Integrated 1.5A Synchronous Regulators from ST Simplify High-Efficiency Power Conversion

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 1.5A, with 90% typical efficiency at full load, the L6981 converters are available in two variants optimized for light-load efficiency and noise performance.

The L6981C for low-current operation uses pulse skipping to maximize efficiency at light loads extending the runtime of battery-powered devices. The L6981N prioritizes low noise by operating permanently in PWM (pulse-width modulation) mode at constant switching frequency and minimizing voltage ripple at light loads. Both variants can accept an input voltage from 3.5V to 38V, making them well suited to use in 24V industrial bus-powered applications, 12V and 24V battery-powered equipment, HVAC power supplies, decentralized intelligent nodes, smart sensors, and always-on applications. The output voltage can be adjusted from 0.85V up to the input-voltage value using external resistors (more info).