AUSTIN, Texas, Dec 16, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Expanding its popular ISOpro isolation product portfolio,Silicon
Laboratories Inc. (NASDAQ: SLAB), a leader in high-performance,
analog-intensive, mixed-signal ICs, has introduced a next-generation ac
current sensor family that replaces traditional current transformers.
Silicon Labs' new Si85xx ac current sensors provide up to 5 kVrms of
electrical isolation to ensure safety compliance for a variety of
critical power delivery systems such as ac-dc switching power supplies,
isolated dc-dc supplies, motor control applications and electronic
lighting ballasts.
The Si85xx ac current sensors provide a more reliable, cost-effective
alternative to antiquated transformers for today's modern power delivery
systems. Traditional transformers are large, bulky magnetic components
that contribute significant supply losses and have parasitics that
complicate system design. The highly integrated ISOpro ac current
sensors feature a sophisticated architecture that minimizes the need for
costly discrete components for filtering and reset circuitry. An
available small-footprint QFN package eases printed circuit board (PCB)
space constraints with a small 4x4x1 mm profile.
With a measurement accuracy of better than 5 percent, the Si85xx ac
current sensors are available in 5 A, 10 A and 20 A versions. They
provide a large output signal level of 2.0 V at full-scale output range,
eliminating the need for an external amplifier. A "ping-pong" output
mode enables one sensor to replace two current transformers and
associated components in full-bridge applications, reducing board
footprint by more than 50 percent and BOM cost by more than $0.30 (USD).
Offering the industry's lowest parasitic losses, the Si85xx current
sensors enable designers to maximize system efficiency and meet
aggressive power budgets for green energy standards. The devices' low
resistance (<1.3 milliohms) and small parasitic inductance (<2 nH)
result in more efficient power supplies that are easier and quicker to
design.
"Silicon Labs' ISOpro Si85xx isolated ac current sensors provide a
space- and cost-saving alternative to traditional transformers and their
associated external components," said Dave Bresemann, vice president of
Silicon Laboratories. "The new Si85xx current sensors also greatly
improve system reliability. Based on mainstream CMOS process technology,
the Si85xx devices require no hand winding or calibration at assembly
unlike conventional mechanical transformers, which suffer from
electrical and mechanical variations that reduce reliability and cause
manufacturing headaches."
To ease the design process, the Si85xx ac sensor family is supported by
a complete set of development tools including the Si85xx-EVB evaluation
board and the OPENLPPOL-EVB open-loop point-of-load reference design.
Pricing and Availability
The Si85xx ISOpro devices integrate the entire current sensing bill of
materials into two spacing-saving package types:
-
A 20-pin SOIC with a 5 kVrms isolation rating for systems intended for
deployment in global markets that are powered from widely varying ac
input supply voltage ranges.
-
A compact 4x4x1 mm QFN package for space-constrained designs requiring
an isolation rating up to 1 kVrms. This QFN device is one-fourth the
size of the smallest competitive product and five times thinner than a
traditional transformer.
Samples of the Si85xx ac current sensors are available now. List pricing
in 10,000-unit quantities ranges from $0.56 to $1.07 (USD) depending on
isolation rating, package type, current range and output mode. The
Si85xx-EVB and OPENLPPOL-EVB boards are priced at $19.95 and $99.00,
respectively (USD). For more information about the Si85xx ac current
sensors and development tools, visit www.silabs.com/pr/isolation.
Silicon Laboratories Inc.
Silicon Laboratories is an industry leader in the innovation of
high-performance, analog-intensive, mixed-signal ICs. Developed by a
world-class engineering team with unsurpassed expertise in mixed-signal
design, Silicon Labs' diverse portfolio of highly integrated,
easy-to-use products offers customers significant advantages in
performance, size and power consumption. These patented solutions serve
a broad set of markets and applications including consumer,
communications, computing, industrial and automotive.
Headquartered in Austin, TX, Silicon Labs is a global enterprise with
operations, sales and design activities worldwide. The company is
committed to contributing to our customers' success by recruiting the
highest quality talent to create industry-changing innovations. For more
information about Silicon Labs, please visit www.silabs.com.
Cautionary Language
This press release may contain forward-looking statements based on
Silicon Laboratories' current expectations. These forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties. A number of important
factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in
the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of factors that could
impact Silicon Laboratories' financial results and cause actual results
to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements,
please refer to Silicon Laboratories' filings with the SEC. Silicon
Laboratories disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise
any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise.
Note to editors: Silicon Laboratories, Silicon Labs, the "S" symbol, the
Silicon Laboratories logo and the Silicon Labs logo are trademarks of
Silicon Laboratories Inc. All other product names noted herein may be
trademarks of their respective holders.
SOURCE: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
Silicon Laboratories Inc.
Dale Weisman, +1-512-532-5871
dale.weisman@silabs.com
Copyright Business Wire 2009