Three new 600-mA synchronous buck converter ICs -- devices that will help to prolong the run-times provided by single-cell Lithium-ion batteries -- were announced today by Siliconix incorporated, an 80.4%-owned subsidiary of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. The new high-performance step-down converter ICs, which combine industry-best specifications for lowest output voltage and highest switching frequency with the smallest solution footprint, are intended for end products including cell phones, PDAs, digital cameras, MP3 players, portable scanners, LCD modules, and dc-to-dc converter modules. The three devices released today convert 2.6-V to 6-V input voltages to output voltages as low as 0.4 V -- a record-breaking capability that prolongs battery life. A maximum PWM switching frequency for the Si9174, Si9175, and Si9176 of 2 MHz sets another record -- and greatly reduces output capacitor and inductor size. With integrated power MOSFETs and only six external components -- one inductor, three capacitors, and two resistors -- the Si9174, Si9175, and Si9176 allow designers to create the industry's smallest complete step-down converter solution. As such, the new Vishay Siliconix ICs allow manufacturers to cut component and assembly costs, in addition to enabling design of more compact and efficient electronic systems. All three new ICs feature 100% duty cycle control for very low dropout, as well as selectable PWM (pulsewidth modulation), PSM (pulse-skipping mode), and Auto Mode (for automatic shifting between PWM and PSM) to ensure efficient operation throughout the entire load range. The Si9174 and Si9175 can be synchronized to a 13-MHz external oscillator to reduce system noise in cell phones. The Si9174 features a DAC input for fast dynamic output voltage adjustments from 0.4 V up to the input voltage, while the Si9175 and Si9176 feature a fixed output voltage down to 1.2 V set by external resistors. Integrated protection features include thermal shutdown, undervoltage lock-out, and overcurrent protection. The three converters are rated for operation over the industrial temperature range of -40 to +85 degrees Celsius and are available in an MSOP-10 package or a leadless MLP33 package measuring just 3 mm by 3 mm. Samples and production quantities of the Si9174, Si9175, and Si9176 are available now with lead times of six to eight weeks for larger orders. Pricing for U.S. delivery only in 50,000-piece quantities starts at $1.30.

Press Release