Micrel releases high-current LED flash drivers that enable longer battery life

Oct. 9, 2013
Date Announced: 09 Oct 2013 New products deliver Minimal Total Solution Size and up to 95 Percent EfficiencySAN JOSE, CA -- Micrel, Inc. (MCRL), an industry leader in high performance linear and power solutions, LAN and timing and communications solutions, today announced the availability of two new high current camera flash LED driver products. The MIC2870 and MIC2871 are capable of driving one or two camera flash LEDs up to 1.5A with best-in-class efficiency and enhanced current accuracy. These devices are ideal for portable battery operated applications including smartphones, camera-phones, tablets, notebooks, digital still and video cameras. The MIC2870 and MIC2871 are currently available in volume with pricing starting at $0.50 and $0.44 for 1K quantities respectively. Samples can be ordered at:http://www.samplecomponents.com/scripts/samplecenter.dll?micrel."This new family of camera flash LED drivers provides the best-in-class efficiency and current accuracy -- essential for portable applications which demand both performance and longevity of battery life," noted Brian Hedayati, marketing vice president for the high performance linear and power solutions. "These devices require only three external components which minimizes the total solution size and cost. In addition, the dynamic LED current control of the device improves flash brightness and picture quality in dimly lit environments."The MIC2870 operates over a 2.7V to 5.5V supply voltage range and is capable of driving one or two LEDs up to 1.5A. The MIC2871 operates over a 2.7V to 5.5V supply voltage range and is designed to drive a single LED up to 1.2A. The video light and flash strobe LED current can be configured in 16 different steps via either the I2C (MIC2870) or the single wire interface (MIC2871). These camera LED drivers operate at a 2MHz switching frequency to provide very compact and high power solution while delivering up to 95 percent efficiency. Both devices offer multiple safety features such as low battery detect, output load disconnect, safety timer, over-voltage protection, LED short protection, flash inhibiter and thermal shutdown protection which reduces battery stress and enhances system protection. These chips also feature a -40degC to +125degC junction temperature range. The MIC2870 is available in a 2.0mm x 2.0mm TQFN package, while the MIC2871 is available in a 2.0mm x 3.0mm TDFN package. For more information, or to order an evaluation board for these LED drivers, visit: www.micrel.com.About Micrel, Inc. Micrel, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of IC solutions for the worldwide high-performance linear and power, LAN and timing and communications markets. The Company's products include advanced mixed-signal, analog and power semiconductors, as well as high-performance communication, clock management, Ethernet switch and physical layer transceiver ICs. Company customers include leading manufacturers of enterprise, consumer, industrial, mobile, telecommunications, automotive, and computer products. Corporation headquarters and state-of-the-art wafer fabrication facilities are located in San Jose, CA, with regional sales and support offices and advanced technology design centers situated throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. In addition, the Company maintains an extensive network of distributors and reps worldwide.

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