Semtech's ultra-small, 500mA dual POL regulator replaces LDOs with higher efficiency alternative

CAMARILLO, USA: Semtech Corp., a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, launched the latest device in its buck controller platform.

The new SC197 is a 500mA, dual-output, point-of-load (POL) regulator, combining two PWM-modulated, DC-DC regulators in an ultra-small, low-profile 2 x 3 x 0.6mm package with an overall design solution footprint of just 80mm2. The small size and footprint of the SC197 help designers save significant board space versus using two single-channel switchers and power efficiency up to 94% makes the device a higher efficiency alternative to LDOs. The SC197 is ideal for power management applications in portable equipment, as well as in lower-voltage, multi-rail power supply designs.

In addition to the two on-chip regulators, the SC197 features integrated 4-bit VID pins to provide dynamic voltage scaling (DVS), without the need for external programming resistors. Also, on-chip loop compensation eliminates the need for stability control components and a 3.5MHz fixed PWM switching frequency operation balances high efficiency and fast transient response, while enabling the SC197 to work with very small chip inductors.

In typical designs, each regulator requires only two capacitors and a single inductor. This unique combination of high integration, tiny package, and low external parts count enables the small, 80mm2 footprint of the SC197.

“Semtech’s buck regulator platform is blowing by the competition with high performance, ultra-small, and high efficiency solutions,” said Athar Zaidi, Director of Marketing in Semtech’s Power Management Group.

“The SC197 joins our recently announced SC283 dual buck regulator, designed to drive down size in systems requiring higher power, up to 1.8A. The SC197 gives designers an easy-to-use, incredibly small switching solution for powering both core and peripheral functions in portable equipment applications, including smart phones, medical and personal navigation devices, POS terminals, digital cameras and portable gaming consoles.”

Both regulators in the SC197 operate from inputs of 2.9V to 5.5V and provide 15 pin-programmable output voltages from 0.8V to 3.3V, covering all the typical core and I/O voltage rails with one device. An automatic power-save (PSAVE) mode reduces quiescent current to 38μA (typical) per regulator to maintain high efficiency during light loads.

The SC197 offers full protection features, including internal soft-start to minimize inrush current; input under-voltage lockout; output over-voltage and current-limit protection; foldback current limit, short-circuit protection; and over-temperature protection. 100% duty-cycle operation is also supported for applications with low headroom between input and output.

For applications requiring just one regulator, the SC195, with an external inductor and the SC202 with an integrated inductor, offer the same performance as the SC197. For higher power applications requiring dual regulators, the SC283 integrates two, 1.8A regulators.