IR Controller Enables High Density, Low Current POLs
International Rectifier (IR) today introduced the IR3624, a 600kHz single-phase synchronous buck controller IC designed for high density, 10A non-isolated point-of-load (POL) regulators used in networking and communications systems. The 600kHz switching frequency enables the use of a reduced footprint inductor and fewer output capacitors, saving board area. For example, when the new IR3624 is used with a pair of IR's DirectFET® MOSFETs, such as the IRF6623 and IRF66636, a complete 10A regulator can be made to fit into 200 square millimeters of board space.
"The combination of the IR3624 with two small-can DirectFET MOSFETs allows designers to achieve twice the power density of previous solutions by reducing solution footprint by 45 percent," said Faisal Ahmad, marketing manager for DC-DC Computing Products at International Rectifier.
For system robustness, the IR3624 features integrated thermal shutdown and programmable over-current limit protection. The IR3624 includes a 0.6V voltage reference, which allows a single POL regulator to support a wide variety of applications from ultra low-voltage DSPs to legacy 5V logic.
For applications below 5A, even higher density can be achieved by using one SO-8 dual N-channel HEXFET MOSFET such as the IRF8910 to replace the two stand-alone MOSFETs and further shrink the board area to within 150 square millimeters.
To meet the tracking requirements of the latest ASICs and FPGAs during start-up, the IR3624 can start-up with a pre-biased output voltage without discharging the output. This feature simplifies regulator design for both the core and I/O voltages. Under-voltage lockout and programmable soft start features further help to limit in-rush currents and ensure proper power up of the regulator.
Pricing for both the IR3624MPbF and the IR3624MTRPbF is US $0.85 each in 10,000-unit quantities, and are available either in tubes or Tape & Reel. Prices are subject to change. The devices are lead-free and are compliant with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS).
