RT6150BGQW - 0.8A Buck-Boost DC/DC Converter | Richtek
MPN: RT6150BGQW ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.42 | $1.42 |
| 10 | $1.18 | $11.80 |
| 100 | $0.86 | $86.00 |
| 500 | $0.65 | $325.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.49 | $490.00 |
RT6150BGQW Overview
A buck-boost converter is a switched-mode power supply topology that maintains a stable output voltage even when the input voltage crosses the regulated output level. Unlike pure buck or pure boost converters, the buck-boost can both step down (VIN > VOUT) and step up (VIN < VOUT) within the same power stage, making it ideal for battery-powered systems where the cell voltage starts above and ends below the load rail. The RT6150 belongs to the broader switching regulator family within power management ICs, sitting alongside buck, boost, and SEPIC converters.
Key features include a 1 MHz switching frequency that enables the use of small external inductors and ceramic capacitors, a low 60 µA quiescent current in Power Save Mode (PSM) for extended battery life, and user-controlled PSM activation via the PS pin. The device integrates two N-MOSFET and two P-MOSFET switches, eliminating the need for external FETs. Protection features include cycle-by-cycle current limit, thermal shutdown, and soft-start.
Architecturally, the RT6150 uses a current-mode control scheme that provides excellent line and load transient response while simplifying compensation. The 1 MHz fixed frequency enables predictable EMI behavior and the use of small magnetics, while the integrated 4-switch bridge provides seamless transitions between operating modes without output voltage discontinuity.
Typical applications include single-cell lithium-ion battery powered devices, multi-cell alkaline or Ni-MH systems, portable industrial instruments, USB-powered peripherals, and IoT sensor nodes. The buck-boost topology is particularly valuable when the battery voltage range spans the load rail - for example, a single Li-ion cell (3.0 V to 4.2 V) powering a 3.3 V rail.
Designers should evaluate inductor ripple current, output capacitor ESR, and PSM/PWM mode trade-offs. In PWM mode (PS pin high), the regulator operates at fixed 1 MHz for low-ripple performance; in PSM mode (PS pin low), it skips pulses at light load to maximize efficiency. Adequate thermal copper under the exposed pad is essential for full 0.8 A operation.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, parametric drop-in alternatives, and practical buck-boost design notes that complement the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for RT6150BGQW — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
RT6150AGQW
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
RT6150BGQW
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.49 / Unit
View Datasheet →RT6150B
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
RT6150A
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
RT6150BGQW Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Topology | Buck-Boost (4-switch bridge) |
| Output Type | Adjustable |
| Output Voltage - Min | 1.8 V |
| Output Current (Max) | 800 mA |
| Number of Outputs | 1 |
| Switching Frequency | 1 MHz (fixed) |
| Control Mode | Current Mode |
| Quiescent Current (PSM) | 60 µA |
| Power Save Mode Pin | Yes (PS pin, active-low enables PSM) |
| Integrated Switches | 2x N-MOSFET + 2x P-MOSFET |
| Package | 10-WFDFN Exposed Pad (GQW) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
RT6150BGQW Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VIN — Input voltage supply |
| Pin 2 | VIN — Input voltage supply |
| Pin 3 | SW1 — Switch node 1 (to external inductor) |
| Pin 4 | SW2 — Switch node 2 (to external inductor) |
| Pin 5 | VOUT — Regulated output voltage |
| Pin 6 | VOUT — Regulated output voltage |
| Pin 7 | FB — Feedback (to external resistor divider) |
| Pin 8 | PS — Power Save Mode control (active low) |
| Pin 9 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 10 | EN — Enable (active high) |
| Pin EP | EP — Exposed thermal pad (connect to GND) |
Typical Applications
RT6150BGQW is suitable for 6 applications: Single-Cell Lithium-Ion Battery Powered Devices, Multi-Cell Alkaline / Ni-MH Battery Systems, USB-Powered Peripherals and Accessories, Industrial Portable Instrumentation, IoT Sensor Nodes and Wireless Modules, Backup Power and Supercapacitor Systems.
Single-Cell Lithium-Ion Battery Powered Devices
The RT6150BGQW is purpose-built for single-cell Li-ion systems where the battery voltage (3.0 V to 4.2 V) crosses the regulated output rail (typically 3.3 V). According to the Richtek datasheet, its 4-switch bridge topology provides seamless transitions between buck mode (VIN > 3.3 V), boost mode (VIN < 3.3 V), and buck-boost mode (VIN ≈ 3.3 V) - a single IC replaces a buck + boost cascade. The 60 µA PSM quiescent current extends standby time, and the integrated MOSFETs minimize PCB area in wearables, portable medical devices, and handheld instruments. The 1 MHz switching frequency allows small inductors, and 800 mA output supports radios, displays, and sensor stacks.
Recommended
Multi-Cell Alkaline / Ni-MH Battery Systems
The RT6150BGQW handles the wide voltage range of multi-cell alkaline (2x to 4x AA = 1.8 V to 6.0 V) or Ni-MH (2x to 4x = 2.0 V to 5.6 V) battery packs. According to the Richtek datasheet, the buck-boost topology maintains a stable output across the full discharge curve without output voltage discontinuity, which pure buck or pure boost topologies cannot achieve. This makes it ideal for toys, remote controls, portable test equipment, and emergency lighting. The adjustable output starting at 1.8 V supports both 1.8 V and 3.3 V system rails from the same IC, and the 10-WDFN package is small enough for space-constrained battery compartments.
