With the development of low power technology, the power consumption of portable devices such as blue-tooth earphone and MP3 player has dropped down to the level less than 100 mA, it is possible that charge pump is used as a DC-DC converter for portable devices. Compared with common Buck DC-DC converter, charge pump features smaller profile (without inductor), simpler peripheral circuit, lower cost, etc. Although the conversion efficiency is little lower (generally up to 87%), it is still acceptable.
For example, the LETC3240 from LTC can offer 150mA output current with efficiency up to 87%, especially suitable for the portable devices with awfully small size.
Let’s discuss this topic freely!
