Visit us at the following 2008 tradeshows

Light Emitting Diodes 2008

Sept. 29-Oct. 1
show info

Convergence 2008

Oct. 20-22, Detroit MI
show info

Featured Product

>1ch Built-in FET Step-down Switching Regulator (BD9870FPS)
>ROHM Printheads
>ROHM Switching Regulators

ROHM Electronics in the Media

>Future Electronics- ROHM
Latch Type Hall ICs for Switchless Dial Applications

2007 - 2008 | 2006 | 2004 | 2003 and Earlier

Press Release

08.01.05
Step-Free Structure Thermal Printheads for High Speed Printing Applications

ROHM Co., Ltd. has completed development of the SH3002-DC70A (2” model) and SH3004-DC70A (4” model) thin-film thermal printheads, which feature an original ultra hard protection film and proprietary Step-Free structure (eliminates step between the heat element and electrode), resulting in increased energy efficiency, reduced scratching and improved anti-corrosion capabilities. These features enable clearer image quality and higher reliability even during continuous printing at high speeds (300mm/s at 300dpi). If used with a history control, 500mm/s at 300dpi is possible. In addition, the operating life is greatly increased (150km or 1 ½ times that of conventional products) and the unique near-edge structure allows for uniform, accurate printing, even on thick media.

Applications
Barcode printers, label printers, packaging printers, ATMs, ticket printers, POS, scale printer

Series Features:

• Longer operating life even at high speed printing (300mm/s at 300dpi)
• If used with a history control, 500mm/s at 300dpi can be achieved
• The innovative step-free design and original ultra hard protection film improves the anti-corrosion characteristics of the electrode, decreases scratching problems cause by foreign particles and increases the heat transfer characteristics
• The near-edge structure ensures uniform, accurate printing—even on thick media
• Allows use of resin type ribbons
• Available in two sizes—2 inches and 4 inches

Press Release

07.25.05
Lawsuit against Aimtron on Counterfeit Product

ROHM Co., Ltd. has filed a complaint with the Taiwan High Court on the grounds that Aimtron Technology Corporation (Head office: Taipei, Taiwan) manufactured and distributed products imitating ROHM’s motor driver LSI “BA5954.”

ROHM is pleased to announce that the Taiwan High Court ruled in their favor, ordering Aimtron Technology Corporation to conduct provisional disposition of the production and distribution of their counterfeit product.

This is an outstanding achievement for a Japanese company—gaining a provisional disposition order on a lawsuit against a local manufacturer in Taiwan.
ROHM expects this judgment to be major progress in the protection of the intellectual property rights of Japanese semiconductor manufacturers.

Development competition between semiconductor manufacturers has intensified in recent years. Fostering a sound market by protecting intellectual property rights of LSI and other semiconductor manufacturers has become a very important issue.

ROHM has more than 2,000 engineers for research and development in order to develop semiconductors and electronic components including high-value-added custom LSI which exceed customers’ expectations. With large-scale investment on research and development, the company has focused its efforts on developing new products and technologies.
The company’s original development technologies and LSI circuit assets are indispensable to making profit.

ROHM will continue to take severe measures against counterfeit product manufacturers.

Details of the lawsuit
September, 2002
ROHM sent a letter of warning to Aimtron regarding counterfeit version of “BA6932”

October, 2002
ROHM negotiated with Aimtron. Aimtron made a promise to stop manufacturing and distributing the counterfeit product.

June, 2003
ROHM discovered that Aimtron continued to manufacture and distribute the counterfeit product— ROHM’s “BA5954”

April, 2004
ROHM filed a complaint with the Hsinchu District Court.

June, 2004
Aimtron proposed reconciliation.. ROHM requested immediate cease of manufacturing and distributing of the counterfeit product.

October, 2004
ROHM submitted a letter to five of Aimtron’s customers requesting their cooperation in not purchasing the counterfeit products and has visited three of these customers since.

Press Release

07.01.05
Celestica Recognizes ROHM with Second-year Global Supplier Award

San Diego, CA. - For the second consecutive year, ROHM has received the Partners in Performance award from Celestica, a world leader in electronics manufacturing services (EMS). ROHM’s contribution to Celestica in 2004 was the foundation of this recognition.

“ROHM intends to contribute to the rapid advancement in the global market by supplying high quality products,” said Ken Sykes, Senior Vice President, ROHM Electronics. “Celestica’s Partners in Performance award has validated ROHM’s business philosophy of customer and quality first.”

Celestica’s Partners in Performance awards are given annually to the company’s suppliers in recognition of their excellence in customer service and support of Celestica’s global supply chain. This year’s Partner’s in Performance winners demonstrated a level of responsiveness, flexibility and customer service that positively impacted Celestica’s business and, in turn, the businesses of its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers.

