Micrel, Inc.

introduced the MIC2873/MIC2874, an ultra-compact, camera flash LED driver that

integrates a 1.2A boost converter and LED driver circuit into a small 9 pin, 1.3mm by 1.3mm chip
scale package. Operating from 2.7V to 5.5V and featuring up to 92 percent efficiency, these
solutions are ideally suited for Li-Ion battery operated portable applications such as phone
cameras, tablet computers, handset video equipment, and digital cameras. High switching
frequencies (2MHz for the MIC2873 and 4MHz for the MIC2874) allow for the use of a miniature
size chip inductor and small input/output capacitors, thereby reducing the total power footprint to
a solution size to less than 10mm squared. In addition, these devices can operate in either a
flash or torch mode with the ability to provide a boost or linear output using a single wire
communication interface or through external pins. The MIC2873/MIC2874 are available in
volume with 1,000 quantities pricing starting at $0.26/$0.30 respectively.

Micrels new generation of high brightness Flash LED drivers address the growing market of
tablets and mobile phones by reducing solution size for LED flash applications with a 40 percent
reduction in package size.
We are excited to offer a leading edge 4 MHz switching frequency camera flash solution to our
customers. These highly differentiated products are ideal for smart phones or tablet applications
where the board space is premium, stated Brian Hedayati, vice president of marketing for high
performance linear and power solutions at Micrel. The MIC2873/MIC2874 high efficiency and low
standby current also help to increase battery life especially when operating as video flash or
when in torch mode.
These parts are fully protected against overvoltage and overcurrent conditions with a
configurable time-out feature. In addition, these ICs provide LED short circuit detection and a true
load disconnect feature for best system reliability. The MIC2873/MIC2874 devices are fully
specified with an ambient temperature range from -40 deg C to 85 deg C.