Linear Technology Unveils LTC3201 Device

Linear Technology Corp. (Milpitas, CA) announced its new LTC3201, which can drive up to six LEDs in a parallel configuration from a single-cell lithium-ion battery. It was designed specifically to minimize both input and output noise. The chip also utilizes a constant frequency switching topology to minimize input current noise.

To reduce noise to absolute minimum levels, an input noise filter has been integrated into the design, enabling input current noise level to be kept below 30mA peak-to-peak. This allows a direct connection between the chip and the battery. Typical applications include cell phones, Internet appliances and PDAs.

Dimming control is achieved via an integral two-bit DAC. The chip also utilizes doubler charge-pump topology switching at a fixed frequency of 1.8MHz. Its ultra-low <1µA shutdown quiescent current enables extended run-time in battery-powered portable devices.

The LTC3201, in a 10-lead MSOP, is priced from $1.90, in 1,000-piece quantities.