Power Electronics / Power Management


Synchronous regulators simplify high-efficiency power conversion

28 April 2021 Power Electronics / Power Management

STMicroelectronics has introduced L6981 synchronous step-down regulators, extending the family of high-efficiency converters that simplify power supply design by integrating power elements, feedback circuitry and safety features on-chip. Rated to deliver up to 1,5 A, with 90% typical efficiency at full load, the L6981 converters are available in two variants optimised for light-load efficiency and noise performance, respectively.

The L6981C for low-current operation uses pulse skipping to maximise efficiency at light loads, extending the runtime of battery-powered devices. The L6981N prioritises low noise by operating permanently in PWM (pulse-width modulation) mode at a constant switching frequency and minimising voltage ripple at light loads.

Both variants can accept an input voltage from 3,5 V to 38 V, making them well suited to use in 24 V industrial bus-powered applications, 12 V and 24 V battery-powered equipment, HVAC power supplies, decentralised intelligent nodes, smart sensors and always-on applications. The output voltage can be adjusted from 0,85 V up to the input-voltage value using external resistors.

Integrated features include high-side and low-side NMOS power transistors, feedback loop compensation, over-voltage protection and thermal protection. There is also soft-start circuitry that limits inrush current and ensures a constant output voltage slope. An enable pin is provided, which permits power-up/power-down sequencing and allows a synchronising clock signal to be applied to the L6981N low-noise converters. The L6981 is included in ST’s 10-year longevity programme that ensures long-term component supply.

The STEVAL-L6981CDR evaluation board for the low-current converter and STEVAL-L6981NDR for the low-noise version are available to help designers accelerate device selection in power supply development.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Wine farm turns to solar installation for power
Current Automation Power Electronics / Power Management
Slanghoek Wine farm opted into a power purchase agreement to lower overall electricity costs and enter a true sustainable future, with a price-competitive edge on lower running costs.

Read more...
Industrial PSU family
Brabek Power Electronics / Power Management
The RACPRO1 family of PSUs supports a universal DC input voltage range from 430 to 850 V DC, allowing the parts to support renewable energy and microgrid applications.

Read more...
Integrated POL voltage regulators
EBV Electrolink Power Electronics / Power Management
Infineon’s TDA38807 and TDA38806 are their highest density high-efficiency integrated point-of-load (IPOL) solutions for smart enterprise systems.

Read more...
ST’s biosensing tech enables next-gen wearables
Future Electronics DSP, Micros & Memory
The highly integrated biosensor device combines an input channel for cardio and neurological sensing, with motion tracking and embedded AI core, for healthcare and fitness applications.

Read more...
Hi-Rel quarter-brick converters
Accutronics Power Electronics / Power Management
Gaia Converter’s quarter-brick series DC-DC power modules provides output power levels ranging from 75 to 250 W in fixed output voltages.

Read more...
1700 V GaN Switcher IC
Future Electronics Power Electronics / Power Management
Power Integrations has introduced a new member of its InnoMux-2 family of single-stage regulated multi-output offline power supply ICs, the industry’s first 1700 V gallium nitride switch.

Read more...
32-bit range of MCUs
Future Electronics DSP, Micros & Memory
If your design has outgrown the capabilities of 8- or 16-bit MCUs, the PIC32 family delivers easy scalability, enhanced performance, and larger memory options.

Read more...
How ADI battery management solutions empower safer, smarter robots
Altron Arrow Editor's Choice Power Electronics / Power Management
Choosing an appropriate battery pack and its accompanying battery management system is a critical decision in designing an autonomous mobile robot.

Read more...
Industrial power supply range
RFiber Solutions Power Electronics / Power Management
SynQor’s ruggedised AC-DC and DC-DC converters and filters are designed for a wide range of industrial applications, including those required to withstand harsh environments.

Read more...
PSUs for industrial applications
Power Electronics / Power Management
RECOM’s REDIIN120/240/480 series of AC-DC converters perfectly corresponds with customer needs by exhibiting high efficiency and low energy consumption at no load.

Read more...