Semtech Debuts Adaptive Power Converter Family Aimed At Boosting Battery Life in CDMA/WCDMA PhonesSC250 and SC251 tackle largest source of cell phone power loss by efficiently accommodating wide power swings Camarillo, California - September 20, 2006 Semtech Corp. (Nasdaq: SMTC), a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors for communications, portable devices, computers, and industrial equipment, today announced the SC250 and SC251, the first members of a DC/DC step-down (buck) power converter family designed to improve battery life by providing adaptive DC power control in CDMA and WCDMA handsets. CDMA and WCDMA handsets experience wide swings in power consumption based upon their distance from a base station. The SC250 and SC251 are designed to work with the phone’s baseband processor to enhance the phone’s efficiency by adaptively controlling the DC power supply to the power amplifier (PA). The SC250 performs a buck conversion to generate an output voltage that is linearly proportional to an analog input control voltage from the baseband processor. The buck conversion process reduces battery current when the PA outputs low power, greatly increasing talk time compared to directly connecting the PA to the battery.The SC251 performs a similar function, but it utilizes a patent-pending nonlinear transfer function that can eliminate the need for a software look-up table. The nonlinear transfer function is matched to the power requirements of certain CDMA and WCDMA PAs, reducing the need for software development and optimizing talk time. In addition, the SC251 provides the option to switch between two different transfer functions when used with a dual-mode PA. Each transfer function is optimized to match the DC power requirements of the different PA gain modes. The adaptive buck converter starts up and responds to changes in requested output voltage in less than 40µs. For increased efficiency at maximum transmit power, the devices feature a pass-through mode where an integrated switch connects directly between the battery and the output, bypassing the inductor. The SC250 has a 75m About SemtechSemtech Corporation is a leading supplier of high-quality analog and mixed-signal semiconductor products. The company is dedicated to providing customers with proprietary solutions and breakthrough technology in power management, protection, advanced communications, human interface, test & measurement, and wireless connectivity products. Publicly traded since 1967, Semtech is listed on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol SMTC. For more information, contact Semtech Corp. at 200 Flynn Road, Camarillo, CA 93012-8790; phone (805) 498-2111; email to info@semtech.com; or visit its web site at www.semtech.com. Press ContactTerry Sears, Marketing Communications Manager, Telephone: 805.498.2111 |
