Dual Buck Converter Extends Battery Life In 3G Handsets

The MAX8896 dual step-down converter integrates a 700-mA dc/dc converter for powering the 3G power amp and a 200-mA converter for the RF transceiver in a 4 mm x 4 mm package. Designed to power WCDMA/NCDMA power amplifier modules and RF transceivers, the device operates between the battery and RF-transceiver/amp to reduce current consumption by as much as 50% under typical operating conditions. It also includes an RF step-down converter. Other features include a 1.9A of peak current, low-impedance bypass FET, 94% peak efficiency with a 2-MHz fixed switching frequency, a fixed 3.1V output voltage with ±2% output-voltage accuracy, and a PSRR of 65 dB. Price starts at $1.92 each/2,500. MAXIM INTEGRATED PRODUCTS, Sunnyvale, CA. (800) 998-8800.