Low-Input-Voltage DC-DC Converters Boost Battery Life

Two low-voltage step-up dc-dc converters feature wide input ranges to support highly efficient power management for portable consumer electronics, industrial, and instrumentation applications. The ADP1612 (1.8- to 5.5-V input) and the ADP1613 (2.5- to 5.5-V input) boost output voltages to as high as 20 V. Output voltage is adjustable, allowing the converters to extend battery life with an unregulated input voltage. The converters use a pulse-width modulation, current-mode architecture to regulate the output voltage across load conditions and to reduce the risk of in-rush currents at startup. As a result, the devices deliver up to 93% efficiency with fast transient response and stable output voltage levels for greater system reliability. The devices also feature pin-selectable switching frequency, allowing them to operate at 650 kHz for maximum efficiency or at 1.3 MHz, which enables the use of smaller external passive components. Samples of the ADP1612 and ADP1613 are available now in low-profile, 8-lead MSOPs measuring 3 by 3 by 1.1 mm. In 1000-unit quantities, the ADP1612 costs $1.50 and the ADP1613 is $1.20. ANALOG DEVICES INC., Norwood, MA. (781) 329-4700.