The LM3242 is a DC-DC converter optimized for powering RF power amplifiers (PAs) from a
single lithium-ion cell; however, it may be used in many other applications. It steps down an input
voltage from 2.7 V to 5.5 V to an adjustable output voltage from 0.4 V to 3.6 V. Output voltage is
set using a VCON analog input for controlling power levels and efficiency of the RF PA.
The LM3242 offers five modes of operation. In PWM mode the device operates at a fixed
frequency of
6 MHz (typical) which minimizes RF interference when driving medium-to-heavy loads. At light
load, the device enters into ECO mode automatically and operates with reduced switching frequency.
In ECO mode, the quiescent current is reduced and extends the battery life. Shutdown mode turns the
device off and reduces battery consumption to 0.1 µA (typical). In low-battery condition Bypass
mode reduces the voltage dropout to less than 50 mV (typical). The part also features a Sleep
mode.
The LM3242 is available in a 9-bump lead-free DSBGA package. A high switching frequency
(6 MHz) allows use of only three tiny surface-mount components: one inductor and two ceramic
capacitors.
The LM3242 is a DC-DC converter optimized for powering RF power amplifiers (PAs) from a
single lithium-ion cell; however, it may be used in many other applications. It steps down an input
voltage from 2.7 V to 5.5 V to an adjustable output voltage from 0.4 V to 3.6 V. Output voltage is
set using a VCON analog input for controlling power levels and efficiency of the RF PA.
The LM3242 offers five modes of operation. In PWM mode the device operates at a fixed
frequency of
6 MHz (typical) which minimizes RF interference when driving medium-to-heavy loads. At light
load, the device enters into ECO mode automatically and operates with reduced switching frequency.
In ECO mode, the quiescent current is reduced and extends the battery life. Shutdown mode turns the
device off and reduces battery consumption to 0.1 µA (typical). In low-battery condition Bypass
mode reduces the voltage dropout to less than 50 mV (typical). The part also features a Sleep
mode.
The LM3242 is available in a 9-bump lead-free DSBGA package. A high switching frequency
(6 MHz) allows use of only three tiny surface-mount components: one inductor and two ceramic
capacitors.