Step-Down Regulator delivers 8 A in less than 350 mm².

Press Release Summary:




Using constant frequency, current mode architecture, synchronous buck regulator Model LTC3418 provides up to 8 A of continuous output current at voltages as low as 0.8 V from 5 x 7 mm QFN package. With efficiency up to 95%, unit operates from input voltage of 2.25-5.5 V, making it suited for single-cell Li-Ion or NiMH applications, as well as fixed rail systems. Switching frequency of 4 MHz allows utilization of tiny capacitors and inductors with less than 1.5 mm profile.



Original Press Release:



4MHz, Synchronous Step-Down Regulator Delivers 8A in Less than 350mm2



Milpitas, CA - March 17, 2005 - Linear Technology Corporation announces the LTC3418, a high efficiency, 4MHz, synchronous buck regulator using a constant frequency, current mode architecture. It can deliver up to 8A of continuous output current at voltages as low as 0.8V from a 5mm x 7mm QFN package. It operates from an input voltage of 2.25V to 5.5V, making it ideal for both single cell Li-Ion, or NiMH applications, as well as more general purpose 2.5V to 5V fixed rail systems. Its switching frequency of 4 MHz allows the utilization of tiny low cost capacitors and inductors with less than 1.5mm profile. High frequency operation also keeps switching noise out of critical wireless and xDSL frequency ranges, making it ideal for xDSL modem, cellular base station, and automotive applications.

The LTC3418 uses internal switches with an RDS(ON) of only 0.035 Ohm to deliver efficiencies as high as 95%, while also utilizing low dropout 100% duty cycle operation to allow output voltages equal to VIN. It has an onboard tracking input, to provide easy power sequencing. No load quiescent current is only 380uA, and less than1uA in shutdown, making it ideal for applications such as automotive power systems that require low standby currents. For noise sensitive applications, the SYNC/MODE pin can also be configured to skip pulses or provide forced continuous operation to reduce noise and RF interference. Additional features include a Power Good voltage monitor, external frequency synchronization capability, and thermal protection. The LTC3418 provides the optimum solution for applications requiring 8A of output current, and where a small solution size and high efficiency are the defining factors.

The LTC3418 is available from stock in a 38-lead, 5mm x 7mm QFN package. Pricing starts at $6.75 each in 1,000-piece quantities.

Summary of Features: LTC3418
High Efficiency: Up to 95%
IOUT Up to 8A
VIN Range of 2.25V to 5.5V
VOUT Range of 0.8V- VIN

Tracking Input to Provide Easy Supply Sequencing
Programmable Constant Frequency Operation: 300kHz to 4MHz
+1% Output Voltage Accuracy
Low Dropout Operation: 100% Duty Cycle
Power Good Output Voltage Monitor
Over-temperature Protection
5mm x 7mm QFN-38 Package

Company Background
Linear Technology Corporation was founded in 1981 as a manufacturer of high performance linear integrated circuits. Linear Technology products include high performance amplifiers, comparators, voltage references, monolithic filters, linear regulators, DC-DC converters, battery chargers, data converters, communications interface circuits, RF signal conditioning circuits, and many other analog functions. Applications for Linear Technology's high performance circuits include telecommunications, cellular telephones, networking products such as optical switches, notebook and desktop computers, computer peripherals, video/multimedia, industrial instrumentation, security monitoring devices, high-end consumer products such as digital cameras and MP3 players, complex medical devices, automotive electronics, factory automation, process control, and military and space systems.

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