“Celestica’s success in the electronics manufacturing services industry hinges on our ability to execute seamless supply chain management on a global scale,” said John Boucher, Chief Supply Chain and Procurement Officer, Celestica. “We are pleased to recognize ROHM with a second-year Partners in Performance award and we thank them for enabling our continued success.”

ROHM supplied Celestica with a wide array of semiconductors including discretes, passives, LSI and other electronic components.

About ROHM

ROHM is the industry leader in system LSI, discrete components and module products, utilizing the latest in semiconductor technology. ROHM's proprietary production system, which includes some of the most advanced automation technology, is a major factor in keeping it at the forefront of the electronic component manufacturing industry. In addition to its development of electronic components, ROHM has also developed its own production system so that it can focus on specific aspects of customized product development. ROHM employs highly skilled engineers with expertise in all aspects of design, development and production. This allows ROHM the flexibility to take on a wide range of applications and projects and the capability to serve valuable clients such as Celestica.

Press Release

05.12.05
High-precision Thin-film Chip Resistors: MHR03

ROHM has introduced a new line of high accuracy ±0.5% thin-film chip resistors. MHR03 utilizes thin film technology, which provides a stable temperature coefficient and guards against low-current noise. ROHM’s unique resistive material is more robust against adverse environmental conditions (in comparison with conventional NiCr). Higher reliability is ensured with the use of tantalum (Ta) as an anti-corrosive material in place of nickel (Ni).

The compactness of the resistor package allows it to be used in voltage driving circuits or mounted in a variety of applications such as mobile phones, cameras, automobiles, laptops and PCs. (External dimensions: 1.6mm x 0.3mm x 0.8mm)

These new resistors have a voltage rating of 50V, a power rating of 1/16W and an operating temperature range of -55º to +125ºC.

Applications:

• Mobile phones
• Cameras
• Automobiles
• Laptops
• PCs

Press Release

05.01.05
System LED Drivers deliver 8kV ESD protection in ultra-small packages

ROHM’s BD6061GUT and BD6063HFN system LED drivers is ideal for the backlight LEDs used in compact LCDs in mobile equipment such as PDAs, DSCs, DVCs and can also be used as supplementary light as a flash in mobile phone cameras.
With the need to reduce the number of parts in mobile phones for more compact end products, ROHM has developed the BD6061GUT and BD6063HFN in CSP and HSON packages, respectively.
ROHM recently developed a synchronous rectification system—a system that carries out the rectification required in switching DC/DC using a PMOS transistor instead of a Schottky barrier diode— that reduces the number of external parts from 5 to 4.

BD6061GUT saves board space by 65%, while BD6063HFN saves 93%.

Applications:

This IC is ideal for PDAs, DSCs, DVCs, mobile phones and supplementary light for mobile phone camera flash.
Series Features: BD6061GUT and BD6063HFN

Compact package contributes to space-saving.

The onboard functions, like LED lighting and brightness adjustment, are simple and allow a broad range of applications in all types of compact, mobile equipment.

The element configuration and circuits has increased electrostatic resistance to 8kV for high reliability.

The synchronous rectification system eliminates the need for an external Schottky barrier diode.

With two package types, CSP (BD6061GUT) and HSON (BD6063HFN). PCB and flexible substrates are both available.

Press Release

03.28.05
System Power ICs for CCD Camera in Mobile Phones

ROHM’s BD6023AGU and BD6025GU series system power supply ICs for integrated CCD sensor in mobile phones and a display LED driver into a single chip. A chopper-scheme voltage booster circuit in the power source allows it to respond to an increased load current caused by increasing pixels. Both series balance high performance and low power consumption and are offered in a compact VCSP85H5 (5.5mm x 5.5mm) package. In comparison with existing technology, the VCSP85H5 package is 36% smaller. Using this IC results in a reduction in the number of internal components in the mobile phone by 52%.

Applications: Mobile phones

Series Specifications and Features:

Part Number	BD6023AGU	BD6025GU
CCD Plus voltage	Switchover between 15V/13V enabled	Switchover between 15V/13V/12V enabled
CCD Minus voltage	Switchover between -8V/-7.5V/-7V enabled	Switchover between -8V/-7.5V/-7V enabled
DSP I/O Voltage	Switchover between 3.0V/3.1V enabled	Switchover between 3.0V/3.1V enabled
DSP Core Voltage	Switchover between 2.5V/1.8V enabled	Switchover between 1.2V/1.8V enabled
Backlight LED Driver	3 Ch (max 30mA/Ch)	2 Ch (max 30mA/Ch)
RGB or Flash LED Driver	3 Ch (max 150mA/Ch) Maximum of 450mA current drive	3 Ch (max 150mA/Ch) Maximum of 450mA current drive
Package	VCSP85H5 (5.5mm × 5.5mm) Compact size chip package (Actual package size is 36% smaller than existing technology and its usage reduces the number of internal components required by 52%.)	VCSP85H5 (5.5mm × 5.5mm) Compact size chip package
Features	• Compatible with high-pixel CCD cameras with 2M pixels or more. • Offers multiple output power levels, thereby accommodating various CCD cameras. • CCD power supply (4 channels) • Fixed current driver for focus • White LED driver for main LCD backlight • White LED driver for sub LCD backlight • RGB LED driver that can also be used for flash	• CCD power supply (4 channels) • Offers multiple output power levels, thereby accommodating various CCD cameras • White LED driver for main LCD backlight • White LED driver for sub LCD backlight • RGB LED driver that can also be used for flash

