STMicroelectronics MC34063ACD-TR DC DC Converter, SOIC8 Package for Industrial & IoT

STMicroelectronics MC34063ACD-TR DC DC Converter Overview

The STMicroelectronics MC34063ACD-TR is a versatile, dual-mode (step-up/step-down) DC DC converter engineered for cost-effective power management in B2B industrial, IoT, and consumer electronics applications. Designed to operate across a 3V?C40V input voltage range and deliver adjustable 1.25V?C35V output, it integrates a high-current power switch, error amplifier, and oscillator into a compact SOIC8 surface-mount package. This all-in-one design eliminates the need for multiple discrete components (inductors, diodes, controllers), simplifying PCB layouts while maintaining reliable performance in temperatures from -40??C to +85??C. For engineers prioritizing flexibility (to handle both voltage boost and buck needs), cost efficiency, and space savings, this converter is a proven solution for 24/7 systems like industrial sensors, IoT gateways, and home appliance control boards.

As a flagship product from STMicroelectronics-a global leader in semiconductor solutions with decades of expertise in low-power and industrial-grade power management-the MC34063ACD-TR meets strict quality standards (including RoHS 2 certification) and undergoes rigorous testing for long-term stability. Senior engineers at a leading IoT solution firm endorse it, noting: ??The converter??s dual-mode design lets us power 3.3V sensors and 12V transceivers with one chip, cutting our PCB space by 35% and Bill of Materials cost by 28% vs. using separate step-up and step-down regulators.?? For more trusted industrial ICs and flexible power solutions, visit IC Manufacturer.

Technical Parameters of MC34063ACD-TR

Key Technical Features of MC34063ACD-TR

• Dual-mode step-up/step-down operation, eliminating the need for two separate regulators to power components with different voltage needs (e.g., 3.3V microcontrollers and 12V transceivers). An IoT gateway engineer reported this feature ??cut our regulator count from 2 to 1, simplifying PCB design and reducing failure points by 50%.??
• 3V?C40V wide input range, handling diverse power sources (e.g., 5V USB, 12V automotive batteries, 24V industrial supplies) without external clamping. A home appliance designer noted ??this range lets us use the same converter across 3 product lines, standardizing our parts inventory and cutting logistics costs by 20%.??
• SOIC8 package with exposed thermal pad, balancing space efficiency (35% smaller than discrete converter circuits) and heat dissipation (20% better than standard SOIC8 packages without pads). Industrial sensor engineers confirm ??this package fits in 10mm x 10mm PCB slots while keeping the converter cool at 1.5A output.??
• Adjustable 100kHz?C1MHz switching frequency, enabling optimization for efficiency or component size. A wireless sensor designer shared ??we set the frequency to 500kHz, which let us use a smaller inductor (saving 40% space) while maintaining 86% efficiency-critical for our compact sensor design.??
• Low 0.1mA shutdown current, minimizing power drain for battery-powered devices. An industrial monitor firm noted ??this feature cuts our device??s standby power use by 99%, extending battery life from 6 months to 18 months-critical for remote sites with no grid access.??

Advantages of MC34063ACD-TR Over Alternative Solutions

Compared to single-mode (only step-up or step-down) regulators, discrete converter circuits, and fixed-frequency alternatives, the MC34063ACD-TR delivers three critical benefits for B2B flexible power designs-backed by real customer feedback:

First, its dual-mode operation eliminates single-mode limitations. Single-mode regulators require one chip for step-up (e.g., 5V to 12V) and another for step-down (e.g., 12V to 3.3V), increasing PCB space and cost. The MC34063ACD-TR handles both with one device. A senior IoT engineer explained: ??We used two single-mode regulators for our gateway; switching to this converter cut PCB space by 35% and component cost by 28%. Fewer parts also mean fewer potential failures in remote deployments-reducing maintenance calls by 60%.??

Second, its integrated design outperforms discrete circuits. Discrete converters (separate controller, switch, diode, inductor) take 4x more PCB space and require complex tuning. The MC34063ACD-TR??s integrated components simplify design and save space. A home appliance designer confirmed ??our old discrete circuit needed a 20mm x 20mm PCB area; this converter fits in 8mm x 8mm-critical for our slim washing machine control board. Tuning time also dropped from 2 weeks to 1 day, speeding up product development.??

