New Industry Products

Micrel Offers the MIC2145 DC/DC Boost Converter

March 07, 2001 by Jeff Shepard

Micrel Semiconductor Inc. (San Jose, CA) is now offering the MIC2145, a high-efficiency dc/dc boost converter for driving white LEDs and biasing notebook PC LCD panels. With a 2.4V to 16V input voltage range, and a shutdown current of less than 1µA, the MIC2145 is suitable for portable, low-input voltage applications.

Important features of the MIC2145 include an integrated 1.5A switch, which allows the device to drive four white LEDs for cellular applications, or up to 10 white LEDs for larger-panel PDA applications. A peak-current-set feature allows designers to program the peak switch current to the level that allows maximum efficiency. In addition, a soft start feature reduces power supply noise. Separate analog and power grounds further minimize noise. The MIC2145 has a switching frequency of up to 450kHz, with a quiescent current of 200µA and an efficiency of over 90 percent.

“The MIC2145's high efficiency and high level of integration makes it ideal for portable applications where battery life and board space are at a premium," stated Tony Grizelj, Micrel's marketing manager for power products. “The MIC2145 can also be configured for use in boost, SEPIC and flyback applications."

The MIC2145BMM is available in an MSOF-8 package and is priced at $2.30 each when purchased in 1,000-piece quantities. Samples are available from stock, and product quantities are stock to 12 weeks ARO.