6A PSIP dc/dc converter achieves 15W/cm²
By Margery Conner, Technical Editor -- EDN, August 6, 2009
Enpirion keeps raising the bar on its tiny PSIP (power-supply-in-package) dc/dc buck converters. The 6A EN5364QI and the 9A EN5394QI each have an input-voltage range of 2.375 to 6.6V and fit into an 8×11×1.85-mm package, achieving as much as 93% efficiency and a power density of 15W/cm². An external resistor divider sets the output voltage to any user-defined value. The device has an operating frequency of 4 MHz and can synchronize with an external system clock or another EN5364/94.
Like other Enpirion PSIP products, the EN5364/94s integrate power switches, an inductor, a gate drive, a controller, and loop compensation in the 190-mm² package, requiring as few as seven external resistors and capacitors. The EN5364 and EN5394 sell for $6.10 and $7.50 (1000), respectively.
These figures emphasize the continuing trend toward lower prices and increased power density in the PSIP market. For example, the company about a year ago introduced the $8.10 (1000), 9A EN5395QI PSIP converter, which fits into a 10×12×1.85-mm package and achieves approximately 11W/cm², also with as much as 93% efficiency.
