Vishay Releases Two New microBuck Integrated Synchronous Buck Regulators

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. announced two new devices in the microBuck™ family of integrated synchronous buck regulators. The 4-A SiC413 and 10A SiC417 are dc-to-dc converter solutions featuring an advanced controller IC with gate drivers, two PWM-optimized n-channel MOSFETs (high and low side), and a bootstrap diode in a standalone buck regulator configuration.

The two devices are said to offer a wide input voltage range of 4.75 to 26V for the SiC413 and 3 to 28V for the SiC417, with minimum output voltages down to 0.6 and 0.5V, respectively. The regulators minimize EMI by eliminating PCB traces, while the devices’ high- and low-side MOSFETs provide low on-resistance for reduced power losses and better performance.

With a 500-KHz operating frequency, the SiC413 is optimized for compact dc-to-dc point-of-load power supplies; 5, 12, and 24V distributed system power systems; processor and memory voltage regulators in set-top boxes, DVD players, and LCD displays; and telecom, networking, and industrial equipment. The SiC413 comes in a 5 by 6mm SO-8 package and can replace as many as four packages commonly used in discrete designs.

Featuring the 5 by 5mm MLPQ 32-pin package, the SiC417 offers the small form factor needed for super-compact, battery-operated portable computing. The constant-on-time controller provides superior transient response. This can reduce output filter cost for a given load regulation target. The device’s ultrasonic power save mode delivers improved light-load efficiency, which is well suited for embedded applications in notebook, desktop, and server computers; printers, DSL, set-top boxes, and HDTVs; and digital consumer, networking, and telecommunications equipment.

The microBuck regulators offer a high power density and improved thermal performance under the full load condition. The devices combine high efficiency of 93% with high-frequency operation, with the SiC417 capable of operating with all ceramic solutions and switching frequencies up to 1 MHz. In addition, the SiC417’s internal programmable LDO may be used to supply 5V for the gate drive circuits or it may be bypassed with an external 5V for optimum efficiency and used to drive external n-channel MOSFETs or other loads.

For reliable operation and easy system integration, both devices feature cycle-by-cycle current limiting, enable pin, internal soft start, under-voltage lockout, over-voltage protection, and thermal shutdown at +150 °C. The SiC417 also provides a power good signal, programmable current limit, and programmable LDO with 200 mA of drive capability.

Samples and production quantities of the new microBuck regulators are available now, with lead times of eight weeks for initial orders. Pricing for U.S. delivery in 1,000-piece quantities is $0.98 each for the SiC413, and $1.68 each for the SiC417.