Vishay rolls out FunctionPAK plug-in versions

Promising to help streamline the prototyping process for designers of IBA/POL (intermediate bus architecture/point-of-load), battery back-up, and other power supply types, Vishay Intertechnology Inc. has unveiled plug-in versions of all devices in its FunctionPAK family of fully integrated dc-dc converters.

According to Vishay, the new plug-in models are complete programmable-topology synchronized buck or boost converters that provide design flexibility for the rapidly changing electronics market. Because they can be plugged easily into a breadboard for prototyping and testing within circuitry, the plug-in devices may be used to simplify product development.

Like other FunctionPAK converters, the new versions allow designers to power a wide variety of loads, including FPGAs, power amplifiers, microcontrollers, or baseband logic ICs. The FunctionPAK plug-in module has a 0.1-inch grid pin configuration for soldering directly into the circuit board, but each FunctionPAK comes with a standard socket for the added flexibility of switching different modules in and out of the circuit.

The FunctionPAK devices are capable of converting a range of 2.5V to 6V inputs to 0.8V to 6V output voltages. High-efficiency operation is delivered over a large load range, with synchronous-rectified PWM mode operation under full load and externally controlled pulse-skipping mode (PSM) under light load conditions. They feature a select combination of primary and secondary power MOSFETs, a controller IC, and up to 18 passive components in one package, while delivering efficiency up to 95 percent. No external components are required for a complete solution.

The BGA package for FunctionPAK is rated for the full industrial temperature range of -40°C to 85°C and specified for military operating temperatures, shock levels and moisture resistance.