Recommended
USB-Powered Peripherals and Accessories
The RT6150BGQW serves as a downstream regulator in USB peripherals that need to generate 3.3 V or other rails from the USB 5 V VBUS. According to the Richtek datasheet, the wide input range and 800 mA output current support USB-powered devices such as HID peripherals, USB dongles, and adapter accessories. The 1 MHz fixed switching frequency simplifies EMI compliance with USB 2.0/3.0 radiated emission limits, and the integrated MOSFETs reduce BOM cost. The Power Save Mode pin enables the host MCU to disable the regulator in deep-suspend states for USB selective suspend compliance.
Recommended
Industrial Portable Instrumentation
The RT6150BGQW powers portable industrial instruments - handheld multimeters, data loggers, calibration tools, and field sensors - where the battery source may be Li-ion, LiFePO4, or alkaline packs with widely varying discharge profiles. According to the Richtek datasheet, the buck-boost topology ensures stable operation as the battery ages and its internal resistance rises, preventing system brownouts at low VIN. The exposed thermal pad supports full 800 mA operation in industrial temperature ranges, and the integrated protection (cycle-by-cycle current limit, thermal shutdown) provides the robustness demanded by field-deployed equipment.
Recommended
IoT Sensor Nodes and Wireless Modules
The RT6150BGQW is well-suited for IoT sensor nodes that combine a microcontroller, a wireless radio (BLE/LoRa/sub-GHz), and a battery cell. According to the Richtek datasheet, its 60 µA quiescent current in PSM preserves battery life during sleep intervals, and the 800 mA peak output handles the radio's TX current bursts without significant voltage droop. The wide input range supports energy harvesting sources (solar, thermoelectric) where the harvested voltage varies with ambient conditions. The 10-WDFN package fits the compact form factor of wireless sensor modules.
Recommended
Backup Power and Supercapacitor Systems
The RT6150BGQW can be deployed in systems with supercapacitor backup where the supercap voltage swings from fully charged (e.g., 5.4 V for a 2S configuration) down to below the load rail during discharge. According to the Richtek datasheet, the buck-boost topology maintains output regulation throughout this voltage swing without output discontinuity, which is critical for memory holdup, RTC backup, and emergency lighting systems. The 1 MHz switching frequency enables small ceramic capacitors, and the 800 mA rating supports short-duration high-current pulses during supercap recharge.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for RT6150BGQW — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | RT6150AGQW | RT6150BGQW(Z00) | RT6150B | RT6150A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Richtek | Richtek | Richtek | Richtek | Richtek |
| Package | 10-WDFN Exposed Pad (GQW) | 10-WDFN Exposed Pad (GQW) - same | 10-WDFN Exposed Pad (GQW) - same | 10-WDFN Exposed Pad (GQW) - same | 10-WDFN Exposed Pad (GQW) - same |
| Topology | Buck-Boost | Buck-Boost | Buck-Boost | Buck-Boost | Buck-Boost |
| Output Current (Max) | 800 mA | 800 mA | 800 mA | 800 mA | 800 mA |
| Output Voltage (Min) | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 1.8 V |
| Switching Frequency | 1 MHz | 1 MHz | 1 MHz | 1 MHz | 1 MHz |
| Quiescent Current (PSM) | 60 µA | 60 µA | 60 µA | 60 µA | 60 µA |
| Variant Code | B variant | A variant | B variant (Z00 reel code) | B variant (base MPN) | A variant (base MPN) |
Key Differentiators
- Single-IC 4-switch buck-boost topology with seamless mode transitions (vs LM2596 (buck-only))
- User-controlled Power Save Mode with 60 µA quiescent current (vs LM2675 (fixed-PWM))
- Integrated 4-MOSFET bridge reduces BOM and PCB area (vs TPS54331 (buck-only, external FET))
Design Notes
Estimated: At VIN = 3.0 V (boost mode), VOUT = 3.3 V, IOUT = 800 mA, input power is approximately 3.5 W. Assuming 90% efficiency, the RT6150BGQW dissipates approximately 0.35 W internally. The exposed thermal pad must be soldered to a copper pour of at least 50 mm² to keep junction temperature rise below 30°C. In buck mode (VIN = 5 V, VOUT = 3.3 V at 800 mA), dissipation is approximately 0.6 W - still within the thermal limits of a properly poured PCB but requires verification with the manufacturer thermal model for production designs.
Place the input capacitor (10 µF ceramic, X5R or better) as close as possible to the VIN and GND pins. The SW1/SW2 traces to the external inductor must be kept short and wide (minimum 0.5 mm or 20 mil) to minimize parasitic inductance and EMI radiation. The exposed pad must have at least 9 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter, 1 mm pitch) connecting it to the internal GND plane for thermal dissipation. The feedback trace to the FB pin should be routed away from the SW nodes to avoid noise coupling.
Do not leave the PS pin floating - it must be tied HIGH (to VIN or a logic high) for fixed-frequency PWM operation, or LOW (to GND) to enable Power Save Mode. A floating PS pin can result in undefined mode transitions and unexpected efficiency behavior. The EN pin must also be driven to a defined logic level; do not assume it defaults to enabled. When using PSM at light loads, the output ripple becomes frequency-variable - if downstream circuits require low ripple (e.g., audio or RF rails), force PWM mode by tying PS high.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance confirmed by distributor listings (DigiKey, Mouser). AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a commercial/industrial grade part. Halogen-free status and conflict minerals declaration should be confirmed directly with Richtek.
