IC supplier STMicroelectronics today introduced a new chip
enabling smaller, lower-cost Blu-ray players and recorders.
The new STODD01 is a power-supply IC capable of generating all
the voltages needed to operate the player's circuitry, including
the high-voltage driver for the blue laser supporting HD
read/write capabilities. The device integrates three power
supplies to drive low-voltage digital ICs, analog circuitry, and
the laser driver. Using this chip, designers can eliminate
multiple individual power supplies from the printed-circuit
board, reducing component costs, design complexity, time to
market, and assembly time. The size of the board can also be
reduced, which will allow new generations of compact set-top
products, game consoles, PC drives and portable HD devices.
Each of the STODD01's power-supply channels benefits from
efficient switched-mode conversion, which minimizes energy losses
and heat generation. The device also provides a true shutdown
mode, helping to minimize standby power consumption. The company
also unveiled that a major manufacturer of DVD and Blu-ray
equipment has already qualified the STODD01, recognizing the
importance of superior power management as the markets for HD
equipment evolve.
Major features of STODD01:
* Three power-supply channels for: HD digital ICs; DSPs and
RF amplifier; and blue laser driver
* 0.8A buck converter for digital circuitry
* Programmable laser-driver output voltage allows use in
battery-powered equipment
* Reset control
* QFN16L 4 x 4mm package
STMicroelectronics has already reelased samples of the STODD01 to
its customers and is ready for mass production in the QFN16L 4 x
4mm package, priced at $0.80 in quantities of 1000.