Texas Instruments Introduces New TPS6210x Family of Buck Converters
Texas Instruments (TI, Dallas, TX) has introduced the TPS6210x family of low-power buck converters with integrated FETs. These new devices use smaller inductors and capacitors as well as eliminate the need for an external Schottky rectifier. TI claims that the new devices were designed to take full advantage of the life of a battery cell, even providing operation when the battery voltage is at 2.5V.
The family is available in four operating frequencies ranging from 300kHZ to 2MHz. They can be synchronized with an external clock signal and can achieve an operating frequency of 2.5MHz. The devices offer an input range from 2.5V to 9V and can function with one- or two-cell Lithium-ion batteries, as well as NiMH or alkaline batteries. The family includes an adjustable output range from 0.8V to 8V. TI claims that all of the devices in the family can be programmed to operate in fixed-, variable- or automatic-frequency modes. Meanwhile, the devices include a shutdown mode that can be used to deploy an active power-management subsystem.
The TPS6210x devices come in an eight-pin SOIC package. They are scheduled to be available in February 2001 from TI and from authorized distributors. Suggested resale pricing, in quantities of 1,000, is $2.81 each.
