Low capacitance diodes protect automotive data interfaces 

Robust ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection diodes have been added to Nexperia’s portfolio of low clamping and low capacitance ESD protection diodes. This portfolio is designed to protect high speed data lines such as USB 3.2, HDMI 2.0, LVDS, automotive A/V monitors, displays and cameras. It also aims to address the upcoming high speed video links and the OPEN Alliance MGbit Ethernet applications. 

The PESD5V0C1BLS-Q and PESD5V0C1ULS-Q are both two-pin single line devices supplied in compact DFN1006BD-2 packages. This is intended to optimise routing. The other new additions are the PESD5V0C2UM and PESD5V0C2UM-Q which are available as three-pin devices for both differential lines. They are supplied in a DFN1006-3 package which has side wettable flanks to enable automated optical inspection (AOI). 

All variants come in leadless packages to improve electrical performance and signal integrity.

ESD voltage clamping diodes protect data interfaces in automotive subsystems but developers have to be careful that they do not degrade data signal integrity or negatively impact the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) performance of the systems. Nexperia claimed these diodes offer best-in-class signal integrity performance with capacitance as low as 0.3pF. 

These AEC-Q101 automotive-qualified devices exhibit deep snapback behaviour combined with a low resistance of 0.27 Ohm, for system level robustness and clamping performance in high speed data interfaces, said Nexperia.

Nexperia produces semiconductors: diodes, bipolar transistors, ESD protection devices, MOSFETs, GaN FETs and analogue and logic ICs. 

Headquartered in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, Nexperia meets the stringent standards set by the automotive industry. The company has employees across Asia, Europe and the USA. 

Nexperia is a subsidiary of Wingtech Technology and has an extensive IP portfolio and is certified to IATF 16949, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.

http://www.nexperia.com

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Synchronous boost converter raises efficiency in consumer devices

The AP72250 synchronous boost converter has been designed by Diodes for step-up conversion in consumer and industrial applications where small form factors are a priority. Target applications include battery-powered devices, USB power supply units, power banks, supercapacitor charging equipment and metering systems.

The AP72250 supports a 900kHz switching frequency with a 20 microA quiescent current (IQ). It covers a wide input voltage range between 0.6 and 5.5V, with a minimum 1.0V input start up. The output range is 1.7 to 5.5V. The device integrates  a 20 mOhm high side power MOSFET and a 26 mOhm low side power MOSFET.

Different operating modes can be selected and can be programmed according to users’ needs. Operating mode options are pulse frequency modulation (PFM), ultra-sonic mode (USM) and forced pulse width modulation (FPWM) mode. Engineers can therefore adjust operation under either heavy or light load conditions to maximise efficiency. According to Diodes, even when in light load situations, up to 89 per cent efficiency can be attained. The USM mode ensures that switching in the audible frequency range is prevented.

The AP72250 is claimed to deliver a seamless transition between boost and pass-through operation (in applications where this is required). The peak current mode control scheme allows it to handle a variety of input-to-output ratios. As a result, fewer external components are needed to support it than required by competing devices, said Diodes.

Under-voltage lockout, thermal shutdown, peak current limit, negative current limit, and output short circuit protection functions are also included.

The AP72250 is supplied in a WLCSP-12 package (measuring 1.75 x 1.35 x 0.45mm) and is available now.

Diodes provides semiconductors for companies in the consumer electronics, computing, communications, industrial, and automotive markets. Its portfolio includes discrete, analogue and mixed-signal products and packaging technology to meet customers’ needs. There are 32 sites worldwide, including engineering, testing, manufacturing, and customer service.

http://www.diodes.com

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Infineon offers the key to smart locks with programmable MCU with NFC 

The NAC1080 is a programmable 32-bit Arm Cortex-M0 microcontroller (MCU) with embedded near field communication (NFC). The single chip from Infineon has an integrated H-bridge and is intended to support engineers in the development of smart actuators, such as passive locks.

