Implement multiple power circuits with the same PMIC

15th September 2014

Nat Bowers

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Offering all the power management building blocks required to provide a power solution for handheld devices powered by lithium-ion batteries, ams has introduced a configurable PMIC. The AS3715 is suited for action cameras, portable navigation devices, tablets, media players and gaming consoles.

Enabling OEMs to implement power circuits for multiple end products with the same hardware design, the AS3715 offers the capability to program the start-up configuration. The operation of the power system can therefore be easily adapted for different application processors. With this programmability, design teams can accommodate changes in end-product specifications at any time, without having to re-spin their board design.

The AS3715 is comprised of three 4MHz DC/DC step-down (buck) converters with programmable outputs, one DC/DC step-down controller, two DC/DC step-up (boost) converters with programmable outputs and eight LDOs. It also features eight GPIOs, an I²C interface, a 1.5A charger circuit, three current sinks, an ADC and a watchdog timer.

Controlling external power stages, the DC/DC controller enables users to maximise efficiency, simplify PCB routing and distribute power and heat dissipation over a wide board area. It supports configuration as either a single- or dual-phase controller and can manage an output current of up to 8A. The three high-voltage current sinks are intended for LCD backlighting, providing a programmable current output adjustable in 150μA increments over a 0-40mA range. An integrated 5V boost converter can supply power to HDMI interfaces or other 5V peripherals.

Operating over a temperature range from -40 to +85°C, the device operate from a single 2.7-5.5V supply and features a customisable JEITA-compliant temperature supervision and voltage/current control circuit.

Peter Kammerlander, Product Manager, power and wireless business unit, ams, comments: "Because the AS3715 is a very versatile PMIC, design engineers can easily use it as the basis for a single power system platform supporting a wide portfolio of products. The flexible configuration capability of the AS3715 PMIC also allows developers to react quickly to late changes in the design specification. Even changing or upgrading the processor will not necessarily require a re-design of the power management circuit."

Supplied in a 3.7x3.7mm WL-CSP 91, the AS3715 PMIC is priced at $3.68 each in 1,000 unit quantities.