**ADP5074ACPZ-R7: A Comprehensive Technical Overview and Application Guide**

The **ADP5074ACPZ-R7** from Analog Devices is a high-performance, dual-output, synchronous DC-to-DC regulator that provides an advanced power management solution for a wide range of applications. This integrated circuit (IC) is specifically engineered to generate positive and negative supply rails from a single input, making it an indispensable component in systems requiring bipolar analog power, such as operational amplifiers, data converters (ADCs/DACs), and active sensors.

**Architecture and Key Features**

At its core, the ADP5074 integrates two independent regulators: one **buck (step-down) regulator** to generate a positive output voltage and one **inverting buck-boost regulator** to generate a negative output voltage. This dual-architecture eliminates the need for multiple discrete power components, significantly saving board space and simplifying design complexity.

A standout feature of this device is its **wide input voltage range of 3.0 V to 15 V**, accommodating various power sources, including intermediate bus voltages, lithium-ion batteries, and standard laboratory power supplies. Each output channel can deliver up to **1.2 A of output current**, providing substantial power for demanding analog circuits.

The regulators operate at a **programmable switching frequency from 300 kHz to 2.5 MHz**, allowing designers to optimize for efficiency or component size. High-frequency operation enables the use of smaller external inductors and capacitors. Furthermore, the device can be synchronized to an external clock, a critical feature for noise-sensitive applications like RF and imaging systems, to avoid beat frequencies and prevent noise from interfering with sensitive signal chains.

**Internal control loops and compensation** ensure stable operation across the entire input voltage and load range, minimizing the design effort required for feedback loop stabilization. Additional functionalities include **soft-start, current limiting, and thermal shutdown** protection, which enhance system reliability and robustness.

**Critical Application Considerations**

Successful implementation of the ADP5074 hinges on careful attention to several design aspects:

* **Layout and Grounding:** As with any high-frequency switching regulator, **proper PCB layout is paramount**. A solid ground plane, short and wide power traces, and tight placement of the IC and its external components (inductors, input/output capacitors) are essential to minimize parasitic inductance and electromagnetic interference (EMI).

* **Component Selection:** The choice of external inductors and capacitors directly impacts performance, efficiency, and stability. Designers must select inductors with a saturation current rating higher than the peak inductor current and low DC resistance (DCR) to maximize efficiency. Low-ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) ceramic capacitors are recommended for both input and output filtering.

* **Thermal Management:** Although the device comes in a compact **32-lead LFCSP (Lead Frame Chip Scale Package)**, thermal management must be considered, especially when operating at high ambient temperatures or near maximum load currents. The exposed pad on the bottom of the package must be soldered to a large copper ground pad on the PCB to act as a heatsink.

**Typical Application Circuits**

A common use case for the ADP5074 is generating bipolar supplies (e.g., **+15 V and -5 V**, or **+12 V and -12 V**) from a single +12 V or +5 V input rail. This is particularly valuable in industrial automation, test and measurement equipment, and communication infrastructure. For instance, it can efficiently power dual-supply op-amps and high-speed ADCs that require clean, stable positive and negative voltages for optimal performance.

**ICGOODFIND**

ICGOODFIND: The ADP5074ACPZ-R7 stands out as a highly integrated and flexible solution for generating dual, bipolar power rails. Its combination of a wide input range, high output current, programmable frequency, and robust protection features makes it an excellent choice for designers seeking to reduce system complexity and improve power efficiency in advanced analog and mixed-signal systems.

**Keywords:**

1. **Dual DC-to-DC Regulator**

2. **Bipolar Power Supply**

3. **Inverting Buck-Boost**

4. **Programmable Switching Frequency**

5. **High Output Current**