September 18, 2001 - National Semiconductor (NYSE:NSM) today announced its latest innovation in switching regulators for boost applications that combine the best of boost switching technology and world-class design tools. This new solution is designed to enable a high performance step-up regulator in minimum time and PCB area. (http://www.national.com/pf/LM/LM2698.html)
The LM2698 is the first in the fourth generation of National's award-winning Simple Switcher? regulators. It uses current-mode control (without the need for a sense resistor) and pulse-width modulation (PWM) to deliver superior transient response, line and load regulation and simplicity of design. The 0.2-ohm 1.3A (guaranteed) internal switch and 1.3MHz clock combine for unparalleled power density.
Optimized features --- such as 2.2V to 12V input voltage range, user selectable 0.6 or 1.3MHz clock and low-noise, easily filtered output --- make the LM2698 an ideal solution for DSL and cable modems, battery-powered systems or applications requiring 2.5V to 3.3V, 5V to 12V or other boost conversion.
"Eighty percent of the demand for switching regulators comes from non-power supply designers," said John Perzow, strategic marketing manager in National's power management group. "Designers with little or no power supply experience can easily combine National's high-performance switching regulators with Simple Switcher design tools to create elegant power supply solutions. The LM2698 represents a new level of boost regulator performance and improves engineering productivity."
Fundamental to the advantage of National's Simple Switcher line is the Microsoft Windows compatibility of the Switchers Made Simple? design software. The software provides customers with a complete solution including schematics, component lists, guaranteed circuit performance and more. National's design software and licensed software (Simple Switchers Made Simple, WebSIM? and WebTHERM?) plus National's demo boards provide a total solution that has made the Simple Switcher family the most widely accepted DC/DC converter. Since system power supply needs are often not defined until late in a project, the Simple Switcher solution can be the key to getting products to market quickly and reliably.
Pricing, Packaging and Availability
The LM2698 is available now in the tiny MSOP-8 package with a smaller footprint than previous designs, and is priced at $1.83 each in 1000-lot units. To view a high-resolution downloadable photo of the LM2698, visit National's photo gallery at http://www.national.com/company/pressroom/gallery/power.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 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.
