Take Simple Steps Toward Extreme Low-Power Design

 By Steven Bible, Microchip Technology

At first, designers of portable and battery-operated devices wrestled with saving milliamps, then microamps. Today, it is all about saving nanoamps. As a result, designers have to elevate their thinking to another level. Extreme low-power embedded design requires a tool cache of careful component selection, circuit design, and smart use of microcontroller extreme low-power features.

Non-Isolated Point-Of-Load Regulator Modules

 By Don Tuite, Analog & Power Editor

Analog & Power Editor Don Tuite answers some frequently asked questions about non-isolated point-of-load regulator modules, including:
• What is the Intermediate Bus Architecture?
• Functionally, what does a POL regulator comprise?
• How do newer packages deal with the switching inductor?
• And more!

 Electronic Design's Pop Quiz
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Step-Down Converters Provide Flexible Control

Embarking in lead-free, 2- by 2- by 0.7-mm 16-bump chip-scale packages, the Maxim Integrated Products MAX8884Y and MAX8884Z 700-mA step-down converters with dual 300-mA low-dropout regulators (LDOs) provide two switching-frequency options at 2 MHz or 4 MHz.

POL Converter Family Squires In 10/16-A SMT/SIP Members

Expanding the Okami family of point-of-load (POL) converters from Murata Power Solutions, the 10-A surface-mount OKX-T/10 and 16-A T/16-W5 in a system-in-a-package (SIP) provide an input range from 2.4 to 5.5 V dc and deliver a non-isolated output adjustable from 0.7525 V to 3.63 V with an efficiency up to 95%.

Solar Inverter Terminal Block Installs Tool Free

Groomed for use with solar inverters, the 828 series feed-through terminal block from Wago Corp. offers several industry-exclusive features to simplify feeding currents up to 40 A (AWG 6) through enclosure walls, according to the company.

Sulfur-Resistant Chip Resistors Outfit Computer Peripherals

Maintaining accuracy with a low standard temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR), the RNCP series thin-film resistors from Stackpole Electronics are promoted as a low-cost alternative to high-power thick-film resistive technology. Impervious to sulfur contamination, the components are highly suitable for use in computer and peripheral applications.