A monolithic power management IC, the WM8325, is described by Wolfson Microelectronics as cost-effective and flexible enough for use in portable multimedia applications including smartbooks, tablets, e-books, media players and smartphones. The device features four programmable DC/DC converters, including one that is capable of delivering up to 2.5A and eleven LDO regulators, four of which are low-noise for supplying sensitive analogue sub-systems. Its QFN package is designed to improve thermal performance and reduce parasitic components. The package allows large PCB tracks for all high-current paths, which improves transient performance. This, in conjunction with its low thermal resistance (24°C/W), low electrical resistance and improved DC/DC technology ensures that the sub-system delivers greater than 5% improvement in efficiency, at 1A, when compared with previous generations of PMIC DC/DC converters, claims the company. An on-chip regulator is incorporated into the subsystem, which provides power for ‘always-on' PMIC functions such as register map and the real-time clock. A 12bit auxiliary ADC also supports a range of applications for both internal and external analogue sampling, such as voltage detection and temperature measurement. The one-time programmable non-volatile memory makes the device flexible. Its crystal oscillator and internal RC oscillator both generate all clock signals.
