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TI has introduced what may be the industry's smallest and thinnest 500-mA, step-down DC/DC converter solution for space-constrained applications. The high-efficiency power management integrated circuit (IC) is the first 6-MHz, 500-mA converter to achieve a 13-square millimeter solution size with a total height of 0.6-mm.

The TPS62601 supports many applications, such as memory modules, GPS modules, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules or other wireless micro-modules used in ultra-thin smart phones and digital still cameras.

The new TPS62601 converter achieves up to 89-percent power efficiency with a typical operating quiescent current of 30 microamperes in a chip scale package roughly the size of a flake of pepper. The synchronous, switch-mode device's fixed frequency of 6-MHz requires only one 0.47-uH inductor with a height of 0.6-mm and two low-cost ceramic capacitors.

The TPS62601 can deliver DC voltage regulation accuracy of 1.5-percent. In addition, the device's excellent load transient response, wide input voltage range of 2.3-V to 5.5-V and 1.8-V of output enables it to effectively support single-rail voltage requirements.

The converter also applies energy-saving techniques to help maximize battery run-time. For example, the converter automatically enters a power save mode during light-load operating conditions via an automatic pulse frequency modulation and pulse-width modulation switching feature. In shutdown mode, the device's current consumption is reduced to less than 1 microampere.

The TPS62601 is available today in volume. The device comes in a six-pin, wafer chip scale (0.9-mm x 1.3-mm) package and is priced at $1.45 each in quantities of 1000.