DC/DC converters optimise power management to target USB-PD
Wide voltage, high frequency point of load (PoL) converters from Silanna Semiconductor target USB-PD applications. They are claimed to deliver the highest efficiency and power density, together with size and cost reductions.
The SZPL3102A and SZPL3103A buck regulators operate up to 2MHz. They deliver a wide input and output range converters that support up to 24V DC input in a small 3.0 x 3.0mm QFN package.
“Higher switching frequency means a smaller, lower cost output filter,” explained Tim Wilhelm, director of marketing, Silanna Semiconductor. The company also offers support tools to help customers increase the performance efficiency to increase power density in designs approaching 12 per cent of the volume required by low-frequency competitive solutions, he added. The SZPL3102 / SZPL3103 reduced bill of materials (BoM) cost, design cycles and time to market, said the company.
The SZPL3102A and SZPL3103A have extremely low operating power dissipation which enables very low no-load power. This is an important specification for regulatory certification. The SZPL3102A contains a momentary internal feedback path that allows for clean and well controlled start-up operation until external USB-PD controllers can bias themselves and take over control of the output voltage.
Mark Drucker, CEO of Silanna Semiconductor, explained further saving through the design of the SZPL3102A and SZPL3103A. “Our design team increased the frequency to 2MHz and maintained the highest efficiency and power density which allowed unheard of size and cost reductions,” he said, adding that some of the early design wins and positive feedback in USB-PD applications.
The buck regulators incorporate internal and external resistor divider flexibility for custom design support. The SZPL3102 includes a momentary internal FB resistor divider that allows time for some PD controllers to power up and take smooth control. The SZPL3103 allows for an external FB resistor divider for standalone operation and co-operation with other USB port controllers using an external divider network.
In addition to USB-PD and fast charging power adapters, the DC/DC converters are suitable for high power density DC/DC power supplies, high efficiency power adapters and battery chargers for mobile devices.
The SZPL3102A and SZPL3103A devices are being sampled now and will be fully released later this year.
