austriamicrosystems' AS3603 power management unit has been selected by mobile broadband communications leader, Flarion Technologies, for integration into its IP-friendly FLASH (Fast Low-latency Access with Seamless Hand-off) OFDM® (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) mobile broadband system. Flarion's FLASH-OFDM technology supports secure Internet access, broadband speed and cellular mobility.

The AS3603 from austriamicrosystems is an excellent example of a smart power management IC incorporating highly efficient power management functions as well as a wide range of add on functions supported by outstanding programmability.

The AS3603 features low dropout regulators (LDOs), DC/DC converters, complete battery charge control, and an audio power amplifier, all on a single chip. This integrated programmable device significantly reduces material costs for mobile devices, occupies 60% less PCB space than multi-chip solutions and substantially increases talk time and standby times due to its low power design.

"We awarded the power management design win to austriamicrosystems because of their technical expertise and top quality design in the field of integrated circuits," said Robert Suffern, Flarion senior vice president of engineering & operations. "In addition, the AS3603 was easily integrated into our FLASH-OFDM system and presents superior flexibility and functionality for our mobile devices."

"Our 3603 power management units offer several unique features that position austriamicrosystems on the cutting edge of communications technology," said Alexander Harrer, senior vice president of austriamicrosystems' communications business unit. "Our design win with Flarion represents a significant step in our strategy to expand our strong position in the mobile communications market."

The AS3603's unique feature set includes a highly efficient driver to supply white LEDs, programmable current sources to control LED brightness and a 1W audio power amplifier to support hands-free mobile phone operation and HiFi ring tones. Together, these features make the AS3603 ideally suited to mobile communications applications.

The on-chip chemistry-independent battery charge control provides a wide range of functions, including constant current, constant voltage and trickle charge. Additional enhanced features include top-off charging (by pulse charging or constant voltage charging), detection of battery presence and even bypassing the charge controller.

The AS3603 is available in a QFN48, 6x6mm package or a QFN48, 7x7mm package.

About austriamicrosystems
austriamicrosystems AG is a leading designer and manufacturer of highly integrated analog intensive mixed signal ICs. austriamicrosystems combines more than 20 years of design capabilities, product and marketing know-how with its own cutting edge analog manufacturing and test facilities. Operating worldwide with more than 800 employees, austriamicrosystems serves four strategic markets: Communications, Industry & Medical, Automotive and Full-Service Foundry.