You’ve got it - Making Small Speakers Sound Louder and BetterTM, while minimizing impact on battery life is an important audio design challenge facing mobile engineers everywhere.
Fairchild has met this challenge with two product solutions: the FAB1200 stereo, a Class G ground-referenced headphone amplifier with integrated buck converter, and the FAB2200 audio subsystem with stereo Class-G headphone amplifier and 1.2W Class-D mono speaker amplifier.
Now that you’ve read about the mobile audio launch we can talk more about the products that make this launch important. By integrating leading circuit technologies into tiny, advanced packages, we provide mobile users significant advantages while reducing the size, cost and power of designs. Our mobile IP can be found in a majority of handsets around the world today.
The FAB1200 features a charge pump which generates a negative supply voltage that allows the headphone output to be ground-centered and capacitor-free, eliminating up to two external capacitors. The result of all these combined features is a reduced cost, extended battery runtime and excellent audio quality.
The mobile handset market never demands bigger devices and always demands longer battery life - the mobile audio launch from Fairchild delivers these needs. This device is ideal for excellent audio quality in mobile handsets, tablets, MP3s and other various portable media players.
The FAB2200 is an audio subsystem that combines a capacitor-free stereo Class-G headphone amplifier with a Class-D speaker amplifier. A proprietary integrated charge pump generates multiple supply rails for a ground-centered Class-G headphone output significantly reducing power dissipation when compared to Class-AB design implementations, while offering high power supply rejection ratio.
Another feature that the device has is Automatic Gain Control, which has the ability to limit maximum speaker output levels. That is a necessary item because it protects speakers without introducing distortion. The FAB2200 is ideal for mobile handsets, tablets and notebook computers.
Have we answered your mobile audio product questions? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
Today’s smartphones have integrated themselves into our personal daily lives as well as our business lives. Smartphone sales are rising with every passing year, and show no signs of slowing down.
The article focuses on the importance of determining customer desires for their smart phones, and also provides an overview of the Android platform and the reasons behind its impressive ascent in the mobile world. It also explains the challenges around hardware specifications that are emerging due to ever-present consumer demand around performance.
If you’re a smartphone user, the chances of purchasing a slower-speed OS or a device with fewer options than before are slim to none. This is why designers have begun to address other applications such as security and monitoring control, mobile payment, and electronic money using near-field communication technology. For example, with HSDPA/Wi-Fi and a high-performance computation processor, smartphone users can access in-house Web cameras as a remote security control or baby monitor. These types of uses for a smartphone are what make the device so ubiquitous and successful.
Defining customer needs in terms of price and specification/performance can be difficult to pinpoint. Forecasts show that the low-range smartphone will drop to $100 or lower this year, and the mid-range smartphone with a Cortex application processor will cost $120 to $150.
This article also explores various Fairchild chips that mobile designers may want to consider for their current and future mobile projects. As smartphones continue to improve from a functionality standpoint, the hardware specifications require more power to achieve the performance. Enlarging the battery is the easiest method to meet this requirement, but that will likely mean tradeoffs in increased volume, weight, and materials cost.
As more and more people listen to music using mobile phones, audio engineers are working hard to deliver high-end audio quality.
A typical mid-to-high-end mobile phone design has multiple sources of audio from the baseband, application processor or standalone audio codec. Depending on how the phone is designed, sound may be routed through either a DC biased signal, or an AC (negative) signal. Depending on which one it is determines the need for a standard or negative analog switch.
In order to create the components, the audio engineer measures the total harmonic distortion (THD). Engineers usually budget up to 1% distortion for the audio path through the headphones. The level of THD is related to the on-resistance of the analog switch. As on-resistance increases, the THD’s on-resistant flatness also increases.
Once the placement of the analog switch has been determined, the primary routing component to consider is a low RON switch. The reason is that for audio signals the resistance of the analog path will contribute to the power losses of the overall system. Most new headphones are set to the negative analog switch in order to eliminate the need for the DC switches, thus keeping labor and materials costs down. Fairchild is a leader in making these negative analog switches, with a portfolio of products that save product power and money.
Research shows that over 90 percent of people who purchase a mobile phone are influenced by its sound quality. In the age of smart phones, people use the conference call speaker mode more than ever. On the go, it’s often used for music or movies. Users want the best sound possible, making the audio capabilities of the device very important.
Mobile handset OEMs need to offer a better audio experience by making small speakers sound louder and better without sacrificing battery run time or at a higher price.
A recent podcast by Fairchild offers solutions for louder and better audio in mobile phones. You’ll hear how Fairchild’s complete systems solutions, with the advantage of one-stop shopping, offers a seamless interface between ICs to optimize performance. Additionally, Fairchild’s leading-edge small packaging means a smaller footprint.
Check out the FAB1200 and the FAB2200 for specific product details! These products offer best-in-class SNR, speaker protection, high efficiency audio amplifiers which result in extended battery time, and Automatic Gain Control, which turns the speaker down as the battery’s run time depletes.
