MILPITAS, CA – July 13, 2010 – Linear Technology announces the H-grade version of the LT3496. The LT3496 is a 2MHz DC/DC converter designed to operate as a three-channel constant current LED driver. Each of the device’s three channels can drive up to eight 500mA LEDs in series, enabling it to drive up to 24 x 500mA LEDs at efficiencies up to 96%. The H-grade version operates up to a junction temperature of 150?C, compared to the E- and I-grade versions’ 125?C maximum junction temperature. All electrical specifications are identical for the E-, I- and H-grade versions. The H-grade parts are tested and guaranteed to the maximum junction temperature of 150?C. They are ideal for automotive and industrial applications which are subjected to high ambient temperatures.

The LT3496 senses output current at the high side of the LED, enabling buck, buck-boost or boost configurations. Each channel is operated by an independent True Color PWM™ signal, enabling each to be dimmed independently to ratios as high as 3,000:1. A fixed frequency, current-mode architecture ensures stable operation over a wide range of supply and output voltages. A frequency adjust pin enables the user to program the frequency between 330kHz and 2.1MHz to optimize efficiency while minimizing external component size. The LT3496’s thermally enhanced 4mm x 5mm QFN package provides a highly compact solution footprint for 50W LED applications.

The LT3496HUFD is available from stock in a 4mm x 5mm QFN-28 package. Pricing starts at $4.45 each for 1,000 piece quantities. For more information, visit www.linear.com/pr/3496.

Summary of Features: LT3496H

• Maximum Junction Temperature of 150°C
• True Color PWM™ Dimming Delivers up to 3000:1 Dimming Ratio
• Built-In Gate Driver for PMOS LED Disconnect
• Three Independent Driver Channels with 700mA, 45V Internal Switches
• Operates in Buck, Boost, Buck-Boost Modes
• CTRL Pin Accurately Sets LED Current Sense Threshold Over a Range of 10mV to 100mV
• Low Quiescent Current: 6mA in Active Mode
• <10uA in Shutdown Mode
• Adjustable Switching Frequency: 300kHz to 2.1MHz
• Open LED Protection
• Wide Input Voltage Range: 3V to 40V
• Surface Mount Components
• 28-Lead (4mm x 5mm) QFN Package

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.

Plymouth, UK – 14 July 2010 — Plessey Semiconductors Limited today announced that they had successfully transferred their first bipolar process, the W-series process, onto their 8-inch line in Plymouth, England. The W-series bipolar process is a critical process for a number of new product releases as well as part of the ongoing support Plessey is providing to its existing foundry customers. 

The first two Plessey products now in product test have been produced on the W-series process. The process exhibits very good low current performance, high linearity, and because of the single crystal emitter structure has inherently low flicker noise. These attributes are particularly effective in communication applications including low current circuits, synthesisers and tuners. 

“Not only is the process an excellent tool for communications products, the W-series linear bipolar process also offers excellent packing density. When this attribute is coupled with a transistor BVCEO of 18 volts we are able to design a competitive range of linear power devices,” said Dr. Peter Osborne, Chief Technologist. “In the third quarter of this year, we will be releasing a range of power management devices that should provide up to 30% efficiency improvements over what is currently available from competitive process technologies.”

Dr. Paul James, Commercial Director, said, “This is good news and is a positive indication for the remaining bipolar transfers. We have our range of high performance analog RF components on our complementary bipolar processes and these are now expected out in August of this year. We are on plan and continue to receive encouraging signs from our customers and the markets.”

Plessey Semiconductors announced in February that it was releasing a new range of products from its facility in Plymouth, England. They also recently announced that they had passed the audits for TS16949, ISO9001 and ISO14001 certification. 

For further product information and early release flyers, please contact sales@plesseysemi.com 
 
About Plessey Semiconductors Limited

Plessey Semiconductors is a British electronics manufacturing company and are the world experts in the development and manufacture of analog mixed-signal processes and products for the communications, instrumentation, and high reliability markets. Plessey Semiconductors uses its own proprietary processes to manufacture its products for industrial, defence, medical, aerospace and automotive customers. The high precision, high voltage products are available in high temperature and radiation tolerant options. Plessey Semiconductors has a design and technology centre in Swindon, England and is headquartered in Plymouth, England where it operates its own silicon processing on state-of-the-art 8-inch and 6-inch semiconductor manufacturing lines.