Camera-Flash Driver Muscles Into Cramped Quarters

Taking title as the smallest available, the SP6686 current-regulated, buck/boost charge pump drives the LED in camera flash units with 400 mA of current from its 3 mm x 3 mm DFN package. The device provides two adjustable and selectable output-current levels for flash and torch modes, making it desirable for use in camera/cell phone combos. Operating at a switching frequency of 2.4 MHz with no inductor necessary, the chip requires three external capacitors: 0.47 µF, 1 µF, and 2.2 µF. Proprietary technology, which automatically transitions the IC from linear buck mode to 2x boost mode based on battery voltage, renders a power efficiency up to 94%. Operating from a 2.7V to 5.5V supply, the device specifies a shutdown current of 1 µA and, reportedly, an ultra-low dropout voltage. Price starts at $1.59 each/1,000. SIPEX CORP., Milpitas, CA. (408) 934-7500.