ICL7660ACBA-T

ICL7660ACBA-T Application Field and Working Principle

The ICL7660ACBA-T is a CMOS device, a Low Power Low Dropout Voltage Regulator with Fixed 2.5V and Adjustable Output Voltage. It is designed to provide an easy to use, cost effective alternative to discrete regulator solutions, offering up to ninety-three percent efficiency with respect to the input voltage. The ICL7660ACBA-T belongs to the category of PMIC (Power Management IC) Voltage Regulators, namely the group of DC DC Switching Regulators.

The regulator offers an ultra-low quiescent current of 1.2 mA and a wide input voltage range of between 0.8V and 5.5V. UThe unique feature of the regulator is the operational amplifier, which ensures fast compensation and excellent line and load regulation. Additionally, the feature of maximum output current of up to 500mA makes this regulator suitable for many portable applications. The device’s ability to work in both buck and boost conversion further helps in expanding the applications supported by the regulator. Moreover, the output voltage is adjustable with a provision of an external resistive voltage divider.

The working principle of ICL7660ACBA-T regulator is based on pulse-width modulation (PWM). During the buck operation, the input voltage is always greater than the desired output voltage which is controlled by the internal PWM module. The divider network helps in setting the output voltage. The PWM module switches the driver transistor at a high frequency, which in turn produces pulses at the output. The average voltage across the output is controlled by modulating the width of the pulses. During the boost conversion operation, the input voltage is always lower than the desired output voltage and the boost converter works in similar manner to buck converter. The average voltage at output is set by varying the duty cycle of the PWM module.

The ICL7660ACBA-T output is stabilized by an operational amplifier, where the negative resistance ensures fast compensation, excellent line and load regulation. Additionally, the operational amplifier helps in balancing the temperature effects at the output, which is especially useful in low power applications where high temperature drifts are more likely to occur. The lifetime of the pulse-width modulation switching is ensured by implementing current safeguards on the feedback path, which guarantees at least 500K switching cycles. Moreover, the device’s active area can be safely operated over the temperature range -40C to +85C.

In short, the ICL7660ACBA-T is an ideal solution for low power, low dropout voltage regulation, both for buck and/or boost conversion. Its fast response, excellent line and load regulation and low standby current make it a viable solution for many applications. Moreover, the adjustable output, current safeguards, and temperature stabilities of the device establish it as a reliable and cost-effective solution.