- Supercapacitor LED Flash & Torch Controller Upgrade ∙∙∙ Provides High Flash Flood Intensity

February 9, 2012, Seoul – STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM), a global semiconductor company in various electronic device applications, is now able to meet consumer demands by launching an innovative IC that supports more sophisticated user control for ultra-small digital cameras and camera phones and increases the intensity of built-in flashes.

ST’s new product, the STCF04, integrates a camera flash and torch controller to boost the maximum output of the LED flash module to over 40 watts, achieving brightness comparable to outdoor security floodlights. Most products currently on the market are limited to single-digit watts. Users can select eight flash levels out of twelve torch levels and adjust additional flash and torch brightness using an extra light sensor input. It also features built-in flash and torch safety timers, temperature sensing, and short-circuit protection.

STCF04 is a special configuration combining a supercapacitor, a dedicated high-current MOSFET switch, and a high-output white LED, making it ideal for emergency high-intensity flashes as well as camera and camera phone applications.

The dedicated MOSFET embedded in the STCF04 plays a key role in demonstrating an advantage in output compared to third-party controllers that typically use lower-grade MOSFETs. Thanks to this product's powerful output, product designers can now specialize LED flash units instead of conventional high-output xenon flashes to provide the greater light energy required by today's high-resolution camera sensors in a small and streamlined design.

Since ST began sampling the STCF04, its key partners, such as Murata, a leading manufacturer of supercapacitors, and OSRAM, a supplier of flash memory for smartphone platforms, have each started using the STCF04 to showcase the innovative features of their latest products.

Key Features of STCF04:
• Maximum flash intensity 40 watts or higher
• 1 x 320mA torch current
• 100mA privacy indicator red LED output; 12 adjustable levels
• Address-selectable I2C bus
• Temperature sensing, short circuit, overvoltage, and flash/torch time safety features

STCF04 is currently being sampled in a 25-bump 3 x 3mm package. Mass production is scheduled for the first quarter of 2012, and the price is set at $2 per unit for orders of 1,000, but is negotiable for larger orders.