RECOM’s R-78S Series Boost Switching Regulator

When I initially came across the R-78S3.3-0.1 product release I thought it was another easy-to-use buck converter module from RECOM. However, after reviewing the datasheet I realized it was a boost converter. The module boosts an input voltage ranging from 0.65 V to 3.15 V to an output voltage of 3.3 V while providing 100 mA maximum output current and typical efficiency of 93%. Boost converter circuits using discrete components are common in industry, but boost converter SIP module solutions are much less prevalent and the R-78S series are the only boost module solutions available from DigiKey. Major benefits of module solutions are ease of prototyping and shortened time to market.

A typical application of the R-78S3.3-0.1 is to convert the nominal 1.2 V of a single AA alkaline cell to a more useful 3.3 V. Supply voltage of 3.3 V is common for microcontroller, sensor, radio, and multiple other chips and modules. This greatly simplifies the development and evaluation of power sources for IoT products like wireless sensors and actuators. The R-78S series also includes the R-78S1.8-0.1 which provides 1.8 V and the R-78S3.6-0.1 which provides 3.6 V output voltage.

To see the New Product Discovery with Randall Restle where he introduces the RECOM R-78S Series Boost Switching Regulator, click here.

Development and Evaluation

RECOM provides reference designs and documentation to easily evaluate and develop with the R-78S series. The R-REF02-78S reference design is a standalone board that generates 3.3 V from a single AA battery, see https://www.recom-power.com/pdf/Eval-Boards/R-REF02-78S.pdf. The R-78S3.3-0.1-EVM-1 is a full featured reference design providing easy evaluation of external input sources and test points for measuring current, see https://www.recom-power.com/pdf/Eval-Boards/R-78S3.3-0.1-EVM-1.pdf.

Related Product Highlights

https://www.digikey.com/en/product-highlight/r/recom-power/r-78s-series-single-output-dc-dc-converter

https://www.digikey.com/en/product-highlight/r/recom-power/r-78s3-3-0-1-evm-1-evaluation-module

https://www.digikey.com/en/product-highlight/r/recom-power/breakout-board-r-78s-evaluation-module

Availability at DigiKey

https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/recom-power/R-78S3.3-0.1/945-3029-ND/6588874

https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/recom-power/R-78S1.8-0.1/945-3137-5-ND/7932584

https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/recom-power/R-78S3.6-0.1/945-3138-5-ND/7932585

https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/recom-power/R-REF02-78S/945-3141-ND/7932588

https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/recom-power/R-78S3.3-0.1-EVM-1/945-3139-ND/7932586