Micrel dc-dc controllers target STB, storage apps

Micrel Semiconductor has released two high-speed dc-dc synchronous buck control ICs that provide point-of-load dc-dc conversion for networking, telecom, server, STB and storage applications.

The MIC2168 operates at a fixed 1MHz PWM operating frequency, while the MIC2169 operates at 500kHz. With a proprietary adaptive gate drive technique that reduces MOSFET shoot-through current, both devices are capable of efficiencies of over 95 percent.

The products operate from a 3V to 14.5V input voltage range, allowing the devices to step voltages down in systems with 3.3-, 5- and 12V power busses. With a programmable minimum output voltage of 0.8V, it can power the latest generation CPUs, DSPs, FPGAs, and ASICs.

The MIC2168 and MIC2169 are offered in a MSOP-10 package. It is available for $1.92 and $1.74 in 1,000-piece quantities, respectively.