Most efficient dual dc/dc converters on the market claims austriamicrosystems

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austriamicrosystems has launched what it claims to be the industry's highest efficiency series of dual dc/dc converters. The high current, dual step-down AS134x series of dc/dc converters has been designed in a 3 x 3mm TDFN package.

Designed for space-limited applications with low power consumption requirements, the AS134x series is said to provide up to 95% efficiency for maximum time between battery charges. It is targeted for portable devices such as laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices and solid state drives (SSDs). The AS1346/47/48/49 DC-DC series is a range of constant-frequency dual buck converters available with fixed-voltage versions in 100mV increments from 1.2 to 3.6V. Each version provides two independent dc/dc regulators with output currents between 0.5 and 1.2A. The two channels operate 180° out-of-phase to reduce input voltage ripple and minimise input capacitor requirements. The devices operate from a 2.7 to 5.5V power supply, and have an ambient operating temperature range of -40 to 85°C. In shutdown mode, typical supply current decreases to =1µA, while a duty cycle provides low dropout operation, which austriamicrosystems says prolongs battery life in portable systems. An internal synchronous switching scheme is designed to increase efficiency and eliminate the need for an external Schottky diode. The internally fixed switching frequency (2MHz) allows the use of small surface mount inductors. Peter Kammerlander, austriamicrosystems' senior product manager, said: "Today's battery powered devices offer more features and higher performance, placing increasing demands on power management and efficiency. The AS134x series not only meets the demands of consumer electronics, but also for other applications such as ultra-low-power systems, solid state drives, medical instruments, as well as telemetry and remote systems."