New Industry Products

Micrel Debuts MIC2183 and MIC2184 DC/DC Controllers

December 26, 2001 by Jeff Shepard

Micrel Semiconductor Inc. (San Jose, CA) released the new MIC2183 and MIC2184 dc/dc controllers that convert 3.3V voltages to lower voltage levels. The MIC2183/ MIC2184 provide an ideal solution to efficiently generate high-current supply rails from the main 3.3V supply. Both devices feature an input-voltage range of 2.9V to 14V. The MIC2183/ MIC2184 include built-in, high-power output drivers, capable of driving large MOSFETs that provide large output currents.

The MIC2183 is a synchronous buck controller. It can efficiently step down a 3.3V input to generate output voltages of 2.5V, 1.8V, 1.5V, etc. The synchronous architecture reduces power loss by replacing a Schottky diode with a low on-resistance MOSFET. The MIC2184 is a buck controller. It uses a Schottky diode instead of a MOSFET on the low side of the converter, saving cost. The MIC2184 solution allows the designer to make cost-versus-efficiency tradeoffs in applications where efficiency is not as critical.

The switching frequency of the MIC2183/ MIC2184 can be selected from 400kHz, or 200kHz, depending on the efficiency and noise spectrum requirements of the power supply. The parts can be synchronized up to 600kHz.

The MIC2183BM and MIC2184BM are available in the SO-16 package. They are both priced at $3.50 when purchased in 1,000-piece quantities. Samples are available from stock, and production quantities are stock to 12 weeks ARO.