New Industry Products

Synchronous Buck Regulators Handle up to 12A

August 05, 2015 by Jeff Shepard

The ZSPM4023 product family ICs from Zentrum Mikroelektronik Dresden AG (ZMDI) are constant-frequency, synchronous dc-dc buck regulators featuring an adaptive on-time control architecture. The ZSPM4023 operates over a supply range of 4.5V to 28V at a constant 600kHz switching frequency in continuous-conduction mode. The ZSPM4023 internal linear regulator provides a regulated 5V for the internal control circuitry that regulates the input signal for an output voltage that is adjustable down to 0.8V. The family includes three product versions that support different maximum load capabilities: 6A, 9A, and 12A.

Under medium to heavy loads, the ZSPM4023 provides high efficiency and ultra-fast transient response via its rapid-control architecture. Under light load conditions, it maintains high efficiency and a superior transient response by transitioning to variable-frequency, discontinuous mode operation with its ultra-light-load architecture. These devices are specified for operation over a junction temperature range of –40 to +125 degrees C and are packaged in a 28-pin QFN package (5mm X 6mm).

ZSPM4023 ICs offer a full suite of protection features to ensure protection of the IC during fault conditions. These include under-voltage lockout to ensure proper operation under power-sag conditions; thermal shutdown; internal soft-start to reduce inrush current; foldback current limiting; and “hiccup” mode short-circuit protection. The ZSPM4023 includes a power good (PG) output to allow simple sequencing.

Features and benefits of the ZSPM4023 ICs include: Ultra-light load efficiency – up to 80% at 10mA; Up to 95% efficiency; Feedback reference accuracy as high as ±1%; Rapid-control architecture enables operation with a high input/output voltage ratio (e.g., VIN = 28V and VOUT = 0.8V) and small output capacitance; Adjustable output voltage from 0.8V to 5.5V; Universally compatible with most output capacitors – stable with zero to high ESR; Power good (PG) output; Foldback current limiting and “hiccup” mode short-circuit protection; and Safe start-up into pre-biased loads.