CAMBRIDGE, UK — The Simple Switcher power module family announced by National Semiconductor provides the efficiency of a synchronous switching regulator with the simplicity of a linear regulator.

The integrated LMZ-series eliminates the external inductor and complex layout placement challenges typical of switching regulator designs, simplifying power supply design for FPGAs, microprocessors, DSPs and other point of load conversions.

The patent-pending packaging technology provides low radiated electromagnetic interference, enabling the power modules to meet the requirements of the EN55022 (CISPR22) Class B radiated emission standard.

The modules' efficient heat dissipation and large exposed-bottom pad allows for operation in high-ambient temperatures without the need for airflow. They typically operate as much as 10 degrees cooler than comparable modules.

Additionally, the devices’ single exposed-bottom pad allows for easy and quick prototyping on lab benches, eliminating the possibility of non-visual solder bridging. The size and lead pitch of these modules enable the use of the same pick-and-place manufacturing employed with standard TO-263 packages.

Each module is pin-to-pin compatible with other family members, allowing designers to create one layout to facilitate last-minute drop-in replacements if load current requirements change.

The Simple Switcher power modules operate from -40 to 125 degrees C, along with low output voltage ripple and a wide voltage and current range that enable a complete customer-specific power supply solution.

The first release of the LMZ power modules supports the common 3.3, 5, 12V and 24V input voltage rails and offers load currents up to 4A. Available in 7-lead, 10.16x13.77x4.57 mm packages, the LMZ-series has a thermal resistance (theta-JA) temperature of 20 degrees C per watt.

More information about the Simple Switcher Modules.

Along with this new product release, National Semiconductor has expanded its Webench Designer tools with the introduction of Webench Power Architect, enabling engineers to rapidly create, model and implement multiple-output, high-performance DC-DC power supplies for an entire system.

With Webench Power Architect, system designers can instantly optimize multiple power supplies across several performance parameters including topology, intermediate voltage rails, footprint, efficiency, component count and bill of materials (BOM) cost.

Within seconds, using Webench Power Architect’s library of 21,000 components from 110 manufacturers, designers have a wide range of system alternatives for creating large scale complex systems.

System input sources range from 1V to 100V, with a up to 20 system loads from 0.6 to 300V with a power per load up to 300W. The tool yield system efficiency greater than 90 percent and per-supply footprints from 14x14mm.

A dial let engineers tune their preference for footprint, system BOM cost and power efficiency. The Webench Power Architect’s graphical analysis capability then identifies major sources of power dissipation, cost and footprint area.

It allows the user to edit individual power supplies and loads to further model and optimize the overall system for thermal and electrical performance design goals.

When the design is complete, the tool generates a system summary report including schematics, BOMs and electrical operating values. Multiple international distributors provide pricing and the Webench “Build It!” feature offers complete BOM prototype kits with overnight shipping.

You can view a video demonstration on www.national.com/powerarchitect.