AOZ1281
EZBuck™ 1.8 A Simple Buck Regulator
General Description
Features
The AOZ1281 is a high efficiency, simple to use, 1.8 A
buck regulator flexible enough to be optimized for a
variety of applications. The AOZ1281 works from a 3 V to
26 V input voltage range, and provides up to 1.8 A of
continuous output current. The output voltage is
adjustable down to 0.8 V. The fixed switching frequency
of 1.5 MHz PWM operation reduces inductor size.
z 3 V to 26 V operating input voltage range
z 240 mΩ internal NMOS
z High efficiency: up to 95 %
z Internal compensation
z 1.8 A continuous output current
z Fixed 1.5 MHz PWM operation
z Internal soft start
z Output voltage adjustable down to 0.8 V
z Cycle-by-cycle current limit
z Short-circuit protection
z Thermal shutdown
z Small size: DFN 2x2, 8L
Applications
z Point of load DC/DC conversion
z Set top boxes
z DVD drives and HDD
z LCD Monitors & TVs
z Cable modems
z Telecom/Networking/Datacom equipment
Typical Application
VIN
C3
C1
4.7µF
BST
L1 2.2µH
EN
AOZ1281
VOUT
LX
R1
FB
GND
C2
10µF
R2
Figure 1. 1.8 A Buck Regulator
Rev. 1.0 June 2011
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Page 1 of 12
AOZ1281
Ordering Information
Part Number
Ambient Temperature Range
Package
Environmental
AOZ1281DI
-40 °C to +85 °C
DFN 2 x 2, 8L
Green Product
AOS Green Products use reduced levels of Halogens, and are also RoHS compliant.
Please visit www.aosmd.com/media/AOSGreenPolicy.pdf for additional information.
Pin Configuration
LX
1
VIN
2
VIN
3
EN
4
Exposed
Pad
8
BST
7
GND
6
GND
5
FB
DFN 2x2, 8L
(Top View)
Pin Description
Pin Number
Pin Name
Pin Function
1
LX
PWM output connection to inductor.
2, 3
VIN
Supply voltage input. Range from 3 V to 26 V. When VIN rises above the UVLO threshold
the device starts up. If Vin is lower than 4.5 V, an external 5 V is needed to add through
the external diode for BST.
4
EN
Enable pin. The enable pin is active high. Connect EN pin to VIN through current limiting
resistor. Do not leave the EN pin floating.
5
FB
Feedback input. It is regulated to 0.8 V. The FB pin is used to determine the PWM output
voltage via a resistor divider between the output and GND.
6, 7
GND
Ground.
8
BST
Bootstrap voltage input. High side driver supply. Connected to 10 nF capacitor between
BST and LX.
Exposed Pad
Rev. 1.0 June 2011
Thermal exposed pad. Pad can be connected to GND if necessary for improved thermal
performance.
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Page 2 of 12
AOZ1281
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Recommended Operating Conditions
Exceeding the Absolute Maximum Ratings may damage the
device.
The device is not guaranteed to operate beyond the
Recommended Operating Conditions.
Parameter
Rating
Supply Voltage (VIN)
Parameter
Rating
30 V
Supply Voltage (VVIN)
3.0 V to 26 V
LX to GND
-0.7 V to VVIN +2 V
Output Voltage Range
0.8 V to 0.85 x VVIN
EN to GND
-0.3 V to 26 V
FB to GND
-0.3 V to 6 V
VLX + 6 V
BST to GND
Junction Temperature (TJ)
+150 °C
Storage Temperature (TS)
-65 °C to +150 °C
ESD Rating
(1)
2 kV
Ambient Temperature (TA)
-40 °C to +85 °C
Package Thermal Resistance
DFN 2x2, 8L (ΘJA)(2)
55 °C/W
Note:
2. The value of ΘJA is measured with the device mounted on a 1-in2
FR-4 board with 2 oz. Copper, in a still air environment with
TA = 25 °C. The value in any given application depends on the
user’s specific board design.
Note:
1. Devices are inherently ESD sensitive, handling precautions are
required. Human body model rating: 1.5 kΩ in series with 100 pF.
