National Semiconductor Expands SIMPLE SWITCHER Family with 10A Power Modules

National Semiconductor Corp. has launched 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.

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.

"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. "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°C with zero air flow. Compliance with the CISPR 22 (Class B) radiated and conducted emissions standard ensures easy PCB design.

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.

National Semiconductor