Linear Technology Offers LTC3458L DC-DC Converter

Linear Technology Corp. (LTC, Milpitas, CA) offered its LTC3458L, a 1.7 A/6 V/1.5 MHz synchronous step-up dc-dc converter with inrush current limiting and output disconnect. With a wide 1.5 V to 6 V input-voltage range, the LTC3458L can operate from dual-cell alkaline/nickel-metal hydride/nickel cadmium to single-cell, lithium-ion batteries. It can deliver outputs up to 6 V with efficiencies up to 95%, and its switching frequency is programmable up to 1.5 MHz, allowing designers to keep switching noise out of noise-sensitive circuitry and enabling the use of tiny capacitors and inductors.

The device's 200 mΩ (n-channel) MOSFET switch and 300 mΩ (p-channel) MOSFET synchronous rectifier provide high-efficiency operation. For light-load efficiency, the converter utilizes programmable Burst-Mode operation to reduce quiescent current to <15 µA. The current threshold at which Burst-Mode operation begins is user-programmable, enabling designers to optimize battery run time. Switching frequency is also programmable from 400 kHz to 1.5 MHz via a single resistor. Alternatively, the part will synchronize to an external clock.

The LTC3458L is now available in a small 4 mm x 3 mm DFN package. Pricing starts at $3.20 each for 1,000-piece quantities.