ON Semi dc converter draws 195A

ON Semiconductor has introduced the NCP1403 dc/dc converter IC that delivers 15V output while drawing 195A, allowing the device to boost the voltage of a single lithium battery or two-cell AA or AAA battery found in handheld devices.

The monolithic pulse frequency modulation, step-up converter has a built-in chip enable feature that allows it to achieve its current performance during operation, as well as having a shutdown current of 0.35A.

Suited for handheld applications such as camcorders and digital still cameras, PDAs, cellphones, MP3 devices, and other handheld instruments, the NCP1403 can be utilized to bias LCDs or to drive white LEDs. The device can also be incorporated in step-down and voltage-inverting configurations.

It has an efficiency rating of 82 percent, startup voltage of 1.3V, and a maximum output voltage up to 15V with a built-in 16V MOSFET switch. The 16V switch enables the device to work over a wider output voltage range without having to implement an external switch.

It has a switching frequency up to 300kHz allowing external passive component size to be reduced to conserve board space.

The NCP1403 is available in the miniature TSOP-5 package on tape and reel. Price for the device is 56 cents in 10,000 unit quantities.