Micrel Launches New Combination Buck Regulator/LDO

Micrel Inc. has launched the MIC2225, a small dual channel power management IC that provides two high-performance outputs. The integration of a 2MHz synchronous buck regulator with an independent 300mA LDO is said to offer portable electronics designers maximum flexibility for space constrained applications such as smart phones, GPS and digital still cameras. The MIC2225 is a suitable solution for applications where an additional set of voltages is needed to support an applications processor or co-processor.

"The MIC2225 addresses three major concerns in today’s portable electronic market: performance, size, and cost," said Ralf Muenster Micrel’s Marketing Director for Power Products. "With high efficiency and small board area, circuit designers will find the MIC2225 an optimally balanced solution for converged portable devices that require more than one processor."

The combination of the 600mA dc-dc plus 300mA linear regulator is said to permit the use of small value inductors and capacitors that reduce board space, support continuous load currents up to 600mA, and achieve more than 90% efficiency. The MIC2225 employs a µCap design which allows stable operation with very small ceramic output capacitors and a small inductor. This is claimed to reduce required board space and external component cost. Fixed output voltages options are available down to 1V on the dc-dc converter and 0.8V on the LDO. The PWM architecture is also said to offer fast transient response, high efficiency and low output ripple. The package is a very small leadless 10-pin 2mm x 2mm thin MLF® with a junction range temperature from -40 to +125°C.

The MIC2225 is currently available in volume, with pricing at $1.30, for 1K quantities.