Fairchild PWM controller reduces standby losses to <1W

The FAN7501 programmable, current-mode PWM controller from Fairchild Semiconductor meets the International Energy Agency's "1-Watt Initiative" aimed at reducing standby power losses to less than 1W.

With an operating frequency of up to 300kHz and a maximum operating current of 4mA, the 8-pin DIP device significantly minimizes switching losses and is considered a "green" product. The company claims that the device requires few external components and is positioned as a low-cost solution for off-line switching power supplies, dc/dc conversion applications, as well as for adapters in notebook PCs, LCD monitors, DVDs, and STBs.

Internal features of the FAN7601, such as a programmable soft start (20ms) and a start-up switch, further reduce power consumption. Other features include overvoltage protection, thermal shutdown, and undervoltage lock out.