STMicroelectronics Announces 3A Single-Chip Step-Down DC/DC Converter for Home Appliances and Industrial Equipment

STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM, hereinafter ST) has announced the "DCP3603," a monolithic step-down DC/DC converter with a 3A supply capability in a compact 3 x 1.6mm footprint. This product contributes to simplifying design, reducing board area, shortening development time, and improving system reliability. With a wide input voltage range of 3.3V to 36V, it can be used in applications such as smart meters, home appliances, and industrial 24V equipment.

Employing a synchronous rectification method and offering a choice of 1MHz or 500kHz fixed switching frequencies, the DCP3603 maintains high efficiency across the entire load range, reaching 93% conversion efficiency at a 600mA load (12V input / 5V output). Because the power switch and compensation functions are integrated, the circuit can be completed with only an inductor, bootstrap circuit, filter capacitor, and feedback resistors, minimizing the total component count.

Two variations of the DCP3603 are available. Users can choose between a version with forced PWM mode for optimal performance in noise-sensitive applications, and a version with pulse-skipping mode to minimize power consumption at light loads. Both products feature frequency dithering to reduce noise power generated at the switching frequency, while an extremely low quiescent current of 85µA minimizes total power consumption. Additionally, further power savings are possible by using the enable pin to turn off the converter.

New designs featuring the DCP3603 can be evaluated quickly using the dedicated "STEVAL-3603BC1" evaluation board. This compact board allows for easy connection via screw terminals and headers, enabling immediate operation verification.

The DCP3603 is currently in mass production and is available in a 6-lead SOT23 package. The unit price is approximately $0.44 for orders of 1,000 units.

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