plug-in charger. The ST/Flextronics solution could cut that wasted power to zero, saving more than 200m gallons of oil in one year (1kWh being equivalent to 0.08 gallons of oil, according to the US Energy Information Administration). 

The platform, built on the STCH01 controller, offers a high level of integration and is suitable for compact high-power-density smartphone/tablet adapters. ST’s controller reduces production costs using an innovative architecture that minimises transformer size and the number of external components required.

Housed in a compact SO16N package, ST’s STCH01 includes a controller and two embedded Power FETs in a unique integrated solution that is complemented by the proprietary no-load wake-up controller STWK01. Together these ICs allow the lowest power consumption in the market during no load with excellent dynamic load transition response.

The STCH01 implements an innovative power conversion topology that maximises efficiency, reducing the size of the power transformer by 30% over industry-standard flyback solutions, with low electromagnetic emissions that are further reduced using the IC’s intelligent jitter function.

The STCH01 is equipped with a full set of protections to ensure high reliability designs of plug-in chargers with minimal external components, reducing bill-of-material and production costs and improving manufacturing.

“We're happy to have partnered with the ST team in jointly developing this revolutionary charger platform with zero no-load power consumption,” said Nate Vince, president of Flextronics Power. “Flextronics is focused on driving innovation and delivering high-quality and energy efficient power for our customers as they compete in a highly dynamic market.”

“The STCH01-based solution brings unprecedented efficiency and lowers standby power to a whole different level, demonstrating the combination of Flextronics’ innovative architecture ideas and ST’s undisputed leadership in power-semiconductor technology,” said Matteo Lo Presti, Group Vice President and General Manager, Industrial and Power Conversion Division, STMicroelectronics. “This collaboration highlights ST’s ability to work closely with partners to solve important problems and, with the plug-in charging platform, to develop products perfectly in line with our strategic growth driver in Energy Conservation and Smart Power.”