Low-cost charger IC for xenon photoflash

Allegro MicroSystems Europe has introduced a new range of xenon photoflash capacitor charger ICs with integrated IGBT driver circuitry.

Allegro MicroSystems Europe has introduced a range of xenon photoflash capacitor charger ICs with integrated IGBT driver circuitry.

Featuring selectable primary-peak current settings, an integrated 40V MOSFET and a small 3 x 3 10-lead MLP package, the new A8436, A8438 and A8439 devices combine superior performance levels with fast charge time and 'charge complete' indication.

The A843x family provides a highly integrated solution for xenon photoflash applications.

Each device features a flyback convertor with an internal 40V DMOS switch and IGBT driver.

The flyback convertor employs a proprietary algorithm to charge the photoflash capacitor rapidly to the desired voltage.

The IGBT driver features high switching speed and high drive current capability to allow efficiency switching during 'red-eye reduction' flash mode.

Each IC can be operated from a single Li+ battery or two NiMH/alkaline batteries.

When two NiMH alkaline batteries are used, the device uses the IGBT drive supply as the internal bias supply.

The A8436 and A8438 each feature a three-level pin-selectable current limit and a low-leakage feedback scheme.

The A8439 features an eight-level digitally programmable current limit and a continuous-output monitoring scheme.

End applications include digital cameras, camera phones and xenon photoflash modules.

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