STMicroelectronics breaks through LED Camera Flash Limitations
An IC from STMicroelectronics is said to enable compact digital cameras and camera phones to satisfy demands for increased power from the built-in flash unit while supporting more sophisticated user controls.
ST's new chip, the STCF04, is an integrated camera flash and torch controller that raises the maximum power of an LED flash module from a few Watts, to over 40 Watts. The new device also provides extra flash and torch brightness controls, with eight user-selectable levels for the flash and 12 for the torch, as well as a light-sensor input. Flash and torch safety timers, temperature sensing and short-circuit protection features are also built in.
The STCF04 is used in a unique configuration combining a super capacitor, a discrete high-current MOSFET switch and high-power white LEDs. The discrete MOSFET is the key to the STCF04's power advantage over other controllers that usually integrate a MOSFET of lower rating on the chip.
For More Details See
www.varindia.com