National Semiconductor’s New High-Speed, Fully Integrated Circuit Connects Processors to Memory Cards in Space-Constrained Portable and Wireless Applications

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Gayle Bullock
National Semiconductor
(408) 721-2033
gayle.bullock@nsc.com

National Semiconductor’s New High-Speed, Fully Integrated Circuit Connects Processors to Memory Cards in Space-Constrained Portable and Wireless Applications

September 6, 2006 - National Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE:NSM) today introduced a 52 MHz, bi-directional CMOS voltage regulator for connecting host processors to secure digital (SD) and multimedia (MMC) cards in space-constrained portable and wireless applications.  The LP3929 interface integrated circuit (IC) features 6-signal, 1.8V-to-2.85V level translation and EMI signal integrity filtering.

For powering memory cards, the LP3929 includes an ultra-low dropout CMOS voltage regulator that provides up to 200 mA of current from a 3.05V to 5.5V input.  The small 2 mm by 2 mm, 24-bump micro SMD package combined with three small 1.0 µF ceramic output capacitors make the LP3929 a very stable and space-efficient solution.

During operation, the LP3929 translates the 1.8V LVCMOS on the host side to a 2.85V LVCMOS level on the card side for either micro or mini SD or MMC 4-bit bi-directional data buses.  The card side channels include application-specific integrated passives on chip, and integrated pull-up, pull-down series resistors and capacitors for EMI filtering.  The LP3929 is designed to withstand IEC61000-4-2 level 4 of ESD at ±15 kV air discharge and ±8 kV direct contact.

Key features for the LP3929 include:

Level shifter:

• 6-signal level shifter including five bi-directional and one uni-direction  
• Typically 3 ns of propagation delay  
• Maximum channel-to-channel skew of less than 1 ns

Low-dropout regulator:

• Input range of 3.05V to 5.5V  
• 2.85V output voltage at 200 mA  
• Fast turn-on time of typically 30 µs  
• Maximum of 110 mV dropout with 200 mA load  
• Thermal shutdown at typically 160 degrees C

Protection Block:

• Robust IEC ESD protection at ±15 kV with air gap and ±8 kV with direct contact  
• Application-specific integrated passive components for EMI filtering

Packaging, Pricing and Availability
National’s LP3929 is available now.  The LP3929 costs $2 each in quantities of 1,000.  For more information on the LP3929, visit http://www.national.com/pf/LP/LP3929.html.

About National’s Power Management Products
National Semiconductor is the number one supplier of voltage regulator ICs with 14 percent market share, according to iSuppli’s 2005 Semiconductor Market Share survey.  National's innovative power management products include best-in-class linear regulators; power monitoring, control and reference ICs; and switching converters, such as high-voltage ICs for DC-DC conversion, switched capacitor converters, lighting management ICs and inductive switching converters.  National also offers online tools that enable power designers to select the best power management chips for their applications.  National's Webench® design tool allows designers to choose a product, create and analyze a design, and then build custom prototypes that can be delivered within 24 hours.  More information about National’s power management products is available at http://power.national.com.

About National Semiconductor
National Semiconductor, the industry's premier analog company, creates high-value analog devices and subsystems.  National's leading-edge products include power management circuits, display drivers, audio and operational amplifiers, interface products and data conversion solutions. National's key analog markets include wireless handsets, displays and a variety of broad electronics markets, including medical, automotive, industrial, and test and measurement applications. Headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., National reported sales of $2.16 billion for fiscal 2006, which ended May 28, 2006.  Additional company and product information is available at www.national.com.

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