Texas Instruments introduced a 1.5-A DC/DC step-down converter that helps extend battery life in 2-cell alkaline or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) powered electronics, such as portable audio players. The TPS62510 97-percent efficient converter supports an adjustable input voltage range from 1.8 V to 3.8 V. The device can also regulate the point-of-load power supply from a fixed 3.3 V, 2.5 V or 1.8 V input voltage. The TPS62510 operates in a 1.5-MHz fixed frequency pulse width modulation (PWM) mode with the mode pin high, or in a high-efficiency mode at nominal load current. For increased power savings, the device automatically enters a power save mode at light load currents.

Technical Features

• 1.8 V to 3.8 V input voltage range
• Up to 97-percent high efficiency synchronous step-down converter
• 1.5-MHz fixed frequency PWM operation
• One percent output voltage accuracy in fixed-frequency PWM mode
• Power save mode operation for high efficiency over the entire load current range
• 22-uA quiescent current
• Fixed and adjustable output voltage
• Output voltage tracking for reliable sequencing

Pricing and Availability

The TPS62510 converter is available today in volume. The device comes in a 10-pin, 3 mm x 3 mm QFN package. Suggested retail pricing in 1,000-piece quantities is $2.35. For applications that require additional power dissipation, the DDPAK package is available. Evaluation modules of the TPS62510, design application notes and online power management selection tool are available through the website (see second link below).