Allegro Announces New DC-DC Step-Down Converter Series
Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. introduced a new family of switching regulators with what is claimed to be high operating frequencies and cost-effective external components. The new series of devices are said to address a market need for increased energy saving electric and electronic equipment targeted toward the portable and office automation markets.
The SI-8000T (1.5A) and SI-8000F (3.5A) series have reduced die sizes, between 62 and 84% of the previous generation of devices for the same current levels, the SI-8000J/S series respectively. Also, the SI-8000H (5.5A) series offers a significant line-up that exceeds 5A. By connecting an open collector transistor, the user is able to set an ON/OFF control for output voltage. Moreover, many of these devices offer a soft-start option that is set by an external capacitor at pin 5.
All devices within this series provide UVLO (under-voltage lock out) protection to avoid abnormal IC operation when the input voltage is less than the minimum operating level. Autoregression OCP and OTP protection is also built-in. The reduction of die size improves IC response speed making higher oscillation frequencies attainable. The SI-8000T/F operates at 300kHz, the SI-8000H at 150kHz, the SI-8000J at 125kHz, and the SI-8000S at 60kHz.
Allegro’s new devices are priced from $0.66 to $1.37 in quantities of 1,000 and have a 12-week typical lead-time to market.
