SparkFun BabyBuck Regulator Breakout - 3.3V (AP63203)

Power regulation is a common need in many electronics projects, and SparkFun has a solution with the BabyBuck Regulator Breakout. This compact board features the AP63203 from Diodes Inc, a 2A synchronous buck converter with a wide input voltage range of 3.8V to 32V. It also includes fully integrated 125mΩ high-side and 68mΩ low-side power MOSFETs for efficient step-down DC/DC conversion. All this is housed in a low-profile, TSOT26 package on a board measuring just 10.16mm by 12.7mm.

While the BabyBuck may sacrifice power option flexibility for its compact size, it makes up for it with ease of use. Plated through holes for input and output power mean that with some simple right-angle headers, your project can be powered up and ready to go in no time.

The BabyBuck also includes features to reduce Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). Its Frequency Spread Spectrum (FSS) diminishes EMI, while a proprietary gate driver scheme resists switching node ringing without affecting MOSFET turn-on and turn-off times, further eradicating high-frequency radiated EMI noise.

Key features of the BabyBuck include a low-profile footprint, an input voltage range of 3.8V to 32V, a fixed output voltage of 3.3V, and the ability to handle up to 2A of continuous output current. It also has a 0.8V ± 1% reference voltage and 22µA ultra-low quiescent current. The switching frequency is 1.1MHz and it supports Pulse Frequency Modulation (PFM) for up to 80% efficiency at 1mA light load and up to 88% efficiency at 5mA light load. Other features include a proprietary gate driver design for optimal EMI reduction, Frequency Spread Spectrum (FSS) to reduce EMI, precision enable threshold to adjust UVLO, and protection circuitry including overvoltage protection, cycle-by-cycle peak current limit, and thermal shutdown.

SparkFun provides comprehensive documentation for the BabyBuck, including a schematic, Eagle files, a dimensional drawing, a hookup guide, and the datasheet for the AP63203. All these resources are available to ensure a smooth integration of the BabyBuck into your project. Additionally, a GitHub Hardware Repo is available for further exploration and understanding of the product.