The L4963 is a new monolithic stepdown switching regulator IC operating in discontinuousmode. This device, able to deliver 1.5A to the load at a voltage of 5.1V and up to 36V with derated current, is designed to satisfy very low cost applications due to the fact that the number of the external components are dramatically reduced. Moreover the inductor value is reduced by a factor of three or four in comparison with a corresponding continuous mode solution. Also the plastic package (Powerdip 12+3+3), that needs no heatsink, contributes to decreasing the cost of the overall application.