To learn more about the semiconductor technology that powers the products we use and makes them more energy efficient, visit Fairchild Semiconductor’s website at www.fairchildsemi.com.
The mobile industry continues to reign supreme but it does have its challenges, one of which is audio quality.
Surprisingly, the audio quality of mobile phones is something that has been largely overlooked by both the mobile industry itself and a majority of the electronics industry- until now.
To meet these challenges, Fairchild recently announced two new product solutions: the FAB1200 stereo, a Class G ground-referenced headphone amplifier with integrated buck converter, and the FAB2200 audio subsystem with stereo Class-G headphone amplifier and 1.2W Class-D mono speaker amplifier.
In addition, Fairchild’s Earl Schreyer has just published an article on this topic in EE Times.
The article focuses on Dynamic Range Compression (DRC) and limiting, which are traditional recording techniques used to raise the volume of subtle acoustic instruments (such as human voice), in order to bring out those subtleties, but at the same time automatically attenuate the dynamic peaks as not to overload the recording level. This technique is also used sometimes on certain instruments in live performance for the same reasons. If the lower level amplitudes can be raised while the higher level peaks are attenuated, the overall volume can be increased without distorting and over loading the speakers on the louder dynamics.
I recommend taking a moment to review Earl’s article. It’s already getting positive feedback from our colleagues in the electronics industry! And if you have any comments to share, please feel free to post them here.
You’ve got it - making small speakers sound louder and better, while minimizing the impact on battery life. It’s a big challenge, one faced by mobile engineers everywhere.
Now, Fairchild can help designers meet this challenge with two product solutions: the FAB1200 stereo, a Class G ground-referenced headphone amplifier with integrated buck converter, and the FAB2200 audio subsystem with stereo Class-G headphone amplifier and 1.2W Class-D mono speaker amplifier.
You’ve read about our recent mobile audio launch we can talk more about the products that make this launch important. By integrating leading circuit technologies into tiny, advanced packages, we provide mobile users significant advantages while reducing the size, cost and power of designs. Our mobile IP can be found in a majority of handsets around the world today.
The FAB1200 features a charge pump which generates a negative supply voltage that allows the headphone output to be ground-centered and capacitor-free, eliminating up to two external capacitors. The result of all these combined features is a reduced cost, extended battery runtime and excellent audio quality.
The FAB2200 is an audio subsystem that combines a capacitor-free stereo Class-G headphone amplifier with a Class-D speaker amplifier. A proprietary integrated charge pump generates multiple supply rails for a ground-centered Class-G headphone output significantly reducing power dissipation when compared to Class-AB design implementations, while offering high power supply rejection ratio.
Another feature that the device has is Automatic Gain Control, which has the ability to limit maximum speaker output levels. That is a necessary item because it protects speakers without introducing distortion, and increases the average output level so the speaker sounds louder. The FAB2200 is ideal for mobile handsets and tablets.
Have we answered your mobile audio product questions? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
A highlight of Fairchild Semiconductor’s activities at Portable Innovate Exhibition - being held from July 14-15, 2011, at booth B21 in the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center, China - will be participation in the Mobile Design and Key Components (CMKC2011) forum on July 15, when Fairchild Senior Marketing Manager Edwin Lee will speak on the topic, “Making smartphones and our lives SMART and simple.”
Lee’s presentation is scheduled for 11:10am on July 15, and the audience is expected to comprise some 400 R&D engineers and managers.
Lee will discuss the concept of the smartphone, the diverse range of functions and applications smartphones enable, and the leading software platforms and their status in the market. He will then move on to consider the various trade-offs that have to be made in the design of smartphones, and some of the key features consumers demand. His remarks will include a look at some of the more challenging functionalities, including support for HD video. He will also outline some of the key product offerings from Fairchild for the smartphone segment, particularly in the area of power management, while detailing ideas for optimal smartphone design.
“Smartphones and tablet PCs are experiencing extremely high growth in the consumer market. Mobile data access, along with the small form factor of these devices, makes them convenient for work and play just about anywhere, noted Lee. “Most manufacturers are trying to launch these products within a short timeframe. This challenge is not unlike that of the Netbook-PC era. In addition to following the standard reference design, manufacturers have to consider other features and functionalities to differentiate their products from the competition.”
The Portable Innovate exhibition is China’s key event for portable technologies, including key components, peripheral components, software applications and industrial design for mobile phones, smartphones, tablet PC/MIDs, and netbooks and notebooks. Venued at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center, the event is organized by Elexcon.
Fairchild Semiconductor, a leading global supplier of high performance power and mobile products, will show its numerous offerings at the Portable Innovate Exhibition, from July 14-15, 2011, at booth B21 in the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center, China.
Demos at the show include the FAN5400, a battery charger device; new ASP products for signalling, sensing and timing; MIPI®, MHLTM and MUS switches; and various parts for power, lighting and logic.
