Buck regulators offer peak efficiencies of 98%

Combining rugged high performance n-channel trench MOSFETs with a controller in the compact 5x5 PowerPAK package, the Vishay Siliconix devices deliver high efficiency and power density, while their internal compensation reduces the external component count. The microBUCK regulators share the same controller IC and package outline while providing a range of MOSFET ratings from which designers can select the best combination of cost and performance.

Offering a low 156µA operating current and peak efficiency up to 98%, the regulators released allow designers to increase power density by reducing power losses.

Combined with the superior thermal design of the 5mm x 5mm PowerPAK package, their efficiency enables cooler operation for improved long term reliability while eliminating the need for a heatsink.

The microBUCK wide safe operating area gives designers flexibility to support a wide range of operating temperature and current requirements. This allows designers to shrink the PCB size, simplify thermal management, and reduce system costs.

With their input voltage ranges and an adjustable output voltage from 24V down to 0.8V, SiC466/7/8/9 and SiC476/7/8/9 family regulators are ideal for many applications.

These include DC/DC converters for industrial and factory automation, home automation, industrial computing, base station power supplies, 5G network equipment and small cells, wall transformer regulation, robotics, drones, battery management systems, power tools, and vending, ATM, and slot machines.

The SiC46x family devices are the 2A SiC469, 4A SiC468, 6A SiC467, and 10A SiC466, while the SiC47x family devices consists of the 3A SiC479, 5A SiC478, 8A SiC477, and 12A SiC476.

All are footprint-compatible to provide a scalable solution to designers.

Highly configurable, the regulators feature adjustable switching frequencies from 100kHz to 2MHz, adjustable soft start and current limits, and two operating modes: forced continuous conduction or power save.

The internal compensation in both families eliminates the need for external RC networks.

The microBUCK COT architecture delivers ultrafast transient response with minimum output capacitance and tight ripple regulation at light loads.

It also enables loop stability regardless of the type of output capacitor used, including low ESR ceramic capacitors. The regulators integrate a robust protection feature set, including output overvoltage protection (OVP), output undervoltage protection (UVP), overcurrent circuit protection (OCP), short circuit protection (SCP) with auto retry, over temperature protection (OTP), and a power good flag.

Samples and production quantities of the SiC466/7/8/9 and SiC476/7/8/9 families are available now, with lead times of 12 weeks.