DC/DC Converters are available as plug-in versions.

Press Release Summary:




FunctionPAK® integrated programmable-topology, synchronized buck or boost converters plug into bread board for prototyping and testing within circuitry. They allow designers to power loads such as FPGAs, power amplifiers, microcontrollers, or baseband logic ICs. Products are capable of converting range of 2.5-6 V inputs to 0.8-6 V output voltages and feature primary and secondary power MOSFETs, controller IC, and up to 18 passive components in single package.



Original Press Release:



Vishay Enables Simple, Flexible Prototyping With New Plug-In Versions of FunctionPAK® Family of Fully Integrated DC/DC Converters



MALVERN, PENNSYLVANIA - May 19, 2004 - In a move that will help streamline the prototyping process for designers of IBA/POL (intermediate bus architecture/point-of-load), battery back-up, and other power supply types, Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH) today announced that it is offering plug-in versions of all devices in its FunctionPAK® family of fully integrated dc-to-dc converters.

The new plug-in models of the FunctionPAK dc-to-dc converter family are complete programmable-topology synchronized buck or boost converters that provide design flexibility for the rapidly changing electronics market. Because they can be plugged easily into a "bread board" for prototyping and testing within circuitry, these versatile plug-in devices may be used to simplify product development, particularly for engineering labs with limited assembly equipment.

Like other FunctionPAK converters, the new plug-in versions allow designers to power a wide variety of loads - including FPGAs, power amplifiers, microcontrollers, or baseband logic ICs. The FunctionPAK plug-in module has a 0.1-in. grid pin configuration for soldering directly into the circuit board, but each FunctionPAK comes with a standard socket for the added flexibility of switching different modules in and out of the circuit.

FunctionPAK converters shift dc voltage levels while stabilizing power outputs, filtering noise, and reducing ripple in power supplies used for fixed telecom, server, and portable electronics applications. POL power conversion applications for drivers for FunctionPAK converters are available with up to a 15-W output and a 4-A current output, making them ideally suited for most POL applications where an IBA drives semiconductor devices such as FPGAs, microprocessors, DSPs, and amplifiers through the POL converters. The FunctionPAK family also includes a dc voltage-to-dc constant current converter with adjustable output voltage and adjustable output current up to 2 A for use in such applications as driving power LEDs in lighting systems or driving laser diodes in laser systems.

FunctionPAK devices are capable of converting a range of 2.5-V to 6-V inputs to 0.8-V to 6-V output voltages. High-efficiency operation is delivered over a large load range, with synchronous-rectified PWM mode operation under full load and externally controlled pulse-skipping mode (PSM) under light load conditions. With 100% duty cycle control for PSM operation, the converter acts much like a saturated linear regulator to extract every bit of power from single-cell lithium ion or triple-cell NiCd and NiMH battery packs and thus deliver the highest potential output voltage in battery-operated implementations.

Vishay's FunctionPAK converters feature a select combination of primary and secondary power MOSFETs, a controller IC, and up to 18 passive components in one package, taking up significantly less board space than even the tightest discrete layout while delivering efficiency up to 95%. No external components are required for a complete solution.

For maximum reliability, the BGA package for FunctionPAK is rated for the full industrial temperature range of -40 °C to +85 °C and specified for military operating temperatures, shock levels, and moisture resistance.

Prototyping quantities of the new FX5545G...PI plug-in series are available now, with lead times of eight weeks for production stock. Pricing for U.S. delivery only in 10-piece quantities is $15 per piece. Samples of modules already mounted on demo boards for initial evaluation are still available upon request.

Vishay, a Fortune 1,000 Company listed on the NYSE, is one of the world's largest manufacturers of discrete semiconductors (diodes, rectifiers, transistors, optoelectronics, and selected ICs) and passive electronic components (resistors, capacitors, inductors, and transducers). The Company's components can be found in products manufactured in a very broad range of industries worldwide. Vishay is headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania, and has plants in 17 countries employing over 25,000 people. Vishay can be found on the Internet at www.vishay.com.

FunctionPAK is a registered trademark of Vishay Intertechnology.

All Topics