1A DC/DC buck converters offer efficient light-load operation

9th August 2016

Nat Bowers

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Driving loads up to 1A, the AP3401 and AP3428 DC/DC step-down converters from Diodes Incorporated provide excellent line- and load-regulation provided by a constant-frequency PWM control that requires no external compensation and so minimises component count and material costs.

Developed to meet the demands of set-top boxes, TVs, routers, WiFi modules and security systems, these buck converters feature low power consumption and highly-efficient light-load operation.

The AP3401/3428 operate from an input voltage between 2.5 and 5.5V, making them well‑suited for use with a single Li+/Li-polymer cell, multiple Alkaline/NiMH cells and other power sources; they also deliver an output voltage from 0.6V up to the full input voltage with an output current up to 1A. The high-current and low-dropout threshold performance is achieved with the benefit of integrated ultra-low RDS_(ON) MOSFETs and the ability to operate at 100% duty cycle with a switching frequency up to 1.5MHz. The AP3401 also features a power-good output.

An integrated soft-start reduces start-up current spikes to avoid system damage when switching power on or off. Other features for protection of the IC and system include over-current, under-voltage lockout and over-temperature with thermal shutdown. The AP3401/3428’s DFN2020 package with exposed pads provides the power handling capability needed for thermally demanding consumer applications.

The AP3401 and AP3428 are each priced at $0.12 each in 10,000 unit quantities.