New Industry Products

Increased Performance and Reduced Cost for Minmax Switching Regulators

August 05, 2013 by Jeff Shepard

Minmax Power, Inc. announced expansion of their M78A and M78SA switching regulators that are pin-compatible and size-compatible with older and less-efficient LM78xx devices. The M78A is supplied in industry-standard TO-220 SIP packaging, and thus can be used as "drop-in" replacements that reduce the power consumption of applications without costly or time-consuming circuit redesign. The M78A series regulators are also available in a miniature SMT package (M78SA Series), allowing for an installed height of less than 0.36 (9.24 mm).

The M78A / M78SA switching regulators are suitable for new and existing LM78xx designs and other applications where maximum load current is 0.5A or less, and full load operation at elevated supply voltages is needed. Output voltages range from 1.5Vdc through 15Vdc from input voltages as wide as 4.75Vdc-32Vdc. A minimum 280kHz switching frequency produces efficiencies as high as 97%, resulting in full-load operation at ambient temperatures as high as 80 degrees C, with no heatsinks required.

In addition to higher operating efficiencies, the M78A / M78SA switching regulators feature excellent line/load regulation, low ripple/noise, thermal shutdown, low standby current, and a 3-year product warranty. New, reduced pricing for the M78A Series is <$3.00 in OEM quantities with delivery from stock to 4 weeks ARO.