buck converter for 5V output with high efficiency at light loads (0.1A)

[davegravy]

Hi I've been looking through converter datasheets and efficiencies always seem to drop off near the no-load end of the load spectrum.

I've been working on prototyping with the LM64460CPP but from my other thread I'm having many challenges (ie burned ICs) and I'm wondering if there are other more beginner-friendly converters with features geared toward maintaining light-load efficiency like the aforementioned IC.

Input range: 8-16V
Output voltage: 5V
Output current 0.1A nominal, 0.7A peak

I'm hoping for >95% efficiency at 0.1A load.
I'm not adverse to a more expensive IC or component set or a largish footprint.

[S. Petrukhin]

DC-DC have costs for their own needs and losses.
This part is constant and therefore becomes noticeable at low load.

If you are carrying an empty backpack, you feel its weight. When you put a 16kg dumbbell in your backpack, you won't notice the whole backpack.

You should not worry about efficiency, but about your own DC-DC consumption.
Usually, low-power sources have less self power than high-power ones.
Just choose a DC-DC close to the rated power.

[DavidAlfa]

I saw boost converter inside a bluetooth earbuds charging case, It always outputted 5V no matter what, but it only took 100uA from the battery with no output load.

[ArdWar]

I've used TPS62933 and it works fine for me. Pretty low quiescent current, but still high enough that I won't use it on long lasting battery powered devices without some sort of gating. Very simple application circuit but pain in the ass (but reasonably doable) to solder manually.

[S. Petrukhin]

I've used TPS62933 and it works fine for me. Pretty low quiescent current, but still high enough that I won't use it on long lasting battery powered devices without some sort of gating. Very simple application circuit but pain in the ass (but reasonably doable) to solder manually.

Maybe the voltage divider for FB consumes excess current and charges the Cout, forcing it to constantly recharge?