Dialog Semiconductor has launched configurable Mixed-signal ICs (CMICs) with in-system programming and multi-time programming to simplify modifications late in the design cycle, in-field or on the production line. Dialog says the new chips are the market’s first CMICs that support in-system programming using a simple I2C serial interface.
Target Applications include:
- Consumer electronics: such as IoT Devices, Wearables, Smart Tags, Smartphones, Tablets, Notebooks, PCs and PC peripherals, Headphones, Headsets, Smart Building, Smart TV, Set Top Box, etc.
- Commercial and Industrial Electronics: such as Servers, Embedded computing, and medical devices
The GreenPAK SLG46824 and SLG46826 are the company’s first CMICs following the acquisition of CMIC firm Silego Technology.
“These highly versatile devices allows a wide variety of mixed-signal functions to be designed within a very small, low power single integrated circuit. They help customers to configure according to their design requirements”, the company said.
Available in a 2.0 x 3.0 mm 20-pin STQFN package, both CMICs are equipped with low power consumption analog and digital resources like analog comparators (ACMPs), an internal voltage reference, power-on reset, and more advanced digital resources, like multi-function macro-cells.
The ISP chips streamline the development process as it allows the installation of an un-programmed GreenPAK on the PCB, and supports programming of the Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) in-system, for easy system checkout, the company said.
In the production environment, it is easy to modify the configuration or add functionality to these devices by programming the non-volatile memory on the production line.
The NVM on this device is specified for 1,000 erase/write cycles.
Additionally, the SLG46826 includes 2 kbits of EEPROM emulation memory that can replace an I2C-Compatible Serial EEPROM on the customer’s board, supporting storage of backup configuration data, a checksum or a serial number.
Running the low power analog comparators with the internal low power voltage reference consumes just 2.5 µA typical for two ACMPs that are continuously monitoring external signals. Dialog claimed.
In addition, the 2.048 kHz oscillator consumes a few hundred nanoamps when active, which makes it perfect for watchdog timer applications, or other designs that require a low-speed oscillator that is always running.
The power-on reset block operates all the time, which guarantees that the device will initialize correctly for any power ramp, and consumes just 100 nA at a 3.3 V supply voltage level.
These devices are also dual supply capable, offering a further benefit of being able to translate signals between two voltage domains.
“These are our first GreenPAK devices that can be programmed in-system. The flexibility that comes from in-system programming and the benefits of Multi-Time Programming make these outstanding additions to the GPAK product family,” stated John Teegen, Vice President and General Manager Configurable Mixed-signal Business Unit, Dialog Semiconductor. “These features and the ultra-low power consumption will add significant value in a wide range of battery-powered applications and extend the range of addressable applications.”
More information is available here.