The latest power management IC from austriamicrosystems allows the user to program complex start-up sequences.
Aimed at ARM processor-based handheld devices, the AS3607 chip’s output voltage and the timing of all regulators can be programmed via software.
Furthermore, the slope of the ramp can be set for the step-down converters.
“The user can program the start-up sequence with timing steps of 1 ms or 4 ms, insuring that all ARM-based processors can easily be covered,” said the supplier.
In order to control other parts of the system, the general purpose I/O pins can be programmed to a specific timing.
“Last minute changes, slight modifications or even new features are no problem for the AS3607, because it is easy to modify the start-up sequence, timing and configuration of regulators. There is no need to redesign the power management portion or to re-approve a new PMIC, which saves time and money,” said Manfred Kogler, marketing manager consumer and communications at austriamicrosystems.
The chip includes three DC-DC step-down converters and five low-noise LDO regulators suitable for RF applications, an LED backlight driver, two programmable current sinks and a powerful Li-Ion battery charger.
The three step-down converters deliver 700mA each with an efficiency of up to 95%, extending battery life significantly.
The fixed 2MHz switching frequency minimizes PCB footprint by allowing the use of tiny, low-profile inductors.