FAN5400 - The FAN5400 family of battery charger ICs utilizes a highly integrated switch-mode charger to minimize single-cell Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) charging time from a USB power source, and a boost regulator to power a USB peripheral from the battery.
Audio Jack Detection Switches - FSA8008/8009/8029 These switches enable the detection of 3- or 4-pole accessories. In addition to detection, FSA8008 features an integrated MIC switch that allows the processor to configure the audio jack. The architecture is designed to allow common third-party headphones to be used for listening to music from mobile handsets, personal media players and portable peripheral devices.
IntelliMAXTM- FPF1207/1208 The IntelliMAXTM switches are a family of advanced load management switches, reset timers, and multimedia switches for smart accessory connections.
The Portable Innovate exhibition is China’s key event for portable technologies, including key components, peripheral components, software applications and industrial design for mobile phones, smartphones, tablet PC/MIDs, and netbooks and notebooks. Venued at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center, the event is organized by Elexcon.
Fairchild Semiconductor recently launched a mobile audio campaign on June 6, which seeks to meet consumer demand for making small speakers sound louder and better. Moving into the mobile audio space is exciting for us, as we seek to address our customer’s challenges of providing louder audio and better audio quality while maintaining long battery runtimes.
Research has shown us that over 90 percent of people purchase a mobile phone based on its sound quality. In the age of the smartphone, people use the conference call speaker mode more than ever. On the go, it’s often used for music or movies, so with properly designed audio capabilities, end users want the best sounding handsets.
Fairchild has a world-class supply chain resulting in a dependable high-volume supply of ICs to handset OEMs, and we’ve made the connections with leading mobile manufacturersto help them meet next-generation design challenges and maintain a competitive advantage. We are pleased to announce that Fairchild mobile audio ICs are in multiple Tier-1 handsets today and the design-ins are rapidly increasing.
Getting more technical now, our customers have a strict power budget to maintain. The higher your audio volume, the faster the battery drains, and that audio can consume over 10 percent of the phone’s power budget. Not surprisingly, our customers are pressuring their IC suppliers for lower power consumption to maintain longer battery life. Improving audio volume and quality while maintaining battery runtime requires either a battery capacity and size increase, or borrowing power from other functions. Fairchild’s mobile audio design team has proven that, through excellent design skills, we can maximize sound quality while minimizing the power impact, so the products you will see coming soon will not sacrifice sound quality or small battery size.
The tablet market, as we all know, is growing fast. Tablets take audio to a new level since they have more room for larger speakers, and a larger screen is associated with louder and better audio. As with handset OEMs, we are working with tablet manufactures to optimize their audio quality while maintaining battery life.
To learn more about the semiconductor technology that powers the products we use and makes them more energy efficient, visit Fairchild Semiconductor’s website at www.fairchildsemi.com.
How has Fairchild addressed your mobile challenges in the past? Share!
Portable devices, particularly smartphones, are enjoying a surge in consumer interest, and Fairchild Semiconductor, a leading global supplier of high performance power and mobile products, will show its numerous offerings at the Portable Innovate Exhibition, from July 14-15, 2011, at booth B21 in the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center, China.
At the show, Fairchild will highlight products and solutions for mobile applications. These will include demos on battery charging solutions for single-cell or parallel-cell Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery through a USB port or AC/DC adaptor, audio jack detection switches that enable the detection of 3- or 4-pole accessories, and our IntelliMAXTM advanced load management switches for smart accessory connections.
“Fairchild offers a leadership portfolio of feature-specific silicon solutions addressing audio, video, USB, ASSP/logic, RF power, core power, lighting and other requirements that define user satisfaction and market success in mobile,” said Frank Ma, director, Mobile Sales and Marketing, Asia Pacific at Fairchild. “We leverage our advanced process and package technologies, offering significant design advantages while reducing the size, cost and power of mobile devices. We are happy to join experts from within the industry at Portable Innovate and share our expertise and experiences.”
The Portable Innovate exhibition is China’s key event for portable technologies, including key components, peripheral components, software applications and industrial design for mobile phones, smartphones, tablet PC/MIDs, and netbooks and notebooks. Venued at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center, the event is organized by Elexcon.
Power Stage Dual Asymmetric MOSFETs incorporate a control FET and synchronous FET with a monolithic Schottky body diode in a single PQFN package. Applications include notebooks, point-of-load, servers, gaming devices, and telecommunications. Learn more about Fairchild’s Power Stage MOSFETs by watching this video:
“We believe in turning the phone into a small boom box,” says Greg Davis, Senior Technical Marketing Manager for Audio Products and Signal Conditioning at Fairchild Semiconductor.
We had a discussion with Sylvie Barak of RCR Wireless last week that centered on our recent mobile audio launch. Sylvie was interested in hearing about past product lines and areas of focus, and she was interested to learn that Fairchild is in talks with tier one mobile handset manufacturers that will include our audio IC designs. These designs will be part of the next generation of great-sounding, smaller speakers.
