Kinetic Technologies Launches Highly Programmable RGB and RGBW LED Driver Family

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San Jose, Calif. March 25, 2014   Kinetic Technologies, a high-performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductor company focused on developing power management solutions for computing, consumer, industrial, and communications markets, today introduced the KTD2026/7 product family of RGB and RGBW LED Drivers for use in Smartphones, Tablet Computers and other portable or mains powered electronics. The devices operate from 2.7V to 5.5V input voltage and can drive up to three or four LEDs, without the need for any inductors or flying capacitors.  Driving LEDs for system status indication, decoration lights and color mixing are easily programmed via I2C interface.

The KTD2026/2027 are three and four channel current sink regulators, with programmability for a wide range of timing, patterns and current settings.  Packaged in a 1.5mm x 1.5mm x 0.5mm UTDFN, with only a small input capacitor recommended, the device family offers the smallest total solution on the market today. Competitive solutions typically require an inductor or flying capacitor, however KTD2026 family of products has an extremely low 40mV (typ) dropout voltage at 10mA, making it the ideal solution for common Lithium-ion or fixed 3.3V to 5.0V systems. Current matching and accuracy are rated at +/-5%; the devices have excellent matching across the full load range.

For more flexibility, programming is done with I2C control.  A wide range of functionality is programmable, including LED current, repeating interval timing, patterns, color-mixing, fade in and out timing. LED current can be programmed up to 24mA in 192-steps.  Patterns can be programmed and can continue running even when the system microcontroller is in standby mode for power savings.

“Keeping the system processor awake to run an LED status indicator isn۪t an efficient use of the power budget in battery powered systems.” said Erik Ogren, Director of Marketing at Kinetic Technologies. Being able to program RGB LED patterns and put the processor to sleep while the LEDs are running has advantages in power savings as well as saving GPIO pins.

KTD2026/2027 are available in a 1.5mm x 1.5mm x 0.5mm 8-pin UTDFN package. The devices are rated over the -40 degree C to +85 degree C temperature range.

Key Features of KTD2026/2027

  • High accuracy output current: +/-5%
  • Ultra-low 40mV dropout at 10mA
  • I2C used to program LED current, timing, patterns, color mixing
  • Smallest PCB layout: 1.5mm x 1.5mm UTDFN package with 1uF input capacitor

About Kinetic Technologies

Kinetic Technologies designs, develops and markets proprietary high-performance analog power and protection semiconductors across mobile, industrial, automotive and enterprise markets. We deliver protection solutions tolerant of real world fault conditions and make power management solutions smaller and more energy efficient. Kinetic Technologies has R&D centers in Silicon Valley and Asia, with worldwide operations, logistics and customer sales support. Visit www.kinet-ic.com for more information.

*The Kinetic Technologies logo is a trademark of Kinetic Technologies. All other brand and product names appearing in this document are the property of their respective holders.

Akros Silicon to Present Tripling the Power of PoE Industry Session at APEC 2014

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Sunnyvale, Calif. February 4, 2014 – Akros Silicon Inc., a premier supplier of leading-edge intelligent energy management ICs, announces its participation in APEC 2014۪s Industry Sessions conference program with a presentation titled: Tripling the Power of PoE. The presenter, Faisal Ahmad, Akros Silicon۪s VP Marketing, will offer the audience an informative discussion on the future PoE and how it is opening new opportunities and challenges for power supply designers and systems integrators. Ahmad۪s presentation (IS3.3) is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon, March 19, 2014, at the Fort Worth Convention Center.

The Akros session will consist of a 20-minute slide presentation, followed by a brief Q&A session, and will cover the following topics:

PoE Overview

  • 4-Pair PoE Power Delivery;
  • Network Power Management;
  • Delivering 90W in PoE Systems;
  • Energy Conservation with PoE

APEC۪s Industry Sessions were first introduced in 2004 and have grown in popularity every year since. These presentations, solicited from leaders in the power electronics industry, are geared to address topics of current interest; particularly the impact of emerging technologies on today۪s designs. Unlike APEC۪s General Session papers, Industry Sessions presentations are not published in the Conference Proceedings and will only be made available to session attendees and upon request following the conference.

About Akros Silicon

Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Akros Silicon provides leading edge, intelligent energy management ICs. Akros۪ disruptive silicon technology makes it possible to integrate multiple ICs, high-voltage isolation and discrete components into a single device, thus enabling electronic OEMs to develop cost-effective and energy-efficient solutions.

Akros Silicon SoC supports 60W and 90W PoE applications

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EDN met with Akros Vice President of Marketing, James Ashe at APEC 2013. We discussed this digital isolation technology which ranges from 2kV to 4 kV and enables SoC integration in bulk CMOS. I was quite intrigued with this feisty, creative and innovative company. Keep a close eye on them, there is some good talent there, led by some really good board member leadership with proven electronics and semiconductor track records.

