ST’s new chip to deliver floodlight-strength flash power for digital cameras and camera phones


An innovative IC from STMicroelectronics will 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, typical of today’s designs, to over 40 Watts, producing the brightness equivalent to an outdoor security floodlight. 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, and is ideal for use in emergency high-intensity flashing lights as well as camera and cameraphone applications. Available in the 25-bump 3 x 3mm TFBGA package, the STCF04 is currently sampling. Full production is planned at the end of Q1 2012 priced at $2.00 for orders of 1000 pieces.

See also  Leica Sport Optics offers a new Travel Package for 3,045.00 €