MIC2178
Micrel
MIC2178
2.5A Synchronous Buck Regulator
General Description
Features
The Micrel MIC2178 is a 200kHz synchronous buck (step-
down) switching regulator designed for high-efficiency, bat-
tery-powered applications.
• 4.5V to 16.5V input voltage range
• Dual-mode operation for high efficiency (up to 96%)
PWM mode for > 200mA load current
Skip mode for < 200mA load current
• 100mΩ internal power MOSFETs at 12V input
• 200kHz preset switching frequency
• Low quiescent current
The MIC2178 operates from a 4.5V to 16.5V input and
features internal power MOSFETs that can supply up to 2.5A
output current. It can operate with a maximum duty cycle of
100% for use in low-dropout conditions. It also features a
shutdown mode that reduces quiescent current to less than
5µA.
1.0mA in PWM mode
600µA in skip mode
< 5µA in shutdown mode
The MIC2178 achieves high efficiency over a wide output
current range by operating in either PWM or skip mode. The
operating mode is externally selected, typically by an intelli-
gentsystem, whichchoosestheappropriatemodeaccording
to operating conditions, efficiency, and noise requirements.
The switching frequency is preset to 200kHz and can be
synchronized to an external clock signal of up to 300kHz.
• Current-mode control
Simplified loop compensation
Superior line regulation
• 100% duty cycle for low dropout operation
• Current limit
• Thermal shutdown
• Undervoltage lockout
TheMIC2178usescurrent-modecontrolwithinternalcurrent
sensing. Current-mode control provides superior line regula-
tion and makes the regulator control loop easy to compen-
sate. The output is protected with pulse-by-pulse current
limiting and thermal shutdown. Undervoltage lockout turns
the output off when the input voltage is less than 4.5V.
Applications
• High-efficiency, battery-powered supplies
• Buck (step-down) dc-to-dc converters
• Palmtop computers
• Laptop computers
• Cellular telephones
• Hand-held instruments
• Battery Chargers
TheMIC2178and ispackagedina20-leadwidepowerSOIC
package with an operating temperature range of –40°C to
+85°C.
See the MIC2177 for automatic selection of PWM or skip-
mode operation.
Typical Application
VIN
6V to 16.5V
C1
22µF
35V
C2
22µF
35V
5V Output
Efficiency
100
R1
20k
1,2,9
U1
95
L1
VIN
33µH
20
11
10
18
3,8
VOUT
5V/2.5A
EN
90
85
80
75
70
VIN = 6V
SW
PGND
FB
D1
MBRS140
OUTPUT GOOD
PWRGD
OUTPUT LOW
4–7
C3
220µF
10V
C4
MIC
220µF
10V
2178-5.0
SKIP MODE
PWM MODE
PWM
12
SYNC
COMP
13
SGND
BIAS
19
SKIP
PWM
14–17
R2
15k
10
100
1000 2500
C5
0.01µF
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
C6
10nF
Micrel, Inc. • 1849 Fortune Drive • San Jose, CA 95131 • USA • tel + 1 (408) 944-0800 • fax + 1 (408) 944-0970 • http://www.micrel.com
June 1998
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MIC2178