The UltraBK converters are aimed at space-constrained applications such as IT and network infrastructure equipment. In addition to significant space savings, they also deliver high energy efficiency, high reliability, outstanding low-noise performance, and fast transient response.
The converters achieve their extremely low height and compact footprint by using an innovative two-stage design. This design combines a switched-capacitor charge pump followed by a smaller buck or boost converter with lower-voltage power MOSFETs and reduced output inductance compared to conventional designs.
The capacitor network provides almost lossless conversion of the input voltage at any ratio, enabling overall operating efficiency as high as 90.5%. The output inductor is approximately 10 times smaller than for a comparable conventional circuit, allowing the entire converter to fit in a 10.5 mm x 9.0 mm LGA package only 2.1 mm high. Moreover, electromagnetic emission (EMI) is typically 20 dB lower.
Murata is launching the UltraBK family by introducing four buck converters that provide a choice of 4 A and 6 A output ratings and the option of a built-in I2C port to allow digital configuration and control. The converters have a wide input voltage range of 6.0 V to 14.4 V, with programmable output voltage from 0.7 V to 1.8 V.
