Date: 11/10/2011

TI adds new members to its PCB mountable DC/DC converter module family

Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) has introduced four new SIMPLE SWITCHER power management integrated circuits for space-constrained point-of-load designs in industrial, communications and automotive applications. The new devices include 1-A LMZ10501 and 650-mA LMZ10500 nano modules with on-chip inductor and 2-A LMR24220 and 1-A LMR24210 nano regulators operate from an input voltage range of 2.7 V to 5.5 V.

"With TI's new SIMPLE SWITCHER nano power modules, we were able to achieve a much smaller form factor, shrinking our embedded router board power supply footprint by more than 50 percent compared to previous discrete solutions," said Doug Hollingsworth, vice president of engineering with Gateworks Corp., a provider of OEM network computer solutions. The Laguna GW2380 Network Platform is a miniature, full-featured, embedded router board with a footprint smaller than five square inches and power consumption below 3 W. Designed for space-constrained, low-power embedded applications, the GW2380 features TI's new 1-A LMZ10501 nano module along with the 3-A LMZ14203 power module announced earlier this year.

With peak efficiency of 95% and operating at a switching frequency of 2 MHz, the SIMPLE SWITCHER power modules comply with the CISPR 22 Class B radiated and conducted electromagnetic interference (EMI) standard for communications applications. The new nano modules also meet the CISPR 25, Class 5 radiated noise emissions standard for automotive applications. For portable applications TI also offers the 600-mA TPS82671 in a fully integrated 6.7-mm2 MicroSiP package.

The 2-A LMR24220 and 1-A LMR24210 nano regulators operate over a 4.5 V to 42 V input voltage range and deliver an output voltage up to 24 V. Each features integrated synchronous MOSFETs for peak efficiency of 94.6 percent and reduced bill of materials. The regulators' constant on time (COT) with emulated ripple mode (ERM) architecture requires no loop compensation and provides ultra-fast transient response. The unique bump configuration eliminates the need for micro vias within the PCB, dramatically reducing cost and simplifying PCB design.


Availability, packaging and pricing: The new nano power modules and regulators are available in volume now from TI and its authorized distributors. The nano power modules are offered in an 8-pin leadless surface mount package measuring 2.5 mm by 3 mm by 1.2 mm. The suggested retail price of the LMZ10501 is $1.80 and the LMZ10500 is $1.30 in 1,000-unit quantities.

The nano power regulators are offered in a 28-pin micro SMD package measuring 2.45 mm by 3.64 mm by 0.60 mm. The suggested retail price of the LMR24220 is $2.00 and the LMR24210 is $1.50 in 1,000-unit quantities.