12 New Modules Comply with CISPR 22 (Class B) Standard, Current Sharing Enables 60A of Output

April 11, 2011 - National Semiconductor introduced 12 new SIMPLE SWITCHER® power modules, the first to drive up to 10A of output current and comply with the CISPR 22 (Class B) radiated and conducted electromagnetic interference (EMI) standard in industrial and communications infrastructure applications.  Watch a video on the products at http://bit.ly/LMZ10A.

National’s modules include new features for current sharing and frequency synchronization.  For high-current intermediate rail and FPGA applications, multiple SIMPLE SWITCHER modules can be placed in parallel to achieve output currents from up to 60A.  A synchronization pin enables the modules to operate at the same frequency, controlling switching noise in sensitive systems.  Watch a current sharing demonstration featuring the LMZ22010 at http://bit.ly/CurrentShare.

“The very low EMI of National Semiconductor’s LMZ23605 solved the switching interference problem we were experiencing with a competitive product,” said Peter Algert, hardware engineering manager at LeCroy Corp., a leading provider of oscilloscopes, protocol analyzers and related test and measurement solutions.  “The LMZ23605 module not only eliminated the noise problem, but the package with a single die-attach pad was much easier to solder and cool.”

The new SIMPLE SWITCHER power modules are pin-to-pin compatible with other family members.  With an integrated shielded inductor, National’s 10A power modules operate up to an ambient temperature of 70 degrees C with zero air flow.  Compliance with the CISPR 22 (Class B) radiated and conducted emissions standard ensures easy PCB design.

Technical Features of National’s New SIMPLE SWITCHER Power Modules
National’s 12, easy-to-use 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.  Each features precision enable and soft-start pins.

Six of the 12 new SIMPLE SWITCHER power modules accept an input voltage rail between 6V and 36V and deliver an adjustable and highly accurate output voltage from 0.8V to 6V.  The LMZ13608 and LMZ13610 drive up to 8A and 10A of output current, respectively.  Featuring similar output currents, the LMZ23608 and LMZ23610 also include frequency synchronization and current sharing.  The LMZ23603 and LMZ23605 drive up to 3A and 5A of output current, respectively, and feature frequency synchronization.

The second set of six new SIMPLE SWITCHER modules accept an input voltage rail between 6V and 20V and deliver an adjustable and highly accurate output voltage from 0.8V to 6V.  The LMZ12008 and LMZ12010 drive up to 8A and 10A of output current, respectively.  Featuring similar output currents, the LMZ22008 and LMZ22010 also include frequency synchronization and current sharing.  The LMZ22003 and LMZ22005 drive up to 3A and 5A of output current, respectively, and feature frequency synchronization.

Packaging, Pricing and Availability
National’s power modules are available now in RoHS-compliant TO-PMOD packages with exposed-bottom pad.  Modules up to 5A are offered in a 7-pin, 10.16 mm by 13.77 mm by 4.57 mm package and range in cost from $5.50 to $12.50 in quantities of 1,000.  Modules greater than 5A are available in an 11-pin, 15 mm by 17.8 mm by 5.9 mm package and range in cost from $10.93 to $18.00 in quantities of 1,000.

To order samples and an evaluation board for National’s SIMPLE SWITCHER power modules, visit http://www.national.com/switcher_power_modules.  All SIMPLE SWITCHER power modules are supported by National’s WEBENCH® Power Architect online design too.  To start a design, visit www.national.com/powerarchitect.

About SIMPLE SWITCHER Products
First introduced in the early 1990s, National’s award-winning portfolio of SIMPLE SWITCHER products today includes over 385 easy to use power modules, regulators and controllers.  Supporting input voltage ranges of 3V to 75V, the products are pin-to-pin compatible and are fully functional in National’s WEBENCH Power Designer, Visualizer and FPGA Power Architect design and prototyping tools.  For more information on National’s SIMPLE SWITCHER product portfolio, visit http://www.national.com/switcher.

About WEBENCH Tools
The WEBENCH Designer component library includes more than 21,000 components from 110 manufacturers.  Price and availability is updated hourly by National’s distribution partners for accurate budgeting and production planning.  The user can compare complete system designs and make supply chain decisions in minutes.  To start a cost-free design, visit National’s WEBENCH design environment at http://www.national.com/webench and click the preferred language tab at the top of the page.