Microchip switching regulator

Microchip has announced the MCP1603 - a 2 MHz, 500 mA switching regulator that provides adjustable and fixed output voltages, undervoltage lockout and automatic pulse-width-modulation to pulse-frequency-modulation mode transition in thin SOT-23 (TSOT-23) and 2 x 3 mm DFN packages.

The device is suitable for extending battery life and reducing heat dissipation in a variety of portable, handheld electronic devices.

The switcher features a low quiescent current of 45 µA, standby current of 100 nA and auto transition from PWM to PFM modes for lower energy use and heat dissipation, as well as longer battery life.

With an input voltage range of 5.5 to 2.7 and either an adjustable output voltage range of 0.8 to 4.5 or a fixed output voltage range of 1.2 to 3.3, the switcher covers the entire Li-Ion, Li-Polymer, Ni-Cad and NiMH voltage ranges.

Target applications for the device include portable, handheld devices such as portable computers, PDAs, USB-powered devices, digital cameras and +5 or +3.3 V distributed systems.

The company has also announced the MCP1603 evaluation board that demonstrates using it as a buck switcher.