Electrical Characteristics
TA = 25 °C, VVIN = VEN = 12 V. Specifications in BOLD indicate a temperature range of -40 °C to +85 °C. These specifications are
guaranteed by design.
Symbol
VVIN
VUVLO
Parameter
Conditions
Supply Voltage
Input Under-Voltage Lockout Threshold
Min.
3
VVIN Rising
VVIN Falling
2.3
UVLO Hysteresis
Max.
Units
26
V
2.9
V
V
200
IVIN
Supply Current (Quiescent)
IOUT = 0, VFB = 1 V, VEN > 1.2 V
IOFF
Shutdown Supply Current
VEN = 0 V
VFB
Feedback Voltage
TA = 25 ºC
VFB_LOAD Load Regulation
Typ.
1
784
800
mV
1.5
mA
8
μA
816
mV
120 mA < Load < 1.08 A
0.5
%
Line Regulation
Load = 600 mA
0.03
%/V
Feedback Voltage Input Current
VFB = 800 mV
500
nA
VEN_OFF
VEN_ON
EN Input Threshold
Off Threshold
On Threshold
VEN_HYS
EN Input Hysteresis
IEN
Enable Input Current
VFB_LINE
IFB
ENABLE
0.4
1.2
200
V
V
mV
3
μA
1.8
MHz
MODULATOR
fO
DMAX
TON_MIN
ILIM
Frequency
Maximum Duty Cycle
1.5
87
%
100
ns
2.6
A
150
110
°C
°C
400
μs
VIN = 12 V
240
mΩ
VIN = 3.3 V
380
Minimum On Time
Current Limit
Over-Temperature Shutdown Limit
TSS
1.2
2.2
TJ Rising
TJ Falling
Soft Start Interval
POWER STATE OUTPUT
RDS(ON)
NMOS On-Resistance
ILEAKAGE
NMOS Leakage
Rev. 1.0 June 2011
VEN = 0 V, VLX = 0 V
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mΩ
10
μA
Page 3 of 12
AOZ1281
Block Diagram
VIN
Regulator
Current
Sense
+
EN
Enable
Detect
Softstart
Ramp
Generator
OSC
FB
CLK
PWM
Logic
Driver
–
0.8V
Error
Amplifier
+
BST
OC
–
+
BST
LDO
LX
PWM
Comparator
GND
Rev. 1.0 June 2011
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Page 4 of 12
AOZ1281
Typical Performance Characteristics
Circuit of Figure 1. VIN = 12 V, VOUT = 3.3 V, L = 4.7 μH, C1 = 10 μF, C2 = 22 μF, TA = 25 °C, unless otherwise specified.
Light Load Operaiton
Full Load Operation
Vin
50mV/div
Vin
200mV/div
Vo
20mV/div
IL
500mA/div
Vo
20mV/div
Vlx
5V/div
Vlx
5V/div
500ns/div
IL
1A/div
500ns/div
Startup to Full Load
Short Circuit Protection
Vo
1V/div
Vin
5V/div
Vin
5V/div
Vlx
5V/div
Iin
1A/div
2ms/div
2ms/div
50% to 100% Load Transient
Vo
1V/div
lL
1A/div
Short Circuit Recovery
Vin
5V/div
Vo
50mV/div
Vlx
5V/div
Vo
1V/div
Io
1A/div
2ms/div
200μs/div
Rev. 1.0 June 2011
lL
1A/div
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Page 5 of 12
AOZ1281
Efficiency
Efficiency (VIN = 12V) vs. Load Current
95
90
Efficiency (%)
85
80
75
70
5.0V OUTPUT
3.3V OUTPUT
65
60
1.8V OUTPUT
1.2V OUTPUT
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8
Load Current (A)
Detailed Description
The AOZ1281 is a current-mode step down regulator
with integrated high side NMOS switch. It operates from
a 3 V to 26 V input voltage range and supplies up to 1.8 A
of load current. Features include: enable control, under
voltage lock-out, internal soft-start, output over-voltage
protection, over-current protection, and thermal shut
down. The AOZ1281 is available in a DFN 2x2, 8L
package.
Enable and Soft Start
The AOZ1281 has an internal soft start feature to limit
in-rush current and ensure the output voltage ramps up
smoothly to regulation voltage. A soft start process
begins when the input voltage rises to a voltage higher
than UVLO and the voltage level on the EN pin is HIGH.
