The MIC4685 is a high-efficiency 200kHz stepdown (buck) switching regulator. Power conversion efficiency of above 85% is easily obtainable for a wide variety of applications. The MIC4685 achieves 3A of continuous current in the 7-pin SPAK package. The thermal performance of the SPAK allows it to replace TO-220s and TO-263s (D2 PAKs) in many applications. The SPAK saves board space with a 36% smaller footprint than TO-263. High-efficiency is maintained over a wide output current range by utilizing a boost capacitor to increase the voltage available to saturate the internal power switch. As a result of this high-efficiency, only the ground plane of the PCB is needed for a heat sink. The MIC4685 allows for a high degree of safety. It has a wide input voltage range of 4V to 30V (34V transient), allowing it to be used in applications where input voltage transients may be present. Built-in safety features include over-current protection, frequency-foldback short-circuit protection, and thermal shutdown.