Synchronous Buck Regulator Raises Efficiency Bar

Dubbed the industry's highest efficiency 6-MHz, 600-mA synchronous buck regulator, the FAN5361 boasts a carefully optimized design leading to a 91% peak efficiency. The device's light load efficiency, touted as best-in-class, is 82% at a 1 mA load current. It allows the use of tiny 470-nH chip inductors and 0402 case size input and output capacitors that consume less board space at a lower cost. The device comes in a WL-CSP measuring 0.99 mm x 1.39 mm x 0.6 mm and employs a proprietary architecture offering robust transient response while consuming a low quiescent current. Input voltages range from 2.3V to 5.5V and fixed output voltage options are available ranging from 1V to 1.82V. Price is $0.78 each/1,000. FAIRCHILD SEMICONDUCTOR, San Jose, CA. (800) 341-0392.