In the soft start process, the output voltage is typically
ramped to regulation voltage in 400 μs. The 400 μs
soft start time is set internally.
The EN pin of the AOZ1281 is active high. Connect the
EN pin to VIN if the enable function is not used. Pulling
EN to ground will disable the AOZ1281. Do not leave EN
open. The voltage on the EN pin must be above 1.2 V to
enable the AOZ1281. When voltage on the EN pin falls
below 0.4 V, the AOZ1281 is disabled.
Rev. 1.0 June 2011
Steady-State Operation
Under steady-state conditions, the converter operates
in fixed frequency and Continuous-Conduction Mode
(CCM).
The AOZ1281 integrates an internal NMOS as the
high-side switch. Inductor current is sensed by amplifying
the voltage drop across the drain to the source of the
high-side power MOSFET. Output voltage is divided
down by the external voltage divider at the FB pin.
The difference of the FB pin voltage and reference
voltage is amplified by the internal transconductance
error amplifier. The error voltage is compared against
the current signal, which is sum of inductor current signal
plus ramp compensation signal, at the PWM comparator
input. If the current signal is less than the error voltage,
the internal high-side switch is on. The inductor current
flows from the input through the inductor to the output.
When the current signal exceeds the error voltage, the
high-side switch is off. The inductor current is
freewheeling through the external Schottky diode to
output.
Switching Frequency
The AOZ1281 switching frequency is fixed and set by an
internal oscillator. The switching frequency is set
internally 1.5 MHz.
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Page 6 of 12
AOZ1281
Output Voltage Programming
Output voltage can be set by feeding back the output to
the FB pin with a resistor divider network. Refer to the
application circuit shown in Figure 1. The resistor divider
network includes R1 and R2. Usually, a design is started
by picking a fixed R2 value and calculating the required
R1 with equation below.
R ⎞
⎛
V O = 0.8 × ⎜ 1 + ------1-⎟
R 2⎠
⎝
The converter will start up via a soft start once the short
circuit condition is resolved. In the short circuit protection
mode, the inductor average current is greatly reduced.
Under Voltage Lock Out (UVLO)
An UVLO circuit monitors the input voltage. When the
input voltage exceeds 2.9 V, the converter starts
operation. When input voltage falls below 2.3 V, the
converter will stop switching.
Thermal Protection
Some standard values of R1 and R2 for the most
commonly used output voltage values are listed in
Table 1.
Table 1.
An internal temperature sensor monitors the junction
temperature. The sensor shuts down the internal control
circuit and high side NMOS if the junction temperature
exceeds 150 °C. The regulator will restart automatically
under the control of the soft-start circuit when the junction
temperature decreases to 100 °C.
VO (V)
R1 (kΩ)
R2 (kΩ)
1.8
80.6
64.2
Application Information
2.5
49.9
23.4
3.3
49.9
15.8
The basic AOZ1281 application circuit is shown in
Figure 1. Component selection is explained below.
5.0
49.9
9.53
Input Capacitor
The combination of R1 and R2 should be large enough to
avoid drawing excessive current from the output, which
will cause power loss.
Protection Features
The AOZ1281 has multiple protection features to prevent
system circuit damage under abnormal conditions.
Over Current Protection (OCP)
The sensed inductor current signal is also used for over
current protection.
The cycle-by-cycle current limit threshold is set to 2 A.
When the load current reaches the current limit
threshold, the cycle-by-cycle current limit circuit
immediately turns off the high-side switch to terminate
the current duty cycle. The inductor current stop rising.
The cycle-by-cycle current limit protection directly limits
inductor peak current. The average inductor current is
also limited due to the limitation on peak inductor current.
When cycle-by-cycle current limit circuit is triggered, the
output voltage drops as the duty cycle decreases.
The AOZ1281 has internal short circuit protection to
protect itself from catastrophic failure under output short
circuit conditions. The FB pin voltage is proportional to
the output voltage. Whenever the FB pin voltage is below
0.2 V, the short circuit protection circuit is triggered.
As a result, the converter is shut down and hiccups.
