SCIENCE

ON Semiconductor has introduced the NCN1188, the industry's first 3:1 high speed USB switch with the capacity to support the new Mobile High Definition Link (MHL) interface standard for High Definition (HD) video and digital audio.

Through its integrated MHL support, the switch enables smartphones and other portable consumer electronics to connect with HD televisions, for high speed content sharing. Two dedicated high-speed data paths can handle HD video transfer up to 720 progressive scan at 60 frames per second (fps) and 1080 interlaced at 30 fps. A multi-purpose audio path, with true-ground capability down to -2 volts (V), supporting generic micro-USB headsets, is also included, making this the first audio capable MHL switch to enter the market.

"The continued convergence of consumer electronics and home entertainment devices drives the need for fast and intuitive connectivity," said Simon Keeton, vice president for consumer products at ON Semiconductor. "The NCN1188 meets this demand, setting new performance benchmarks, increasing speeds, lowering device capacitance and offering 3:1 switching functionality. By specifying the NCN1188, OEMs of next generation cell phones, digital cameras and tablets will be able to offer their customers new levels of media-rich connectivity."

Utilizing the NCN1188 device allows modern portable equipment to share a single Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 or USB 3.0 receptacle for transmitting and receiving paired signals from up to three separate locations. Each of these three differential channels is fully compliant with the USB 2.0 (high speed), USB 1.1 (full speed) and USB 1.0 (low speed) standards, as well as any generic universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART) protocol.

Drawing a current of just 23 microamperes (uA), the NCN1188, with an operating voltage range of 2.7 V to 5.5 V, can be supplied from a single Li-Ion battery or any protected 5 V rail. Its typical on capacitance (CON) is just 4.5 picoFarad (pF) and its typical off capacitance (COFF) is only 3 pF. It has a -40 to 125 a deg C operating junction temperature range.

Packaging and Pricing

The NCN1188 is offered in a 12-pin, ultra low profile, Pb-free, 2.0 mm x 1.7 mm x 0.5 mm UQFN package and priced at $0.45 per unit in 10,000 unit quantities.