austriamicrosystems introduces the AS1115, an LED driver with front-panel activity control

The AS1115 drives 64 LEDs individually, allowing the read-back of 16-keys, it
also provides detailed error diagnostics, making it the perfect single chip user
interface solution
UNTERPREMSTAETTEN, Austria--(Business Wire)--
austriamicrosystems (SIX:AMS), a leading global designer and manufacturer of
high performance analog ICs for communications, industrial, medical and
automotive applications, expands its comprehensive LED driver portfolio with the
AS1115, an easy to use user interface (UI) LED driver. The AS1115 combines
display driving and key scanning providing a complete front panel solution which
eliminates the use of secondary uP or other logics plus discrete devices,
reducing BOM count and cost.

The AS1115 can drive either eight 7-segment digits or 64 individual LEDs with
47mA per digit or 5mA per LED. An external resistor can easily adjust the
current. With an excellent accuracy of +/-3%, the AS1115 improves picture
quality for LED displays, this is due to minimised intensity variations between
the LEDs and LED modules. For either global digital brightness control, or
separate dimming, of each single digit a 4-bit PWM is implemented. Additionally
the AS1115 offers the read back of up to 16-keys completing the single chip UI
solution.

A unique feature of austriamicrosystems` AS1115 is the built-in LED error
detection. Simple and intuitive to use, the user-friendly software interface
allows the error diagnostics to be easily accessed during normal operation. This
solution can detect any open- or short-circuit within the multiplexed 8x8 LED
array, and a detailed error report can be read out with the exact position of
the broken LED, this is especially helpful to reduce test time during
production.

"Due to the extremely competitive market, today`s consumer electronics or home
appliance producers are under constant pressure to reduce costs. Most user
interfaces demand a display to show information and buttons to interact with.
Additionally, LED error detection is a very important factor to reduce test,
production and maintenance cost," said Bruce Ulrich, Director Marketing Standard
Linear at austriamicrosystems. "The AS1115 addresses all these needs and helps
designers achieve a more efficient, more simplified design, for front panels,
such as those found on set-top boxes, DVD players, washing machines, dryers and
microwave ovens."

The AS1115 operates from a single 2.7V to 5.5V supply while requiring the lowest
supply current of 0.6mA during operation and 200nA in shutdown mode. The AS1115
interfaces via I2C and up to four devices can be addressed on a single I2C bus.

The AS1115 is suitable for operating environments ranging from -40 to +85°C and
requires a minimum of external components reducing system costs to a minimum.
Optimised for easy handling the AS1115 comes in a QSOP 24-pin package. For space
sensitive applications a TQFN(4x4)-24 package is also available. For product
specific information, to download data sheets or to request free samples from
austriamicrosystems' online shop ICdirect, please visit
www.austriamicrosystems.com/LED-Driver/AS1115.

About austriamicrosystems

austriamicrosystems is a leading designer and manufacturer of high performance
analog ICs, combining more than 27 years of analog design capabilities and
system know-how with its own state-of-the-art manufacturing and test facilities.
austriamicrosystems leverages its expertise in low power and high accuracy to
provide industry-leading customized and standard analog products. Operating
worldwide with more than 1,000 employees, austriamicrosystems focuses on the
areas of power management, sensors & sensor interfaces and mobile infotainment
in its markets Communications, Industry & Medical and Automotive, complemented
by its Full Service Foundry activities. austriamicrosystems is listed on the SIX
Swiss Exchange in Zurich (ticker symbol: AMS).

austriamicrosystems
Ulrike Anderwald, Media Relations
phone: +43 (0) 3136 500 5856
press@austriamicrosystems.com
www.austriamicrosystems.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009