Buck Converter Cracks Power-Density Barrier

Deemed a breakthrough, the 1A EN53 12QI dc/dc buck converter achieves a power density of 50W per square inch. In a 5 mm x 4 mm x 1.1 mm QFN package, the device integrates an inductor, allowing it to function with two ceramic capacitors. Input voltage ranges from 2.4V to 5.5V and programmable output voltages run as low as 0.6V, making the converter suitable for powering microprocessors, FPGAs, ASICs, and DSPs. Other features include voltage-mode control with a high switching frequency, an output capacitance range from 10 µF to 60 µF without the need for external compensation, and a typical output voltage ripple of 5 mVp-p. Price is $1.41 each/1,000. ENPIRION INC., Bridgewater, NJ. (908) 575-7550.