Microchip TC1044SCPA DC-DC Inverting Charge Pump Voltage Converter, DIP-8

The Microchip TC1044SCPA is a DC-to-DC charge-pump voltage converter designed for efficient and compact power management. It transforms a positive input voltage ranging from 1.5V to 12V into a corresponding negative output from -1.5V to -12V, capable of delivering up to 20mA of current. This innovative design requires only two low-cost external capacitors, completely eliminating the need for inductors. This results in a significantly smaller solution size and avoids the electromagnetic interference (EMI) typically associated with inductive converters.

As a pin-compatible upgrade to the industry-standard TC7660, the TC1044SCPA offers enhanced features including an extended supply range up to 12V. It incorporates a frequency boost pin; when activated, the oscillator frequency increases from a nominal 10kHz to 45kHz, allowing for the use of even smaller external capacitors. For applications demanding lower supply current, the operating frequency can be reduced below 10kHz by adding an external capacitor.

The converter boasts exceptional efficiency, achieving up to 98% power efficiency and 99.9% voltage conversion efficiency. It exhibits very low power consumption, drawing just 80µA with a 5V input. Built for robustness, it features improved electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection rated up to 10kV. Its straightforward design requires no external diode for high-voltage operation, simplifying the circuit layout and bill of materials.

Housed in a standard 8-pin DIP (Dual In-line Package) for through-hole mounting, it is suitable for operating temperatures between 0°C and 70°C. This reliable and easy-to-use component is an ideal choice for generating a negative rail in space-constrained or noise-sensitive applications.