Greg noted that with today’s drive for lower and lower powered devices, audio is certainly “getting the squeeze.” He’s absolutely right; audio consumes approximately 12% of today’s typical smartphone power budget and improving audio loudness and quality has tended to rely on increasing battery capacity and size or borrowing some power budget from other functions.
Luckily for handset manufacturers, and ultimately, the mobile audio consumer, Fairchild’s design team works relentlessly to achieve louder and better speakers, firstly through the use of a more efficient class-G, cap-free, ground-centered headphone amplifiers, and also through efficient class-D speaker amplifiers.
We’re looking forward to reviewing future mobile audio products, and maybe RCR Wireless will have more to say on that!
Watch this video and learn about the FSA8008 audio jack detection and configuration switch, a one-chip audio jack detector and switch for 3- or 4-pole accessories. While current solutions use several discrete components (dual comparator, analog switch and MOSFET) with software control to meet this need, the FSA8008 integrates this functionality into a single device, simplifying designs, and saving up to 70 percent of the board space and up to 15 percent bill of material (BOM) costs.
Learn about Fairchild Semiconductor’s efficient battery charging solution! The FAN5400 USB-compliant switching charger shortens charge times and minimizes thermal challenges.
Key Benefits Include:
Up to 94% Efficiency for Fast Charge Time and Less Heat
Up to 1.25A Charging Current
Smallest Switching Charger with USB-OTG 5 Volt Boost
Fairchild Semiconductor is a leader in mobile technology, offering a wide portfolio of analog and power IP that can be customized to support handset manufacturers’ specific requirements. By focusing on specific analog and power functions that define user satisfaction and market success, such as audio, video, USB, ASSP/logic, RF power, core power and lighting, Fairchild is able to provide solutions that improve functionality while conserving space and power.
On display at the show is the Fairchild FAN5400, a USB-Compliant Single Cell Li-Ion Switching Charger with USB-OTG Boost Regulator. TheFAN5400family is ideal for single-cell or parallel-cell Li-Ion battery charging in devices such as cell phones, smartphones, tablets, wireless broadband hotspots, digital cameras and portable media/game players. As charge currents and battery sizes continue to increase, charging through the USB port or 5V AC/DC adaptor with a linear charger becomes increasingly inefficient.
Visit booth 1310 to see demos of this and other mobile solutions Fairchild designers and engineers offer!
Fairchild Semiconductor: The Right Technology for Your Success™
Can’t make it to the show? Follow us on Twitter to catch the latest from the show floor.
More and more people are using their smartphones for multimedia purposes – whether it’s watching videos on YouTube® or listening to their favorite songs, which in turn, mean users are plugging headphones into their smartphone for listening. This has taken off and grown exponentially as an “all-in-one” entertainment device.
3.5mm audio jacks are the primary way for users to connect headphones into their smartphones – these jacks are also used to connect headphones with speakers in them, so consumers can talk “hands-free.”
The FSA8008 is an audio jack detector and configuration switch for 3 or 4 pole accessories. A switch within the FSA8008 eliminates pop and click as well as leakage current – for an enhanced consumer experience and additional battery power savings. This chip also eliminates the need for software to solve the send/end button problem – with this chip, if the button sticks there’s no issue and will always register a microphone, if a microphone is present.
The FSA8008 provides ease of design for engineers as well as cost and space savings, and of course it means a satisfied customer.
If you’d like to see this product demoed at electronica China 2011, stop by booth 1310!
Come to electronica China 2011, in the Shanghai New International Expo Center, between 15 – 17 Marchto learn more about Fairchild’s Mobile Solutions at booth 1310.
Fairchild Semiconductor is a leader in mobile technology, offering a wide portfolio of analog and power IP that can be customized to support handset manufacturers’ specific requirements. By focusing on specific analog and power functions that define user satisfaction and market success, such as audio, video, USB, ASSP/logic, RF power, core power and lighting, Fairchild is able to provide solutions that improve functionality while conserving space and power.
Fairchild always appreciates an opportunity to demonstrate our solutions and show engineers the many ways we can help improve designs. We invite you to visit our booth, 1310, at this year’s electronica China to learn more about our mobile solutions and how they can contribute to your success.
Fairchild Semiconductor, the Right Technology for Your Success™.
Can’t make it to the show? Follow us on Twitter to catch the latest from the show floor.
Come to IIC China in Shenzhen, February 24-26, and learn more about Fairchild’s Mobile Solutions at booth 2J19.
Fairchild Semiconductor is a leader in mobile technology, offering a wide portfolio of analog and power IP that can be customized to support handset manufacturers’ specific requirements. By focusing on specific analog and power functions that define user satisfaction and market success, such as audio, video, USB, ASSP/logic, RF power, core power and lighting, Fairchild is able to provide solutions that improve functionality while conserving space and power.
Fairchild always appreciates an opportunity to demonstrate our solutions and show engineers the many ways we can help improve designs. We invite you to visit our booth, 2J19, at this year’s IIC China in Shenzhen to learn more about our mobile solutions and how they can contribute to your success.
