Linear Tech Adds Buck-Boost DC-DC uModule Regulator

Linear Technology Corp. announced an extension of its family of dc-dc uModule™ regulator systems with products that can regulate an output voltage from a variable input voltage greater than, less than or equal to the output voltage. The LTM4605 is the first device in a new family of buck-boost products and operates from 4.5 to 20V_IN, regulates an output voltage from 0.8 to16V and delivers an output power up to 150W.

The LTM4605 integrates a synchronous buck-boost dc-dc controller, four N-channel MOSFETs, input and output bypass capacitors and the compensation circuitry in a 15 x 15 x 2.8mm land grid array (LGA) plastic molded package. Only an inductor, feedback and sense resistors and bulk capacitors are required to implement a very low profile, compact and high efficiency design. The LTM4605 provides a compact regulator solution in applications such as networking, industrial and automotive systems and high-power battery operated devices.

With the LTM4605’s on-board proprietary 4-switch synchronous MOSFET design, the product achieves up to 97.3% efficiency in boost mode and up to 97.7% efficiency in buck mode (V_IN: 4.5 to 20V, V_OUT: 12V, I_OUT: 5A). Whereas other topologies such as SEPIC (Single Ended Primary Inductor Converter) require as many as 20 components and custom magnetics, this buck-boost uModule solution uses only eight components and an off-the-shelf inductor. In addition, the efficiency of a comparable SEPIC circuit is approximately 76 to 84%. Furthermore, to reduce undesirable frequency harmonics, the LTM4605 is phase-lockable to an external clock frequency ranging from 200kHz to 400kHz. Safety features include overvoltage and foldback current protection.

The LTM4605 is offered for operation from -40 to 85°C temperature range. 1,000-piece pricing starts at $18.85 each.