Multi-output regulator

STMicroelectronics has combined all supply-voltage and reference sources for a multimedia chipset and DDR2/3 memory into a single device by introducing the PM6641 multi-output regulator. The regulator, housed in a 7 x 7mm QFN-48 package, is integrating three programmable switching regulators, a 2A-rated linear low dropout (LDO) and a low-noise reference, and also meets the latest industry specifications for Ultra-Mobile PCs (UMPC). The three outputs are independently adjustable from 0.8V to 2.5V, enabling space savings in a variety of applications, including notebook and sub-notebook PCs, portable gaming terminals, set-top boxes, HDTVs and Personal Video Recorders (PVR).

 By satisfying power requirements for Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) memory, the PM6641 will address products using the latest high-speed memory standard. The programmable switching frequency from 500kHz to 1MHz allows the use of small inductors, and the device is also optimized for multilayer ceramic capacitors at the output. In addition, power-saving operation at light loads extends battery life and allows designers to reduce stand-by power consumption. Protection features include thermal protection, separate power-good signals, latched over-voltage and under-voltage protection, and active soft-end for all outputs. With programmable current-limit and soft-start for all outputs also included, these embedded features ease design-in to multiple products using the reference design provided.

 The PM6641 is in mass production now, priced at $3 in quantities of 1000 units.