Fairchild Semiconductor, the Right Technology for Your Success™.
Can’t make it to the show? Follow us on Twitter to catch the latest from the show floor.
More and more people are using their smartphones for multimedia purposes – whether it’s watching videos on YouTube® or listening to their favorite songs, which in turn, mean users are plugging headphones into their smartphone for listening. This has taken off and grown exponentially as an “all-in-one” entertainment device.
3.5mm audio jacks are the primary way for users to connect headphones into their smartphones – these jacks are also used to connect headphones with speakers in them, so consumers can talk “hands-free.”
The FSA8008 is an audio jack detector and configuration switch for 3 or 4 pole accessories. A switch within the FSA8008 eliminates pop and click as well as leakage current – for an enhanced consumer experience and additional battery power savings. This chip also eliminates the need for software to solve the send/end button problem – with this chip, if the button sticks there’s no issue and will always register a microphone, if a microphone is present.
The FSA8008 provides ease of design for engineers as well as cost and space savings, and of course it means a satisfied customer.
If you’d like to see this product demoed at IIC China, stop by booth 2J19!
Fairchild, The Right Technology for Your Success™.
Can’t make it to the show? Follow us on Twitter to catch the latest from the show floor.
For those interested in battery chargers, The FAN5400, which is a single-cell Li-Ion battery switching charger, will be displayed at the Fairchild booth – 2J19 – at IIC China. The FAN5400 is USB-compliant and also shortens charge time and reduces heat.
The FAN5400 family – available in a 1.96 x 1.87mm, 20-bump, 0.4mm pitch WL-CSP package – is the smallest switching charger on market that also provides this functionality. The device combines a highly-integrated switch-mode charger to minimize Li-Ion charging time from a USB power source, and a boost regulator to power a USB peripheral from the battery.
The FAN5400 family is ideal for single-cell Li-Ion battery charging in devices such as cell phones, Smartphones, tablets, wireless broadband hotspots, digital cameras, portable media players, and any application that uses a 5V “wall wart” or USB connector power supply.
The company’s USB expertise allows designers to innovate and differentiate their mobile offerings. By working with customers, as well as by identifying developing trends in the marketplace, Fairchild continues to develop the right solutions that advance mobile designs and enrich the user experience. These solutions are sure to be the right technology for your success.
Visit Booth 2J19 to learn more!
Fairchild Semiconductor: The Right Technology for Your Success™
Can’t make it to the show? Follow us on Twitter to catch the latest from the show floor.
Fairchild Semiconductor is a leader in mobile technology, offering a wide portfolio of analog and power IP that can be customized to support handset manufacturers’ specific requirements. By focusing on specific analog and power functions that define user satisfaction and market success, such as audio, video, USB, ASSP/logic, RF power, core power and lighting, Fairchild is able to provide solutions that improve functionality while conserving space and power.
On display at the show is the Fairchild FAN5400, a USB-Compliant Single Cell Li-Ion Switching Charger with USB-OTG Boost Regulator. TheFAN5400family is ideal for single-cell or parallel-cell Li-Ion battery charging in devices such as cell phones, smartphones, tablets, wireless broadband hotspots, digital cameras and portable media/game players. As charge currents and battery sizes continue to increase, charging through the USB port or 5V AC-DC adaptor with a linear charger becomes increasingly inefficient.
Visit booth 2J19 to see demos of this and other mobile solutions Fairchild designers and engineers offer!
Problem solved: pop & click, leakage, space savings and much more!
How do you keep up with changing technology?
More and more people are using their smart phones for entertainment purposes. The 3.5mm audio jacks are the primary way for users to connect headphones into their smartphones - these jacks are also used to connect headphones with microphones (MICs) in them, so consumers can talk “hands’free”.
There are a couple issues that arise from this however, which includes leakage current caused by a MIC bias voltage gap in the 4-pole headset jack, and a pop and click noise when the audio jack is inserted. Also, engineers need to use software to correct a common problem that arises with the send/end key. This key can sometimes get stuck - meaning the phone doesn’t register a MIC and mistakenly senses a 3-pole jack instead of a 4-pole jack. Naturally this lack of MIC recognition can be frustrating for the consumer. Furthermore, the discrete components currently being used take up a significant amount of board space.
The FSA8008 is the first chip to solve all these issues, and saves up to 70 percent space to boot. A switch within the FSA8008 eliminates pop and click as well as leakage current - for an enhanced consumer experience and additional battery power savings. This chip also eliminates the need for software to solve the send/end button problem - with this chip, if the button sticks there’s no issue and will always register a MIC if a MIC is present.
What does this mean? It means ease of design for engineers as well as cost and space savings, and of course it means a satisfied customer.
What would this product do for your designs? Are there other issues you face in designing features for today’s cell phones? Let us know.
The most sophisticated and intimate personal electronic platform—ever—is… the car?
