What are the typical features of buck-regulator ICs?
Buck (or step-down) regulator ICs will often have many of these features. • Fixed or adjustable output voltage; some ICs have both capabilities. • Single-ended or synchronous rectifier outputs. • Soft-start that causes the output to come up gradually and limit inrush current. • Power-Good output indicates if the output voltage is in regulation. • Undervoltage lockout that prevents operation if the input voltage is too low. • Thermal shutdown that cuts off regulator operation if the IC exceeds a specific temperature threshold. • Overcurrent protection that deactivates the regulator if the load current exceeds a specific threshold. (This feature requires the regulator to sense its output current.) • Overvoltage protection that prevents regulator operation if the output voltage exceeds a specific threshold.
