The new AS3715 includes all the essential power management building blocks required to provide a power solution for handheld devices powered by lithium-ion batteries, such as action cameras, navigation devices, tablets, media players and gaming consoles.

Highly versatile, it offers the capability to program the start-up configuration, so that the operation of the power system can easily be adapted for different application processors. The programmability of the start-up sequence and of the built-in DC-DC converters’ outputs allows design teams to accommodate changes in end-product specifications at any time without re-spinning their board design.

The device also offers eight GPIOs, a charger circuit supporting a 1.5A output, an I2C interface, three current sinks, an ADC and a watchdog timer.

The DC-DC controller controls external power stages, allowing the user to maximize efficiency, simplify PCB routing and distribute power and heat dissipation over a wide board area. It supports configuration as either a single- or dual-phase controller, which means that the system’s efficiency sweet spot can be adapted to the requirements and size constraints of the design. The DC-DC controller can manage an output current of up to 8A.

Two of the eight LDOs are low-noise devices well suited to RF modules, image sensors and other noise-sensitive circuits.

The AS3715’s three high-voltage current sinks, which are intended for LCD backlighting, provide a programmable current output adjustable in 150μA increments in a range from 0A to 40mA. In addition, PWM input options provide a simple means to implement dynamic luminance scaling. The integrated 5V boost converter can supply power to HDMI interfaces or other 5V peripherals.

Other configuration options include the ability to implement either switched-mode or linear charging, depending on whether the design must be optimized for power efficiency or for space and cost.

Safety features include a customizable JEITA-compliant temperature supervision and voltage/current control circuit.

‘Because the AS3715 is a very versatile PMIC, design engineers can easily use it as the basis for a single power system platform supporting a wide portfolio of products,’ said Peter Kammerlander, product manager in the power and wireless business unit at ams.

‘The flexible configuration capability of the AS3715 PMIC also allows developers to react quickly to late changes in the design specification. Even changing or upgrading the processor will not necessarily require a re-design of the power management circuit.’