Advanced Analogic Technologies has introduced the AAT2138, a 2.5A output current synchronous DC/DC converter with an integrated, ±10% precision current limit load switch designed to safely regulate the power in USB peripherals. According to the company, the converter supports power levels beyond the USB 3.0 standard and is suitable for USB-powered devices including wireless modem data cards, portable hard drives or RAID systems, and card readers. The converter's features include selectable PFM/PWM modes, an external synchronous clock up to 3MHz, and independent enable pins for the DC/DC converter and load switch. The part is optimised for a 1µH inductor with no external compensation required, claims the company. It is available in a lead-free, low profile 3x3mm, 14pin TDFN package. Other features of the converter are input voltage range of 2.7 to 5.5V, output voltage range down to 3.0V, low quiescent current Iq=90µA, adjustable current limit range of 500mA to 3A, 1.5ms soft start, high-current step-down regulator, 85mΩ high-side or 50mΩ low-side FETs (field-effect transistor), 2.8MHz switching frequency, 100% low dropout operation, over-temperature and overload protection, and -40 to +85°C temperature range.