A decade ago this concept might have seemed unlikely. But it’s now an accepted fact in the automotive industry that the car is being transformed into a powerful smart phone that allows drivers to carry around, customize, and interact with their digital world.
The consumer appetite for mobile electronics in the car pushes IC manufacturers to keep pace. This powerful dynamic will only accelerate as more electronics products and features are sped to the market by car companies. The automobile manufacturers now recognize that design cycles must be shortened to reflect more closely the design cycles that modulate the consumer electronics industry. Rather than an afterthought, electronics is now a key differentiator for car buyers.
Learn more by reading the complete article from Mobile Dev and Design
Today’s video-centric universe has created an increasingly broad set of requirements for video filters. We’ve seen resolutions go to 1080p HD while at the same time small-screen mobile devices are now also video centric. Designs have to deal with lower supply voltages such as 3V and demands for lower-power green designs. Meanwhile, we have multiple video channels on every product. The evolving video landscape means that design teams have to match increasingly complex video filter implementations to diverse applications.
One may wonder why we still need video filters in the increasingly digital world. Most video interfaces are still analog in nature and the data conversion takes place before the output jack. The data conversion process itself can allow noise sources from radio transmitters or even local clock signals to be captured by the ADC along with the video signal. Indeed even the ADC can create aliasing distortion that can produce a range of distortion in a video image. Video filters are the answer to pristine analog video quality.
Typically, video filter ICs are comprised of op amp driving circuits with active low pass filters. A 5th order Butterworth filter is a typical example. Fairchild offers a broad portfolio of video filter driver (VFD) ICs and a VFD web page with a comprehensive set of data for the design engineer.
A recent technical paper called “Coupling, Clamping, and Video Filters” provides a quick summary of the types of design decisions that an engineer might face with various video applications.
The paper explains the basics of an AC-coupled video-input configuration noting that it allows the filter in the receiving device to set optimum DC-bias levels independent of the driving signal. Such a design can optimize processing headroom and provide a stable DC output voltage.
The paper also addresses sync strip and pulsed DC-restore clamping used with an AC-coupled input. The DC-restore technique can be triggered by the horizontal sync allowing for updates and corrections in the bias level for every line. The technique does have some disadvantages including the need for an input capacitor and the cost and complexity of the filter IC. Fairchild supports DC-restore clamping techniques in the FMS6403 selectable-definition VFD and the FMS6406 S-video filter.
The paper also discusses the clamp/bias circuitry found in many VFDs for AC-coupled designs. Typically the default setting is clamp mode although an external resistor sets up bias mode. Generally the clamp/bias approach is lower in cost than the DC-restore approach, and it operates independently of predetermined timing and formats. But the clamp/bias approach is not a closed loop system with absolute output level control.
Of course AC coupling isn’t the only choice. Indeed, the paper describes issues with DC-coupled input implementations and also addresses AC- and DC-coupled outputs. DC-coupled input filters work well in designs in which a DAC relies on a current-mode, single-ended ground reference. On the output side, DC-coupling eliminates the need for a coupling capacitor and generates a tilt-free signal. Still AC coupling is more common on the output as it sets the common-mode level independent of the DC level of the signal.
Read “Coupling, Clamping, and Video Filters” to learn how to make coupling and clamping decisions in your video-centric designs. Each option has specific advantages and disadvantages that can impact the video quality in specific applications.
It started as Inter IC, then IIC, and is now simply referred to as I2C. Regardless what you call it, the two wire interface has been around for a while but doesn’t appear to be going away anytime soon. And why should it? I2C is simple, flexible, and, most importantly, established. Most micro’s have the port and an array of sensors and auxiliary modules support the interface as well.
With any standard that has existed for some time, a lot of changes can happen around it. Voltage level is one of those changes. As Vcc’s drop, differences in potential on a once common platform will arise. Whether it is the micro that drives the change or a latest and greatest sensor, the mismatch is showing up more and more. Mismatches on a common bus are difficult to address with minimal external component additions.
A new IC has been released to handle exactly this. The FXMA2102 from Fairchild Semiconductor is a level translator specifically for this need. Its open drain technology supports the full I2C protocol and includes bidirectional data exchange. Take a look at the feature set here: http://www.fairchildsemi.com/ds/FX/FXMA2102.pdf
China has seen an explosion of growth in cell phones over the past 15 years, led primarily by the popularity of candy bar phones. This situation is now changing as the market starts exploring features and functions delivered by different form factors, such as twist phones, especially those with TV functions, gain popularity in China.
uSerDesTM serializer/deserializer devices have been adopted by the world’s major cell phone manufacturers for multifunction cell phones designs. This technology reduces the number of parallel buses needed for data transmission in flip phones, slide phones or swivel phones, and acts as a converter between the parallel bus and serial bus, converting system signals from parallel to serial, and then converting serial signals back to parallel signals for peripherals. It also increases system reliability, delivers better EMI and ESD endurance, enhances overall system performance, and simplifies interface design, leaving structure engineers with more flexibility.
