National Semiconductor Says: National Semiconductor Corp. has introduced nine new SIMPLE SWITCHER power modules that feature an extended operating temperature range and vibration and drop testing for use in harsh environments. The ruggedized, easy-to-use LMZ10503/4/5EXT, LMZ12001/2/3EXT and LMZ14201/2/3EXT power modules provide the efficiency of a synchronous switching regulator with the simplicity of a linear regulator, eliminating the external inductor and complex layout placement challenges typical of switching regulator designs.

TechBites Says: National’s put a new spin on its Simple Switcher product line by offering a family of nine pre-manufactured modules which boast an operating temperature range of -55 degrees C to +125 degrees C . National says that the new modules are well-suited for providing well-regulated power to field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and other point-of-load (POL) applications in harsh environments such as industrial and military applications. I also suspect that the modules’ extended temp range and rugged mechanical characteristics could make them a good candidate for non-drivetrain automotive applications – especially in some of the power-hungry subsystems in today’s EV/PHEV vehicles.

Some of the other key features for the extended temperature power modules include:

• Vibration and drop testing for both military and industrial standards
• Compliant to vibration standard MIL-STD-883 Method 2007.2 Condition A and JESD22-B103B Condition 1
• Compliant to drop standard MIL-STD-883 Method 2002.3 Condition B and JESD22-B110 Condition B
• Pin-to-pin compatible with other family members
• Wide input voltage range up to 42V
• Integrated shielded inductor
• Efficiency greater than 90 percent
• Small 10.16 mm by 13.77 mm by 4.57 mm package (RoHS compliant)
• Low radiated emissions (EMI) complies with EN55022 class B standard
• Passes 10V/m radiated immunity EMI test standard EN61000 4-3

 And if you don’t’ believe these modules are rugged, you’ll be convinced after you watch a video of the dramatic drop and vibration test that our friends at National staged – check it out at: http://bit.ly/LMZEXTvideo.

The LMZ10503/4/5EXT power modules support maximum load currents of 4A with an input voltage range of 2.95V to 5.5V. For more information or to order samples and an evaluation board, click on the following links: LMZ10503EXT,  LMZ10504EXT,   LMZ10505EXT  

The LMZ12001/2/3EXT power modules support maximum load currents of 3A with an input voltage range of 4.5V to 20V. For more information or to order samples and an evaluation board, click on the following links: LMZ12001EXT,  LMZ12002EXT,  LMZ12003EXT

The LMZ14201/2/3EXT power modules support maximum load currents of 3A with an input voltage range of 6V to 42V. For more information or to order samples and an evaluation board, click on the following links: LMZ14201EXT,  LMZ14202EXT,  LMZ14203EXT  

National’s LMZ10503/4/5EXT, LMZ14201/2/3EXT and LMZ12001/2/3EXT power modules are available now in a 7-pin package with exposed-bottom pad and range in cost from $9.50 to $17.20 in quantities of 500.

 For information on all of National’s SIMPLE SWITCHER power modules, visit www.national.com/analog/power/simple_switcher_power_modules. A large selection of SIMPLE SWITCHER products is supported by National’s WEBENCH Power Architect online design tool.  To begin a design, visit www.national.com/powerarchitect.