Linear Technology Debuts LTC1704 DC/DC Converter

Linear Technology Corp. (Milpitas, CA) announced its new LTC1704 dual-output dc/dc converter that consists of an integrated, step-down, synchronous controller and a linear regulator controller housed in a 16-lead SSOP package. The LTC1704 is suitable for noise-sensitive telecom, test equipment and imaging systems.

The IC operates from a low-input supply ranging from 3.15V to 5.5V. The ability to operate from 3.3V reduces the cost of a system's power supply by eliminating the need for a 5V auxiliary supply and associated components such as filters, inductors and capacitors. An integrated linear regulator controller provides the second output that drives an external NPN transistor delivering up to 2.5A of load current.

The LTC1704 drives a pair of n-channel MOSFETs in a voltage-mode, synchronous-buck configuration to provide the main supply. The constant frequency, true PWM architecture switches at 550kHz, minimizing external component size, cost and optimizing load transient performance. The LTC1704 provides better than 1.5-percent dc accuracy at its switcher output, and two-percent at its linear regulator output.

The LTC1704 operates from -40 to +85 degrees C. Pricing for 1,000 pieces begins at $4.10 each.