Monolithic Introduces Low Voltage Boost Converter

Monolithic Power Systems has announced a new compact and highly integrated 1.5A synchronous step-up (boost) converter. The MP1543 operates with an input voltage as low as 1.8V while maintaining an overall operating efficiency greater than 90%.

The MP1543 features output disconnect to dramatically cut leakage current in shutdown mode and conserve battery life.

Available in the compact thin SOT23-5 package, the MP1543 is suited for battery-powered applications using a single Li-ion or two alkaline (AA, AAA) cells. The MP1543 can be used for mobile phones, handheld computers/PDAs, portable media players, cordless input devices, digital still/video cameras, and small LCD/OLED displays.

Additional features include thermal shutdown, soft-start, and an adjustable output voltage range of 2.5V to 6V. This converter also integrates 500kHz top and bottom switches supporting up to 800mA output current in a 3.6V to 5V boost application.

Pricing for the MP1543 is $1.51 in 1,000-piece quantities. Samples and an evaluation board are available now.