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Date: 23rd Aug 2010
New programmable analog architecture from
Advanced Linear
Advanced Linear Devices (ALD) has announced new Electrically
Programmable Analog Device (EPAD) architecture. EPAD replaces
mechanical dificulties inherent in trimmer potentiometer
technology in power circuit applications.
This new analog semiconductor technology allows for on-chip
and off-chip programming techniques to set fundamental device
parameters that ALD claims were previously unheard of in
the entire industry by precisely setting the threshold voltages
of on-chip MOSFET devices. This enables to development of
new low voltage nano-power MOSFET products as well as other
circuits that ALD will be announcing the second half of
the year. This is a patented and trademarked technology,
which allows for electrical trimming a variety of CMOS analog
integrated circuit elements at the semiconductor die or
packaged level according to ALD. Once trimmed, the device
voltage and current characteristics are stored indefinitely
in the chip even when the power to the chip is removed.
Programming or trimming is achieved through a series of
software controlled voltage bursts to a floating gate structure.
EPAD technology enables operation of MOSFET device in the
sub-threshold voltage region which further enables certain
circuit elements to operate in the nano-ampere current levels
resulting in the possibility of nano-power circuits.
"ALD’s new EPAD Technology adhere to industry-standard
CMOS technology and was able to simultaneously reduce power
consumption, improve on precision and lower circuit function
cost," said Bob Chao, CEO and president of ALD. “The
precision trimming technology provides us with the ability
to dramatically improve device features and performance
to give designers the ability to create and improve their
designs at a more economical cost point."
This technology is useful for handheld wireless devices,
energy harvesting, precision instruments and many security
applications.
Availability: New ALD product families utilizing
this new EPAD architecture are planned for release starting
in Q4'10.
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