POWER AND LINEAR IC SOLUTIONS

Buck-Boost Converter Hits 96% Efficiency

Texas Instruments’ new TPS63000 buck-boost power management device helps extend battery life in single-cell, lithium-ion (Li-Ion) powered devices. The DC/DC converter delivers up to 96% efficiency over a wide input voltage range of 1.8V to 5.5V, while generating an output current of up to 1.2A.


96% Buck-Boost Converter

The device is reckoned to provide up to 28% greater battery run-time than competing standard high-efficiency buck converters when providing a 3.3V output. Based on a 1.5MHz fixed-frequency Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) technique, the device uses synchronous rectification to maintain high efficiency to support today's single-cell Li-Ion batteries.

In addition, the TPS63000's ability to support input voltages as low as 1.8V allows designers to take advantage of the higher power density of newer lithium-based battery chemistries in handsets and other portable applications.

All of this is achieved in a space-saving 3mm x 3mm QFN package. Overall solution size is also reduced by the ability to complete an entire design with small-sized external components. Future additions to the family are planned for delivery in ultra-small chip-scale packaging.

Efficiently delivering step-up and step-down DC/DC conversion with adjustable output voltages down to 1.2V, the device offers an extremely low quiescent current of less than 50µA, and advanced power savings and voltage protection features. The TPS63000 enters a power save mode at low power operation, which can be disabled, forcing the converter to operate at a fixed switching frequency. The converter also can be disabled to minimise battery drain. During shutdown, the load is completely disconnected from the battery.

Features

• Buck-boost DC/DC converter
• Up to 96% efficiency
• 1200mA output current at 3.3V in step-down mode
• 800mA output current at 5V in boost mode
• Automatic transition between step-down and boost mode
• Quiescent current less than 50µA
• Input voltage range: 1.8V to 5.5V
• Fixed and adjustable output voltage options from 1.2V to 5.5V
• Power save mode for improved efficiency at low output power
• Forced fixed frequency operation possible
• Load disconnect during shutdown
• Over-temperature protection
• Small 3mm x 3mm QFN-10 package

Applications

• Two-cell and three-cell alkaline, NiCd or NiMH or single-cell Li battery-powered products
• Portable audio players and PDAs
• White LEDs
• Portable instrumentation and industrial
• Portable medical applications

For further information, including the Texas Instruments' Power Management Selection Guide, the Power Reference Cookbook, TPS63000 Datasheet and Step-Down Quick Reference Guide, please click here