July 10, 2001 - Providing the smallest, lowest-noise and easiest-to-use MR preamplifier power solution for next-generation hard disk drives, National Semiconductor (NYSE: NSM) today introduced a new pulse-width modulation (PWM) inverting switching regulator. Capable of supplying
-5V at 300mA from a 5V input, this new product delivers the needed power for present and future hard disk drive (HDD) designs or other voltage inverter requirements. Its 1.4MHz oscillator permits the use of smaller external components while the Cuk topology reduces peak current and the external component count. (http://www.national.com/pf/LM/LM2611.html)
National's LM2611 operates from inputs of 2.7V to 14V and is capable of producing a negative output voltage of up to -36V - (Vin). With its low 0.5 ohm switch, the LM2611 produces higher efficiency and packs more power into a smaller area. Features like internal compensation, cycle-by-cycle current limit and low noise make the LM2611 an exceptionally easy solution to use.
Increases in HDD aerial density have driven improvements in MR preamp performance. Switched capacitor solutions can no longer support the power needs of these new MR preamps. The new LM2611 provides an elegant, cost-effective and high-performance solution to this problem.
"National's LM2611 was engineered with next-generation disk drives in mind," said John Perzow, strategic marketing manager in the Power Management Group at National Semiconductor. "HDD designers can use the LM2611B to solve their MR preamp power needs now, and without changing anything except the switcher, use the LM2611A in tomorrow's drives as well. This helps to ensure a low-cost, fast track to market."
The LM2611 is also ideal for creating the negative bias for active matrix displays or CCDs in digital cameras or creating -5V for the tuners in set-top boxes and cable modems.
Pricing and Availability
The LM2611 is available in two grades. The A-grade has a higher current limit of 1.2A, a lower RDSon of 0.5 ohm and is priced at $1.28 each in 1,000 units. The B-Grade has a lower current limit of 0.9A, an RDSon of 0.7 ohm and is priced at $1.10 each in 1,000 units.
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 fiscal year 2001 and employs about 9,700 people worldwide. Additional company and product information is available on the World Wide Web at www.national.com.
