World’s smallest 4A dual point-of-load regulator from Semtech dramatically reduces size and inventory challenges in power conversion apps

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

The new SC286 is the world’s smallest 4A, dual-channel regulator for point-of-load (POL) applications. It combines two step-down regulators each with 15 preset output voltages controlled by four on-chip voltage identification (VID) pins, all in an ultra-small, low-profile 4 x 4 x 0.6mm package enabling a compact, overall design footprint of less than 200mm2. This combination of features lets designers optimize power conversion to support more features in less space without the inventory challenges associated with using multiple regulators.

Regulators are used in nearly all electronic products to take electricity from the power source and convert it to the various voltages needed by all the system components (microprocessor, touch buttons, temperature monitor, etc.). Traditional buck regulators necessitate designing in and qualifying many different parts to accommodate all of the possible voltage variations. The SC286 consolidates these requirements down to just one tiny integrated circuit.

The SC286 supports output currents up to 4A per channel, along with very high power conversion efficiency (up to 95%), low shutdown current (1µA typ.), automatic power save for high light-load efficiency, and excellent transient response. The combination of ultra-small size, high efficiency and high performance makes this device an ideal solution for powering a wide range of loads, including analog-to-digital converters, microcontrollers, DSPs and digital ASICs in networking, communications, consumer, industrial and office automation equipment, including router and network cards, printers and LCD TVs.

“The SC286 enables designers to source one device for multiple sockets. A total of 15 different output voltages from each of two on-chip regulators equates to 225 preset output voltage combinations controlled by one extremely small power management chip. This dramatically simplifies design, qualification and ongoing inventory management for our customers,” said Alan Burchfield, senior product marketing manager for Semtech’s Power Management Group. “It also helps them minimize overall system size even as they continue to add more and more functions. No other supplier comes close to matching two 4A regulators in such a small package.”

The SC286 further simplifies power supply design by integrating the regulator, loop compensation components, power MOSFETs and MOSFET drivers on one chip. This eliminates the need for external loop stabilization components and programming resistors, making component selection and layout much easier, while contributing to the small design footprint.

The SC286 is packaged in a low-profile, thermally enhanced 4 x 4 x 0.6mm MLPQ 28-pad package. For applications requiring one regulator, the SC186 offers the same performance, with a single output.