Dialog Semiconductor Extends Power Scalability

Dialog Semiconductor plc (FWB: DLG), a provider of highly integrated power management, audio and short range wireless technologies, today announced the first programmable multiphase DC-to-DC buck converter, the DA9210, that can be scaled for use across multiple, high-end smartphone and tablet platforms to help accelerate development cycles.

The new four-phase DA9210 buck converter delivers an output current of up to 12 Amp. This can be doubled to 24 Amps when two DA9210 converters are used in parallel and up to 38 Amps when combined with the Dialog's DA9063 System PMIC to supply other power rails in the system. This makes the DA9210 ideally suited to high performance, ARM(R) Dual big-Little or Cortex A15 multicore application processors that enable consumers to multi-task using several applications simultaneously.

Next generation processors are increasingly being architected to step between sleep mode and maximum load very rapidly to help minimise heat build-up. DA9210 supports this operation and delivers power with class-leading efficiency. This allows users to run several background tasks, such as weather or Facebook updates, combined with application updates over 4G LTE, whilst downloading HD video with Wi-Fi streaming to TV. The DA9210 delivers the highest level of efficiency across the entire output current range by selectively enabling and disabling phases, reducing losses by up to 50%. The buck can increase the current supplied from zero to maximum in a millionth of a second to support very fast processor wake-up and application response times.

By using this four-phase architecture, combined with a fast switching frequency, the DA9210 enables the use of very low profile components ? with a maximum height of just 1 mm ? to support the design of ultra-thin devices. The Dialog power management system, consisting of up to three Integrated Circuits, behaves as one, simplifying the start-up configuration and control of the power management system. Software loading on the host processor is optimised, improving customer time-to-market while minimising the design effort of the power scheme for subsequent designs.

Udo Kratz, Vice President and General Manager of Dialog's Mobile Systems business unit, commented, 'Dialog has created the new concept of a scalable power solution with our DA9210 quad-phase buck converter. It helps to minimise the effort involved in developing subsequent designs of feature-packed, next generation smartphones and tablets to help vendors keep pace with the need to launch new models every six to nine months in response to consumer demand and competitor activity.'

The DA9210 wide supply range of 2.7V to 5.5V enables the use of single cell lithium-ion batteries as well as a standard 5V supply or a USB power supply. The operating temperature range is -40 to +85 degrees C. The device is available now.

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About Dialog Semiconductor

Dialog Semiconductor creates highly integrated, mixed signal integrated circuits (ICs), optimised for personal portable, short-range wireless, lighting and automotive applications. With a focus and expertise in energy-efficient system power management, audio, low energy short-range wireless and VoIP technologies, Dialog is able to rapidly develop ICs for personal portable devices. This includes smartphones, tablets, Ultrabooks(TM), digital cordless phones, microphones, gaming consoles, as well as energy-efficient LED lighting, automotive infotainment and smart home appliances.

With world-class manufacturing partners, Dialog operates a fabless business model. The company is listed on the Frankfurt (FWB: DLG) stock exchange, is a member of the German TecDax index and generated revenues of US$774 million in 2012. www.dialog-semiconductor.com