Targeting Low-Voltage Loads, ST Unveils Highly Integrated Buck Converter

ST claims its new buck converter brings high efficiency and flexibility to low-voltage applications like smart meters and industrial systems with few additional components.

STMicroelectronics recently released the DCP3601, an integrated, highly efficient buck converter designed for low-voltage systems.

As the demand for smart devices and industrial automation grows over the next few years, there will be an increasing need for power solutions that are both compact and efficient. However, managing power in low-voltage systems, such as smart meters, industrial converters home appliances, can be challenging. Engineers must often navigate trade-offs between efficiency, size, and complexity.

The DCP3601 high-efficiency monolithic buck converter.

ST aims to strike this balance with the DCP3601 (datasheet linked), which delivers a wide input voltage range of 3.3 V to 36 V and outputs up to 1 A of current. With built-in features that typically require additional components, the DCP3601 enables simpler, lower-cost designs without sacrificing performance. 

Highly Integrated for Low-Voltage Loads

Instead of requiring separate components for power switching and compensation, the new buck converter combines these essential functions into a single chip. This design reduces the total number of components needed; only six external parts, including an inductor, capacitors, and feedback resistors, are required to complete the circuit. This approach simplifies the overall design, lowers material costs, and enhances system reliability by minimizing the number of potential failure points.

Block diagram of the DCP3601. 

ST designed the DCP3601 to power low-voltage loads in a variety of applications. In applications where consistent and reliable power is essential, such as in smart meters, the DCP3601 can provide energy-efficient operation for sensor modules and communication systems. In home appliances, such as refrigerators or washing machines, it aims to deliver stable power to low-voltage components, helping to improve overall energy efficiency and reduce electricity consumption.

Additionally, the DCP3601 is well-suited for industrial applications, particularly in 24-V conversion systems, where it efficiently steps down voltages for use in other parts of the system, such as control circuits or sensors.

Multiple Modes for Diverse Applications

The DCP3601 device is available in multiple variants, including a low-current mode (LCM) for high efficiency at light loads and a low-noise mode (LNM) for noise-sensitive environments. These modes allow the DCP3601 to adapt to applications where minimal electromagnetic interference is crucial, from industrial systems to medical equipment. Additionally, the converter features frequency dithering, which can help reduce EMI even further. For industrial applications that require minimal power consumption, the DCP3601 also offers an Enable pin that allows users to shut down the converter entirely when not in use. This feature gives the device an extremely low quiescent current of 110 µA, ensuring that power is only drawn when necessary.

Typical application schematic using the DCP3601. 

The DCP3601 addresses the growing need for efficient and flexible power solutions in compact, low-voltage systems with its integrated design, wide voltage range, and multiple operating modes. By offering high performance with minimal components, the DCP3601 helps reduce design complexity and power consumption while also providing a reliable solution for various industrial applications.