Third, its adjustable frequency optimizes for diverse needs. Fixed-frequency converters (e.g., only 100kHz) force engineers to choose between large inductors (low frequency, low efficiency) or high power loss (high frequency, small inductor). The MC34063ACD-TR??s 100kHz?C1MHz range lets users balance size and efficiency. An industrial sensor firm shared ??our old fixed 100kHz converter needed a bulky inductor; setting this one to 500kHz let us use a smaller inductor while keeping efficiency at 86%-saving 40% space and improving device portability.??

Typical Applications of MC34063ACD-TR

The MC34063ACD-TR is engineered to solve flexible power conversion challenges-with proven success in these key B2B use cases:

• Internet of Things (IoT) Gateways: Converting 5V USB or 12V battery power to 3.3V (microcontroller) and 12V (transceiver) with one chip. IoT providers confirm ??gateway PCB size shrank by 35%, and battery life improved by 25% vs. dual single-mode regulators.??
• Industrial Automation (Wireless Sensors): Step-up 3.7V lithium-ion power to 5V for sensor circuits, then step-down 5V to 3.3V for data loggers. A factory operator reported ??sensors fit in tight machinery gaps, and low shutdown current extends battery life to 18 months-cutting replacement costs by 67%.??
• Home Appliances (Washing Machines): Regulating 12V AC DC adapter power to 5V for motor controls and 3.3V for display panels. A home tech brand shared ??SOIC8 package fits in slim control boards, and dual-mode operation cuts component count by 50%-reducing appliance cost by 10%.??
• Security and Surveillance (Wireless Cameras): Step-up 5V POE power to 12V for camera motors, then step-down 12V to 3.3V for image processors. A security firm confirmed ??adjustable frequency lets us use a small inductor, and 88% efficiency cuts heat in camera housings-zero overheating failures in 2 years.??
• Test and Measurement (Portable Tools): Converting 9V battery power to 1.25V?C15V for diverse test components. A test equipment maker noted ??wide output range fits all our tool??s needs, and integrated features simplify calibration-reducing tool weight by 30% vs. discrete designs.??

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is dual-mode operation useful for IoT gateways?

IoT gateways power components with conflicting voltage needs-3.3V for microcontrollers and 12V for transceivers. Single-mode regulators need two chips, but the MC34063ACD-TR handles both with one. An IoT engineer noted ??this cuts PCB space by 35% and component cost by 28%, while fewer parts reduce maintenance calls by 60%-critical for remote gateways that are hard to access.??

How does the 3V?C40V input range benefit industrial systems?

Industrial systems use diverse power sources: 5V USB for sensors, 12V batteries for backups, 24V main supplies. The 3V?C40V range handles all without external clamps. A factory designer shared ??this range lets us use the same converter across 3 sensor lines, standardizing inventory and cutting logistics costs by 20%. We also eliminated external clamps, saving 15% PCB space.??

Can the MC34063ACD-TR operate in cold industrial environments?

Yes. Its -40??C to +85??C operating range handles cold settings (e.g., -30??C freezers, winter outdoor deployments). The converter maintains stable output even at -40??C, preventing component damage. A freezer sensor maker confirmed ??our sensors run in -25??C freezers; this converter keeps power stable, with zero shutdowns in 3 years-unlike our old converter that failed at -15??C.??

What value does adjustable switching frequency add for sensor designs?

Sensor designs need to balance inductor size and efficiency. Low frequency (100kHz) uses large inductors; high frequency (1MHz) boosts efficiency but needs small inductors. The 100kHz?C1MHz range lets users optimize. A sensor engineer noted ??setting it to 500kHz let us use a 40% smaller inductor while keeping 86% efficiency-critical for our 10mm x 10mm sensor PCB. This also cut sensor weight by 25%.??

How does low shutdown current extend battery life for remote monitors?

Remote industrial monitors spend 95% of time in standby, so shutdown current dominates battery life. The 0.1mA shutdown current is 99% lower than 10mA alternatives. A monitor firm shared ??our old 10mA converter lasted 6 months; this one extends life to 18 months-saving $800 annually per site in battery replacements. No more frequent site visits also reduce labor costs by 70%.??