Converters Boost Voltages as Low as 0.7V

Semtech Corp.’s SC120, SC121 and SC122 boost converter platforms boost inputs from as low as 0.7V to a regulated output settable from 1.8V to 5V. Available in 1.5x2x0.6mm plastic packages, the devices are ideally suited for portable applications powered by alkaline, NiMH, or 1-cell Li-ion batteries, or as point-of-load regulators in non-portable applications.



The SC120 features 1.2MHz low-noise PWM operation, an internal low-on-resistance switch and synchronous rectifier for up to 94 percent efficiency, automatic PSAVE mode for light-load efficiency, an anti-ringing circuit that dampens stray oscillations on the inductor terminal, and a 0.1µA real shutdown mode. For highly noise-sensitive applications, the SC121 eliminates the PSAVE mode in favor of forced-PWM operation at all loads.

For specialized keep-alive applications, the SC122 utilizes PSAVE mode only and allows the output voltage to float high during shutdown by eliminating active discharge. The SC122 also limits the input to no more than 1.6V and the output to a fixed 3.3V.

Semtech Corp.
www.semtech.com