Date: 22/07/2010

25 Amp capable synchronous DC-DC controller from Micrel

Micrel has introduced the MIC2166, the newest member of its family of Hyper Speed Control Synchronous DC-DC controllers. The device is a wide input voltage range, high performance, adaptive on-time DC-DC controller capable of driving up to 25A of load current. This controller has an internal VDD regulator that enables single-supply operation. According to Micrel the MIC2166 applies Hyper Speed Control architecture that reduces the required output capacitance and allows for good transient response, while making high delta-V operation (VIN=28V, VOUT=0.8V) possible. This solution is suggested for set-top boxes, gateways, routers, computer peripherals, and applications with low voltage distributed power requirements.

"A host of customer friendly features such as internal 5V VDD regulator and PowerGood output, combined with Micrel's unique Hyper Speed Control™ architecture offer terrific benefits such as reduced BOM cost and world class transient response," stated Doyle Slack, director of analog marketing, Micrel. "The MIC2166 is Any Capacitor™ stable ? stability is maintained from zero ESR to high ESR, thereby allowing a great degree of flexibility for the designer."

The main features of the MIC2166 include:
1. Operates at a switching of 600kHz, over a supply range of 4.5V to 28V and used to provide up to 25A of output current.
2. Micrel says that the device achieves up to 95 percent efficiency, while still switching at high frequencies over a broad load range.
3. An UVLO feature is provided to ensure proper operation under power-sag conditions, thus preventing the external power MOSFET from overheating.
4. MIC2166 applies a digital soft start feature to reduce the inrush current.
5. Short Current Sensing on the Bottom MOSFET with hiccup ensures protection in case of output short circuit.
6. MIC2166 includes an enable (EN) input to shutdown the converter and a Power Good output that allows simple sequencing.
7. MIC2166 is stable with any output capacitor (zero to high ESR).


Package: 10-pin ePad MSOP package

Operating temperature range: -40°C to +125°C

Price: The MIC2166 is priced at US$0.93 for 1K quantities.

For more information visit: www.micrel.com