Micrel, a manufacturer of analog and high-speed mixed communication systems as well as LAN, timing and communications solutions, has introduced the MIC4414/15, two low-side MOSFET drivers.

“Our customers need optimal efficiency at every level," Brian Hedayati, marketing vice president for the analog division at Micrel, said in a statement. "These new low-side MOSFET drivers deliver, starting with what may be the smallest package available -- a 4-pin Thin QFN package. To this we've added a sufficiently wide supply voltage range that addresses 5V, 12V and 15V power buses, high drive current capability, faster MOSFET switching speeds and lower thermal resistance -- all to allow faster frequency of operation. We've even provided both a non-inverting (MIC4414) and an inverting (MIC4415) version of the driver to eliminate the need for extra components."

Applications for the drivers include switch mode power supplies, solenoid drivers and motor drivers. The drivers are currently available in volume at $0.43 for 1,000 devices. Samples can also be ordered online.

The series has a four-pin 1.2mm x 1.2mm thin QFN package and a 4.5 to 18V operating supply voltage range. It can handle voltages of up to 1.5 amps at both source and sink with 3.5 ohms of resistance at 18 volts and nine ohms of resistance at five volts.

While operating at a steady-state current, the device has an input low of 77 milliamps and a high of 445 milliamps. It can switch a 1000pf load in 12 nanoseconds. The maximum operating temperature is -40 degrees Celsius and the maximum is 125 degrees Celsius.

Additionally, Micrel has introduced a pair of AEC-Q100 qualified linear voltage regulators, as well as a new PLL clock generator.

"Following through with Micrel's strategy to expand our Clock and Timing products with high performance and flexible products, we are excited to announce the Clockworks FLEX2 family,” added Rami Kamana.