Press Release

03.28.05
2-Channel H-Bridge Motor Driver IC

The BD6735FV is a 2-channel H-bridge motor driver IC for DSC or DVS lens drivers in digital cameras. The BD6735FV utilizes a Bi-CDMOS process which reduces circuit current/standby current by a significant margin (up to 33% according to ROHM studies). The unit also allows free switch-over between the DC motor and the stepping motor for use in various applications such as in AV devices, PC accessories and amusement equipment.

Applications

DC/stepping motors, digital cameras, printers.

Features

• Switch-over between DC motor/stepping motor (each motor can operate in forward, reverse, brake, idle or PWM stepping operation mode)
• Two circuit built-in low ON resistance DMOS drive H-bridge driver
• Circuit current of 0.5mA to 4mA and a standby current of 1µA (Max), achieving low power consumption
• Wide operating voltage range (2V to 8V)
• Power-save, thermal shutdown and undervoltage protection

Series Specifications

Parameter	Symbol	Min.	Typ.	Max.	Unit
Supply Voltage VCC	VCC	2.0	5.0	8.0	V
Supply Voltage VM	VM	2.0	5.0	8.0	V

Electrical Characteristics (Ta = 25°C, Vcc = 5V, VM = 5V unless otherwise specified)

Parameter	Symbol	Min.	Typ.	Max.	Unit	Conditions
Circuit current at Standby	ICCST	-	0	1.0	µA	PS = 0 V
Circuit current in operation	ICC	0.5	2.0	4.0	mA	PS = Hi, Control Input = 100kHz
Output ON Resistance	RON	-	1.0	1.35	ohm	Io = ±700mA, Sum of Min. and Max.
PS Terminal H Level Input Voltage	VPSH	2.0	-	VCC	V
PS Terminal L Level Input Voltage	VPSL	-0.3	-	0.5	V
Control Input Terminal H Level Input Voltage	VINH	2.0	-	VCC	V
Control Input Terminal L Level Input Voltage	VINL	-0.3	-	0.7	V
Control Input Terminal Hysteresis Width	VINHYS	50	100	200	mV

Press Release

02.25.05
BHxxMA3W CMOS LDO Regulators: 300mA output current with extremely low dropout voltage

ROHM’s BHxxMA3W series are highly efficient, high performance CMOS LDO regulators. With an extremely low dropout voltage (0.06V), a high ripple rejection ratio (60db at 1 kHz), and an output voltage accuracy of ±1%, this CMOS regulator provides high performance and low power consumption for portable applications/designs.
The BHxxMA3W series include leading edge technologies that can respond to high speed load fluctuations and is extremely reliable in any environment, with built-in over-current and temperature protection circuits and an electrostatic voltage resistance of 6kV.
This series of regulators is offered in a 6-pin HVSOF package.

Applications:
PDAs, handheld PCs and other portable devices requiring highly efficient, precise regulators that can maximize system run time while minimizing size and weight.
Series Features:
Maximum 300mA output current

• 6kV electrostatic voltage resistance
• Extremely low dropout voltage (0.06V)
• Highly precise output voltage (±1%)
• High ripple rejection ratio (60dB at f=1kHz)
• Low quiescent current (65µA typical)
• Built-in over-current protection circuit
• Built-in temperature protection circuit
• Compact HVSOF6 package

Press Release

02.22.05
Steady white high bright LED backlights for portable applications

San Diego, CA- ROHM’s BD6157GLS is a new low-power LED driver IC that requires minimal space by offering a solution that reduces the number of components in portable applications.

This IC has the ability to drive up to four white LEDs in a serial configuration. Serial driver configurations are popular in portable and battery-powered applications because it ensures the same level of brightness in multiple LEDs when illuminated. The BD6157GLS provides a variable, four-step brightness control.

The BD6157GLS integrates drive and control functionality including a step-up DC/DC converter, a 30V switching transistor, and a built-in over-voltage (OVP) and over-current protection (OCP) circuit.

The BD6157GLS has an ultra small package size (FLGA12V3) and operates under a supply voltage of between 2.8V and 5.5V, and has a minimum power dissipation of 170mW. The operating temperature range is from -30°C to 85°C.

Applications: This IC is ideal for mobile phones, DSCs and PDAs.

