PFM-only DC/DC converter operates from just 0.5µA

29th October 2014

Nat Bowers

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In A6.280 at electronica 2014, Torex Semiconductor will present the company's first PFM-only step-down DC/DC converter that has been specifically developed for ultra-low power applications. The XC9265 series consumes just 0.5µA during operation and is therefore suitable for applications that run from batteries for long periods of time.

A synchronous PFM architecture minimises the switching losses during low loads, enabling this ultra low quiescent current. Integrating a 0.5Ω P-channel driver transistor and a 0.5Ω synchronous N-channel switching transistor, the XC9265 ensures high levels of efficiency and superior performance for demanding battery powered applications.

In order to help further maximise battery life, the XC9265 is able to operate from 6.0V down to inputs as low as 2.0V using only an external inductor and two external ceramic capacitors. With a tolerance of ±2%, the output voltage is set internally between 1.0 and 4.0V in 0.1V increments. All circuits are also shutdown to reduce consumption to less than 0.1μA during stand-by.

The XC9265 series also features a soft-start circuit, an enable pin to turn the IC on and off and an optional CL discharge function that can quickly discharge the output capacitor when the IC is turned off. Stopping IC operation while battery voltage is declining, an optional UVLO function can reduce the leakage of potassium hydroxide from small batteries. The standard release voltage of UVLO is 1.75V (with ±3.0% tolerance) and selectable voltages range from 1.6 to 2.7V in 0.1V steps.

The XC9265 will be available in the industry standard SOT-25 package, or in the USP-6EL package for applications that require a small form factor. Torex can also provide fully populated EVBs on request.