Step down synchronous regulator offers 94% efficiency

Targeting point of load applications such as industrial communication equipment and healthcare electronics, Analog Devices has introduced a step down dc/dc switching regulator that is said to offer greater than 94% efficiency.

The ADP2441 integrates low on resistance with high and low side power switches and is designed to automatically operate in pulse skip mode under light load conditions to reduce switching losses. The device supports an input range of 4.5 to 36V with the output voltage adjustable from 0.6V to 90% of the input voltage. ADI says that by offering a minimum on time of 50ns, the device is suitable for single stage, high input power conversation and can save board space and cost. By using a current mode constant frequency pulse width modulation control scheme, the ADP2441 is also optimised to minimise output voltage ripple. Switching frequency can be adjusted from 300kHz to 1MHz and the device is available in a 3 × 3mm 12 lead LFCSP package.