Step-down controller creates three output voltages

The SC2441 is a very-low-input-voltage, two-phase synchronous step-down controller with an integrated step-up convertor.

New from Semtech, the SC2441 is a very-low-input-voltage, two-phase synchronous step-down controller with an integrated step-up convertor.

The device is capable of generating three output voltages to meet the multiple-output power requirements in most telecommunications and networking systems.

The dual-phase, step-down controller can be configured to supply two individually controlled and regulated 20A outputs, 180 degrees out-of-phase or, alternatively, the two phases can be interleaved into one low-ripple 40A output.

Moreover, the SC2441's integrated boost step-up switching regulator offers an additional output or can be used to generate a bias supply to drive the gates of MOSFETs at low input voltage conditions.

As a result, no separate gate supply is required, lowering cost and space requirements while simplifying the design.

"The SC2441 controller is a unique power controller for delivering the very low voltage, high current demands of the latest submicron ICs used in networking and telecomms systems", says Ven Shan, Director of Marketing for Semtech's Networking and Industrial Power Management Group.

"This independent and flexible controller has all of its drive circuits generated internally even at very low voltages, which makes it ideal for compact high current designs in high performance systems".

Among the products that would be well served by incorporating the SC2441 are low voltage distributed DC/DC convertors for powering network processors and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), as well as power supplies for such equipment as servers, telecommunications basestations, xDSL cable modems, router switches and copiers.

Other SC2441 features include: individual, per-phase soft-start and overload timers; programmable fixed switching frequency up to 1MHz; up to 90% duty cycle; and an individual enable pin for controlling power sequencing of each phase.

The device also incorporates Semtech's patented Combi-Sense technique for providing lossless peak current mode control, eliminating the need for an external current sense resistor.

The SC2441 controller is available immediately in production quantities and is priced at $2.95 each in 1000-piece lots.

The device comes in a 28-pin, lead-free TSSOP package.

Semtech offers comprehensive design assistance, including field- and factory-based support.

Back to top