DATE CONFERENCE – DRESDEN, Germany – March 8, 2010 – The Open SystemC Initiative (OSCI), an independent non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and advancing SystemC™ as an industry-standard language for electronic system-level (ESL) design, today released the SystemC Analog/Mixed-signal (AMS) extensions language standard, AMS 1.0.  The AMS 1.0 standard is the first modeling language targeting system-level design and verification to describe analog/mixed-signal behavior as natural extension to existing SystemC-based design methodologies.

Designed for use with IEEE Std. 1666™-2005, the AMS language standardizes new class libraries, layered on top of the SystemC standard, featuring specialized AMS system-level design and modeling methods. The AMS language reference manual (LRM) introduces new execution semantics for efficient simulation of discrete- and continuous-time behavior, and incorporates updates from the public review conducted in early 2009.

The AMS 1.0 standard is available for download under open-source license at www.systemc.org.  The standard includes the requirements specifications, AMS language reference manual (LRM), and a user’s guide, a comprehensive manual explaining all fundamentals of the AMS language standard and how to use the extensive set of features for AMS behavioral modeling at the system-level.

“The AMS extensions demonstrate how SystemC further advances with the collaborative effort of semiconductor industry, universities and research institutes,” said Eric Lish, OSCI Chairman. “I am delighted that OSCI is in the center of this standardization effort, driving these innovative ESL design methodologies.”

The AMS standard was developed by the OSCI AMS working group, with the objective to define a true system-level modeling language as an extension to SystemC. The new class definitions defined by the SystemC AMS extensions are essential to describe AMS systems at different levels of abstraction.

“The SystemC AMS extensions have evolved significantly with the availability of the LRM and user’s guide today,” said Martin Barnasconi, Chairman of OSCI’s AMS working group. “I am very pleased with this achievement, and we look forward to the widespread use and adoption of this AMS standard.”

The AMS working group members will continue to promote SystemC and the AMS extensions, and will be providing periodic updates at many workshops, tutorials, and conferences over the course of this year.

About SystemC and OSCI

The Open SystemC Initiative (OSCI) is an independent, not-for-profit association composed of a broad range of organizations dedicated to supporting and advancing SystemC as an open industry standard for system-level modeling, design, and verification. SystemC is a language built in C++ that spans from concept to implementation in hardware and software. For further information about SystemC and OSCI visit www.systemc.org.

MILPITAS, CA – March 8, 2010 – Linear Technology Corporation introduces the LTC3890/-1, a high voltage dual output synchronous step-down DC/DC controller that draws only 50µA when one output is active and 60µA when both outputs are enabled. With both outputs shut down, the LTC3890/-1 draws a mere 14µA. The 4V to 60V input supply range is designed to protect against high voltage transients, continue operation during automotive cold crank and cover a broad range of input sources and battery chemistries. Each output can be set from 0.8V to 24V at output currents up to 20 amps with efficiencies as high as 95%, making it well suited for 12V or 24V automotive, heavy equipment, industrial control, robotics and telecom applications.

The LTC3890/-1 has powerful 1.1Ohm on-chip MOSFET gate drivers. It operates with a selectable fixed frequency between 50kHz and 900kHz, and can be synchronized to an external clock from 75kHz to 850kHz with its phased-locked loop (PLL). The user can select from continuous operation, pulse skipping and low ripple Burst Mode® operation during light loads. The LTC3890/-1’s 2-phase operation reduces input filtering and capacitance requirements. Its current mode architecture provides easy loop compensation, fast transient response and excellent line regulation. Output current sensing is accomplished by measuring the voltage drop across the output inductor (DCR) for the highest efficiency or by using an optional sense resistor. Current foldback limits MOSFET heat dissipation during overload conditions. The device is available in two versions; the LTC3890 is the fully featured part with functions including a clock out, clock phase modulation, two separate power good outputs and adjustable current limit.

The LTC3890 is available in a 32-lead 5mm x 5mm QFN package and the LTC3890-1 is housed in a 28-pin SSOP package. Pricing starts at $4.76 each in 1,000-piece quantities. For more information, visit www.linear.com.

