Smallest and fast charge-time flash capacitor chargers with output short- and open-circuit protection
(Technology News, 14 May 2008 )
Maxim Integrated Products has introduced the MAX8685 series of xenon photoflash capacitor chargers with an integrated switching FET, IGBT driver, and output short- and open-circuit protection. The MAX8685F has the fastest charge time of the series and integrates a voltage monitor. The MAX8685C/MAX8685D are the industry's smallest xenon photoflash capacitor chargers that include an integrated switching FET and IGBT driver. Due to fast charge time and small size, the various versions of the MAX8685 are ideal for compact and single-lens reflex (SLR) digital still cameras (DSCs), film cameras, cell phone cameras, web cameras, or personal media players.
Having a programmable current limit of up to 2.6A, the MAX8685F can charge a 100 microfarad capacitor to 300V in 2s, which is 20% faster than the competition. Its resistor-programmable current limit allows for one version of the part to be used across a platform requiring various current-limit settings. The MAX8685F provides a scaled replica of the output voltage to a microprocessor to assist in implementing red-eye reduction. An additional input voltage monitoring feature provides added flexibility by automatically reducing the current limit at low battery voltages for the fastest charge rate under any battery conditions.
Other MAX8685 competitive advantages include an autorefresh mode, no inrush current, short-circuit protection, open-capacitor protection, and a robust architecture that allows the use of low-cost transformers. This high level of integration makes the MAX8685 devices a series of very versatile, low-solution-cost photoflash chargers.
The MAX8685F is available in a tiny 3mm x 3mm, 14-pin TDFN package. The MAX8685C and MAX8685D, which do not include a voltage monitor or input-voltage monitoring, are available in a 2mm x 3mm, 8-pin TDFN package. All versions of the MAX8685 are screened for the extended industrial temperature range (-40 degrees Celsius to +85 degrees Celsius).
