Step-Down DC/DC Controller consumes only 16 µA.

Press Release Summary:




ThinSOT(TM) Model LTC3801 prolongs battery by limiting standby current consumption to 16 µA. With up to 94% efficiency during normal operation, Burst Mode® operation at light loads, and 6 µA shutdown current, unit conserves battery power in all modes. Reference voltage of 0.8 V is guaranteed to ±1.5% accuracy over temperature range of -40 to 85°C. Model LTC3801 operates from 2.4-9.8 V input, making is suited for 1- or 2-cell Li-Ion or 3-6 cell NiMH/NiCd batteries.



Original Press Release:



ThinSOT Step-Down DC/DC Controller Consumes Only 16uA



MILPITAS, CA - December 16, 2003 - Linear Technology Corporation introduces the LTC3801, a ThinSOT(TM) (SOT-23) step-down DC/DC controller designed to prolong battery by limiting standby current consumption to a mere 16uA. With up to 94% operating efficiency during normal operation, Burst Mode® operation at light loads and 6uA shutdown current, the LTC3801 conserves battery power in all operating modes. To extend battery run time while the battery voltage decreases, the LTC3801 maintains regulation until battery voltage nearly equals the output voltage.

A power supply solution using the LTC3801 occupies an area as small as 0.5 in2. The tiny package and high frequency (550kHz operation) permits the use of extra small inductors and capacitors. The LTC3801 operates from a 2.4V to 9.8V input power source, making it especially suitable for operation from 1- or 2-cell Li-Ion or 3- to 6-cell NiMH/NiCd batteries. With an output voltage adjustable to as low as 0.8V, the LTC3801 is optimized for powering low voltage DSPs, ASICs, and FPGAs in devices such as PDAs, notebook PCs, hard disk drives, memory backup and portable handheld POS systems.

The LTC3801 delivers output currents ranging from a few hundred milliamps up to 5A by driving a P-channel MOSFET. Unlike voltage mode controllers, the LTC3801 provides accurate current limiting as well as excellent transient response and line regulation. Additionally, the OPTI-LOOP® compensation feature guarantees stability without constraints on the type of output capacitors. A reference voltage of 0.8V is guaranteed to ±1.5% accuracy over a wide temperature range from -40°C to 85°C.

The LTC3801 is housed in a 6-lead low profile (1mm) ThinSOT package. It is rated to operate from -40°C to 85°C. Pricing for 1,000-piece quantities begin at $1.95 each.

Summary of Features: LTC3801
Very Low Standby Current Consumption: 16uA
High Efficiency up to 94%
High Output Currents Easily Achieved
Internal Soft-Start
Wide Input Voltage Range form 2.4V to 9.8V
Low Profile SOT-23 Package

Company Background
Linear Technology Corporation was founded in 1981 as a manufacturer of high performance linear integrated circuits. Linear Technology products include operational, instrumentation and audio amplifiers; voltage regulators, power management devices, DC-DC converters and voltage references; comparators; monolithic filters; communications interface circuits; one-chip data acquisition sub-systems; pulse-width modulators and sample-and-hold devices; and high frequency devices. Applications for Linear Technology's high performance circuits include wireless and broadband telecommunications infrastructure, cellular telephones, networking products and satellite systems, notebook and desk top computers, computer peripherals, video/multimedia, industrial and medical instrumentation, automotive electronics, factory automation, process control, military and space systems, and high-end consumer products including digital cameras, MP3 players and other electronic products.

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