The MODE/DATA pin allows mode selection between forced PWM mode and power-save mode for both converters. Furthermore, this pin is a multipurpose pin and provides (besides mode selection) a one-pin interface to receive serial data from a host to set the output voltage, as described in the EasyScale Interface section.

Connecting this pin to GND enables the automatic PWM and power-save-mode operation. The converters operate in fixed-frequency PWM mode at moderate-to-heavy loads, and in the PFM mode during light loads, maintaining high efficiency over a wide load-current range.

Pulling the MODE/DATA pin high forces both converters to operate constantly in the PWM mode, even at light load currents. The advantage is that the converters operate with a fixed frequency, allowing simple filtering of the switching frequency for noise-sensitive applications. In this mode, the efficiency is lower compared to the power-save mode during light loads. For additional flexibility, it is possible to switch from power-save mode to forced PWM mode during operation. This allows efficient power management by adjusting the operation of the converter to the specific system requirements.

In the case of changing the operation mode from forced PWM mode (MODE/DATA = high) to power-save mode (MODE/DATA = 0), enabling the power-save mode occurs after a delay time of t_timeout, which is 520 μs maximum.

Setting the MODE/DATA to 1 enables forced-PWM-mode operation immediately.