Nexperia has released what it claims to be the world’s smallest and lowest profile 14,16, 20 and 24-pin packages for standard logic devices. The 16-pin DHXQFN package is, for example, 45% smaller than the industry-standard DQFN16 leadless device. It has a smaller footprint than competitors, but the new package also provides a 25% saving in the PCB area.
Measuring only 2mm x 2mm (14-pin), 2mm x 2.4mm (16-pin), 2mm x 3.2mm (20-pin) and 2mm x 4mm (24-pin), the 0.4mm pitch packages are just 0.45mm high. The parts include hex inverting Schmitt-triggers; 8-bit SIPO shift registers with output latches; 4-bit dual supply translating transceivers; octal buffer/line drivers; octal bus transceivers; and 8-bit dual supply translating transceivers.
Ashish Jha, Nexperia’s product manager comments: “Nexperia has a history of over 50 years developing standard logic parts, and we aspire to become the undisputed market leader during the next three years. These new packages are an example of the innovation we are bringing. Previously, incorporating large logic functions into a system with a small form factor was unthinkable. However, our new DHXQFN package enables complex functions such as 74HC595 shift registers to fit into space-sensitive applications like smartwatches, mobile devices and internet-connected industrial devices.”
Furthermore, the small footprint of the package allows devices to be located closer to the bypass capacitor. This can be a notable advantage in designs with limited board space for glue logic parts and also results in improved performance in high-frequency applications since the traces between logic device and capacitor are shorter.