Series Features:

• Built-in step-up DC/DC converter to drive white LED
• Built-in 30V switching transistor
• 4-step white LED brightness control
• Built-in over-voltage protection circuit
• Built-in over-current protection circuit

Press Release

02.22.05
White LED Driver IC in a Compact Package

San Diego, CA - ROHM’s BD6155FVM white LED driver IC merges an integrated boost charge pump with a 4-step constant current LED driver circuit, minimizing the need for discrete drivers and step-up circuitry. The component operates from voltages as low as 2.9V and can be used to step up portable device battery voltages to deliver an output of 5.6V (typical). This miniature IC simplifies the design of mobile products requiring full color backlights by delivering high voltages and driving functionality.
The BD6155FVM is supplied in an ultra-small MSOP8 package and has a typical power dissipation of 350mW. The operating temperature range is from -25 to 75°C.

Applications: This IC is ideal for mobile phones, PHS, PDAs, and other battery-powered equipment that use white LEDs.

Series Features:

• Built-in charge pump step-up circuit
• Built-in 4-step constant current LED driver circuit
• 5.6V output (typical)
• Ultra-small MSOP8 package

Press Release

02.22.05
LED driver combines LED management and camera flash capabilities

San Diego, CA- ROHM’s new BH6048GLU/KN is the first integrated LED driver that combines the ability to drive red, green, blue and white LED outputs while providing a high brightness LED output which can also be used as a camera flash.
This RGB LED driver manages multiple LEDs in mobile phone applications in a single chip. The built-in flash mode allows the use of LEDs to provide flash illumination for pictures taken with mobile phone cameras.
BH6048GLU/KN IC combines a high current output PWM controller, DC/DC converter and a three-channel current driver with the ability to drive 6 white LEDs. The LED lighting is synchronized (with melody) by the ON/OFF control pin (T1-3CNT).
The supply voltage for the device is specified as 3.0 - 4.5V. A two-wire serial I2C interface supports FAST mode and facilitates connection to a host controller.
The BH6048KN comes in a compact QFN28 package. For applications where saving board space is imperative to the design, the BH6048GLU has a smaller footprint (FLGA25R1) requiring 30% of the board space of the BH6048KN.

Applications: This IC is ideal for mobile phones.

Series Features:

• Built-in DC/DC converter to drive RGB/white LED for backlighting
• The 3-channel large current LED driver can be used as a camera flash
  Flash drive: 75-150mA in 25mA step
  Illumination drive: 1.5-24mA in 1.5mA step
• The 3 channel LED driver can drive 6 white LEDs
• LED lighting synchronized with melody by the ON/OFF control pin (T1-3CNT)
• Power supply voltage: 3.0-4.5V
• LED current can be configured between 1.25 mA and 23.0 mA (in increments of approximately 1.4 mA)
• Current settings can be set between 75 mA and 150 mA in 25 mA steps for flash driver output
• Compact packages
  BH6048GLU: FLGA25R1
  BH6048KN: VQFN28

Press Release

01.17.05
Ultra Low Quiescent, 30µA CMOS LDO Regulators

ROHM’s BD393xFP/HFP and BD394xFP/HFP/T series are high performance CMOS LDO regulators. The ceramic output capacitor (0.1µF) achieves an outstanding output voltage accuracy of 2%, a maximum output current of 500mA and allows for a lower cost solution when compared to our competitors.

ROHM is the first in the industry to adopt CMOS output in regulators for automotive applications. Using this CMOS process output allows this part to achieve an ultra-low quiescent current of 30µA.

Both the BD393xFP/HFP and BD394xFP/HFP/T series offer full protection circuits that include over current protection (OCP), over voltage protection (OVP), short circuit protection (SCP) and thermal shutdown protection (TSD) while the BD393x/FP/HFP includes reverse polarity protection and an inflow current limit of 5µA (from Vout to Vcc). To acknowledge the automotive temperature requirements, these parts withstand a -40 to 125°C. This series of regulators are offered in TO220-3, TO252-3 and HRP-5 packages.

Press Release

01.17.05
High Speed DC/DC Switching Regulator Controller in Small Packages

ROHM’s BD9851EFV is a 2-channel, high-speed DC/DC switching regulator controller. Switching of step-down and step-up for channel 1 can be managed by external setup. Channel 2 is available for step-down and inverted/negative output voltage, suitable for various applications. This IC is available in 3MHz switching frequency, utilizes high-speed driver technology and provides high power configuration in small packages.

Applications:These devices are suitable for TFT panels, TA/routers and digital household appliances.

Features:

• 2 built-in channels for switching step-down/step-up and step-down/inverting
• FET (Nch/Pch) direct drive
• 3MHz switching frequency available (variable externally)
• Power package of HTSSOP-B20
• Built-in standby function
• External C load synchronization