Miniature step-down DC-DC converter helps lengthen battery life in portables

Achieving typical efficiencies greater than 95%, the new miniature AP3403 step-down DC-DC converter from Diodes Incorporated helps lengthen the battery lifetime of smartphones and other low-voltage portable products. This converter is a synchronous PWM device that drives a load at up to 600mA, with high efficiency maintained through a configuration of external resistor, capacitor and inductor components. To support mini Li-Ion battery operation, the input voltage range is low at 2.7V to 5V, with no-load current being only 34µA. The buck converter ensures excellent line and load regulation and employs current mode control to deliver fastest possible transient response and cycle-by-cycle current limit. By operating at a ripple-reducing fixed 2MHz, the AP3403 is able to help reduce the cost and size of external circuit components, while its ultra-small, thermally efficient U-DFN1616 package further aids a reduction in overall circuit footprint. The converter’s output voltage range of 0.7V to 5.5V makes it easily configurable to application requirements. System integrity is maintained by a comprehensive array of built-in features that include under-voltage lockout, over-temperature protection, hiccup mode short-circuit protection, and soft-start functionality. An evaluation board is also available.