Dual DC/DC Converters Raise Efficiency Bar

Billed as the industry’s highest efficiency high-current, dual step-down dc/dc converters in 3 mm x 3 mm TDFN packages, the AS134x series provides efficiencies up to 95% for maximum time between battery charges. The AS1346/47/48/49 constant-frequency dual buck converters are available in fixed-voltage versions allowing 100-mV increments from 1.2V to 3.6V. Each version provides two independent dc/dc regulators with output currents between 0.5A and 1.2A. The two channels operate 180° out-of-phase to reduce input voltage ripple and minimize input capacitor requirements. The devices operate over an input voltage range from 2.7V to 5.5V and feature an automatic power-save mode and internal MOSFETs. Prices for the AS134x family start at $0.90 each/1,000. AUSTRIAMICROSYSTEMS USA INC., Raleigh, NC. (919) 676-5292.