Digital Camera Supplies Promise High Efficiency

Said to be the industry's highest efficiency, complete power supply for digital still cameras and digital video cameras, the 6-channel MAX1566/MAX1567 combine high-efficiency dc/dc converters with synchronous rectifiers to provide a 95% efficient conversion for the main supply (3.3V typ.), system supply (5V typ.), and core supply (1.5V or 1.8V typ.). Packaged in a 40-pin, 6 x 6-mm thin QFN, the devices are said to be 56% smaller than competing multi-channel controller solutions. The main supply can be configured as either a step-up or step-down dc/dc converter, while three controllers supply power for the white LED backlight module, positive and negative CCD biases, and positive and negative LCD biases. All dc/dc channels operate at one fixed frequency, settable from 100 kHz to 1 MHz to optimize size, cost and efficiency. The input voltage range is 0.7V to 5.5V and is intended for single-cell lithium-ion (Li+) and 2- or 3-cell alkaline battery inputs. Prices for MAX1566ETL/MAX1567ETL start at $2.90 each/1,000-up. Evaluation kits are available. MAXIM INTEGRATED CIRCUITS, Sunnyvale, CA. (800) 998-8800.