LTC Intros New LTC3738 Power Supply Controller

Linear Technology Corp. (LTC, Milpitas, CA) introduced its new LTC3738, an Intel VRM10 Pentium® 4 power supply controller with precision current balancing and remote thermal monitoring to ensure optimum power supply thermal performance for maximum processor speed. Applications include single- or multi-CPU platform systems, including high-end servers and workstations.

The LTC3738 is a PolyPhase™ multi-channel, step-down, dc-dc synchronous MOSFET controller that is scalable from 3 to 12 phases to meet CPU load-current requirements ranging from 60 A to 200 A. By distributing the power equally among its channels and with its ability to use a thermal sensor, the LTC3738 allows the CPU to run at maximum speed without exceeding the thermal limitations of the MOSFETs or other system components. These features simplify cooling of the power supply and improve reliability.

The existing solutions of the LTC3738 are limited to four-phase operation, or nominal 80 A, whereas up to four LTC3738s can operate concurrently as a 12-phase power supply capable of delivering up to 200 A of load current with optimum thermal performance. Moreover, with precision current balancing, the LTC3738 distributes the output power evenly among the channels and board components.

The LTC3738 is housed in a 7 mm x 5 mm QFN package. Pricing for 1,000-piece quantities begins at $4.65.