For battery-operated electronic devices, current consumption 7µA

ROHM Co., Ltd. has developed the “BU33UV7NUX”, a MOSFET-embedded step-up DC/DC converter that achieves low power consumption, for battery-operated electronic devices such as electronic dictionaries, home appliance remote controls, and gadgets (toys, accessories).

BU33UV7NUX is a boost-type power IC that outputs 3.3V, which is required for microcontroller operation, for input voltages (1V to 3V) of 1 to 2 batteries. To enable long-term operation in battery applications, it achieves low current consumption, resulting in a current consumption of 7µA compared to products with equivalent functionality.

In the case of a remote control powered by two alkaline batteries in standby mode (load current 50μA), it can be used for up to 175 days longer (from 540 days to 715 days) compared to standard products (ROHM investigation). In addition, a load current mode switching function is equipped to enable compatibility with high-performance products using LCD panels, etc., using the same remote control, thereby enabling energy-saving performance for a wide range of battery applications from standard products to high-performance products.

To enable long-term operation in battery applications, ROHM has achieved low current consumption by utilizing its analog design technology and power process, realizing a current consumption of 7µA, which is the lowest in the industry compared to products with equivalent functionality. Accordingly, in the case of a remote control powered by two alkaline batteries in standby mode (load current 50µA), it can be used approximately 1.3 times longer (up to 175 days) than standard products (ROHM research). In addition, the power IC can operate at a low input voltage of 0.9V, supporting not only coin-type lithium batteries but also applications using a single battery. It is also equipped with a battery fluid leakage detection function, making it an optimal power IC for battery applications.

For example, by incorporating a load current mode switching function to enable compatibility with high-performance products employing LCD panels using the same remote control, energy-saving performance can be achieved for a wide range of battery applications, from standard to high-performance products, simply by switching the MODE terminal.

By adopting a low-power mode (maximum load current 50mA, consumption current 7µA, PFM*2 control) for standard products and a high-power mode (maximum load current 500mA, consumption current 13µA, PFM/PWM*2 automatic switching control) for high-performance products, high-efficiency power conversion of up to 94% can be realized under a wide range of conditions.