May 15, 2001 - National Semiconductor (NYSE:NSM) today announced the addition of four high-voltage step-down voltage converters to its high-efficiency, Simple Switcher? line. Tolerating inputs of up to 60V, these new devices are ideal for applications such as auto-PC, communications infrastructure and a host of industrial applications. National's high voltage family now makes it easy for designers of automotive appliances to meet the new 42V standard.
The high voltage family shares the advantages of excellent line and load regulation, high-efficiency and ease-of-use. Two of the new high-voltage devices, the LM2590HV and LM2591HV, drive 1A loads and the second pair, LM2592HV and LM2593HV, drive 2A loads. The four new parts join National's previously announced LM2594HV and LM2597HV, which drive 0.5A loads.
"A growing need exists for high-voltage, easy-to-use integrated switchers as an alternative to expensive power supply modules," said John Perzow, marketing manager of power management products at National. "This new HV series extends the proven Simple Switcher concept to new designs, opening an entire new range of applications."
The devices' high switching frequency (150KHz), integrated switch and only four external components enable power supply designs in minimum PCB area. Output voltage options are 3.3V, 5V and adjustable from 1.2V to 57V. The LM2590 and LM2593 offer special features, including power-on reset with programmable delay, and a soft-start capability that prevents excessive in-rush current. All four offer safety features such as a two-stage frequency reducing current limit and over-temperature shutdown. A power saving shutdown mode reduces standby current to just 90 microamps.
An essential feature of National's Simple Switcher line is National's Windows-compatible Switchers-Made-Simple? design software. The software provides a guaranteed solution including schematics, system performance summaries, component lists and vendor information. Dynamic modeling can also be done on National's new WEBENCH? site featuring WebSIM? application, a powerful software tool that allows designers to modify and probe their circuit for dynamic performance characteristics like transient response.
These new HV devices offer the same ease of use that has made Simple Switchers the most widely accepted DC/DC converters available. Evaluation kits are available on the National Semiconductor Power Web Site at: POWER.NATIONAL.COM.
Packaging, Pricing and Availability
The LM2590/1/2/3 are available in the surface mount TO-263 package or the TO-220 package with several different lead bend options. Pricing in 1000-lot units for the LM2590HV is $2.26 for both the S-Version (TO-263 package) and the T-Version (TO-220). The LM2591HV S and T versions are priced at $2.15; the LM2592HV S- and T-versions are $2.57 and the LM2593HV S and T are $2.69. All four devices are available in production quantities.
For more information on the Simple Switcher family, visit National's World Wide Web site at http://www.national.com/pf/LM/LM2590HV.html, http://www.national.com/pf/LM/LM2591HV.html,
http://www.national.com/pf/LM/LM2592HV.html and http://www.national.com/pf/LM/LM2593HV.html.
About National Semiconductor
National Semiconductor is the premier analog company driving the information age. Combining real-world analog and state-of-the-art digital technology, the company is focused on the fast growing markets for wireless handsets; information appliances; information infrastructure; and display, imaging and human interface technologies. With headquarters in Santa Clara, California, National reported sales of $2.1 billion for its last fiscal year and has about 10,000 employees worldwide. Additional company and product information is available on the World Wide Web at www.national.com.
