Micrel Semiconductor Introduces the MIC4684 Switching Regulator

Micrel Semiconductor Inc. announced the MIC4684, a high-efficiency 200kHz stepdown (buck) switching regulator. Micrel reports that the new regulator achieves a power-conversion efficiency of above 85 percent for a wide variety of applications. The MIC4684 achieves 2A of continuous current in an eight-lead small-outline package at 60 degrees C ambient temperature.

The MIC4684 utilizes a boost capacitor to increase the voltage available to saturate the internal power switch. As a result of this, a high efficiency is achieved and no external heatsink is required. The MIC4684 is housed in an SO-8 with a junction temperature range of -40 to 125 degrees C.

The MIC4684 has an input-voltage range of 4V to 30V (34V transient). Built-in safety features include over-current protection, frequency-foldback short-circuit protection, and thermal shutdown. The device, which features fixed 200kHz PWM operation and an output voltage adjustable to 1.235V, is an all-surface-mount solution.