• Inverts Input Supply Voltage
• Up to 60-mA Output Current
• Only Three Small 1-µF Ceramic Capacitors Needed
• Input Voltage Range From 1.6 V to 5.5 V
• PowerSave-Mode for Improved Efficiency at Low-Output Currents (TPS60400)
• Device Quiescent Current Typical 65 µA
• Integrated Active Schottky-Diode for Start-up Into Load
• Small 5-Pin SOT-23 Package
• Evaluation Module Available TPS60400EVM-178

• LCD Bias
• GaAs Bias for RF Power Amps
• Sensor Supply in Portable Instruments
• Bipolar Amplifier Supply
• Medical Instruments
• Battery-Operated Equipment

The TPS6040x family of devices generates an unregulated negative output voltage from an input voltage ranging from 1.6 V to 5.5 V. The devices are typically supplied by a preregulated supply rail of 5 V or 3.3 V. Due to its wide input voltage range, two or three NiCd, NiMH, or alkaline battery cells, as well as one Li-Ion cell can also power them.

Only three external 1-µF capacitors are required to build a complete DC-DC charge pump inverter. Assembled in a 5-pin SOT-23 package, the complete converter can be built on a 50-mm2 board area. Additional board area and component count reduction is achieved by replacing the Schottky diode that is typically needed for start-up into load by integrated circuitry.

The TPS6040x can deliver a maximum output current of 60 mA with a typical conversion efficiency of greater than 90% over a wide output current range. Three device options with 20-kHz, 50-kHz, and 250-kHz fixed-frequency operation are available. TPS60400 comes with a variable switching frequency to reduce operating current in applications with a wide load range and enables the design with low-value capacitors.