Using the NFC interface, the NAC1080 MCU enables devices to be controlled directly by smartphones. Advanced local and cloud functions can be extended within the mobile app offered by regional marketing partners. This reduces the bill of material and supports miniaturised product design, advised Infineon. NAC1080 supports various operation modes and can be powered either in passive mode by the NFC field with the energy harvested from the mobile phone, or through a battery supply in active mode. 

NAC1080 also provides an integrated AES128 accelerator and a true random number generator to enable data encryption/de-encryption in a low power environment.

The NAC1080 can also be used as an emergency back up power supply. Typical active lock systems depend on battery power but using the NAC1080, if the battery is discharged, the NFC interface IC for electronic devices can power the door lock. It should be noted that because electric power is transmitted via NFC, this use case may take longer than it does in passive mode, Infineon pointed out.

The company is already working with IH Tech and FIoT-Open Lab to offer complete smart NFC locks based on the NAC1080 combining IC products, application development, IoT device testing, certification and standardisation. This collaboration enables the three companies to support local customers to accelerate the system development cycle and foster the ecosystem development together.

IH Technology is a subsidiary of Contel Technology based in Hong Kong. It provides ICs and services to support customers on mass production level designs. This includes NFC antenna, circuit hardware, application software and APPs in handheld devices for both embedded module or stand-alone system. 

FIoT-Open Lab is based in Fuzhou China, enabling new “Smart+” technologies, especially for IoT, big data and artificial intelligence. It offers full suite expertise in technology development, total solution from chip design/packaging to end-application, IoT devices testing certification and setting industry standards. 

http://www.infineon.com

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STMicroelectronics offers two reference designs to simplify motor drive designs

Two reference designs from STMicroelectronics have been developed to simplify building complete industrial or home appliance motor drives for compressors with its STSPIN32 motor control system in package (SiP). 

Each integrates the motor controller with a three-phase inverter to power the motor, and an offline converter and auxiliary circuitry. A production-ready PCB design and motor-control firmware are also included.

The STEVAL-CTM011V1 targets general industrial compressors up to 250W and the STEVAL-CTM012V1 meets the stringent eco-design regulations for use in home appliances. 

The two reference designs combine with a host system to start driving a motor and allow customers to fine tune settings for optimal performance. Both ensure average efficiency greater than 96.5 per cent, said ST.

Each is based on ST’s STSPIN32F0601Q motor-control SiP which contains an STM32F031 Arm Cortex-M0 microcontroller to customise the motor control to specific end application needs and a rugged 600V three-phase gate driver for the inverter. The firmware provided includes high-efficiency sensorless field oriented control (FOC). The SiP is a compact and thermally efficient quad flat no-lead (QFN) device that meets high creepage requirements for safety and reliability.

The offline AC/DC converter is a VIPER122 analogue converter that integrates control logic with an 800V avalanche rugged power section. Frequency jittering prevents interference with other equipment, while inherently low power consumption and support for burst-mode operation at light load help comply with energy-saving regulations.

The inverter stage of the 250W STEVAL-CTM011V1 reference design for industrial and general-purpose applications comprises six rugged STGD5H60DF insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs). They are engineered to maximise efficiency at high switching frequencies, allowing smaller capacitive and magnetic components. The low package thermal resistance is claimed to enhance reliability while tight parameter distribution assists safe paralleling in high power applications.

For home appliances, the STEVAL-CTM012V1 reference design contains six STPOWER STD8N60DM2 600V N-channel MDmesh DM2 power MOSFETs. These are suitable for high-efficiency converters, including zero voltage switching (ZVS) phase -shift converters, and combine high speed, low loss switching performance and low on state losses.

The production-ready circuit-board design saves significant development time, advised ST, because it avoids complex layout and signal routing challenges. The compact 112 x 75mm board outline helps meet industrial and consumer-appliance form factors.

Both reference designs are available now and the STSPIN32, VIPER122, IGBTs, and MOSFETs are in production now. 

http://www.st.com

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