Buck converter raises portable efficiency

Diodes claims that its AP3403 step-down DC/DC converter achieves typical efficiencies greater than 95%, helping to extend the battery life of low voltage portable products. The synchronous PWM device drives a load of up to 600mA, with efficiency maintained through a configuration of external resistor, capacitor and inductor components.

To support mini Li-Ion battery operation, the device accepts an input voltage ranging from 2.7 to 5V, with a no-load current of 34µA.The buck converter is said to ensure line and load regulation and to use current mode control to deliver fast transient response and a cycle-by-cycle current limit.

Operating at 2MHz, the converter has an output voltage range from 0.7 to 5.5V. System integrity is maintained by features that include under-voltage lockout, over-temperature protection, hiccup mode short-circuit protection and soft-start functionality.