Vishay Launches FunctionPAK™: Single-Package DC/DC ConvertersSlash Space Requirements for Power Conversion in Cell Phones, Notebooks, and Digital Cameras

Small Footprint, Slim Profile, and High Output Power Density Set Industry Records

MALVERN, PENNSYLVANIA - August 31, 2001 - In a breakthrough for designers of cell phones, notebook computers, digital cameras, and other portable electronic systems, Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH) has announced that it is shipping complete synchronous dc-to-dc converters in a single BGA/LGA package measuring just 14.7 mm by 12.2 mm with a 1.8-mm height profile.

The new Vishay FunctionPAK™ converters set industry records for solution footprint size, height profile, and power density - 80 W per cubic inch - while dramatically reducing the board space required for the power conversion function and greatly simplifying the product development, purchasing, and assembly processes for original equipment manufacturers.

A typical synchronous dc-to-dc converter circuit typically requires up to 20 separate components, including a controller IC, primary and secondary power MOSFETs, and several passive devices, all of which must be carefully selected for maximum efficiency. In FunctionPAK converters, all of these devices are provided in a single BGA/LGA package that requires significantly less space than even the tightest discrete layout, while delivering efficiency up to 95%.

The first two products in the FunctionPAK series are synchronous buck (FX5545G001) and synchronous boost (FX5545G002) converters combining a 2-MHz switching controller with fully integrated passive components. The FX5545G001 buck converter converts 2.7-V to 6-V inputs to a 1.5-V to 3.6-V output voltage, with a maximum output current of 600 mA. The FX5545G002 boost converter converts 2.5-V to 6-V input voltages to a 3.3-V to 6-V output voltage with a maximum output current of 500 mA.

Both FunctionPAK converters draw just 1 μA in shutdown mode and offer programmable PWM and pulse-skipping mode controls to maximize power conversion efficiency during standby and idle modes, prolonging overall battery life and increasing talk times in cell phones. In order to extract the last ounce of power from single-cell lithium ion or triple-cell NiCd and NiMH battery packs, FunctionPAK is designed with 100% duty cycle control for PSM operation, allowing the device to operate like a saturated linear regulator and thus to deliver the highest potential output voltage.

No external components are required for a complete solution. For maximum reliability, the 20-port BGA/LGA package for FunctionPAK is rated for the full industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.

To aid the design process, demo boards for the FX5545G001 buck converter are available with output voltages of 1.8 V, 2.7 V, and 3.3 V, and FX5545G002 boost converter demo boards are available with outputs of 3.3 V and 5 V.

Samples and production quantities of the FunctionPAK FX5545G001 and FX5545G002 are available now, with lead times of eight weeks for larger orders.

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., a Fortune 1,000 Company listed on the NYSE (VSH), is one of the world's largest manufacturers of discrete semiconductors (diodes, rectifiers, transistors, and optoelectronics and selected ICs) and passive electronic components (resistors, capacitors, inductors, sensors, and transducers). These components are used in virtually all types of electronic devices and equipment, in the industrial, computing, automotive, consumer, telecommunications, military, aerospace, and medical markets. Its product innovations, successful acquisition strategy, and ability to provide "one-stop shop" service have made Vishay a global industry leader. Vishay can be found on the Internet at http://www.vishay.com.

FunctionPAK is a trademark of Vishay Intertechnology.