Southchip Launches 6μA Ultra-Low Quiescent Current Buck-Boost DC-DC
2026-09-03
Powerquark announced the release of PQ8710, an ultra-low quiescent current buck-boost DC-DC converter featuring a typical quiescent current as low as 6μA. PQ8710 employs a peak current mode control architecture, delivering smooth buck-boost transitions and excellent dynamic response. With exceptional cost-performance, it is ideal for system preregulators, IP camera sensors, RF amplifiers, and other applications demanding high light-load efficiency, helping customers extend battery life in portable devices and achieve efficient power conversion in space-constrained designs.
In devices such as IP cameras and smart sensors, systems spend most of their time in standby or light-load states, where the power IC's own quiescent power consumption becomes the primary bottleneck limiting overall battery life. With a typical quiescent current of just 6μA, PQ8710 significantly reduces standby power consumption, extends battery run time, and minimizes heat accumulation to enhance long-term system reliability – delivering industry-leading performance in its class.
PQ8710 supports a wide 1.95V-5.5V input voltage range with an adjustable 2V-5.3V output and delivers a 3A peak switch current. The device automatically transitions seamlessly between buck, boost, and buck-boost modes with less than 50mV output ripple, delivering excellent dynamic response that meets the demanding power quality requirements of sensitive loads. The 2MHz fixed switching frequency enables the use of small-sized inductors and capacitors while simplifying EMI design and certification.
High Efficiency Across Full Load Range
PQ8710 maintains outstanding power conversion efficiency across the entire load range. Leveraging its 6μA ultra-low quiescent current, the device minimizes losses under light-load and standby conditions. Combined with integrated low on-resistance power switches, it achieves peak conversion efficiency exceeding 97%.
PQ8710 comes in a compact 1.2mm*2.1mm SOT-583 package. Together with a 1μH small-sized inductor and a single 0805 output capacitor, it formed a complete power solution that effectively saves PCB area. The device also integrates multiple protection mechanisms including short-circuit protection (hiccup mode), over-temperature protection, and over-voltage protection, ensuring stable and reliable operation under abnormal conditions.
Typical Applications
Leveraging its 6μA ultra-low quiescent current, smooth buck-boost transition, and exceptional cost-performance. PQ8710 is well-suited for a wide range of battery-powered and space-constrained devices.
In IP cameras and smart sensors for security and IoT applications, systems remain in standby monitoring mode for extended periods, waking briefly only upon event triggers to capture images or record video. PQ8710's 6μA quiescent current significantly extends battery replacement cycles, while its buck-boost architecture ensures stable output despite battery voltage degradation or adapter voltage fluctuations. The smooth mode transition and superior dynamic response guarantee that the system does not shut down or reboot during wake-up from standby to full-load capture, providing users with a stable and reliable experience.
Beyond these applications, PQ8710 is also ideal for system preregulators, port/cable adapters and dongles, RF amplifier power supplies, and other diverse scenarios, delivering an optimal balance of efficiency and power density for various space-constrained designs.
