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Texas Instruments LM3218SEX/NOPB
- Part No.:
- LM3218SEX/NOPB
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package:
- 8-SMD Module
- Datasheet:
-
LM3218SEX/NOPB.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK ADJ 650MA 8POS
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,401
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Product details
Overview
LM3218SEX/NOPB from Texas Instruments is a miniature, adjustable step-down DC-DC converter with integrated 2.6 µH inductor, optimized for RF power amplifier (PA) biasing in single-cell Li-Ion systems. It delivers up to 650 mA output current, supports 0.8V–3.6V dynamically programmable VOUT via analog VCON pin (gain = 2.5 V/V), and operates at 2 MHz PWM switching frequency for minimal RF interference in cellular handsets.
For engineers reviewing the LM3218SEX/NOPB datasheet, LM3218SEX/NOPB pinout, LM3218SEX/NOPB application, or LM3218SEX/NOPB equivalent, key selection considerations include its integrated inductor footprint (3 mm × 2.5 mm × 1.2 mm), RDSON(P) management for efficiency below 100 mA, fast 25 µs VOUT transient response (0.8V → 3.4V), shutdown current of 0.01 µA, and compatibility with mobile PA dynamic voltage scaling architectures.
Technical Context
The LM3218SEX/NOPB implements a current-mode synchronous buck regulator with internal PFET/NFET switches and slope-compensated PWM control. Its architecture integrates a 2.6 µH POS inductor substrate and uses VCON as a direct analog control input-no external feedback resistors required-to set VOUT = 2.5 × VCON across 0.32V–1.44V range.
It features dual PFET RDSON(P) states (960 mΩ / 140 mΩ) triggered by VCON thresholds (0.37V–0.45V), timed current limiting (1100 mA / 800 mA), thermal shutdown at 150°C, and EN-controlled shutdown with 0.01 µA quiescent draw. The 2 MHz fixed-frequency operation enables use of tiny 0603 ceramic capacitors only.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Current | 650 mA max at VOUT > 1.05V; 400 mA max at VOUT < 1.00V - defines usable PA bias current range under varying output voltage conditions |
| Input Voltage Range | 2.7V to 5.5V - supports full Li-Ion battery discharge curve without external regulation |
| VOUT Adjustment | VOUT = 2.5 × VCON (0.32V–1.44V) → 0.8V–3.6V - enables real-time PA efficiency optimization without resistor networks or DACs |
| Switching Frequency | 2.0 MHz (typ.) - allows use of ultra-small 0603 MLCCs and reduces EMI filtering burden in RF front-end layouts |
| Efficiency | 95% typ. at VIN=3.9V, VOUT=3.4V, IOUT=400mA - critical for extending talk time in battery-constrained mobile devices |
| Shutdown Current | 0.01 µA (typ.) - minimizes battery drain during standby or transmit-off states in cellular handsets |
| Transient Response | 25 µs rise time (0.8V → 3.4V) - meets fast PA power-level switching requirements in WCDMA/LTE burst modes |
Pinout & Package
LM3218SEX/NOPB is housed in an 8-pin DSBGA (POS) package measuring 3.0 mm × 2.5 mm × 1.2 mm, with integrated 2.6 µH inductor embedded in the substrate. This chip-scale package eliminates discrete inductor placement and routing, reducing board area by up to 25% versus discrete solutions.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| EN | Digital enable input | Logic high (>1.2V) enables regulation; low (<0.5V) disables output and reduces supply current to 0.01 µA |
| VCON | Analog voltage control input | Sets VOUT = 2.5 × VCON; also triggers RDSON(P) state change and current limit selection (800/1100 mA) |
| FB | Feedback input | Internally connected to VOUT; no external resistor divider needed - simplifies layout and improves stability |
| SGND | Analog and control ground | Reference for VCON, FB, EN, VDD; must be separated from PGND to minimize noise coupling into control loop |
| VOUT | Regulated output node | Connects to one terminal of integrated inductor; requires external COUT (4.7 µF) for ripple suppression |
| PGND | Power ground | Return path for inductor current and PFET/NFET switching; must be low-inductance connection to minimize EMI |
| PVIN | Power input to PFET switch | Accepts 2.7V–5.5V input; routed separately from VDD to avoid switching noise injection into analog circuitry |
