What do we look for in Boost ICs?

There are plenty of ICs capable of boosting a li-ion cell (3.7v) to 5-7v. In fact, thousands, all in the right size and shape.

What makes laser-specialized boost ICs so hard to come by? We barely have a few reliable sources of boost drivers, and i doubt its because there is a shortage of electrical engineers

I found this IC on digikey after a little bit of searching. I want to use this as an example:

2 Amp, 2 MHz Boost Switching Regulator with Soft-Start

Invalid Request

Output Type Adjustable
Number of Outputs 1
Voltage - Output Adj to 32V
Voltage - Input 1.4 V ~ 16 V
PWM Type Current Mode
Frequency - Switching 1.5MHz
Current - Output 2A
Synchronous Rectifier No
Operating Temperature -40°C ~ 85°C
Mounting Type Surface Mount
Package / Case 8-TSSOP, 8-MSOP (0.118", 3.00mm Width) Exposed Pad
Supplier Device Package 8-MSOP-EP
Dynamic Catalog Boost (Step-Up) IC
Other Names SC4501MSECT

I am no expert (at all really)

Can this be used in a boost driver? Why or why not?

What separates a driver-worthy IC from something that will make your diode go POOF?

I am just confused.

Thanks in advance for helping me understand

-Matt

It's not just the IC you have to consider, it's the supporting circuitry as well.

If you think the IC is a good candidate make a PCB with the supporting circuitry and try it out. Hook it up to a load then test the ripple and the start up spike on a scope. Play with different values and configurations until it works.

What makes laser-specialized boost ICs so hard to come by?

Click to expand...

Not much demand. The IC doesn't have to be application specific to make a good laser driver. IC's made for LED driving work pretty well.