SOP-8 Jellybean Buck Converters.

Modern DC-DC Converter offer higher performance than ever before, and thus often come in complicated, optimized packages unique to that IC. When high performance is not requires for example for a hobby project or some generic product it is a good idea to design with alternative components in mind. Especially during this component crisis. So called jellybean parts are components which are manufactured by a bunch of vendors offering a common package and at least similar performance. A example of this is the LM317 or the 780x, 1117 series.

In the World of DC-DC converters the LM2596, LM2576 as well as other older parts of Texas Instruments Simple Switcher have become such Jellybean parts.

Unfortunately they come in rather bulky TO-220 or TO-263 packages, are non syncronous which means they need a external rectifier diode and have a low switching speed. For my designs I wanted a smaller buck converter with a higher switching speed which improves efficency and allows for smaller inductor and capacitor, further it improves the load response. While there are a bunch of converters available in SOT23-5 or SOT23-6 packages they are less suited for high currents over a longer period of time due to the higher thermal resistance, thus I chose the SOP-8 package with a large “Ground Pad” which transfers heat more easily.

JW5025