Microchip debuts 2MHz, 500mA switching regulator

NEW DELHI: Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, announced the MCP1603 -- a 2MHz, 500mA switching regulator. This new, low-power switcher provides adjustable and fixed output voltages, under voltage lockout (UVLO) and automatic Pulse-Width-Modulation (PWM) to Pulse-Frequency-Modulation (PFM) mode transition -- all in Thin SOT-23 (TSOT-23) and 2x3 mm DFN packages. The MCP1603 is ideal for extending battery life and reducing heat dissipation in a variety of portable, handheld electronic devices.

Microchip has long supported the power-conversion market with its PIC microcontrollers, dsPIC Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs), voltage supervisors, low dropout regulators (LDOs), switching regulators and power drivers. The MCP1603 switching regular extends this support by offering important features like small footprint and high efficiency (90 percent), which are essential to the rapidly growing handheld and battery-operated device market.

The switcher also features low quiescent current of 45µA, standby current of only 100 nA and auto transition from PWM to PFM modes for lower energy use and heat dissipation, as well as longer battery life. The MCP1603 switching regulator is available in TSOT-23 and 2x3mm DFN packages in 10,000-unit quantities.

"The release of the MCP1603 switching regulator marks Microchip's continued commitment to the power-conversion market," said Bryan Liddiard, vice president of marketing with Microchip's Analog and Interface Products Division. "With products like the MCP1603, Microchip continues to meet the high efficiency and small product footprint needs of the electronics industry."

Art Eck, senior product marketing manager with Microchip's Analog & Interface Products Division, said of the new device, "The MCP1603 switcher's unique feature set, plus the ability to operate at 100 percent duty cycle with UVLO, overtemperature and overcurrent protection - as well as internal compensation - mean that very sophisticated designs can be achieved with little effort on the part of the designer."

With an input voltage range of 5.5 to 2.7V and either an adjustable output voltage range of 0.8 to 4.5V or a fixed output voltage range of 1.2V to 3.3V, the MCP1603 switcher covers the entire Li-Ion, Li-Polymer, NiCd and NiMH voltage ranges. This means that users can employ these types of batteries in their electronic devices, for extremely efficient operation. Target applications for the MCP1603 switcher include portable, handheld devices such as portable computers, PDAs, USB-powered devices, digital cameras and +5V or +3.3V distributed systems.

Microchip has also announced the MCP1603 Evaluation Board (Part # MCP1603EV), which demonstrates using the MCP1603 as a Buck switcher. The board is available at www.microchipdirect.com as well.