Designers have two types of uSerDes products to use in cell phone design. One is for LCD data transmission and another is for camera data transmission
uSerDes devices are a current transfer logic (CTLTM) based data transmission technology for parallel-serial-parallel conversion, and involves small serial signal transmission at very high speed. While it was once considered complex, it is now widely accepted among design engineers. Additionally, well-established design resources offer a better understanding of the properties and functionalities of uSerDes devices and helps R&D engineers solve issues they encounter when developing applications with uSerDes technology.
China has a unique phone design market, made up of independent design houses (IDHs), and in-house R&D engineers. Both of these design areas can benefit from the added features uSerDes products offer, which is more functionality and greater customer satisfaction.
About the author: Dr. Mobile is the ‘go to guy’ when it comes to enhancing power systems’ efficiency and extending standby time. Widely recognized as an industry guru, he’s had a string of successes in the switching and multiplexing of both data and analog signals.
When he’s not researching and developing innovative power and signal path ICs for portable devices he can usually be found online chatting and sharing his knowledge with his many friends and followers around the globe. He’s ‘always on’ and is fully socially networked, Twittering and Facebooking anyone who’ll listen.
A regular ‘Inspector Gadget,’ Dr. Portable is rarely seen without the very latest portable device in hand, whether it’s the latest generation Smartphone, ebook, netbook or MID.
A keen traveler, he is always on the go. He stays on top of his game by regularly working out and is very careful what he eats. In fact it’s probably fair to say that he’s obsessed with losing weight and getting thinner as well as smarter.
Written by Wayne Seto, Technical Marketing Manager
With the proliferation of cellular mobile handsets, especially smartphones, in the world today where people are connected 24/7, consumers just can’t seem to get enough of the voice calls, emails, text messages and surfing the web. However, all of these activities greatly consume battery life in our handsets; as such, our handhelds lead to that one-bar battery power indicator very quickly. In this article from the June 1, 2010 edition of EDN Asia, Wayne Seto discusses what can be done to prolong the battery life for these handsets so that we can use them longer.
Written by Earl Schreyer, Duane Sorlie and Bill Boldt, Signal Conditioning Products
The input and output coupling and clamping topologies of filter products have evolved to meet new video application requirements. In this article from the May 3, 2010 edition of Planet Analog, Fairchild’s signal conditioning product experts look at some of the trade-offs of the different implementations of input and output coupling and input clamping methods that apply to video filters and identify their relative advantages and disadvantages.
Medical Electronics to Leverage off Mobile Handset
Telehealth, E-Health,Wi-Health….The mobile handset has changed the way we live and communicate and we will see the same effect on portable medical electronics in the future. A cell phone that doubles as a wireless diagnostic tool may be a few years out due to infrastructure development but small adoptions in medical electronics will provide an immediate impact. Let’s look at a several key design areas that should be examined.
Handsets are everywhere and the consumer is educated on features like resolution, audio fidelity, plug-in and wireless peripherals. The portable medical segment has noticed these features but implementation into legacy medical is not an easy task due to IEC regulations and slow product design cycles. The adoption of mobile handset features into the portable medical segment will take place over time but there are several key areas that designers can focus on now.
Power
Power is at the top of the list. Until an alternative is proven, the battery as we know it is the medium of choice for the coming future. The cell phone’s 3.7V Li-Ion battery has seen growth in copious volumes and has driven the development of new DC/DC products from the IC industry. This includes a range of integrated synchronous buck devices with max recommended inputs of 5.5V and numerous charging schemes. Get rid of that stacked C123 cell battery giving 6-9Vs and you will see some nice power solutions that combine both high performance and cost effectiveness.
I/O
The USB port is becoming more important for mobile handsets. The portable medical market is aware of this vast adoption, however adding the port and complying with the industry’s IEC60601 standard can be a difficult task. (Optocouplers or magnetic isolation is required at the data pins or after the PHY.) Fortunately, there are simple charge detect ICs available to aid in adding USB power and providing Over Voltage Protection (OVP).
USB devices can minimize the number of external ports on your medical device and can mux other signals such as audio, video and sensors onto a shared connector port. When you need to transfer data off your medical device in a hurry but with shortest impact to design schedules, consider adding an external SDIO memory port. This is a win-win solution that improves time-to-market for the designer. By using an available port on the microcontroller it offers the user a familiar and established memory interface.
Packaging
Portable medical devices are space constrained. The enhanced packaging technology from mobile handsets has already been proliferated widely and can be leveraged in portable medical applications. ICs are available in sub 1×1mm packages in the form of bumped Chip Scale Packaging (CSP) and established MLP form factors. Examples include a simple P channel MOSFET or a new I2C lever translator / repeater. Does your manufacturer like leads? How about the SOT-923F?
Cell phones operate on a platform concept and medical is just starting to adopt this feature to improve time-to-market and leverage extensive testing. Medical electronics symposiums are starting to discuss these topics and more. Look for more product solutions from semiconductor manufacturers in the coming months.
