MOSFET driver offers easy route to 3.3V

The NCP4330 is a postregulation dual N-channel MOSFET driver that delivers improved efficiency when implemented in forward convertors.

The NCP4330 is a postregulation dual N-channel MOSFET driver that delivers improved efficiency when implemented in forward convertors most commonly found in ATX and high-power switch mode power supplies (SMPS).

The NCP4330 features drive outputs for series FETs and free-wheeling synchronous FETs, to deliver higher efficiency than silicon rectifiers generally used for this purpose.

When compared with traditional magnetic amplifier control circuit solutions, this device offers more compact and cost-effective implementation.

The device offers an efficient means of deriving 3.3V or other outputs from the 5V power train, while not requiring additional windings or terminals on the power supply's power transformer.

The secondary alternating current (AC) signal directly feeds the NCP4330 to minimise power dissipation, while reducing the power circuit's overall part count.

The overlap management technique offered in the NCP4330 allows soft switching - which results in efficient higher frequency operation.

As such, this device is ideal for power supplies operating at frequencies up to 400kHz.

This would include the new generation of ATX as well as telecomms DC/DC convertors.

Finally, this device integrates undervoltage lockout and thermal shutdown for rugged designs.

"The NCP4330 is yet another device from ON Semiconductor that provides designers with an effective tool to help them meet increasingly more stringent efficiency requirements in ATX power supplies", said Andy Williams, ON Semiconductor Vice President of Power Conversion Products.

"To develop this device we drew from our industry experience and technical expertise in achieving 80%-plus power efficiency".

The NCP4330 is offered in the SOIC-8 package, and is priced at $0.90 per unit in 1000-unit quantities.

Production is planned for the second quarter.

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