Akros Silicon Inc. developed the AS1860, the newest member of the company۪s GreenEdge family of system-on-a-chip (SoC) energy management ICs. The IC is equipped with Akros۪ proprietary GreenEdge digital isolation technology and is suited to support deployments of 60W and above Power over Ethernet (PoE) Powered Device (PD) applications such as thin clients, monitors, industrial Ethernet, IPTV, building management, Industrial Networking and many other high power designs.

blk dia

A block diagram of the system with AS1860

http://www.edn.com/electronics-products/electronic-product-reviews/other/4411304/Akros-silicon-SoC-supports-60W-and-90W-PoE-applications

GreenEdgeTM technology

F1x600

This single-package solution offers high efficiency and reliability as well as low system costs and board real estate.

F2x600

Significant board footprint reductions are achieved by the Akros SoC

The solution SoC offers the following features:

  • Dynamic power-level adjustment (to 60W and above) without using opto-couplers and their associated complex compensation networks
  • Higher power conversion efficiency due to communication across the isolation barrier
  • More accurate output-voltage sensing using a resistor-divider sensor on the secondary side

F3x600

A high level of integration of the full PoE solution is achieved by the Akros architecture on SoC

Other existing approaches to higher power (60W and above) PoE deployments require multiple components, such as two or three power management ICs, several opto-couplers and custom transformers. In addition to adding component cost, consuming board space and increasing design complexity, these approaches are vulnerable to shoot-through issues and losses due to rectifier diode and reverse recovery. Akros۪ approach can accommodate 60W and above PoE applications using just two components: one AS1860 SoC and one external FET. Moreover, by integrating GreenEdge digital isolation, the AS1860 enables the implementation of many advanced diagnostic and high-voltage telemetry features that allow operators to remotely manage power, which in turn enhances reliability and energy efficiency.

60W and above PoE deployments are coming soon and are expected to transform next-generation enterprise workspaces.

Why 60W PoE?

60W PoE

60W PoE advantages are obvious

 

How much power can a 4-pair system save?

4 pair

Power savings by implementing a 4-pair system are significant

 

pow at appliance

60W PoE Eliminates need for Power at each Connected Appliance

 

60W PoE applications

The thin client

thin client

A thin client approach is now easily achievable

The AS1860 SoC is offered in a RoHS-compliant, 64-pin 9×9 QFN package. It is priced starting at $4.69 per unit in 3K quantities.

Akros Silicon Selected by AlwaysOn as a GoingGreen Silicon Valley Global 200 Winner

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Sunnyvale, Calif.  January 8, 2013 – Akros Silicon Inc., announced that it has been chosen by AlwaysOn as one of the GoingGreen Silicon Valley Global 200 winners. Inclusion in the GoingGreen Silicon Valley Global 200 signifies leadership among its peers and game-changing approaches and technologies that are likely to disrupt existing and entrenched players in green technology. Akros was specially selected by the AlwaysOn editorial team and global industry experts based on a set of five criteria: innovation, market potential, commercialization, stakeholder value and media buzz.

The GoingGreen Global 200 winners were selected from among thousands of domestic and international technology companies nominated by investors, bankers, journalists and green technology industry insiders.  The AlwaysOn editorial team conducted a rigorous three-month selection process to finalize the 2012 list.

Akros has established itself as a leading solution in network power applications adopted by major OEMs worldwide. Akros۪ flagship digital isolation technology, GreenEdge, allows digital communication, power control and health monitoring across the isolation barrier. The newest member of their family of GreenEdge energy management SoCs, the AS1860, offers features that accommodate flexibility within systems to create robust power management, while providing enhanced energy saving features.

“We are honored to be recognized for our accomplishments in energy efficiency,” said Parviz Ghaffaripour, Akros۪ President & CEO. When we introduced GreenEdge technology in 2009, our innovative approach was to change the design paradigm from power management to total energy management. Today, with 60W and above Power Over Ethernet (PoE) deployments expected to transform next-generation enterprise workspaces, our new AS1860 offers systems designers the most robust, energy-efficient and cost-effective solution for higher power PoE applications.”

Akros and the GoingGreen Silicon Valley Global 200 companies were honored at AlwaysOn۪s seventh annual GoingGreen Silicon Valley, November 27th and 28th, 2012, at the Golden Gate Club in San Francisco, CA.

GoingGreen Silicon Valley is a two-day executive event where cutting-edge Greentech CEOs meet the movers and shakers from the biggest industries on earth. Green technology innovators are transforming trillion dollar industriesand the solutions they are delivering not only promise to clean up pollution and restore ecosystems, but bring abundance and prosperity to everyone.

