Micrel Semiconductor Introduces New MIC2182 Synchronous-Buck Switching-Control IC
Micrel Semiconductor Inc. (San Jose, CA) recently announced the MIC2182 synchronous-buck (step-down) switching-control IC, designed to provide output currents up to 20A when combined with two external FETs.
According to Micrel, the new controller has been designed for high-current applications commonly found in telecom systems. The MIC2182 has an all-n-channel synchronous architecture and automatically transitions between two operating modes: PWM mode for high currents and skip mode for lower power levels.
According to the company, this capability allows designers to achieve 95 percent efficiency over a large range of loads. The MIC2182 is designed to operate over an input voltage range of 4.5V to 28V, at a switching frequency of 300kHz. The device can be synchronized to an external clock at switching speeds up to 600kHz, and has an operating temperature range of -40 degrees to +125 degrees C.
"The MIC2182 features a powerful output-drive capability, making it easy to achieve high-current distributed power supplies found in telecom and networking applications," said Andrew Cowell, manager of Micrel's power product business unit.
The MIC2182 is available in a 16-pin SOIC package and a smaller SSOP-16 package. In quantities of 1,000, pricing for the MIC2182 starts at $3.10 each with sample quantities available from stock.
