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In the ever-evolving landscape of power electronics, efficiency, integration, and ease of design are paramount. STMicroelectronics' DCP3601 buck converter, paired with the STEVAL-3601CV1 evaluation board, offers electronic design engineers a cost-effective and robust platform for developing next-generation power solutions.

The DCP3601 is a wide-input voltage, easy-to-use synchronous buck converter capable of driving up to 1 A load current, an extended input range from 3.3 V to 36 V makes the device suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. The DCP3601 operates at 1 MHz fixed switching frequency allowing the use of small inductors for an optimized solution size, optional switching frequency dithering is also available to improve EMI performance.

Designing with the DCP3601 couldn't be simpler, with just 6 external components required in a typical use case schematic, saving on overall system cost and PCB space.

Typical Application Schematic

Refer to datasheet for details

Based on a “peak current mode" architecture with constant frequency control, the DCP3601 device generates the PWM control signal at the intersection between the error amplifier output and the sensed inductor current to drive the power switch.

The DCP3601 is available in 4 device options, there are two different light-load strategies, (LNM) Low noise mode and (LCM) Low consumption mode, both with an optional Dithering circuit to improve EMI performance.

• LNM (low noise mode) implements a forced PWM operation over the different loading conditions. The LNM features a constant switching frequency to minimize the noise in the final application and a constant voltage ripple at fixed V_IN.
• LCM (low consumption mode) is an advanced feature that enhances the efficiency under light-load conditions. When the switch peak current request is lower than the I_SKIP threshold, the device regulates V_OUT by the skip threshold, generating pulses at a variable frequency that is inversely proportional to the load. The duty cycle of the pulses may remain relatively constant, but the interval between pulses increases as the load decreases.
• Dithering features an internal circuit which changes the switching frequency in a range of ± 5% to improve EMI performance. The device updates the frequency every clock period by fixed steps, ramping up in 63 steps from minimum to maximum F_SW and ramping down in 63 steps from maximum to minimum F_SW.

The DCP3601 buck converter also includes a full suite of built in protections including soft-start circuit, overcurrent protection circuit, overtemperature protection and output overvoltage protection.

Packaged in a compact SOT23-6L package, the DCP3601 features an operating temperature range of -40°C to +150°C, making the device is suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.

Introducing the DCP3601

Design Support

The DCP3601 is supported by the STEVAL-3601CV1 evaluation board which demonstrates a smart converter design able to deliver up to 1 A output current from a 3.3 to 36 V input, with a 5.0 V output voltage. The evaluation board features the DCP3601 miniaturized synchronous step-down converter, which implements enhanced peak current control and advanced design circuitry to minimize quiescent current.

The STEVAL-3601CV1 evaluation board demonstrates how highly efficient conversion can be achieved with just the DCP3601, an inductor, two small capacitors, and two resistors. The board highlights key application benefits made possible by the DCP3601, including high efficiency and small PCB size, and is ideal for power conversion solutions in appliances, smart metering, industrial 24 V_BUS conversion and general-purpose wide vin power supplies.

Anglia are offering customers a FREE evaluation kit and samples of the DCP3601 wide input synchronous buck converter from STMicroelectronics, please fill in the form below to register your interest now.