Rev. 1.0 June 2011
The input capacitor must be connected to the VIN pin
and the GND pins of the AOZ1281 to maintain steady
input voltage and filter out the pulsing input current. The
voltage rating of the input capacitor must be greater than
maximum input voltage plus ripple voltage.
The input ripple voltage can be approximated by the
equation below:
IO
VO ⎞ VO
⎛
ΔV IN = ----------------- × ⎜ 1 – --------⎟ × --------f × C IN ⎝
V IN⎠ V IN
Since the input current is discontinuous in a buck
converter, the current stress on the input capacitor is
another concern when selecting the capacitor. For a
buck circuit, the RMS value of input capacitor current can
be calculated by:
VO ⎛
VO ⎞
- ⎜ 1 – --------⎟
I CIN_RMS = I O × -------V IN ⎝
V IN⎠
if we let m equal the conversion ratio:
VO
-------- = m
V IN
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Page 7 of 12
AOZ1281
The relationship between the input capacitor RMS
current and voltage conversion ratio is calculated and
shown in Figure 2. It can be seen that when VO is half of
VIN, CIN is under the worst current stress. The worst
current stress on CIN is 0.5 x IO.
0.5
The inductor takes the highest current in a buck circuit.
The conduction loss on inductor needs to be checked for
thermal and efficiency requirements.
Surface mount inductors in different shape and styles are
available from Coilcraft, Elytone and Murata. Shielded
inductors are small and radiate less EMI noise but cost
more than unshielded inductors. The choice depends on
EMI requirement, price and size.
0.4
ICIN_RMS(m) 0.3
IO
0.2
Output Capacitor
0.1
0
When selecting the inductor, confirm it is able to handle
the peak current without saturation at the highest
operating temperature.
0
0.5
m
1
Figure 2. ICIN vs. Voltage Conversion Ratio
For reliable operation and best performance, the input
capacitors must have a current rating higher than
ICIN_RMS at the worst operating conditions. Ceramic
capacitors are preferred for use as input capacitors
because of their low ESR and high ripple current rating.
Depending on the application circuits, other low ESR
tantalum capacitors or aluminum electrolytic capacitors
may be used. When selecting ceramic capacitors,
X5R or X7R type dielectric ceramic capacitors are
preferred for their better temperature and voltage
characteristics.
Note that the ripple current rating from capacitor
manufacturers is based on a fixed life time. Further
de-rating may be necessary for practical design
requirements.
Inductor
The inductor is used to supply constant current to output
when it is driven by a switching voltage. For given input
and output voltage, inductance and switching frequency
together decide the inductor ripple current, which is:
VO ⎛
VO ⎞
ΔI L = ----------- × ⎜ 1 – --------⎟
f×L ⎝
V ⎠
The selected output capacitor must have a higher rated
voltage specification than the maximum desired output
voltage including ripple. De-rating needs to be
considered for long term reliability.
Output ripple voltage specification is another important
factor for selecting the output capacitor. In a buck
converter circuit, output ripple voltage is determined by
inductor value, switching frequency, output capacitor
value and ESR. It can be calculated by the equation
below:
1
ΔV O = ΔI L × ⎛ ESR CO + -------------------------⎞
⎝
8 × f × C O⎠
where,
CO is output capacitor value, and
ESRCO is the equivalent series resistance of the output
capacitor.
When a low ESR ceramic capacitor is used as the output
capacitor, the impedance of the capacitor at the switching
frequency dominates. Output ripple is mainly caused by
capacitor value and inductor ripple current. The output
ripple voltage calculation can be simplified to:
1
ΔV O = ΔI L × ⎛ -------------------------⎞
⎝8 × f × C ⎠
IN
O
The peak inductor current is:
If the impedance of ESR at switching frequency
dominates, the output ripple voltage is mainly decided by
capacitor ESR and inductor ripple current. The output
ripple voltage calculation can be further simplified to:
ΔI
I Lpeak = I O + -------L2
High inductance provides a low inductor ripple current
but requires larger size inductor to avoid saturation.
Low ripple current reduces inductor core losses and also
reduces RMS current through inductor and switches.
This results in less conduction loss.
