Dialog Semiconductor Introduces New Programmable LDO Regulator for Mobile Device Cameras
Dialog Semi's new CMIC addresses image sensor performance for the high-competition mobile device market.
Dialog Semi's new CMIC addresses image sensor performance for the high-competition mobile device market.
Dialog Semiconductor today announces the SLG51000, a configurable mixed-signal integrated circuit (CMIC) device that combines low dropout (LDO) regulator performance with high-power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) and low output voltage noise.
Designers of advanced sensor systems or high-end camera modules face stringent noise budgets. The SLG51000 aims to set a high standard in the industry, with considerably less output voltage noise and higher PSRR, especially at high frequency.
The SLG51000. Image from Dialog Semiconductor
A Critical Need in Smartphone Design
Generically, CMIC are composed of a plurality of analog and digital sections that are chosen and configurable through non-volatile programming. The chips are offered in tandem with development software and with development hardware kits that allow for prototyping and customization.
CMICs, in particular, can be employed to serve critical needs in the design of smartphone cameras and sensor systems, a highly competitive space.
John McDonald, VP of Marketing, Configurable Mixed-Signal Business Unit at Dialog Semiconductor, expands on some of these challenges facing designers: “With camera performance becoming one of the key differentiators of high-end smartphones, device manufacturers need to deliver the absolute best image quality from their image sensors within increasingly compact devices and are facing tighter noise budgets as a result."
Dialog's answer is the SLG51000, an LDO regulator they claim has "the best LDO performance available for imaging and sensor applications on the market today.”
Electrical Characteristics
Each of the 7 channels from the LDO regulator provide from 475mA to 800mA output current capability.
Featured Specs:
- PSRR: 73dB at 1MHz.
- Output voltage noise: 10µV (rms)
- Quiescent current: Less than 1µA during shutdown
Block diagram of the SLG51000. Image from Dialog Semiconductor
Dialog outlines a variety of functions and control logic that the SLG1000 is appropriate for:
- Custom power sequencing
- Fault signaling
- Input conditioning
- Glue logic
These functionalities can be configured graphically in Dialog's GUI-based development software.
One of the perks Dialog touts is the possible reduction in overall system BOM and a corresponding reduction of required board space.
GreenPAK Designer Software Platform
Dialog has a long history with CMIC devices with a large portfolio already available. The company has also offered development boards, the programming of which is accomplished with the GreenPak Designer Sofware package from Silego Technology, now part of Dialog.
GreenPak is available without cost from Dialog. Although no development board has yet been announced for SLG51000, one or more will undoubtedly be offered shortly.
The GreenPak Designer circuit platform is used for development with Dialog CMICs. Image from Dialog Semiconductor
The association between Dialogs CMICs and the GreenPak Designer has been steady in recent years, and it is expected that the relationship will continue, especially now that Silego is now ensconced within Dialog.
Have you worked on designs for mobile device cameras? Share your experiences in the comments below.
