1.2A DC/DC Converters Extend Battery Life

Promising longer system run-times and reduced board space requirements, the TPS6204x family of 1.2A step-down dc/dc converters boast of a quiescent current of 18 µA and a 95% conversion efficiency. Reductions in board space are achieved by integrating all necessary switching transistors on the 3 mm x 5 mm chip and by operating at a fixed frequency of 1.25 MHz to minimize inductor size. Input voltages range from 2.5V to 6V and output voltages are as low as 0.7V. Additional features include, adjustable- and fixed-voltage options, PFM and PWM modes, a 100% maximum duty cycle, low-noise operation in forced fixed frequency PWM mode, a power-save mode at light load current levels, and short-circuit detection. Price is $2.09 each/1,000. TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC., Dallas, TX. (800) 477-8924.