| VDD | Analog supply input | Bias supply for control logic and error amplifier; must be decoupled with 10 µF ceramic capacitor (CIN) |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated 2.6 µH inductor | Eliminates discrete inductor placement, routing, and EMI shielding - reduces solution footprint by up to 25% |
| VCON-controlled output | Direct analog programming (VOUT = 2.5 × VCON) removes need for external DAC, resistors, or digital interface |
| RDSON(P) management | Automatically selects small-PFET (960 mΩ) or large-PFET (140 mΩ) based on VCON to maximize efficiency at light loads |
| Timed current limiting | Prevents loss of regulation during severe overload by disabling PFET for 3.5 µs after trip - maintains safe inductor current decay |
| 2 MHz fixed-frequency PWM | Enables use of 0603-size ceramic capacitors only (CIN = 10 µF, COUT = 4.7 µF); minimizes RF band interference |
Applications
| Cellular Handset PA Biasing | Hand-Held Radio Transmitter |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Dynamic power control in GSM/WCDMA/LTE handset RF front-ends where PA supply voltage must scale with transmission distance and data rate. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Adjustable buck converter providing real-time VOUT modulation synchronized to baseband PA control signals. Use Value: Extends battery life by up to 20% versus fixed-output converters, while maintaining PA linearity and ACLR compliance across all power levels. |
Use Scenario: Compact portable two-way radios requiring efficient, low-noise PA bias under tight space constraints. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary PA supply with fast transient response to support PTT (push-to-talk) duty cycling and burst transmission. Use Value: Enables sub-30 mm² total solution size with integrated inductor, eliminating manual inductor selection and EMI tuning effort. |
| RF PC Card Power Management | Battery-Powered IoT Transceiver |
|
Use Scenario: Mini-PCIe or M.2 form-factor wireless modules needing regulated, low-EMI PA supply from shared system rail. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dedicated PA DC-DC stage decoupled from main SoC power domain to prevent noise coupling. Use Value: Achieves <10 mVp-p ripple at 2 MHz switching - avoids interference with adjacent 2.4 GHz/5 GHz RF receivers. |
Use Scenario: LPWAN transceivers (e.g., LoRa, NB-IoT) operating from coin-cell or single Li-Ion with variable TX power profiles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Efficient, digitally controllable PA supply enabling adaptive output power to match link budget requirements. Use Value: Delivers 95% peak efficiency at 400 mA load, reducing thermal load and enabling sealed, fanless enclosure designs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RF PA buck converter applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPS62260DRVR | External inductor required; 2.25 MHz switching; no VCON analog control - uses I²C or resistor-set VOUT | Lacks dynamic analog voltage scaling; better suited for fixed-VOUT PA stages or multi-rail systems with centralized PMIC control | Select when design requires programmable sequencing, I²C telemetry, or higher output accuracy over temperature |
| MAX8640YETA+ | Fixed 3.3V output only; 3 MHz switching; 600 mA max; no integrated inductor; smaller 2 mm × 2 mm TDFN | Not adjustable - limited to constant-power PA architectures; lacks VCON-based efficiency optimization | Select only for cost-sensitive, fixed-output applications where board area is more critical than battery life optimization |
Compared with TPS62260DRVR and MAX8640YETA+, the LM3218SEX/NOPB uniquely combines integrated inductance, analog VCON control, and RDSON(P) management - delivering superior battery life in dynamically scaled PA systems without sacrificing PCB area or adding digital control overhead.
Availability
LM3218SEX/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular handset design, RF radio development, and battery-powered IoT transceiver production requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for LM3218SEX/NOPB 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 leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and power management ICs, with decades of expertise in mobile power conversion and RF system integration.
