Linear Technology

Corporation
TimerBlox Overview
Greg Zimmer
Senior Product Marketing Engineer
Signal Conditioning
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New TimerBlox Family

Resistor-Set Universal Integrated Timing Devices

o Innovation Built on Our Successful Silicon Oscillator Technology

o Clocks for Switcher Synchronization & General Clock Applications
o Easy to Use: Programmable with One Resistor
o Solid State: High Shock, Vibration, Temperature
o Accurate
o Low Power
o Small Size
o Fast Startup

o TimerBlox
TimerBlox™
™ Parts: Targeted, Easy to Implement Timing Functions
o Voltage-Controlled Oscillator (VCO)
o Low Frequency Clock
o Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM)
o One-Shot
o Delay

© 2006 Linear Technology

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TimerBlox Applications Examples

o Temperature To Frequency Converter

o Motor Control
o LED Dimming
o Isolation
o Long Interval Timers Temperature to Frequency Converter

Missing Pulse Detector LED Dimming via Direct PWM Control

© 2006 Linear Technology

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What Do TimerBlox Products Replace?

Alternatives Offer Non-optimal Solutions

Microcontroller Limitations
o Software Required
o Complicated
o Development and Maintenance Time and Expense
o Potential Qualification and Reliability Concerns
o Large Footprint

RC
RC--Based Clock (e.g. 555 Timer) Limitations
o Additional Components Required (R’s, C’s, Diodes, Discrete Logic etc.)
o Large Footprint
o Limited Accuracy
o Limited Frequency Choices due to available R & C values
o High Power Consumption

TimerBlox: Simple Design and NO Programming Required

© 2006 Linear Technology
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TimerBlox
Key Specifications

o Programmable Operating Range

from 9.5hr period, up to 2MHz
o 2.25V to 5.5V Single Supply
o Internal Oscillator
o No Crystal
o No Timing Caps
o Output Sources/Sinks ±20mA
o Simple, Easy to Use
o Fast Startup
o 60µA to 250µA
o SOT23 or 2mm x 3mm DFN
o –40°C to 125°C Operation

© 2006 Linear Technology

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TimerBlox Family

5 Basic Timing
Functions

12 Individual
“Set--and-
“Set and-Forget “
Devices

© 2006 Linear Technology

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TimerBlox
Common Features

© 2006 Linear Technology

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TimerBlox
Datasheets

© 2006 Linear Technology

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TimerBlox Support
Wide Range of Tools Ensure Quick & Easy Setup

o Datasheets
o Extensive Collection of Applications
o Simple Step-by-Step Setup Instructions
o Complete Line of Demoboards with Prototype Support
o Comprehensive Circuit Collection: circuits.linear.com/
circuits.linear.com/TimerBlox
TimerBlox
o Complete Set of TimerBlox LTSPICE Models
o TimerBlox Designer Software
o Excel Based Setup Tool
o Selects Exact Part and Resistor Values
o Provides Timing Diagram

© 2006 Linear Technology

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Demonstration Circuit DC1562

Available for all Versions of the TimerBlox Family

Pre--configured Timing Functions

Pre
o Demo Circuit in Center
Easily “Breaks Out”
o Prototype Area
Supports DIP8, S8, MS8 & S6
with Power and Ground Bus

1 Rising Edge Triggered

2 Falling Edge Triggered

© 2006 Linear Technology

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TimerBlox Designer Tool

Quickly Select and Setup any TimerBlox Device

o Quick & Simple

o Provides Specific Part Names
and Resistor Values
o Includes Timing Diagram

© 2006 Linear Technology

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TimerBlox Benefits
o Complete and Simple
o Internal Silicon Oscillator – No Crystal, Ceramic or RC Oscillator
o No Software Programming, Configurable with only 3 Resistors
o Low Voltage and Supply Current for Handheld & Portable Devices
o Operates with 2.25V to 5.5V
o Requires only 60µA to 250µA
o Buffered Output for Opto-
Opto-isolation or Transformer
o ±20mA Output Drive
o Small Package (for small designs)
o ThinSOT™ and 2x3mm DFN package
o Robust Operation
o Specified from –40°C to 125°C

© 2006 Linear Technology