Standing in the park, I have been checking emails, making phone calls and taking a few precious pictures of my darling dog. Wishing to send the pictures to a friend’s cell phone, I press the button and stare at the cell phone display. Suddenly, it says “connection failed.” What! I try again and realize that the cell phone battery is too low with barely one bar showing.
Does this sound familiar to you?
We all want to be connected via cell phone whenever and wherever we are. Unfortunately, our cell phone battery does not always keep up with our busy lifestyle.
Inside of every cell phone is a radio frequency (RF) transmitter. Every time you talk, text or send data, the transmitter drains power from the battery. Often the transmitter consumes only 10% of the phone’s total power. However, if you’re in a poor coverage location, surf the net or up-load photo/video, the transmitter’s battery consumption can top six times, sapping 60% of the battery’s charge. This transmitter can be a huge power drain and dramatically reduce your talk time on the cell phone.
Today’s feature-rich 3G phones require more power than ever before. The design challenge facing engineers today is how to improve efficiency in existing areas such as RFPA, display and increased talk time so more power is available for new features.
One solution is to install a step down DC-DC converter with dynamic voltage scaling to control VOUT between the battery and the RF Power Amplifier (RFPA). This reduces current consumption by 30-50%, and makes power available for other functions (such as MP3, GPS and video). In addition to reducing current consumption, a step down DC-DC converter also reduces heat and increases talk time.
If you would like to check out Fairchild’s solution, please watch ashort video demonstrating a solution to extend battery power for a 3G phone by improving the efficiency of the RFPA. More information on RF Power is available at www.fairchildsemi.com/rfpower.
All too often during product design, well intentioned product managers, rightfully scared from prior EMI encounters, especially during the beginning of a new project, schedule large amounts of time for EMI evaluation and prevention. Program managers add in time for the illusively fiendish problems that always seem to delay projects at the very end. As schedules inevitably are delayed, the big gaps are minimized to small gaps, or eliminated. The simulations and Printed Circuit Board (PCB) evaluations and trace routing guidelines are placed in the hands of the PCB Autorouter.
Often, the EMI engineer at the end of a project will carry the new consumer product back from his/her EMI chamber and trusty spectrum analyzer, with a fist full of graphs with large peaks and valleys. “It’s got problems”, he/she says, “but we can fix it. You just need to eliminate this spike from the system clock that is generating harmonics large enough to turn on a light bulb.” Rerouting the clock requires a new Printed Circuit Board layout. That can, in itself, create new problems associated with parasitics. The next PCB revision takes a full eight weeks to design, populate, test and evaluate.
This time, the clock traces have been placed too close to the image sensor system. The result is that when the camera is turned on with this new handset, the video screen has vertical bars from left to right corrupting the screen. Again, the device is put through EMI testing. This time the handset passes with flying colors…. however, due to the close proximity of the image sensor system, the PCB must be redesigned yet again. What has been your experience in solving these challenges?
About the author: Business Development Manager, Signal Path Analog
Fairchild Semiconductor (NYSE: FCS) will showcase its latest industry-leading technology at IIC China 2012, in Booth 1Q19, at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center, from February 23-25.
At Strategies in Light 2012, February 7-9, 2012, at the Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara, California, Fairchild Semiconductor will demonstrate LED driver applications, including the highly integrated PFC and PWM controllers which allow designers to reduce BOM count, enable smaller lamp sizes, eliminate design complexity and improve overall lighting […]
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Beat Energy Efficiency Regulations with Our Low Standby Power Solutions- mWSaver Technology combines our most energy efficient process and circuit technologies for power adapter design into this unique group of components.
Power Supply WebDesigner (PSW) Design Tool Podcast October 31, 2011
Fairchild's Power Supply WebDesigner (PSW) Design Tool automatically generates a BOM and lets you confidentially save your design for future reference by you or others on your team. Start saving days-to-weeks of engineering time with PSW, whether you're a power supply expert or not.
Power Stage Asymmetric Dual MOSFETs (Chinese) October 21, 2011
The Chinese version of the Power Stage Asymmetric Dual MOSFETs video shows the Control MOSFET (High Side) and Synchronous MOSFET (SyncFET) with monolithic Schottky diode (Low Side) integrated in a single package.
LED Lighting Total Solutions August 15, 2011
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This PDF explains the principles of AC/DC converters in flyback topology having a high power factor input and a constant current output. The most commonly used mode of operation for this purpose is boundary conduction mode (BCM). The basics of this mode are developed and its drawbacks are made clear. A simple method for improving power factor is introduced a […]
This Whitepaper explains the principles of AC/DC converters in flyback topology having a high power factor input and a constant current output. The most commonly used mode of operation for this purpose is boundary conduction mode (BCM). The basics of this mode are developed and its drawbacks are made clear. A simple method for improving power factor is intro […]
By Dr. Mobile
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