The LM3218SEX/NOPB belongs to TI's RF power management portfolio, designed specifically to address the efficiency, size, and dynamic control demands of modern cellular and portable RF transmitter applications.
FAQ
What is the function of the VCON pin on the LM3218SEX/NOPB?
The VCON pin on the LM3218SEX/NOPB serves as an analog control input that directly sets the output voltage using the linear relationship VOUT = 2.5 × VCON. When VCON ranges from 0.32V to 1.44V, VOUT adjusts from 0.8V to 3.6V. Additionally, VCON determines PFET RDSON(P) selection (small/large) and current limit threshold (800 mA or 1100 mA), making it central to both regulation and efficiency optimization in the LM3218SEX/NOPB.
Does the LM3218SEX/NOPB require external feedback resistors to set output voltage?
No, the LM3218SEX/NOPB does not require external feedback resistors. Its output voltage is set entirely by the analog voltage applied to the VCON pin, per the formula VOUT = 2.5 × VCON. The FB pin is internally connected to VOUT and used solely for internal regulation - eliminating resistor networks, trimming, and associated layout sensitivity in the LM3218SEX/NOPB design.
What is the maximum load current supported by the LM3218SEX/NOPB at 3.4V output?
The LM3218SEX/NOPB supports up to 650 mA maximum output current when VOUT exceeds 1.05V, including at 3.4V. This rating assumes typical operating conditions (VIN = 3.9V, TA = 25°C) and accounts for thermal limits and integrated inductor saturation. At 3.4V output and 400 mA load, the LM3218SEX/NOPB achieves 95% typical efficiency - a key specification validated in TI's system characterization data.
How does the LM3218SEX/NOPB manage efficiency at light loads?
The LM3218SEX/NOPB manages light-load efficiency through RDSON(P) management: when VCON falls below ~0.40V, it activates only a portion of the internal PFET (RDSON ≈ 960 mΩ) to reduce gate drive losses; above ~0.42V, it engages the full PFET (RDSON ≈ 140 mΩ) to minimize conduction loss. This hysteresis-based switching, intrinsic to the LM3218SEX/NOPB architecture, improves efficiency by up to 8% at loads under 100 mA.
What package type and dimensions does the LM3218SEX/NOPB use?
The LM3218SEX/NOPB uses an 8-pin DSBGA (Die Size Ball Grid Array) package branded as "POS", measuring 3.0 mm × 2.5 mm × 1.2 mm. This chip-scale package embeds the 2.6 µH power inductor within the substrate, eliminating discrete inductor placement and enabling the industry's smallest integrated buck solution for RF PA biasing - a defining mechanical feature of the LM3218SEX/NOPB.
LM3218SEX/NOPB Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SMD Module
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Function:
- Step-Down
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Topology:
- Buck
- Output Type:
- Adjustable
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 2.7V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 5.5V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 0.8V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- 3.6V
- Current - Output:
- 650mA
- Frequency - Switching:
- 2MHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- Yes
- Operating Temperature:
- -30°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-POS (3.0x2.5)
LM3218SEX/NOPB FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM3218SEX/NOPB through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM3218SEX/NOPB on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for LM3218SEX/NOPB reliable?
The price and inventory of LM3218SEX/NOPB are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM3218SEX/NOPB is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM3218SEX/NOPB?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LM3218SEX/NOPB transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LM3218SEX/NOPB?
LM3218SEX/NOPB orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM3218SEX/NOPB order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for LM3218SEX/NOPB?
For technical support, including LM3218SEX/NOPB datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM3218SEX/NOPB requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM3218SEX/NOPB is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM3218SEX/NOPB products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that LM3218SEX/NOPB meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM3218SEX/NOPB?
All LM3218SEX/NOPB units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM3218SEX/NOPB, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The LM3218SEX/NOPB part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM3218SEX/NOPB:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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