“This year۪s GoingGreen Global 200 displays a maturity in the green technology industry that makes it very attractive to both investors and innovators.  Greentech research is maturing rapidly, and as it couples with technology innovators and investors, companies are emerging that have the ability to change the way we live our lives for the better and bring huge returns to their founders and funders,” says Tony Perkins, founder and editor of AlwaysOn. “This year۪s GoingGreen Global 200 winners are pushing the bounds of how technology can bring about change in the war on our planet۪s waning resources.  The strength of these companies lies in their ability to nurture innovative ideas and see them through to successful, sustainable and profitable businesses.”

A full list of all the AlwaysOn GoingGreen Silicon Valley 200 winners can be found on the AlwaysOn website.

About Akros Silicon

Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Akros Silicon provides leading edge, intelligent energy management ICs. Akros۪ disruptive silicon technology makes it possible to integrate multiple ICs, high-voltage isolation and discrete components into a single device, thus enabling electronic OEMs to develop cost-effective and energy-efficient solutions.

About AlwaysOn

AlwaysOn is the leading business media brand networking the Global Silicon Valley. AlwaysOn helped ignite the social media revolution in early 2003 when it launched the AlwaysOn network. In 2004, it became the first media brand to socially network its online readers and event attendees. AlwaysOn۪s preeminent executive event series includes the Silicon Valley Innovation Summit, OnMedia, OnHollywood, IMPACT Venture Summit Mid-Atlantic, Venture Summit East, OnDemand, Venture Summit Silicon Valley, OnMobile and GoingGreen Silicon Valley. The AlwaysOn network and live event series continue to lead the industry by empowering its readers, event participants, sponsors and advertisers like no other media brand.

Akros Silicon supports PoE 60-W deployments following interoperability collaboration with Broadcom

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Akros Silicon Inc. is collaborating with Broadcom Corporation relating to interoperability issues and will provide fully integrated support of the emerging PoE (Power over Ethernet) 60 Watt extension.
2012-12-11-eeteu-pb-pr07 2012 13 akrosas1860 bmc
Broadcom, a global innovator and leader in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications, has a family of PoE PSE (Power Sourcing Equipment) controllers (model BCM59111) that supports the rapidly emerging 60 W application re-quirements.

Akros۪ GreenEdge technology, integrated into a family of PoE system-on-a-chip (SoC) energy management ICs, allows high-speed digital communication across an integrated isolation barrier. The technology provides necessary hand-shaking and telemetry information with the power source to allow for safe and con-trolled power transfer, while eliminating optocouplers and their associated complex compensation networks.  The result is improvement in reliability, reduced real estate, unmatched efficiency in power conversion and more accurate output-voltage sensing. Additionally, this technology enables system-level cost reduction.

Broadcom۪s PoE solutions claim to be the most flexible and scalable solutions on the market.  The BCM59111 is a highly integrated PSE solution offering world-class thermal performance.  The adoption of PoE in the market continues to grow as more devices are connected to the network.  Expanding to 60W will allow even more devices to be connected.

“The AS18xx family of GreenEdge energy management SoCs, introduced in 2009, has established itself as a leading solution in PoE applications adopted by major OEMs worldwide,” said Parviz Ghaffaripour, Akros Silicon۪s President & CEO. “The AS1860 is in full production and offers field-proven technology designed to immediately support the 60 W requirements. Our flagship digital isolation technology, GreenEdge, allows digital communication, power control and health monitoring across the isolation barrier. These features accommodate flexibility within systems to create robust power management, while eliminating long-term reliability concerns related to optocouplers.”

PoE technology provides DC power from Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) over twisted pair Ethernet cables to Powered Devices (PDs) within enterprise, small business or home networks. The PoE standard has evolved from 13 W (IEEE 802.3af) to 30 W (IEEE 802.3at) and now the industry is rapidly moving to 60 W of power per switch port. The 60 W requirement is driven by the need to support applications such as thin clients, monitors, industrial Ethernet, IPTV, building management and lighting control systems, nurse call systems in hospitals, point-of-sale terminals and other higher power applications. The move to 60W PoE will allow deployment of PoE-enabled PDs into new markets while facilitating easier, more energy-efficient power management across the entire enterprise.

Akros Silicon and Broadcom Interoperability Collaboration Supports New PoE 60 Watt Deployments

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SUNNYVALE, Calif. November 7, 2012  Akros Silicon Inc., a premier supplier of leading-edge intelligent energy management ICs, today announced an interoperability collaboration with Broadcom Corporation to provide fully integrated support of the emerging PoE (Power over Ethernet) 60 Watt extension.

