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Semtech's Latest Ultra-Small Sensing Platform Device Brings Industry-Leading Versatility and Value to Sensor Customers

SX8724 is only 4x4 mm, leverages ZoomingADC™ capability to directly connect to a wide range of pressure, temperature and magnetic sensors

Camarillo, California - November 20, 2007

Semtech Corp. (Nasdaq: SMTC), a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, today announced the SX8724, an ultra-small sensor interface device that uses the company’s ZoomingADC™ signal amplification circuitry to directly connect to a wide array of pressure, temperature and magnetic sensors, making it one of the most versatile data acquisition devices available on the market.

The SX8724 enables electronics to be co-located with the sensor.  With a digital output from the sensor, whether it be magnetic, pressure or chemical, manufacturers can provide a total solution to their customers. The device is designed to operate off a single Li-Ion battery without loss of its 16-bit precision even with a depleted battery.

The device features Semtech’s ZoomingADC, a 10-bit preamplifier with a programmable gain of between 0.1 and 1,000 and a 16-bit ADC. The preamplifier delivers the highest gain on the market giving designers the freedom to achieve a given level of sensitivity using lower cost, sensors.

The SX8724 interfaces directly with up to six sensors which can be a mix of pressure, magnetic and chemical, making the device truly a “sensing platform” which can be deployed across a manufacturer’s complete range of sensors.

“With an ability to directly read most Wheatstone bridge sensors and with flexible signal input, the SX8724 is the industry’s most versatile sensing solution,” said Michel Chevroulet, Sensing Product Group Manager for Semtech’s Human Interface and Sensing Products Business Unit.  “This flexibility and the focused amplification of our ZoomingADC technology allows customers to drive down the cost of their systems through the use of low-cost sensors.”

The SX8724 is the smallest data acquisition device in Semtech’s sensing machines product platform, making it possible to embed it directly inside a sensor enclosure.  The device is available in a 4x4 mm MLPQ16 leadless, 16-pin package that can be soldered with regular SMD soldering process. The SX8724 is RoHS and WEEE compliant.

Key Features of the SX8724

• ZoomingADC 16-bit ADC + 10-bits preamplifier with a programmable 0.1x to 1000x gain in 10% steps
• Sensor offset compensation up to 15 times full scale of input signal
• RC oscillator  
• Four GPIO digital output lines
• Sleep and power saving modes
• I²C serial connection for MCU
• Interfaces directly with most Wheatstone bridge sensors

Pricing and Availability

The SX8724 (order code: SX8724E082TRT) is available immediately in production quantities and is priced at $2.42 each in 10,000-piece lots. Semtech offers comprehensive design assistance, including field- and factory-based support. Data sheets, volume pricing, and delivery quotes, as well as evaluation kits and samples, are available by contacting salesinfo@semtech.com.

About Semtech

Semtech 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, test & measurement, advanced communications 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 Contact

Terry Sears, Marketing Communications Manager, Telephone: 805.498.2111