Linear Technology Corp. (Milpitas, CA) announced the LTC3406, a high-efficiency, 1.5MHz, synchronous-buck regulator that can deliver up to 600mA of continuous output current from a tiny ThinSOT package. Using a constant-frequency, current-mode architecture, the LTC3406 operates from an input-voltage range of 2.5V to 5.5V, making it suitable for single-cell, lithium-ion, multi-cell, alkaline or NiMH applications.
The LTC3406 can generate output voltages as low as 0.6V, enabling it to power the latest generation of low-voltage DSPs. The switching frequency of 1.5MHz allows the utilization of tiny, low-cost capacitors and inductors less than 1mm in height. The combination of the tiny externals and ThinSOT package make the LTC3406 optimal for space-constrained applications.
The LTC3406 delivers efficiencies as high as 96 percent and features low dropout, 100-percent duty cycle operation to allow output voltages equal to VIN, further extending battery run time. The LTC3406 utilizes automatic Burst Mode® operation to optimize efficiency at light loads, yielding a quiescent current of only 20µA(<1µA in shutdown). Furthermore, the regulator is stable with ceramic capacitors, achieving a very low output-voltage ripple.
The LTC3406 is available with an adjustable output, or as a fixed 1.5V and 1.8V output. All versions are available from stock in a five-lead ThinSOT package. Pricing starts at $1.95 each for 1,000-piece quantities.
