By using a single-chip IC that integrates three power supplies, complexity, component count, and PCB space are reduced, resulting in smaller size and lower costs for home and mobile HD products.

As HD (high-definition) video for movies, games, and other entertainment becomes more common, pressure to lower Blu-ray prices is increasing. STMicroelectronics ( www.st.com ), a leading supplier of ICs for consumer electronics, is responding to these market demands by releasing new chips that reduce the size and lower the unit cost of Blu-ray players and recorders.

The new STODD01 is a power supply IC capable of providing all the voltage required for the player's circuitry operation, including a high-voltage driver for a blue laser that supports HD read/write functions. The STODD01 integrates three power supplies to drive a low-voltage digital IC, analog circuitry, and a laser driver. By utilizing the STODD01, designers can reduce the number of discrete power supplies on the PCB, thereby lowering component costs and complexity while shortening time-to-market and assembly times. Additionally, the reduced board size enables support for next-generation compact set-top boxes, game consoles, PC drives, and portable HD devices.

Each power channel of the STODD01 minimizes energy loss and heat generation by utilizing high-efficiency switched-mode conversion. Since the STODD01 also provides a true shutdown mode, standby power consumption can be minimized. Therefore, enhanced user experience and reduced operating costs, which are advantages that HD products can offer to buyers,