austriamicrosystems Unveils Single Cell 1.2 MHz Boost Converter

austriamicrosystems AG (SWX:AMS), anounced that it is extending its family of dc-dc converters with the new AS1322, a synchronous, high-efficiency, step-up converter which comes in a small 6-pin TSOT package. The AS1322 supplies 150mA output current at 3.3V from a single AA cell battery with possible output voltages in the range of 2.5 to 5V, operating from an input voltage between 0.85 and 5.5V.

"Many portable devices require small, high-efficiency power converter solutions to extend the time between battery replacement or recharge cycles," said Walter Moshammer, Director Marketing Standard Linear at austriamicrosystems. "austriamicrosystems' AS1322 addresses this need by integrating a 1.2MHz fixed frequency, synchronous boost converter, which is operating down to an input voltage of 0.85V, in a thin-TSOT23 package. Offering a high output current even at low input voltages, the AS1322 is a perfect match for single cell applications."

The 1.2 MHz fixed switching frequency minimizes the PCB footprint by allowing the use of tiny, low profile inductors and ceramic capacitors. The device is available in two versions: a power-saving variant (AS1322A) and a fixed frequency variant (AS1322B).

The AS1322A offers an automatic power-save operation in cases of light loads which improves efficiency by switching the device in a sleep state as long as the output voltage is within the regulation band. This significantly reduces the power consumption of the AS1322A down to 30uA and increases battery life enormously. The anti-ringing control circuitry reduces EMI by damping the inductor in discontinuous mode. The AS1322B, on the other hand, maintains fixed frequency operation at lighter loads and is therefore well-suited for applications with the need of a predictable and easy to filter output noise like mobile communications.

The AS1322 is well-suited for a variety of compact portable applications such as cell phones, MP3 players, pagers, GPS receivers and other handheld devices where extended battery operation with a minimum of space required is critical.