40V-Rated Automotive-Compliant Synchronous Buck Converter Supports High Efficiency Operation and Reduces EMI

Diodes Incorporated has announced a further addition to its family of automotive-compliant DC-DC converters. The AP64060Q is a 600mA synchronous buck converter device with an input voltage range that covers 4.5V to 40V. It incorporates a 600mΩ high-side power MOSFET plus a 300mΩ low-side power MOSFET so that high-efficiency step-down conversion (reaching 90%) can be delivered, and with minimal PCB board space. The AP64060Q is targeted for use in automotive powertrains, infotainment systems, and instrumentation clusters, as well as vehicles’ exterior lighting.

The AP64060Q has a very low quiescent current (Iq), typically only 90μA, which translates into enhanced light load efficiency. Thanks to the fast switching frequencies this device supports (2MHz), smaller accompanying inductors and capacitors can be selected. Its synchronous rectification eliminates the need for an external Schottky diode, while use of a peak current mode control and built-in loop compensation network further reduces the overall component count.

The proprietary gate driver scheme employed in the AP64060Q alleviates switching node ringing without impacting on MOSFET turn-on and turn-off times. This mitigates high frequency radiated electromagnetic interference (EMI) noise caused by MOSFET switching (more info).