Three ultra-small PMICs enhance SSD design flexibility and data protection performance.
Save board space

DALLAS , Dec. 15, 2011 – Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) ( www.ti.com/ww/kr ) today introduced a family of tiny, single-chip power management integrated circuits (PMICs) designed to power all supply rails in solid-state drives (SSDs), hybrid drives and other flash memory management applications. The new LM10504, LM10503 and LM10506 PMICs improve reliability and reduce system cost and development time. They also include deep sleep modes for power savings, internal current limiting and thermal protection, and power-down data protection. A video demonstration is available at www.ti.com/lm10504-v .

TI's new PMICs integrate three programmable 2.25 MHz DC/DC step-down converters with efficiencies up to 95 percent to support core processor, memory and I/O voltages, as well as a general-purpose 3 V, 250 mA low-dropout (LDO) regulator for host controller reference. Each PMIC works in conjunction with the controller IC to optimize supply voltage during low-power conditions, and features an ultra-low power mode option that reduces the core ASIC voltage and powers down the flash and input/output rails to maximize system efficiency. The LM10504 and LM10506 also include data protection during power loss, ensuring the SSD controller can complete ongoing operations even during unexpected power outages.

Designed with temperature sensors such as the TMP121 and TMP122, or the industry's smallest, low-power LM74, PMICs provide a complete power management solution for SSDs. A block diagram can be found at http://www.ti.com/solution/solid_state_drive_internal_external .

The LM10504 is a flexible PMIC optimized for a variety of large and small SSD form factors targeting both consumer and enterprise customers, supporting 3.5-inch, 2.5-inch, 1.8-inch, mSATA, Micro SATA, Half-Slim SATA, mini PCIe, and integrated SSD forms.

The LM10503 is a high-current, 2 A PMIC designed for power-hungry controllers used in enterprise SSDs. The LM10503 incorporates TI's National PowerWise® adaptive voltage scaling technology, reducing SSD controller power consumption and improving system power management efficiency.

The LM10506 is the smallest PMIC designed to maximize portability in space-constrained consumer and enterprise SSDs, including mSATA, Half-Slim SATA, mini PCIe, and integrated SSDs.

Key Features and Benefits of PMIC
• Each PMIC integrates three buck regulators with internal FETs and an LDO for digital reference.
• The buck regulator is SPI programmable to supply a variable voltage with up to 95 percent maximum efficiency.
• Each PMIC has low dropout at 3 V, 250 mA for host controller reference.
• The reliability of SSDs is greatly improved by strengthening data integrity with the function of protecting data in case of power failure.
• Ultra-low power mode saves power when idle.
• Customization of the startup sequence addresses various controller IC requirements.
• Inrush current is limited during start-up using automatic internal soft start on each supply.
• The adoption of 2 MHz switching frequency reduces the inductor size.
• High integration and small 2.8 mm2-micro SMD package simplify layout and save board space.

These three PMICs are compatible with TI's diverse product portfolio, including abnormal temperature sensing ICs and power management regulators including National SIMPLE SWITCHER® Nano modules, helping to complete the industry's most comprehensive SSD solution.

Availability, Packaging, and Pricing
All three PMICs are currently available in volume through TI and its authorized distributors. The LM10504 and LM10506 PMICs are available in a 34-pin micro SMD package measuring 2.8 mm x 2.8 mm and with a 0.4 mm pitch. The suggested retail price is $1.90 and $1.60, respectively, in 1,000-unit quantities. The LM10503 is available in a 36-pin LLP package measuring 6 mm x 6 mm and is priced at $3.90.