STMicroelectronics has created a 64-channel 200V analogue switch IC for ultrasound systems, probes, piezoelectric drivers, automated test equipment, industrial automation, and process-control systems.

The firm combined its own BCD6s-SOI (silicon-on-insulator) and BCD8s SOI processes to get precise bipolar analogue as well as low-voltage CMOS logic and DMOS power stages on the same chip – it can work with +/-100V, 0 to 200V, or -200V to 0V.

Inside are a shift register for logic control signals, self-biased high-voltage mosfet gate drivers, and N-channel MOSFET switches capable of providing up to ±3A peak output current.

Switches turn-on in 1.5µs and data can be shifted at 20MHz.

STHV64SW has already been designed into equipment such as ultrasonic flaw detectors for industrial non-destructive testing and portable handheld medical echography devices “that are raising standards of pre-natal care available to remote and rural communities”, claimed ST.

Protections include thermal shut-own and under-voltage lock-out.

It comes in a FCBGA-196 package. The recently announced STHV1600 also comes in a FCBGA.

Little more has been revealed – the data brief describes itself perfectly.