Rev. 1.0 June 2011
The output capacitor is selected based on the DC output
voltage rating, output ripple voltage specification and
ripple current rating.
ΔV O = ΔI L × ESR CO
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Page 8 of 12
AOZ1281
For lower output ripple voltage across the entire
operating temperature range, X5R or X7R dielectric type
of ceramic, or other low ESR tantalum capacitor or
aluminum electrolytic capacitor may also be used as
output capacitors.
The power dissipation in the Schottky diode can be
approximated as:
In a buck converter, output capacitor current is
continuous. The RMS current of the output capacitor is
decided by the peak to peak inductor ripple current.
It can be calculated by:
where,
ΔI L
I CO_RMS = ---------12
P diode_loss = I O × ( 1 – D ) × V FW_Schottky
VFW_Schottky is the Schottky diode forward voltage drop.
The power dissipation of the inductor can be
approximately calculated by output current and DCR of
the inductor.
P inductor_loss = IO2 × R inductor × 1.1
Usually, the ripple current rating of the output capacitor is
a smaller issue because of the low current stress. When
the buck inductor is selected to be very small and
inductor ripple current is high, the output capacitor could
be overstressed.
Schottky Diode Selection
The external freewheeling diode supplies the current
to the inductor when the high side NMOS switch is off.
To reduce the losses due to the forward voltage drop and
recovery of the diode, a Schottky diode is recommended.
The maximum reverse voltage rating of the Schottky
diode should be greater than the maximum input voltage,
and the current rating should be greater than the
maximum load current.
Thermal Management and Layout
Consideration
In the AOZ1281 buck regulator circuit, high pulsing
current flows through two circuit loops. The first loop
starts from the input capacitors, to the VIN pins, to the
LX pin, to the filter inductor, to the output capacitor and
load, and then returns to the input capacitor through
ground. Current flows in the first loop when the high side
switch is on. The second loop starts from the inductor,
to the output capacitors and load, to the anode of
Schottky diode, to the cathode of Schottky diode. Current
flows in the second loop when the low side diode is on.
The actual junction temperature can be calculated with
power dissipation in the AOZ1281 and thermal
impedance from junction to ambient.
T junction
= ( P total_loss – P diode_loss – P inductor_loss ) × Θ JA
+ T amb
The maximum junction temperature of AOZ1281 is
150 ºC, which limits the maximum load current capability.
The thermal performance of the AOZ1281 is strongly
affected by the PCB layout. Extra care should be taken
during the design process to ensure that the IC will
operate under the recommended environmental
conditions.
Several layout tips are listed below for the best electrical
and thermal performance.
1. The input capacitor should be connected as close as
possible to the VIN pins and the GND pin.
2. The inductor should be placed as close as possible
to the LX pin and the output capacitor.
3. Keep the connection of the schottky diode between
the LX pin and the GND pin as short and wide
as possible.
4. Place the feedback resistors and compensation
components as close to the chip as possible.
In PCB layout, minimizing the area of the two loops will
reduce the noise of this circuit and improves efficiency.
A ground plane is strongly recommended to connect the
input capacitor, the output capacitor, and the GND pin of
the AOZ1281.
5. Keep sensitive signal traces away from the LX pin.
In the AOZ1281 buck regulator circuit, the major power
dissipating components are the AOZ1281, the Schottky
diode and the output inductor. The total power dissipation
of the converter circuit can be measured by input power
minus output power.
7. Pour a copper plane on all unused board areas and
connect the plane to stable DC nodes, like VIN,
GND or VOUT.
6. Pour a maximized copper area to the VIN pins, the
LX pin and especially the GND pin to help thermal
dissipation.
P total_loss = ( V IN × I IN ) – ( V O × V IN )
Rev. 1.0 June 2011
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Page 9 of 12
AOZ1281
Package Dimensions, DFN 2x2, 8L
b
D
E
R
Pin #1 ID
Option 1
E1
E
L
D1
TOP VIEW
A
c
BOTTOM VIEW
Pin #1 ID
Option 2
A1
Seating
Plane
SIDE VIEW
Chamfer
0.2 x 45
BOTTOM VIEW
Dimensions in millimeters
RECOMMENDED LAND PATTERN
0.50
0.25
0.85
0.90
0.30
1.50
UNIT: mm
1.70
Symbols
A
A1
b
c
D
D1
E
E1
e
L
R
aaa
bbb
ccc
ddd
Min.
