Exar Releases Synchronous PWM Step-Down Regulator - XRP7664

At the 2010 Munich Electronics Show, Exar Corporation (NASDAQ: Exar) officially released a synchronous PWM buck regulator , the XRP7664, which can provide a maximum current of up to 2 amps and an input voltage of up to 18V. The release of the XRP7664 chip means that Exar has added a new member to the PowerBlox family of high-voltage, high-current buck regulators that have been highly recognized by the market.

"The 2-amp solution complements the existing 3, 6, 8 and 12-amp converters in the Exar PowerBlox family and demonstrates Exar's continued commitment to providing designers with higher performance, more cost-effective solutions for power conversion," said Eric Pittana, marketing director for Exar's power product line. "In addition, the XRP7664 meets the pressing needs of our customers seeking a technically feasible and cost-competitive alternative to other commonly used step-down converters."

The XRP7664 is suitable for 12V input voltage applications, but it is also suitable for regular 5V input voltage. The XRP7664 is committed to providing a smaller size and more cost-saving solution for a variety of cost-sensitive applications. For example, audio video equipment, such as set-top boxes, telecommunications, computer peripherals and a wider range of distributed power conversion.

With a compact "green" SOIC package and up to 93% efficiency, the XRP7664 operates at a constant frequency of 340kHz with simple external components. The input voltage range is 4.75V to 18V, and the output voltage can be as low as 0.925V with 3% accuracy through two external resistors. The design flexibility of the XRP7664 is further enhanced by its enable function and adjustable soft start. Built-in overcurrent, output overvoltage and overtemperature protection features provide fault protection for the XRP7664.

Power management with high reliability and accuracy is a critical element of any technological system. Exar has a broad portfolio of high-performance and industry-proven power management solutions, including handheld device and lighting controls, power conversion, and standard linear devices.

The XRP7664 is available now in volume quantities in a RoHS-compliant, "green" lead-free 8-pin SOIC package.