Buck-boost converter consumes 60% less board space, offers 96% efficiency

Texas Instruments Inc. introduces a very small, high performance buck-boost converter with a 4-A switch and up to 96% efficiency. The TPS63020 power management integrated circuit (IC) helps extend battery life in smartphones, portable medical equipment, DLP pico projectors, and other battery-powered multimedia devices.

The buck-boost device operates with a wide input voltage range of 1.8 to 5.5 V and can discharge lithium batteries down to 2.5 V or lower, while maintaining excellent light load efficiency. The single-inductor, 2.4-MHz TPS63020 converter comes in a 3 x 4 x 1 mm package, and can achieve a complete dc/dc converter solution of 100 mm2, more than 60% smaller than other models on the market, according to the company.

Key features and benefits of TPS63020:

• High output current capability allows a battery-powered device to generate the most current with the greatest amount of efficiency; for example, 3 A at 3.3 V in step-down mode and more than 2.0 A at 3.3 V in boost mode at typical conditions.
• Dynamic input current limit effectively protects the circuit and system.
• Power Save Mode maintains high efficiency at light load.
• Supports one-cell lithium-based or 2 or 3-cell Alkaline, NiCd, or NiMH batteries.

The TPS63020 converter and a 3.3-V fixed output voltage version, the TPS63021, are available in volume now. Samples, evaluation modules and application notes are also available. For more information, contact Texas Instruments Inc., 12500 TI Blvd., Dallas, TX 75243. Phone: (972) 644-5580.