Chipidea Step-Down DC-DC Converter Core Supports 4.2V External Supply Voltage in Generic CMOS Process Using 3.3V Devices

- Chipidea®, the world's leading provider of analog/mixed-signal subsystems and intellectual property, today announced the industry's most compact, silicon-proven step-down DC-DC converter IP core to support an external supply voltage up to 4.2V while using regular 3.3V System-on-Chip (SoC) devices found in low-cost CMOS processes.

The CI2512tl Step-Down DC-DC Converter IP core is the latest offering from the company with the most comprehensive catalog of general purpose, programmable power management IP cores. This IP core allows SoC designers to integrate DC-DC converter functionality into their designs and avoid the additional expense of higher voltage process options.

This DCDC converter IP core maintains a high efficiency power conversion of greater than 90 percent over a large load range (up to 150mA) using PWM / PFM (Pulse Width Modulation/Pulse Frequency Modulation) controls. It accepts any battery with a voltage supply ranging from 2.7V to 4.2V, such as a lithium battery, and features a programmable output voltage ranging from 0.6V to 2.0V.

The high programmability of the DC-DC IP core output voltage gives SoC integrators full flexibility to optimize system performance. The IP core achieves a high level of integration including internal references, internal regulators and system power-on-reset to enable a "plug-and-play" power management functionality. The IP core comes with a fully functional Verilog behavior model to ease integration and system verification.

"As part of the industry's most comprehensive offerings in power management IP, our step-down DC-DC converter IP provides SoC designers with the ability to overcome some of their most vexing challenges for system integration," said Nuno Ramalho, vice president of Audio and Power Solutions for Chipidea. "This core's highly integrated functionality addresses such design issues as the generation, observation and management of multiple voltage domains. This in turn lets SoC engineers focus on the key differentiating characteristics of their chips and helps them speed time to market."

The latest core is part of the CI2512 Step-Down DC-DC Converter IP family that is available in TSMC 130 nm and 90nm process technologies. In addition, Chipidea offers the CI2522 Step-Down DC-DC Converter IP family, a fully integrated, low pin count solution in SMIC 130nm process technology. Both offerings will soon be available in other top-tier semiconductor foundries. The wide availability of these IP families in several technologies provides IDM and ASIC vendors, fabless IC and ASSP providers, start-up companies and fabs with the flexibility to address their device scaling and porting strategies.

Chipidea's catalog of power management solutions cover a wide range of applications and offers enhanced levels of programmability for SoC designers. Available at several foundries and in many process technologies, this catalog includes switched regulators, charge pumps, linear regulators, power-on-reset circuits, oscillators, reference generators, battery chargers for main and backup batteries, and complete power management units.

About Chipidea

Chipidea is the world's number one analog/mixed-signal merchant technology supplier targeting fast-growing market segments including wireless communications, digital media and consumer electronics. Chipidea supports blue-chip customers across the globe, has an impeccable reputation for delivering high-quality products and is known for its reliable execution. Chipidea licenses its technology to leading companies in all major markets, delivering everything from high-precision, single-function blocks to full analog sub-systems. For more information: www.chipidea.com.