Dual step-down converter from Maxim for 3G mobile handsets

Maxim has introduced the MAX8896, a new dual step-down converter that integrates a high-efficiency, PA (power amplifier) step-down converter that is optimized for medium- and low-power transmission, and includes a bypass FET for powering the PA directly from the battery during high-power transmission. The MAX8896 converter powers WCDMA/NCDMA PA modules and RF transceivers such as 3G mobile handsets, netbooks, and smartphones.

The MAX8896 also includes an RF step-down converter that supplies a high-PSRR, low-noise LDO (low-dropout linear voltage regulator) to provide a high-efficiency voltage supply for the RF transceiver.

The key features of the MAX8896 converter are,
700mA (min) Output Drive Capability
Simple logic ON/OFF controls
140mOhm bypass PFET and 100% duty cycle for low dropout
0.1µA of shutdown current
Operating input voltage ranges from 2.7V to 5.5V
Thermal shutdown
Supporting 1.9A of peak current
Low-noise LDO
200mA low-dropout linear regulator (LDO) to power the RF transceiver
The RF step-down converter has 94% peak efficiency with a 2MHz fixed switching frequency. It provides a fixed 3.1V output voltage with ±2% output-voltage accuracy. The high-PSRR (65dB), low-noise (16µVRMS), 2.8V LDO delivers a 200mA output current.
Operating temperature range: -40°C to +85°C
Package: 2mm x 2mm, 16-bump UCSP package (0.7mm height, max)

Price: Starts at $1.92 for 2.5k pieces
Availability: Samples and evaluation kits are available upon request

For more details visit www.maxim-ic.com