Broadcom, a global innovator and leader in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications,has a family of PoE PSE (Power Sourcing Equipment) controllers (model BCM59111) that supports the rapidly emerging 60W application requirements.

Akros Silicon is uniquely suited to collaborate with Broadcom to enable seamless 60W PoE connectivity. Akros۪ GreenEdge technology, integrated into a family of PoE system-on-a-chip (SoC) energy management ICs, allows high-speed digital communication across an integrated isolation barrier. This technology provides necessary handshaking and telemetry information with the power source to allow for safe and controlled power transfer, while eliminating optocouplers and their associated complex compensation networks.  The result is significant improvement in reliability, reduced real estate, unmatched efficiency in power conversion and more accurate output-voltage sensing. Additionally, this technology enables significant system-level cost reduction.

“Broadcom۪s PoE solutions are the most flexible and scalable solutions on the market.  The BCM59111 is a highly integrated PSE solution offering world-class thermal performance. The adoption of PoE in the market continues to grow as more devices are connected to the network. Expanding to 60W will allow even more devices to be connected. Broadcom is pleased to continue efforts in the PoE market and offer solutions capable of providing 60 watts,” said Kevin Brown, Vice President and General Manager, PHY, Broadcom Corporation.

“The AS18xx family of GreenEdgeTM energy management SoCs, introduced in 2009, has established itself as a leading solution in PoE applications adopted by major OEMs worldwide,” said Parviz Ghaffaripour, Akros Silicon۪s President & CEO. “The AS1860 is in full production and offers field-proven technology designed to immediately support the 60W requirements. Our flagship digital isolation technology, GreenEdge, allows digital communication, power control and health monitoring across the isolation barrier. These features accommodate flexibility within systems to create robust power management, while eliminating long-term reliability concerns related to optocouplers.”

PoE technology provides DC power from Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) over twisted pair Ethernet cables to Powered Devices (PDs) within enterprise, small business or home networks. The PoE standard has evolved from 13W (IEEE 802.3af) to 30W (IEEE 802.3at) and now the industry is rapidly moving to 60W of power per switch port. This 60W requirement is driven by the need to support applications such as thin clients, monitors, industrial Ethernet, IPTV, building management and lighting control systems, nurse call systems in hospitals, point-of-sale terminals and other higher power applications. The move to 60W PoE will allow deployment of PoE-enabled PDs into new markets while facilitating easier, more energy-efficient power management across the entire enterprise.

About Akros Silicon

Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Akros Silicon provides leading edge, intelligent energy management ICs. Akros۪ disruptive silicon technology makes it possible to integrate multiple ICs, high-voltage isolation and discrete components into a single device, thus enabling electronic OEMs to develop cost-effective and energy-efficient solutions.

Bodos Power Systems: AS14xx, A Visionary Energy Management Architecture for Isolated DC-DC Converters

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A Visionary Energy Management Architecture for Isolated DC-DC Converters – By Parviz Ghaffaripour, CEO & President, Akros Silicon, Sunnyvale, California.

You can read the article in Bodo’s Power Systems magazine by resgistering in their website. The article is in January’ 2011 issue; Page 16-17.

http://www.bodospower.com

Product of the Year: “Isolating pain points brings success” at Electronics Products Magazine

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Excerpt:
Isolating pain points brings success

The Akros AS1854 power SoC is a game changer for PoE-powered devices. This Product of the Year winner is the first to have a 2-kV isolation barrier and integrate the functionality of numerous ICs and passive components into a single package. As with all cutting-edge technology it didn۪t come to fruition without difficulties.

 Read More…

Electronics Innovation Network: New Ethernet Power standard creates hot new applications

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Excerpt:

Remote power management capability to become a new focus of network equipment and network terminal equipment design, and one remote network power management chip is an important driving force. To this end, technology strategy management consulting market Beijing Huaxing IMC Consulting Ltd. analyst in Silicon Valley visited Akros Silicon Co., the company launched the first world’s first IEEE802.3at powered device controller, first with 2kV Isolated PoE power SoC and four output PoE power SoC first with 2kV isolation.

EE Focus China: Network Power Management using new PoE standard

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Excerpt:
To this end, technology strategy management consulting market Beijing Huaxing IMC Consulting Ltd. analyst in Silicon Valley visited Akros Silicon Co., the company launched the first world’s first IEEE802.3at powered device controller, first with 2kV Isolated PoE power SoC and four output PoE power SoC first with 2kV isolation.  Akros Silicon is a provider of innovative power management solutions company, its founders are from National Semiconductor Analog Devices such as large companies. The company is one of the world’s first intelligent network dedicated to designing and delivering the required power management chip…