Motorola First to Offer Dual Four-mOhm Switches in a Single Package

MC33984 eXtreme Switch Provides Reduced Heat Generation And Power Savings For Automotive Applications

TOULOUSE, France, Sept. 23 -- A new mixed-signal integrated circuit (IC) is now available to help embedded systems designers better manage power distribution. The MC33984 eXtreme Switch, developed by Motorola, Inc.'s Semiconductor Products Sector, combines dual intelligent switches into a single package to deliver significant power savings and reduced heat generation.

The multi-chip MC33984 can independently control and diagnose two loads while providing self- and system protection. With a very low RDSon (resistance source to drain) of four milli-Ohms (mOhm), power and temperature control may occur in a range of applications.

The configurability, protection and diagnostic features of the eXtreme Switch make the device an ideal alternative to mechanical or existing solid- state relays, fuses and field-effect transistors. It is optimized to operate in harsh environments with high temperatures, and unlike mechanical relays, the MC33984 is less susceptible to wear, contact malfunctions and corrosion over time. Replacement of mechanical relays with the MC33984 can help increase system reliability.

Intelligence, Power, Protection

Manufactured with Motorola's proprietary SMARTMOS(TM) and HDTMOS(TM) processes, the MC33984 combines high-density, high-speed logic with precision analog and high-voltage, high-current power circuitry. The eXtreme Switch is designed for systems requiring multiple drivers to switch high-DC current loads and is suitable for high-inrush current loads, as well as all types of resistive and inductive loads.

Designers using the MC33984 can take advantage of its built-in protection, logic level control and design flexibility through the following key features:

- Space-efficient packaging - housed in a 12x12mm power quad flat pack no-lead package, the MC33984 uses a minimum amount of board space while providing excellent thermal characteristics through an exposed heat sink and solder, rather than epoxy, for die attachment.

- Fuse emulation and SMARTMOS circuit technology - enable protection against over-current, over-temperature, real-time fault status indication, ground disconnect, load dump transient, open load detection, negative battery and over- and under-voltage conditions.

- Serial peripheral interface (SPI) - enables programming, control and diagnostics. This includes output on/off control, configurable over-current detection levels and blanking times for fuse emulation, specific fault information and device status reporting, and configurable turn-on delay for load demand optimization. In addition, the SPI allows multiple devices to be connected in a daisy chain configuration for MCU I/O optimization.

For technical documentation and a full list of product features, go to www.motorola.com/analog .

Motorola's family of self-protected, high-side eXtreme Switches also includes the award winning* MC33982 two-mOhm power switch. Additional derivatives for other market segments are expected to be announced next year. Both the MC33984 and MC33982 complement Motorola's line of analog drivers for current control, and its microcontrollers and digital signal processors with integrated on-chip serial peripheral interfaces.

Price and Availability

The MC33984 high-current, self-protected high-side power switch is currently available in sample quantities, with production quantities expected in first quarter of 2004. Unit pricing starts at a suggested list price of $3.95 (USD) for 10,000-piece quantities.

Photo Available at: http://www.motorola.com/mediacenter/graphics/detail/0,,868,00.html

About Motorola, Inc.'s Semiconductor Products Sector

As the world's #1 producer of embedded processors, Motorola's Semiconductor Products Sector creates DigitalDNA(TM) system-on-chip solutions for a connected world. Our strong focus on wireless communications and networking enables customers to develop smarter, simpler, safer and synchronized products for the person, work team, home and automobile. Motorola's worldwide semiconductor sales were $5.0 billion (USD) in 2002. For more information please visit: www.motorola.com/semiconductors .

About Motorola, Inc.

Motorola, Inc. is a global leader in providing integrated communications and embedded electronic solutions. Sales in 2002 were $27.3 billion. Motorola is a global corporate citizen dedicated to ethical business practices and pioneering important technologies that make things smarter and life better, honored traditions that began when the company was founded 75 years ago this year. For more information, please visit: www.motorola.com .