Buck Converters & Switching Regulator ICs

Buck converter selection starts with: input voltage range, output voltage and current, switching frequency, and whether you need an integrated switch or controller-only topology. The pages here cover integrated buck ICs (like the LM2596 — a classic 150kHz, 3A step-down), flyback controllers (NCP1340, ICE2A, NCP1615), PFC pre-regulators (L4981, L6562, UCC28180), and reference designs. Each page includes inductor sizing equations, compensation network guidance, and application gotchas.

Use the Buck Converter Sizing Calculator to determine inductor and output capacitor values before comparing specific ICs.