New Industry Products

Linear Tech 32V Input Synchronous Step-Down Regulator Delivers 10A From 9 x 9mm QFN

March 10, 2008 by Jeff Shepard

Linear Technology announced the LTC3611, a synchronous buck regulator that delivers up to 10A of continuous output current at voltages as low as 0.6V.

The LTC3611 operates from an input voltage of 4.5 to 32V (36V ABS Max), making it suitable for applications with multicell Li-Ion, lead acid batteries or fixed voltage rails up to 32V. Its valley current control architecture is said to deliver very low duty cycle operation at high frequencies with excellent transient response. The operating frequency is set by an external resistor. Switching frequencies of up to 1MHz are said to allow the utilization of small, low cost ceramic capacitors and low profile inductors.

The LTC3611 uses internal switches with an RDS(ON) of only 15mΩ and 9mΩ to deliver efficiencies as high as 95%. The LTC3611 can be configured for discontinuous or forced continuous operation. Forced continuous operation reduces noise and RF interference while discontinuous mode is said to provide high efficiency by reducing switching losses at light loads while requiring only 900µA of quiescent current. Additional features include a Power Good voltage monitor, adjustable current limit, output overvoltage protection and programmable soft-start.

The LTC3611EWP is available from stock in a 64-lead, 9 x 9mm QFN package. Pricing starts at $9.75 in 1,000-piece quantities. An industrial grade version, the LTC3611IWP is tested and guaranteed to operate from a -40 to 125°C operating junction temperature and is priced at $11.21 in 1,000-piece quantities.