Atmel Upgrades 4 Linear Regulator PMU Single Chip to 5V Input Supply

Atmel Upgrades 4 Linear Regulator PMU Single Chip to 5V Input Supply

AT73C237 Integrates 4 Linear Regulators in a 3mm x 3mm QFN Package

Rousset, France, June 24, 2008…Atmel Corporation (Nasdaq: ATML),announced today the release of its AT73C237 Power Management Unit (PMU) compatible with a 5V input supply and generating 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 Drop Out (LDO) Regulators, three of which provide the high-accuracy supply (programmable from 1.2V to 2.75V) required by RF and analog 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 3mm 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 analog integration, and minimizing 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 Michele Casetta.

Pricing and Availability

Atmel offers the AT73C237 in a 3 x 3 mm, 16-pin QFN package priced at US$0.65 in quantities of 100K units. It is available now mounted on a reference design board or as engineering samples.