Core-Voltage Controllers for Intel Centrino Duo Notebook PC Designs

The single-phase SC454 controller can drive up to 30A and is available in an MLP5x5-32pin (5mm x 5mm) package so it is ideal for ultra small, lightweight notebook computers that use the low and ultra low voltage settings of the Centrino Duo.



The 55A, dual-phase SC452 device can power the full voltage range of Centrino Duo platform-based notebooks. This controller leverages Intel protocols to seamlessly switch between single and dual-phase operation with no disturbance on the output voltage. The SC452 is provided in an MLP7x7-44pin (7mm x 7mm) package. Both devices are lead-free and RoHS compliant.



The SC452 and SC454 have a very fast hysteretic voltage regulation scheme for a transient response of less than 10us. The use of hysteretic topology ensures the output is very stable and requires no effective series resistance (ESR), thus allowing for increased design flexibility and simplicity. This architecture also minimizes output capacitance, which reduces component count, minimizes board footprint and lowers cost.



“The SC452 and SC454 are the sixth-generation of Intel-related power controllers from Semtech, marking the company as one of the only firms with a complete voltage controller solution for Intel notebook systems,” said Ven Shan, Vice President of Marketing for Semtech’s Power Management Group. “Semtech will continue to expand this product line to keep pace with the market demands – including offering the flexibility of a 20-amp, single-phase device for today’s very small notebooks.”



The SC452 and SC454 utilize Semtech’s proprietary Smart Drive™ technology, which lowers ringing on the phase node and high-side FET gate node to keep efficiency high while reducing EMI and eliminating the need for snubbers or gate resistors. Additionally, the SC452’s current sensing system is based on Semtech’s Combi-Sense® technology that eliminates the need for lossy, external sense resistors, thus keeping efficiency high and reducing cost.



Both devices have a complete set of protection mechanisms including programmable current limit, output over-voltage protection, input under-voltage lockout and over-temperature protection.