The MAX8896 dual step-down converter is optimized for powering the power amplifier (PA) and RF transceiver in WCDMA handsets. This device integrates a high-efficiency PWM step-down converter (OUT1) for medium and low-power transmission, and a 140mΩ (typ) bypass FET to power the PA directly from the battery during high-power transmission. A second high-efficiency PWM step-down converter (OUT2) supplies power directly to a high PSRR, low output noise, 200mA low-dropout linear regulator (LDO) to power the RF transceiver.Fast switching allows the use of small ceramic input and output capacitors while maintaining low ripple voltage. The feedback network is integrated reducing external component count and total solution size. OUT1 uses an analog input driven by an external DAC to control the output voltage linearly for continuous PA power adjustment. At high duty cycle, OUT1 automatically switches to bypass mode, connecting the input to the output through a low-impedance (140mΩ, typ) MOSFET.OUT2 is a 2MHz fixed-frequency, step-down converter capable of operating at 100% duty cycle. Output accuracy is ±2% over load, line, and temperature. The output of OUT2 is preset to 3.1V to provide power to a 200mA, 2.8V LDO designed for low noise (16µVRMS, typ), high PSRR (65dB, typ) operation. This configuration provides noise attenuation for the RF transceiver power supply in the 100Hz to 100kHz range.Other features include separate output enables, low-supply current shutdown, output overcurrent, and overtemperature protection. The MAX8896 is available in a 16-bump, 2mm x 2mm UCSP™ package (0.7mm max height).ApplicationsSmartphonesWCDMA/NCDMA Cellular Handsets