Diodes, Inc. Releases 1.5A Linear Regulator For Processor & ASIC-based Applications
Diodes Inc. released a new very low dropout linear regulator, the AP7173. Designed to support very low operating voltages for applications that demand higher output current, the AP7173 is capable of driving a 1.5A continuous output current with only 220mV dropout, making it well suited for post regulation applications where efficiency and cost are at a premium.
The low input voltage and low output voltage capability are said to allow for easy-to-design and efficient linear regulation between the multiple supply voltages often present in processor intensive intelligent systems, such as network equipment, notebook computers, servers, and FPGA/DSP core platforms.
The AP7173 offers a user programmable Soft-Start circuit that reduces the turn-on in-rush current and controls output voltage slew rate at start-up. In addition, the AP7173 has an enable input for manual control of the regulator which, when utilized with the Power-Good (PG) output, are said to allow for easy power sequencing of power systems with multiple supply rails. This flexibility permits the user to configure a solution that meets the power sequencing requirements of ASICs, FPGAs, DSPs and other applications with special start-up requirements.
"The AP7173 complements our existing Power Management line by offering a higher output current and a very low voltage dropout, expanding opportunities for us in the non-portable market," said Mark King, Senior VP Sales and Marketing of Diodes, Inc. "This device continues to build on the success of Diodes’ existing LDO families by offering a broader performance range in support of one of the fastest growing segments of the consumer market-intelligent electronic systems."
The AP7173 features a low dropout voltage of 220mV at 1.5A and requires no minimum load and is stable with any load capacitance greater than 2.2µF. According to the company, utilization of the Bias supply voltage can achieve higher efficiency power conversion at a fraction of the cost compared to standard dc-dc converters. Additional features include current limiting, short circuit protection, and overtemperature shutdown.
Offered with an adjustable output voltage, the AP7173 can be configured with a simple resistor divider to set the output voltage to any specific voltage in the range of 0.8V to 3.3V, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. The AP7173 is available in a compact surface-mount DFN3030-10 (3 x 3 x 0.06mm) package as well as SOP-8L with Exposed Pad for better thermal management. Both packages are fully RoHS compliant, including Green Molding compound and support an industrial temperature range of -40 to +85°C.
