Buck converters can drive both high-voltage and low-voltage piezoelectric loads

Now stocked by Farnell element14, Texas Instruments’ TPS544x25 PMBus 1.2 compliant, non-isolated SWIFT synchronous DC-DC buck converters with integrated FETs are capable of high-frequency operation and 20A or 30A current output from a 5mm × 7mm package. The device is capable of driving both high-voltage and low-voltage piezoelectric loads and the input signal can be either differential or single-ended and AC or DC coupled. The DRV2700 supports four GPIO-controlled gains: 28.8dB, 34.8dB, 38.4dB, and 40.7dB. Two external resistors are used to set the boost voltage while the boost current-limit is programmable through the R(REXT) resistor. The boost converter architecture does not allow the demand on the supply current to exceed the limit set by the R(REXT) resistor, giving the user the ability to optimise the DRV2700 circuit for a particular inductor for specific performance needs. This device also relies on a hysteretic architecture to minimise switching losses and therefore increase efficiency. The quick start-up time of around 1.5ms makes the DRV2700 device an ideal piezo driver for coming out of sleep mode quickly. Safety features including thermal over-load protection prevents the device from damage when over-driven, says the company.