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Torex Power ICs Provide Turnkey Power Solution for NXP’s Rapid IoT Prototyping Kit

September 07, 2018 by Paul Shepard

Torex Semiconductor Ltd. has delivered the power management solution for the NXP® Rapid IoT prototyping kit, a secure and power-optimized kit designed to accelerate prototyping and development of IoT (Internet of Things) end nodes.

NXP announced its Rapid IoT prototyping kit at Embedded World 2018. The solution is designed to unlock the IoT to a broader spectrum of innovators. The power-optimized prototyping solution is secure and extremely easy to use and can dramatically simplify the development of Proof-of-Concept (PoC) IoT edge nodes for consumer, commercial, and industrial markets.

"We are honored that NXP has chosen Torex's power solution for the Rapid IoT platform. We believe that both of our innovative power technologies, microDC/DC and ultra-small load switch products, solve the ongoing challenge developers face when it comes to powering IoT applications. Our power management technology saves power and extends battery life for a wide variety of IoT applications," said Koji Shibamiya, CEO of Torex Semiconductor.

The NXP Rapid IoT platform utilizes two power and space saving technologies from the Torex product portfolio. The first is the XCL210, an integrated inductor microDC/DC converter, which maximizes battery life by consuming 0.5uA of quiescent current (Iq). The second is the XC8102, a load switch which comes in a package that measures 0.9mm*1.2mm to further reduce the overall solution size and minimize PCB real estate.

The XCL210 series is designed for applications that require a low quiescent current such as wearable devices, healthcare devices, Bluetooth Low Energy devices, and energy harvesting.

XCL210 microDC/DC

The XCL210 series lineup of step-down "micro dc-dc" converters includes an integrated control IC and coil. The XCL210 series is designed for applications that require a low quiescent current such as wearable devices, healthcare devices, Bluetooth Low Energy devices, and energy harvesting.

These ICs achieve an ultra-low quiescent current of 0.5μA, which is only 1/30th the 15μA quiescent current of previous products. In addition, by integrating the coil, which is normally used as external components to control IC, an ultra-small size has been realized (dimensions: 2.5mm x 2.0mm x h1.0mm).

Two output current types, 50mA and 200mA, are available. The operating voltage range is 2.0V to 6.0V, and the output voltage is settable in the range 1.0V to 4.0V. The internal coil simplifies the board layout, and contributes to space saving on the board and shortening of development time. Unwanted radiation noise and circuit operating trouble can also be minimized. PFM control is used for the control method.

XC8102 Load Switch

The XC8102 has ON/OFF control and intended to provide a series of stable voltage outputs. By connecting, for example, the XC8102's VIN pin to the output pin of a step-down dc-dc converter such as the XC9235, the line switcher can be used to provide a number of accurate & efficient output rails.

The XC8102's CE pin controls the ON/OFF for each switcher to deliver power as and when needed thereby maximizing overall efficiency. No external capacitors are needed so the XC8102 is also a space saving solution where board space is at a premium.