STMicroelectronics has introduced an ultra-thin package for power control devices used in handheld applications such as mobile phones, PDAs and notebooks. The new STmite package has a maximum thickness of 1.15mm. Its footprint is half that of an SMA package and yet it has the same low thermal resistance. A clip is used for the connection to the die, ensuring the device can handle high peak currents. The package has been registered under the JEDEC standard DO-216AA. The first parts to benefit from the package are a range of Schottky diodes and a 200W transient voltage suppressor. The Schottky diodes in STmite are intended to be used in battery chargers, DC-DC converters and auxiliary power supplies while the transient voltage suppressors in this package are designed to protect sensitive ICs from over-voltages in a wide range of applications where space is at a premium. The Schottky diode family in STmite (STPSxxxM) uses a new metal barrier technology to create devices with key electrical parameters (reverse voltage, forward voltage, leakage current, nominal current) optimized for the following applications.

• The STPS120M is a 1A/20V Schottky diode with a very low leakage current (850ıA at 20V). It is designed for use in battery chargers to avoid NiMH or Li-Ion battery discharge through the MOSFET body diode.

• The STPS1L20M is a 1A/20V Schottky diode with a low forward voltage that makes it ideal for high efficiency rectification in DC-DC converters.

• The STPS1L30M is a 1A/ 30V Schottky diode with a very low forward voltage. It has been designed to protect power-management ICs against reverse polarity. In normal conditions, the diode does not conduct. Should the charger voltage be reversed the diode conducts, protecting the power management IC from high negative voltages.

• The STPS140M is a 1A/40V Schottky diode for low-voltage secondary rectification in battery chargers or auxiliary power supplies.

• The SM2T transient voltage suppressor series has an extremely short response time (typically a few nanoseconds) that helps it absorb high-energy and short-duration transients created by electrostatic discharge and electrical over-stress.

• The SM2T series is specified for 200W peak pulse power in 10/1000ıs wave (1000W, 8/20ıs pulse). The series is available with stand-off voltages from 5.0V to 24V.

As today's mobile phones, PDAs, and notebooks get slimmer and more compact, the demand for compact and low-profile components and packages continues to rise. In particular, the power circuitry needs to get more compact and lower in profile. This requires compact and slim power packages with sufficient thermal handling capability. A new slim package design from STMicroelectronics, the STmite, offers an ultra-thin power package with a maximum thickness of 1.15mm and a footprint that is half that of an SMA package with the same low thermal resistance. Initially, STMicroelectronics is offering a line of Schottky diodes and TVS devices in the new STmite package and my soon offer other power devices in the new package.