Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. Introduces Small, Flexible, Low-Cost Xenon Photoflash Charger ICs

Worcester, MA, August 29, 2005 — Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. announces the release of the A8436, A8438 and A8439 Xenon Photoflash Capacitor Charger ICs with integrated IGBT driver. With selectable primary-peak current settings, an integrated 40 V MOSFET and a small 3x3 10-lead MLP package, the A8436/38/39 provide fast charge time and charge-complete indication with superior performance.

The A843x family provides a highly integrated solution for Xenon photoflash applications and features a flyback converter with an internal 40 V DMOS switch and IGBT driver. The flyback converter employs a proprietary algorithm to rapidly charge the photoflash capacitor to desired voltage. The IGBT driver features high switching speed and high drive current capability to allow efficiency switching during red-eye reduction flash mode. This device can be operated from a single Li+ battery or 2 x NiMH/alkaline batteries. When 2 x NiMH alkaline batteries are used, the device uses the IGBT drive supply as the internal bias supply.

The A8436 and A8438 feature three-level pin-selectable current limit and low-leakage feedback scheme. The A8439 features eight-level digitally programmable current limit and continuous-output monitoring scheme.

With end applications including digital cameras, camera phones and Xenon photoflash modules, the A8436/38/39 are supplied in a 3 mm x 3 mm x 0.75 mm MLP-10L package.

About Allegro

Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. is a leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing high-performance power and Hall-effect sensor integrated circuits. Allegro's innovative solutions serve high-growth applications within the automotive, communications, computer/office automation, consumer and industrial markets. Allegro is headquartered in Worcester, Massachusetts (USA) with design and applications centers located in North and South America, Asia, and Europe. Further information about Allegro can be found at www.allegromicro.com.

Editorial Contact:
Stephanie Fennelly
Director - Marketing Communications
Tel: (508) 854-5363
sfennelly@allegromicro.com