Author Topic: Why Synchronous Bucks are so limited?  (Read 1389 times)

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Offline makebitTopic starter

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Why Synchronous Bucks are so limited?
« on: October 05, 2025, 02:02:08 pm »
Hi,
Massive numbers of equipments these days have a single  3.2-4.3V LIPO cell
as their input power source.

So why are there virtually no synchronous buck converters on the market with an input
voltage range from 2V to 10V, and output range from 3V to 10V? (approx 1-2A current rating.)

There are thousands upon thousands of synch bucks on the market but virtually none of this spec.

As is known , one cannot use a synch Buck with an abs max voltage of say 7V with a LIPO, since if
its quickly connected, then the Vin may ring up to 8.4V.

There are literally thousands of synch bucks with a vin abs max of 6V....absolutely useless when your power
source is a LIPO.
Hi, I'm also known as Treez, Faringdon, 5ubtle, ocset, zenerbjt opampsmoker, and coffeefet. I've been a naughty boy, so I'm not allowed to start new threads any more.
I'm also not allowed to change this footer :-(
 

Offline ejeffrey

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Re: Why Synchronous Bucks are so limited?
« Reply #1 on: October 05, 2025, 03:05:13 pm »
I think you will find that most of those millions of devices use converters with a Vin max of 6 V.  Also keep in mind that most devices need a battery charger / power switch before the main DC DC converter. Those also typically have a 6V limit including for a 5v USB input.

Ring up during hot connection is a real issue but managed by other means.  First off, in most cases the battery is permanently connected or connected with very short leads.  This is more of an issue when connecting the charger than the battery.

Overshoot can be handled by limiting the inrush current, adding damping, or using overvoltage protection, which might be needed for ESD protection as well.

USB has limits on the bus capacitance to limit inrush.  Between that and the typically high wiring resistance this limits overshoot.  Type C actually requires power switches to disconnect the bus power until it detects plug insertion.
 
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Online Siwastaja

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Re: Why Synchronous Bucks are so limited?
« Reply #2 on: October 05, 2025, 03:26:00 pm »
It's the certain IC process which produces devices with absolute maximum ratings around 6-7V for low cost. That suffices for 4.2V li-ion with margin to share. Hot-plug transients are easy to handle in proper ways. My favorite is damping with an electrolytic capacitor (and avoiding excess amount of MLCC)
 
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Offline mzzj

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Re: Why Synchronous Bucks are so limited?
« Reply #3 on: October 08, 2025, 07:12:02 am »
Is it just me or is our old friend treez/farindon/xyz back online?
 
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Online Siwastaja

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Re: Why Synchronous Bucks are so limited?
« Reply #4 on: October 08, 2025, 07:19:49 am »
Is it just me or is our old friend treez/farindon/xyz back online?

Now that you say it, clearly yes. Would you agree?

He forgot to thank us all.
 
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Online langwadt

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Re: Why Synchronous Bucks are so limited?
« Reply #5 on: October 08, 2025, 08:03:33 am »
how do you intend to get 3V output from 2V input with a buck ?
 
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Offline MF-jockey

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Re: Why Synchronous Bucks are so limited?
« Reply #6 on: October 08, 2025, 11:13:56 am »
Please search for step-up modules. An example is the SX1308 Step Up Module.
 
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Offline JPortici

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Re: Why Synchronous Bucks are so limited?
« Reply #7 on: October 08, 2025, 12:16:36 pm »
Is it just me or is our old friend treez/farindon/xyz back online?

Now that you say it, clearly yes. Would you agree?

He forgot to thank us all.

did you miss me mentioning that already?
 
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Offline SiliconWizard

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Re: Why Synchronous Bucks are so limited?
« Reply #8 on: October 15, 2025, 01:47:35 pm »
What the OP seems to be looking for is obviously buck-boost converters, and I'm not even sure what the synchronous side of things has to do with it, unless it's a "hidden" requirement that they didn't fully disclose.
 

Online Gyro

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Re: Why Synchronous Bucks are so limited?
« Reply #9 on: October 15, 2025, 04:35:57 pm »
What the OP seems to be looking for is obviously buck-boost converters, and I'm not even sure what the synchronous side of things has to do with it, unless it's a "hidden" requirement that they didn't fully disclose.

See the OP's footer text.
Best Regards, Chris
 


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