New ultra-compact driver chips leverage Korean foundry’s specialized Analog CMOS process to achieve high levels of integration and power management efficiency

SEOUL, South Korea — (BUSINESS WIRE) — September 29, 2014 — Dongbu HiTek today confirmed that it has been selected by Micrel Inc. to manufacture the Silicon Valley company’s recently introduced camera flash LED drivers for smart phones, tablet computers and digital cameras. Now in volume production, Micrel’s ultra-compact LED drivers are being manufactured with Dongbu HiTek’s specialized 0.18um Analog CMOS process.

Operating at high switching frequencies (2.0MHz/4.0MHz), the new LED drivers specify miniature inductors and capacitors that reduce the total silicon power footprint to less than 10mm squared. The new drivers can be controlled via robust single-wire serial interface, which allows the host processor to control LED current and brightness. Dongbu HiTek’s AN180 process at the 0.18um node is ideally suited to implement these highly integrated drivers as it adds the benefit of efficient power management with an on-chip boost converter.

“Micrel continues to distinguish itself as an industry leader in high performance linear and power solutions,” said Jae Song, Dongbu HiTek EVP of Marketing. “We look forward to further collaborating with Micrel to apply our specialized analog and mixed-signal processes in developing power management ICs for mobile applications.” According to iSuppli, the global market for power management ICs targeting mobile handsets and media tablets is expected to grow from approximately $2.3 billion in 2013 to more than $3.3 billion in 2017, promising a CAGR of nearly 9% over this period.

AN180 Process Versatility

Dongbu HiTek’s AN180 Analog CMOS process offers a handy repertoire of analog functions as well as dense 1.8V logic and 5V CMOS that can operate efficiently at moderate power levels. The mixed-signal functions embodied in the Korean foundry’s specialized BCDMOS (BD180LV) process may be modularly incorporated into the AN180 process. Coupled with popular EDA software and certified libraries, the versatile AN180 process minimizes design risk and speeds time to volume production.

About Dongbu HiTek

Dongbu HiTek Co., Ltd. specializes in developing superb analog and mixed-signal processing technologies. The company adds high value to advanced ICs with a processing portfolio that encompasses Analog CMOS, BCDMOS, High Voltage CMOS, CMOS Power Amplifier (PA), CMOS Image Sensor (CIS), Display Driver IC (DDI), Touch Screen Controller IC and Embedded Flash technologies. With its best-in-class BCDMOS technology, the company manufactures power management chips that serve numerous applications ranging from home and handheld electronics to automotive and industrial systems. Currently processing technologies at nodes ranging from 0.35 microns to 90 nanometers, the company complements its world class foundry capabilities with top quality design support, prototype verification and packaging/module development. Headquartered in Seoul, Dongbu HiTek publicly trades its stock under 000990 on the Korea Stock Exchange. For more information, visit www.dongbuhitek.com.

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