Date: 21/09/2010

Step down DC-DC converters from Exar deliver up to 1A output current/channel

Exar has launched the XRP6658 and XRP6668, respectively a single and dual channel step-down DC-DC converters delivering up to 1 Amp output current per channel. Both the XRP6658 (single channel) and the XRP6668 (dual channel) are suggested for portable battery-operated operations.

"Supporting a 2.5V to 5.5V input voltage range traditional of Lithium-Ion battery operated portable applications, the XRP6658 and XRP6668 are capable of achieving conversion efficiencies as high as 97% and better than 90% with load currents from below 1mA to the full 1 Amp," said Eric Pittana, director of marketing, Power Product Line. "The XRP6658 and XRP6668 pack in a small form factor one and two highly efficient and performing regulators that need minimal external components to operate. With quiescent currents rated at 15µA and 30µA, these devices are amongst the best-in-class converters."

These converters are based on a current mode 1.5MHz constant frequency PWM control scheme. Both devices implement a PFM mode and a 100% duty cycle LDO mode. The output voltage is adjustable to as low as 0.6V and a low quiescent current. These converters have built-in over temperature and under voltage lock-out protection that ensure safe operations.

Exar has also extended its line of precision voltage references with the XRP431L. This voltage reference circuit provides a 1.24V to 18V adjustable reference. The XRP431L is thermally stable at 20ppm/°C temperature coefficient and requires 100µA to operate while supporting up to 100mA.

The XRP6658 and XRP6668 are ROHs "green" halogen free compliant.

Package:
XRP6658: 5-pin SOT23
XRP6668: 8-pin SOIC23

Price:
XRP6658: Starts at US$0.49 for 1K pieces
XRP6668: Starts at US$0.79 for 1K pieces.