Wolfson's PMIC Powers Nvidia's Tegra 2 Mobile Processor

UK’s analog and mixed-signal semiconductor supplier Wolfson Microelectronics plc has announced in a press release that its highest current monolithic power management IC (PMIC) WM8325 has been selected by Nvidia to power the dual-core Tegra 2 mobile processor chip.

According to Wolfson Microelectonics, with Tegra 2, Nvidia is unleashing the next wave of super phones and tablets that deliver unprecedented multimedia experiences. Tegra 2 brings extreme multi-tasking with the first mobile dual-core CPU, the best web experience with up to two times faster browsing, hardware accelerated Flash, and console-quality gaming with a GeForce GPU.

The manufacturer said that WM8325 delivers a cost effective, flexible power management solution, for portable multimedia applications including smartbooks, tablet computers, e-books, media players and smartphones. It features four programmable DC-DC converters, including one which is capable of delivering up to 2.5 A and eleven LDO regulators, four of which are low-noise for supplying sensitive analog subsystems. Its optimized QFN package is designed to improve thermal performance and reduce parasitic components, enabling low cost four-layer printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing, Wolfson added.

In a company statement, Jess Brown, Wolfson’s Product Line Manager for Power Management, said, “We are delighted that Nvidia has selected the WM8325 for its highly innovative Tegra 2 processor. This announcement is testament to the strength of the WM8325, which delivers class-leading power management technology to next generation multimedia processors.”

Wolfson claims that WM8325 improves battery life by up to 10 percent against leading competitors, and enables the use of smaller and lower cost external components. Also, programmability of the device will lead to lower cost of ownership, since the device can be re-used in multiple applications and also supports the next generation of Nvidia  processors, the manufacturer stated.

In another company statement, Michael Rayfield, General Manager of Mobile Business at Nvidia commented, “Wolfson provides exceptional power management solutions. Teaming their WM8325 product with Tegra 2 helps our partners optimize power and get their super phone or tablet to market faster.”

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