Renesas' portfolio of DC/DC converters includes linear regulators, switching regulators, controllers, PMICs, and power modules. These product families cover a wide range of topologies including buck, boost, and buck/boost.

For automotive products, please see Automotive Power Management.

Cost vs. Complexity Tradeoffs of Power Management Parts

CostComplexityTopology LegendDescription
$starLinear regulators (LDO)Single and multi-output linear regulators/LDOs
$$star starBuck Regulators (Integrated FETs)Single and multi-output buck regulators with controller, driver and power FETs in one package
$$star starBuck-boost Regulators (Integrated FETs)Single and multi-output buck-boost regulators with controller, driver and power FETs in one package
$$star starBoost Regulators (Integrated FETs)Single and multi-output boost regulators with controller, driver and power FETs in one package
$$$$$starPower Modules (Integrated Inductor & FETs)Fully integrated buck module with controller, driver, power FETs and inductor in one package
$$star star star starBuck Controllers (External FETs)Single and multiple-output buck controllers with and without drivers on board
$$$star star star star starAnalog Multiphase DC/DC Switching ControllersMultiple phase buck controllers with and without drivers on board
$$$$star star star starPower Management ICs (PMIC)Multi-output buck and boost controllers, regulators, LDOs and other features for specific power applications

Get started with your power design using the PowerCompass Tool.

Buck, Boost and Buck-Boost Converters

Renesas has many options for DC/DC converters, controllers and regulators with buck, boost and buck-boost topologies.

Buck Converters

What is a Buck or Step-Down Converter?

A buck converter, also known as a step-down converter, is a DC/DC power converter that provides voltage step-down and current step-up. The converter reduces the voltage when the power source has a higher voltage than Vin. A buck converter generally provides the most efficient solution with the smallest external components.

Unsure if a low-powered linear regulator or highly efficient switching regulator is a better option for your design? Learn more about Linear vs. Switching Regulators.

Boost Converters

What is a Boost or Step-up Converter?

Boost converters, also known as step-up converters, are DC/DC power converters with an output voltage greater than its input voltage. The driver boosts the voltage of the power source that is less than the Vin.

Buck-Boost Converters

What is a Buck-Boost Converter?

A buck-boost converter generates an output voltage either greater or less than the input voltage. The advantage of using a buck-boost solution is regulating the output voltage over the full power source voltage range. Buck-boost converter solutions usually have lower efficiency and a larger footprint than buck converter solutions.

Categories

Charge Pumps (Inductorless)

Monolithic CMOS voltage conversion ICs that perform supply voltage conversions

Step-down (Buck)

DC/DC power converters for voltage step down and current step up

Step-up (boost)

DC/DC power converters with an output voltage greater than the input voltage

Step-up/Step-down (Buck-Boost)

Regulate the output voltage over the full power source voltage range

Documentation

High-Performance 80V Buck-Boost and Dual-Phase Controllers

A brief overview of the highest-performance 80V DC/DC controllers and why they are the best solutions for data center servers, 48V telecom and rugged industrial equipment designs that require extra voltage margin.