Summary Features LTC3890/-1

• Wide Input Voltage Range: 4V to 60V
• 50µA Quiescent Current with One Output Active & 60µA with Both Outputs Active
• 14µA Shutdown Current
• Wide Output Voltage Range: 0.8V to 24V
• Synchronous Rectification for up to 95% Efficiency
• DCR or RSENSE Current Sense
• Selectable Low Ripple Burst Mode Operation, Pulse Skipping or Continuous Operation
• Selectable Fixed Operating Frequency from 50kHz to 900kHz
• Synchronizable Operating Frequency from 75kHz to 850kHz with PLL
• Current Mode Control for Fast Transient Response & Easy Loop Compensation
• Adjustable Soft-Start
• ±1% Voltage Reference Accuracy Over -40°C to 125°C
• Output Overvoltage & Overcurrent Foldback Protection

About Linear Technology

Linear Technology Corporation, a manufacturer of high performance linear integrated circuits, was founded in 1981, became a public company in 1986 and joined the S&P 500 index of major public companies in 2000. Linear Technology products include high performance amplifiers, comparators, voltage references, monolithic filters, linear regulators, DC-DC converters, battery chargers, data converters, communications interface circuits, RF signal conditioning circuits, µModule® products, and many other analog functions. Applications for Linear Technology’s high performance circuits include telecommunications, cellular telephones, networking products such as optical switches, notebook and desktop computers, computer peripherals, video/multimedia, industrial instrumentation, security monitoring devices, high-end consumer products such as digital cameras and MP3 players, complex medical devices, automotive electronics, factory automation, process control, and military and space systems.

MILPITAS, CA – March 8, 2010 – Linear Technology Corporation introduces the LTC3890/-1, a high voltage dual output synchronous step-down DC/DC controller that draws only 50µA when one output is active and 60µA when both outputs are enabled. With both outputs shut down, the LTC3890/-1 draws a mere 14µA. The 4V to 60V input supply range is designed to protect against high voltage transients, continue operation during automotive cold crank and cover a broad range of input sources and battery chemistries. Each output can be set from 0.8V to 24V at output currents up to 20 amps with efficiencies as high as 95%, making it well suited for 12V or 24V automotive, heavy equipment, industrial control, robotics and telecom applications.

The LTC3890/-1 has powerful 1.1Ohm on-chip MOSFET gate drivers. It operates with a selectable fixed frequency between 50kHz and 900kHz, and can be synchronized to an external clock from 75kHz to 850kHz with its phased-locked loop (PLL). The user can select from continuous operation, pulse skipping and low ripple Burst Mode® operation during light loads. The LTC3890/-1’s 2-phase operation reduces input filtering and capacitance requirements. Its current mode architecture provides easy loop compensation, fast transient response and excellent line regulation. Output current sensing is accomplished by measuring the voltage drop across the output inductor (DCR) for the highest efficiency or by using an optional sense resistor. Current foldback limits MOSFET heat dissipation during overload conditions. The device is available in two versions; the LTC3890 is the fully featured part with functions including a clock out, clock phase modulation, two separate power good outputs and adjustable current limit.

The LTC3890 is available in a 32-lead 5mm x 5mm QFN package and the LTC3890-1 is housed in a 28-pin SSOP package. Pricing starts at $4.76 each in 1,000-piece quantities. For more information, visit www.linear.com.

Summary Features LTC3890/-1

• Wide Input Voltage Range: 4V to 60V
• 50µA Quiescent Current with One Output Active & 60µA with Both Outputs Active
• 14µA Shutdown Current
• Wide Output Voltage Range: 0.8V to 24V
• Synchronous Rectification for up to 95% Efficiency
• DCR or RSENSE Current Sense
• Selectable Low Ripple Burst Mode Operation, Pulse Skipping or Continuous Operation
• Selectable Fixed Operating Frequency from 50kHz to 900kHz
• Synchronizable Operating Frequency from 75kHz to 850kHz with PLL
• Current Mode Control for Fast Transient Response & Easy Loop Compensation
• Adjustable Soft-Start
• ±1% Voltage Reference Accuracy Over -40°C to 125°C
• Output Overvoltage & Overcurrent Foldback Protection

About Linear Technology

Linear Technology Corporation, a manufacturer of high performance linear integrated circuits, was founded in 1981, became a public company in 1986 and joined the S&P 500 index of major public companies in 2000. Linear Technology products include high performance amplifiers, comparators, voltage references, monolithic filters, linear regulators, DC-DC converters, battery chargers, data converters, communications interface circuits, RF signal conditioning circuits, µModule® products, and many other analog functions. Applications for Linear Technology’s high performance circuits include telecommunications, cellular telephones, networking products such as optical switches, notebook and desktop computers, computer peripherals, video/multimedia, industrial instrumentation, security monitoring devices, high-end consumer products such as digital cameras and MP3 players, complex medical devices, automotive electronics, factory automation, process control, and military and space systems.