Texas Instruments LM2623EV

Overview

LM2623EV from Texas Instruments is an evaluation board for the LM2623 DC/DC boost converter IC, configured to deliver a regulated 5 V output from a 2-cell (2.3 V–5.5 V) input supply. It integrates the LM2623 in VSSOP-8 package, a 4.7 µH power inductor, Schottky output diode (MBRS340T3), and precision feedback resistors (100 kΩ and 300 kΩ) to set output voltage.

For engineers reviewing the LM2623EV datasheet, LM2623EV pinout, LM2623EV application, or LM2623EV equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of gated-oscillator-based boost topology, input voltage headroom testing, ripple measurement under load, and feedback network tuning for custom output voltages.

Technical Context

The LM2623EV implements a fixed-frequency, current-mode boost converter using the LM2623 IC with internal gated oscillator architecture. It supports input voltages from 2.3 V to 5.5 V and delivers up to 500 mA output current at 5 V with low-output-ripple regulation via external 100 µF tantalum capacitor (C2) and 220 µF input capacitor (C1).

Board-level design includes EN control via jumper J1, BOOT capacitor (C3 = 4.7 pF), and frequency-setting resistor R3 (150 kΩ) establishing ~1.1 MHz switching frequency. Unpopulated footprints allow reconfiguration per AN-1221 for alternate outputs, input ranges, or efficiency optimization.

Key Specifications

Availability

LM2623EV is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DC/DC converter validation, battery-powered portable electronics prototyping, and low-voltage industrial sensor node power supply development requiring stable component supply and fast time-to-test.

Supply support for LM2623EV includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor company delivering analog and embedded processing solutions, with leadership in power management ICs and evaluation platforms.

The LM2623EV belongs to TI's power management evaluation board portfolio, designed specifically to accelerate adoption of the LM2623 boost controller in space-constrained, low-input-voltage applications such as handheld instruments and wearable sensors.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the LM2623EV evaluation board?

The LM2623EV evaluation board demonstrates and validates the LM2623 DC/DC boost converter IC in a fully assembled, tested configuration. It delivers a regulated 5 V output from a 2.3 V–5.5 V input source using TI's gated-oscillator architecture. The LM2623EV includes all critical passives-inductor, Schottky diode, input/output capacitors, and feedback resistors-enabling immediate bench testing without additional component selection.

Can the LM2623EV be used to generate output voltages other than 5 V?

Yes, the LM2623EV supports configurable output voltages via its feedback resistor network. The default 5 V setting uses RF1 = 300 kΩ and RF2 = 100 kΩ. Replacing these resistors per the LM2623 datasheet equation V_OUT = 1.24 V × (1 + RF1/RF2) enables outputs such as 3.3 V or 12 V. Unpopulated footprints on the LM2623EV board accommodate alternate resistor values and external compensation components per AN-1221.

What input power sources are compatible with the LM2623EV?

The LM2623EV accepts input voltages from 2.3 V to 5.5 V, making it compatible with two AA/AAA alkaline or NiMH cells (nominal 3 V), single-cell Li-ion (fully charged ~4.2 V), or regulated 3.3 V/5 V supplies. Input stability is ensured by the 220 µF tantalum capacitor (C1); operation below 2.3 V disables regulation, while exceeding 5.5 V risks damage to the LM2623 IC on the LM2623EV board.

Does the LM2623EV include thermal or overcurrent protection features?

The LM2623EV inherits the protection features of the underlying LM2623 IC, including thermal shutdown and cycle-by-cycle current limiting. When internal die temperature exceeds ~150 °C, the LM2623 halts switching until cooldown. Peak inductor current is limited to prevent saturation and MOSFET overstress. These protections are active during LM2623EV operation but are not user-adjustable; no external fault reporting pins are brought out on the evaluation board.

How is the switching frequency determined on the LM2623EV?

The switching frequency on the LM2623EV is set to approximately 1.1 MHz by resistor R3 = 150 kΩ, connected between the FREQ pin and ground per the LM2623 datasheet's f_SW = 1.1×10⁶ / R_FREQ (kΩ) relationship. This value balances efficiency, size, and EMI performance. Frequency can be adjusted by replacing R3 with other standard values - e.g., 100 kΩ yields ~1.1 MHz, 200 kΩ yields ~550 kHz - without modifying other board components.