Microchip Tech Adds 2.0 MHz, 500mA Switching Regulator With Power Good
Microchip Technology Inc. announced the latest addition to its analog power-management product family – the MCP1602 switching regulator. The 2.0 MHz, 500mA switcher has a power-good feature that indicates when true voltage regulation has been achieved, which is claimed to ensure reliable system behavior. With both adjustable and fixed output voltages, as well as auto transition from Pulse-Width-Modulation (PWM) to Pulse-Frequency-Modulation (PFM) modes, the new switcher is said to reduce heat dissipation and extends battery life in a variety of portable, handheld electronic devices.
The MCP1602 switcher’s power-good feature enables system components, such as serial EEPROM and microcontrollers, to be held in reset until known-good regulation is achieved. This is said to ensure that data is never corrupted, which prevents erroneous system behavior. Additionally, the switcher’s low quiescent and standby currents of just 45µA and 100nA, respectively, coupled with its ability to auto transition into PFM mode when load demands are light, are claimed to help extend battery life. The new device also enables increased time between charges, while offering an adjustable output voltage range of 0.8 - 4.5V, a fixed output voltage range from 1.2 to 3.3V, and an input voltage range of 2.7 – 5.5V that covers the entire Li-Ion battery voltage range.
"Microchip continues to add new products to its fast-growing analog power-management product portfolio," said Bryan Liddiard, VP of Marketing with Microchip’s Analog and Interface Products Division. "We understand power electronic designers’ needs for high efficiency, integration and a small footprint, and the MCP1602 is one more way in which we are responding to these needs."
The MCP1602 switching regulator is suitable for portable, handheld electronic devices used in consumer electronic, medical and industrial applications. Examples include portable computers, PDAs, digital cameras, USB-powered devices and +3.3 or +5.5V distributed systems.
An evaluation board utilizing Dip switches to adjust voltage is available (Part # MCP1602EV), to help designers evaluate the MCP1602 switching regulator in their applications. The board is available for $25.
The MCP1602 switching regulator is available for sampling. Package options include the 8-pin MSOP and 3 mm x 3 mm DFN packages. The devices are priced at $0.93 each in 10,000-unit quantities for the MSOP package, and $1.02 each in 10,000-unit quantities for the DFN package.
