- AS3715 features optimized for action cameras and portable navigation devices

September 16, 2014 – ams (Country Manager Jong-Deok Lee), a specialist in high-performance analog ICs and sensors, announced the launch of the new AS3715, a configurable power management IC (PMIC). OEMs can implement power circuits for multiple products using a single, identical hardware design.

The new AS3715 incorporates all the essential power management building blocks required for power solutions suitable for portable devices using lithium-ion batteries, such as action cameras, navigation systems, tablets, media players, and game consoles.

This highly functional product provides the ability to program startup configurations. Therefore, the operation of the power system can be easily adjusted to suit different application processors. Through the programmability of the startup sequence and the programmability of the output of the built-in DC-DC converter, the design team can change the specifications of the final product at any time without reverting the board design.

The AS3715 power supply block includes the following components:

• Three 4MHz DC-DC step-down (buck) converters with programmable output

• 1 DC-DC step-down controller

• Two output-programmable DC-DC step-up (boost) converters

• 8 LDOs

In addition, this device also provides eight GPIOs, a charging circuit supporting 1.5A output, an I2C interface, three current sinks, an ADC, and a watchdog timer.

The DC-DC controller controls the external power stage, allowing users to maximize efficiency, simplify PCB routing, and distribute power and heat across a large board area. This product supports optional configurations as a single or dual-phase controller. This means the system's efficiency sweet spot can be adjusted according to design requirements and size constraints. The DC-DC controller can manage an output current of up to 8A.

Two of the eight LDOs are low-noise devices suitable for RF modules, image sensors, and other noise-sensitive circuits.

Three high-voltage current sinks of the AS3715 are included for LDO backlights, in the 0A to 40mA range

The current output can be controlled and programmed in 150μA increments. Additionally, the PWM input option provides a simple method to implement DLS (Dynamic Luminance Scaling). The highly integrated 5V boost converter can power HDMI interfaces or 5V peripherals.

Other optional settings include a feature that enables switchable mode or linear charging, depending on the situation where the design needs to be optimized for power efficiency or for space and cost. Regarding safety features, customization is available, and it includes temperature monitoring and voltage/current control circuits that comply with JEITA (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association) standards.

Peter Kammerlander, Product Manager for ams’ Power and Wireless business unit, stated, “Because the AS3715 is a highly capable PMIC, design engineers can easily use it as a foundation when adapting a single power system platform to various product families,” adding, “The AS3715 PMIC’s flexible option configuration capabilities allow developers to respond quickly even if design specifications need to be changed later.” "Even if you change or upgrade the processor, you do not necessarily need to redesign the power management circuit," he said.

The AS3715, currently available as a sample, is priced at $3.68 per 1,000-unit quantity. It is available in a space-saving 3.7mm x 3.7mm WL-CSP 91 package. It operates on a single power supply of 2.7-5.5V and operates over a temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.

For detailed information on the AS3715, see www.ams.com/Power-Management-Units/AS3715.