Texas Instruments Incorporated has introduced a highly integrated boost converter that supports 27-V of output voltage and improves battery life in portable medical applications, such as portable diagnostic systems.

The new 1.2-MHz TPS61081 high-voltage DC/DC boost converter combines a 1.3-A current switch, input-to-output isolation and a power diode. Supporting input voltages from 2.5 V to 6 V, the device is optimised to support single-cell lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries, as well as a three-cell nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack or a regulated 5 V input, such as a USB port. It also supports point-of-load voltages, such as 3.3 V to 12 V or 5 V to 24 V. The TPS61081 integrates a power MOSFET and power diode in a 3 mm x 3 mm QFN package, providing the designer an extremely compact solution with reduced external component count. Another version, the TPS61080, integrates a 0.5-A current switch to support lower output current. Both converters feature a switching frequency of 600 kHz or 1.2 MHz.

The TPS61081 adds a level of protection to the overall power system. The device can survive and protect external components from a short-circuit situation on any single pin except the input voltage pin. The integrated isolation MOSFET turns off when the inductor, power MOSFET or output is shorted to ground. Other protection features on the TPS61081 include over-current protection, programmable soft-start, over-voltage protection, thermal shutdown and under-voltage lockout.

The TPS61080 and TPS61081 boost converters are available today in volume from TI and its authorized distributors. Both devices come in a 3 mm x 3 mm, 10-pin QFN package. Suggested resale pricing in quantities of 1,000 units is $1.60 for the TPS61080 and $1.75 for the TPS61081.

TI is focused on meeting the power design needs of its customers through innovative products, easy-to-use design tools and local technical support. TI uses its application knowledge and high-performance analog manufacturing capabilities to provide discrete and integrated power management solutions for any portable, line-powered, isolated or non-isolated power design challenge - from cell phones and portable medical equipment to telecom, industrial and computing applications.

Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers' real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company includes the Education Technology business.