TI’s Boost Converter Forecasts Solar Powered Portables

Enabling portable products to draw power from solar and micro-fuel cells, the TPS61200 step-up converter with an integrated 1.5A switch operates with input voltages below 0.3V. The device supports input voltages of 0.3V to 5.5V during normal operation and continues to manage power down to 0.0V if the under-voltage lockout pin is connected directly to the output voltage. It provides a 0.5V start-up capability in any load condition and can provide more than 90% efficiency. The TPS61200 operates from a single solar cell, eliminating the need for multiple cells in series and the otherwise necessary protection circuitry. Other features include output short-circuit protection, programmable under-voltage lockout, and a down-conversion mode that protects the device when an input voltage rises higher than the output voltage. Additionally, the converter can be disabled to minimize battery drain. Available in a 10-pin, 3 mm x 3 mm QFN package, price is $1.68 each/1,000. TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC., Dallas, TX. (800) 477-8924.