Tiny power manager integrates four LDOs

Designers can connect the application supply directly to the AT73C237, increasing the level of analogue integration while minimising BOM cost and product size

The Atmel AT73C237 power management unit (PMU) runs from a 5V input and generates four regulated output voltages, with programmable output voltage selection and output current up to 70mA.

The AT73C237 has a similar architecture to the established AT73C239 PMU, but supports a 5V supply.

It integrates four linear low dropout (LDO) regulators, three of which provide the high-accuracy supply (programmable from 1.2 to 2.75V) required by RF and analogue devices, and one 1.8V regulator for backup battery/capacitor recharging.

It integrates a two-wire interface (TWI) to allow a microcontroller to program the variable LDO output voltages and manage the enable of each LDO.

"A number of customers have appreciated using the AT73C239 and many of them have requested a direct 5V input".

"The AT73C237 was designed to answer this requirement", commented Michele Casetta, Marketing Manager for Atmel's Power Management and Analog Companions (PMAAC) Product Line.

"A 3 x 3mm QFN package integrating a four-channel power supply is a major differentiator in the market and today customers can connect the application supply (Li-ion battery, AC/DC input, USB port etc) directly to the AT73C237, thereby increasing the level of analogue integration, and minimising the BOM cost and product size".

"The AT73C237 is a universal PMU.

Thanks to its extremely small package and high integration, the AT73C237 can be used in a large number of applications from portable devices to PC peripheral boards, from wireless chipset supply (GPS, Bluetooth etc) to Ethernet powered devices", concluded Casetta.

Atmel offers the AT73C237 in a 3 x 3mm 16-pin QFN package priced at US $0.65 in quantities of 100,000 units.

It is available now mounted on a reference design board or as engineering samples.

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