Linear Tech Introduces New DC-DC Regulator

Linear Technology Corp. introduced a new dc-dc uModule™ regulator that operates from lower voltage input supplies and occupies only 1.35cm² of board area. The LTM4604 is the latest device in the LTM4600 family, and is a complete 4A regulator system with onboard controller, power switches, inductor and bypass capacitors enclosed and protected in an 9mm x 15mm LGA package. This dc-dc uModule regulator has a profile (height) of only 2.3mm and weighs a mere 0.86g. The device operates from an input supply range of 2.35 to 5.5V, regulates an output voltage from 0.8 to 5V, and achieves 93% efficiency when converting a 3.3V input to 2.5V output at up to 4A.

With a profile of only 2.3mm, the LTM4604 is specifically designed as a compact point-of-load dc-dc solution for applications requiring ultra-thin packaging such as RAID systems and single-board computers using PCI or PCI Express. Moreover, the compact size, low profile and light weight allow the LTM4604 to be mounted on the back side of a printed circuit board, freeing space on the top side for FPGAs, ASICs, memory and other ICs.

The LTM4604 is claimed to be a complete, compact and high reliability dc-dc point-of-load solution for systems that need to step-down input supply rails such as 5, 3.3, 2.5V or Li-Ion battery with precise regulation and excellent thermal performance. The device features a current mode architecture for fast transient response, short-circuit protection, as well as line and load regulation. In addition, it offers output voltage tracking for controlled ramp-up/ramp-down and supply sequencing. Also included are a power-good output signal to indicate whether the output voltage is in or out of regulation and protection circuitry for short-circuit and over-temperature conditions.

The LTM4604 is rated for operation from -40 to 85°C. The LTM4604 is RoHS compliant and like all Linear Tech dc-dc uModule regulators, can be assembled with a standard surface mount reflow process with Pb-based or Pb-free solder paste, 1,000-piece pricing is $8.95 each.