New Industry Products

DC-DCs with 0.5microA Quiescent Current target Wearables

July 01, 2015 by Jeff Shepard

Torex Semiconductor Ltd. has developed theXCL210 series, a new product in their lineup of step-down "micro dc-dc" converters with an integrated control IC and coil. The XCL210 series is designed for applications that require a low quiescent current such as wearable devices, healthcare devices, Bluetooth Low Energy devices, and energy harvesting.

“In recent years, wearable devices, healthcare devices, and energy harvesting (technology that captures ambient environmental energy such as heat and vibration and converts it into electricity) are drawing attention. One concept that is essential to devices used in these applications is ‘low power consumption.’ The XCL210 series of step-down micro dc-dc converters newly developed by Torex are power ICs that make a major contribution to ‘low power consumption,’ “ commented Yoshihisa Shimada with Torex’ Product Development Group.

These ICs achieve an ultra-low quiescent current of 0.5μA, which is only 1/30th the 15μA quiescent current of previous products. In addition, by integrating the coil, which is normally used as external components to control IC, an ultra-small size has been realized (dimensions: 2.5mm x 2.0mm x h1.0mm).

Two output current types, 50mA and 200mA, are available. The operating voltage range is 2.0V to 6.0V, and the output voltage is settable in the range 1.0V to 4.0V. The internal coil simplifies the board layout, and contributes to space saving on the board and shortening of development time. Unwanted radiation noise and circuit operating trouble can also be minimized. PFM control is used for the control method.

With the addition of this product to our lineup, even more selections are available to match the application. Torex will continue to expand the XCL series of “micro dc-dc” converters to meet market needs. XCL210 features include: Supports a wide range of applications including wearable devices, healthcare devices, Bluetooth Low Energy, and energy harvesting, etc. ; High efficiency (89%: 5.0V⇒3.3V at 0.1mA); Well-suited for reducing printed circuit board mounting area by minimization; Specialized PFM control. Unique circuit technology achieves an ultra-low quiescent current of 0.5μA; and Low noise