Boost Converter And LDO Combo Promises Longer Battery Life

Debuting as an industry first, the TPS61130 combines a synchronous SEPIC step-up or step-down switching converter with a LDO in a single package. Additionally, the TPS61100 and TPS61120 devices are the company's first to combine synchronous step-up dc/dc converters with low dropout (LDO) linear regulators. The TPS6110x, TPS6112x and TPS6113x dc/dc converter/LDO device's feature pulse-width modulation (PWM) switching, a quiescent current of 40 µA, wide range of output voltage options, independent operation of the converter and LDO, and integrated switching transistors. The TPS6113x can function as either a step-up or step-down, boost or buck converter. With a typical efficiency of 90%, the device uses battery capacity more effectively by drawing power throughout the complete voltage range of the battery. The TPS6110x targets systems with one or two alkaline, NiCd or NiMH cells and integrates a synchronous boost converter generating 1.5V to 5.5V with an LDO generating 0.9V to 3.6V. The boost converter delivers up to 200 mA and operates with supply voltages down to 0.8V. For single-cell Li-Ion and Li-Polymer or dual-cell alkaline, NiMH and NiCd systems, the TPS6112x integrates a synchronous boost converter generating 2.5V to 5.5V with an LDO generating 0.9V to 5.5V. The boost converter outputs up to 400 mA and operates with voltages down to 1.8V. Pricing for the TPS611xx family starts at $1.75 each/1,000. TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC., Santa Clarita, CA. (800) 477-8924.