Integrated, Single-Chip Step-Down Converter and Load Switch

Sep 28, 2011 3:49 AM

Advanced Analogic Technologies, Inc. introduced the AAT2138, a 2.5A output current synchronous DC/DC converter with an integrated, +/-10 percent precision current limit load switch designed to safely and efficiently regulate the power in USB peripherals. Capable of supporting power levels beyond the USB 3.0 standard, the AAT2138 offers an ideal solution for a broad range of USB-powered devices including wireless modem data cards, portable hard drives or RAID systems, and card readers.

USB 3.0, with its higher power capability, is enabling a host of peripheral devices that can run off USB power and do not require an AC/DC adapter. Consequently, peripheral system designers must take great care to make sure they safely maximize the power they receive from the USB host. By offering the safety of a precision current limit switch and the 95 percent efficiency of a DC/DC converter together in a single package, the AAT2138 enables system designers to develop small form-factor, energy efficient products that never exceed the compliance of the USB power supply, even under harsh transient conditions.

The AAT2138 delivers maximum flexibility in one of the smallest single chip solutions in the marketplace. Its broad feature set includes selectable PFM/PWM modes, an external synch clock up to 3MHz, independent enable pins for the DC/DC converter and load switch, and adjustable output voltage and current limit. Additionally, the part is optimized for a tiny 1uH inductor with no external compensation required and comes in a miniature, lead-free, low profile 3mm x 3mm 14-pin TDFN package, making it ideal for space constrained applications.

The AAT2138 is currently shipping and is priced at US$1.19 @1K units.

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