Micrel's New 6A/3A Synchronous Buck Regulators Deliver up to 93% Peak Efficiency

The MIC23603/303 combine a low-loss proprietary power MOSFET with Micrel's patented constant on-time DC-to-DC switching converter scheme to deliver up to 6A/3A of output current while consuming just 24µA of quiescent current. The MIC23603/303 is ideal for set-top boxes, portable instruments, and automo tive instrumentation applications for powering FPGAs, ASICs and DSP ICs where ultra-fast transient response and light-load efficiency are critical. The MIC23603 is currently available in volume with pricing starting at $1.08 for 1K quantities. Pricing for the MIC23303 begins at $0.49 for 1K quantities.

The MIC23603/303 surpasses the competition by offering a best-in-class combination of efficiency, smallest size and transient response, making it suitable for many applications, noted Brian Hedayati, vice president of marketing for High-performance Linear and Power Solutions at Micrel. System power designers mus t continuously strive to optimize power efficiency in order to extend battery life while delivering the high performance features customers demand. Micrel's patented HyperLight Load architecture provides very high efficiency for low power modes and fast load transient response to maintain the precise supply rail voltages when power demand increases.

The MIC23603/303 features a Power Good output, programmable soft start and very low quiescent current (24µA) in a small, thermally enhanced 20-pin 4mm x 5mm DFN package for the MIC23603 and a 12-pin 3mm x 3mm DFN package for the MIC23303. The solutions offer an adjustable output voltage range from 0.65V to 3.6V for low voltage applications. In addition, the devices offer a wide input range of 2.9V to 5.5V for Li-ion applications. The device operates at -40C to +125C degre es junction temperature range.