STMicroelectronics Announces 3A Single-Chip Buck DC/DC Converter for Home Appliances and Industrial Equipment
STMicroelectronics has released the DCP3603, a monolithic 3A buck DC/DC converter in a small 3 x 1.6mm footprint. It simplifies design, reduces board space, and improves system reliability for applications like smart meters, home appliances, and industrial 24V systems, featuring a wide input voltage range from 3.3V to 36V.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 30, 2026 at 05:11
STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) has announced the DCP3603, a monolithic buck DC/DC converter with a 3A supply capability in a small 3 x 1.6mm footprint. The product contributes to simplifying design, reducing board area, shortening development time, and improving system reliability. With a wide input voltage range of 3.3V to 36V, it can be used in applications such as smart meters, home appliances, and industrial 24V systems.
Adopting a synchronous rectification method and offering a choice of fixed switching frequencies of 1MHz or 500kHz, the DCP3603 maintains high efficiency across the entire load range, reaching 93% conversion efficiency at a 600mA load (12V input / 5V output). Since the power switch and compensation functions are built-in, the circuit can be completed with only an inductor, bootstrap circuit, filter capacitors, and feedback resistors, minimizing the number of external components.
The DCP3603 is available in two variations. Customers can choose between a forced PWM mode version for optimal performance in noise-sensitive applications, and a pulse-skipping mode version that minimizes power consumption under light loads. Both versions implement frequency dithering to reduce noise power generated at the switching frequency, and a very low quiescent current of 85µA minimizes total power consumption. Further power savings can be achieved by turning off the converter using the enable pin.
With the dedicated evaluation board, STEVAL-3603BC1, new designs incorporating the DCP3603 can be quickly evaluated. This compact board allows for immediate operation verification with easy connections via screw terminals and headers.
The DCP3603 is currently in mass production and is offered in a 6-lead SOT23 package. The price is approximately $0.44 for a purchase of 1000 units.
Adopting a synchronous rectification method and offering a choice of fixed switching frequencies of 1MHz or 500kHz, the DCP3603 maintains high efficiency across the entire load range, reaching 93% conversion efficiency at a 600mA load (12V input / 5V output). Since the power switch and compensation functions are built-in, the circuit can be completed with only an inductor, bootstrap circuit, filter capacitors, and feedback resistors, minimizing the number of external components.
The DCP3603 is available in two variations. Customers can choose between a forced PWM mode version for optimal performance in noise-sensitive applications, and a pulse-skipping mode version that minimizes power consumption under light loads. Both versions implement frequency dithering to reduce noise power generated at the switching frequency, and a very low quiescent current of 85µA minimizes total power consumption. Further power savings can be achieved by turning off the converter using the enable pin.
With the dedicated evaluation board, STEVAL-3603BC1, new designs incorporating the DCP3603 can be quickly evaluated. This compact board allows for immediate operation verification with easy connections via screw terminals and headers.
The DCP3603 is currently in mass production and is offered in a 6-lead SOT23 package. The price is approximately $0.44 for a purchase of 1000 units.