The Industry's Smallest Transistors Reduce Footprint By 50%: Low ON resistance contributes to greater performance and the increased miniaturization of smartphones, wearable devices, and more

SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- ROHM Semiconductor has recently announced the release of the smallest transistors in the industry. The VML0604 package (0.6mm x 0.4mm, t = 0.36mm) reduces board space by 50% compared with alternative offerings, making it ideal for smartphones and other devices requiring smaller, thinner form factors.

In recent years the consumer electronics market, which includes smartphones and wearable devices, has driven the trend towards greater compactness and functionality, increasing the demand for smaller, thinner components.

And for transistors in particular, in addition to technical challenges such as bonding stability and package processing accuracy, it has been especially difficult to decrease transistor size, resulting in higher ON resistances and maximum voltages in the 20V range. ROHM, however, was able to successfully reduce package size and ON resistance while improving voltage resistance up to 60V, providing breakthrough performance and reliability.

Key Features

1.Industry-small form factor significantly reduces mounting area
New high precision package and transistor processes, combined with internal structure optimization, have allowed ROHM to successfully develop the smallest transistor package in the industry, the VML0604, measuring just 0.6mm x 0.4mm x 0.36mm. As a result, mounting area is reduced 50%, making it ideal for high density applications in portable devices of all types.
This new package will be expanded to small-signal MOSFETs, contributing to increased space-savings in a variety of offerings.

2.Precise 0.2mm terminal spacing improves mountability
As devices become smaller substrate mounting becomes increasingly difficult. In response, ROHM has maintained a 0.2mm terminal gap that facilitates mounting using existing equipment.

3. Ultra-low ON resistance in the world's smallest form factor
Decreasing package dimensions places a limit on element size. As the transistor size decreases, ON resistance increases dramatically, making it difficult to maintain the performance of conventional small-signal transistors.
However, adopting a new process makes it possible to develop ultra-compact transistors featuring a maximum voltage of 30V along with industry-leading 0.25 ohm ON resistance (VGS=4.5V).

4. Broad lineup include 40-60V products
Higher breakdown voltages in the 40-60V range are possible, even while maintaining low ON resistance.

Pricing: $0.84
Availability: Now (Samples), June 2014 (OEM quantities)