Tiny DC/DC Converter Hits 96% Efficiency

The AS1328 1.5-MHz synchronous dc/dc step-down converter achieves efficiencies up to 96%. With a quiescent current of 25 μA, the device can deliver up to 3A of output current at output voltages as low as 0.6 V while operating from an input voltage of 2.7V to 5.5V over a -40°C to 85°C temperature range.  Fixed-output voltage versions are available in 50-mV increments or, alternatively, the output voltage can be set from 0.6V to the input voltage via an external resistor divider. Other features include a softstart function that minimizes the initial inrush current. Price is $1.30 each/1,000. AUSTRIAMICROSYSTEMS USA INC., Raleigh, NC. (919) 676-5292.