0.70
0.00
0.18
Nom.
0.75
0.02
0.25
0.20 REF.
2.00 BSC
1.35
1.50
2.00 BSC
0.75
0.90
0.50 BSC
0.20
0.30
0.20
0.15
0.10
0.10
0.08
Max.
0.80
0.05
0.30
1.60
1.00
0.40
Dimensions in inches
Symbols
A
A1
b
c
D
D1
E
E1
e
L
R
aaa
bbb
ccc
ddd
Min. Nom. Max.
0.028 0.030 0.031
0.000 0.001 0.002
0.007 0.010 0.012
0.008 REF.
0.079 BSC
0.053 0.059 0.063
0.079 BSC
0.030 0.035 0.039
0.020 BSC
0.008 0.012 0.016
0.008
0.006
0.004
0.004
0.003
Notes:
1. Dimensions and tolerances conform to ASME Y14.5M-1994.
2. Controlling dimension is millimeter, converted inch dimensions are not necessarily exact.
3. Dimension b applied to metallized terminal and is measured between 0.10mm and 0.30mm from the terminal tip. If the terminal
has the optional radius on the other end of the terminal, dimension b should not be measured in that radius area.
4. Coplanarity ddd applies to the terminals and all other bottom surface metallization.
Rev. 1.0 June 2011
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Page 10 of 12
AOZ1281
Tape and Reel Dimensions, DFN 2x2, 8L
Carrier Tape
P2
P1
D0
D1
E1
K0
E2
E
B0
T
A0
P0
Feeding Direction
UNIT: mm
Package
DFN 2x2
A0
2.25
±0.05
B0
2.25
±0.05
K0
D0
D1
E
E1
1.00
1.50
1.00
8.00
1.75
±0.05 +0.1/-0 +0.25/-0 +0.30/-0.10 ±0.10
Reel
E2
P0
P1
P2
T
3.50
±0.05
4.00
±0.10
4.00
±0.10
2.00
±0.10
0.254
±0.02
W1
S
R
K
M
N
H
UNIT: mm
Tape Size Reel Size
M
8mm
ø180
ø180.00
±0.50
N
60.0
±0.50
W1
8.4
+1.5/-0.0
H
13.0
±0.20
S
1.5
Min.
K
13.5
Min.
R
3.0
±0.50
Leader / Trailer
& Orientation
Trailer Tape
300mm Min.
Rev. 1.0 June 2011
Components Tape
Orientation in Pocket
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Leader Tape
500mm Min.
Page 11 of 12
AOZ1281
Part Marking
AOZ1281DI
(2 x 2 DFN)
AN1A
9B12
Part Number Code
Underscore Denotes Green Product
Assembly Location Code
Option Code
Assembly Lot Code
Year Code
Week Code
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Applications or uses as critical components in life support devices or systems are not authorized. AOS does not
assume any liability arising out of such applications or uses of its products. AOS reserves the right to make
changes to product specifications without notice. It is the responsibility of the customer to evaluate suitability of the
product for their intended application. Customer shall comply with applicable legal requirements, including all
applicable export control rules, regulations and limitations.
AOS' products are provided subject to AOS' terms and conditions of sale which are set forth at:
http://www.aosmd.com/terms_and_conditions_of_sale
LIFE SUPPORT POLICY
ALPHA & OMEGA SEMICONDUCTOR PRODUCTS ARE NOT AUTHORIZED FOR USE AS CRITICAL
COMPONENTS IN LIFE SUPPORT DEVICES OR SYSTEMS.
As used herein:
1. Life support devices or systems are devices or
systems which, (a) are intended for surgical implant into
the body or (b) support or sustain life, and (c) whose
failure to perform when properly used in accordance
with instructions for use provided in the labeling, can be
reasonably expected to result in a significant injury of
the user.
Rev. 1.0 June 2011
2. A critical component in any component of a life
support, device, or system whose failure to perform can
be reasonably expected to cause the failure of the life
support device or system, or to affect its safety or
effectiveness.
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Page 12 of 12