Elantec Semiconductor, Inc., a leader in high-performance analog ICs, introduced a new dual rail-to-rail buffer, the EL5221C. This ultra low power design, available in the tiny SOT23-6 package, is ideal for buffering reference voltage in TFT-LCD applications.

The EL5221C features a bandwidth of 12MHz and a slew-rate of 10V/ms, while operating on just 600mA of supply current. To enable easy placement and layout routing, both inputs are located on one side of the IC, with outputs positioned on the opposite side.

This looks absolutely ideal for buffering in TFT applications, although I was extremely hesitant to include the part here because the data sheet is not on Elantec's web site and a request for a copy was ignored. I presume too that the supply current is not actually 600 mA but an HTML rendition of microamps.

The bandwidth is right, the package is right and the power is right. Should be a winner for the company. As noted the EL5221C is in a SOT-23-6 and is in production priced at $1.51 in 1000-piece lots.

After our deadlines a preliminary data sheet was received from Elantec. This shows a robust design with an output drive current capability for each channel of 30 mA with a realistic load of 10 kilohm and 12 pF. These are the conditions for the -3 dB 12-MHz bandwidth. The part operates from either dual +/-5-V rails or a single 5-V rail. The rails can swing to within 80 mV on the low side and 150 mV on the high side. No phase reversal on the outputs is guaranteed for drive levels up to 0.5 V beyond the rails. I particlulaly like the 80-dB power-supply rejection ratio and the 75-dB channel separation at 5 MHz.