Linear Technology Corp. (Milpitas, CA) announced the LTC3251, an inductor-less, spread-spectrum, step-down, dc/dc converter that can deliver up to 500mA of continuous output current from a tiny MSOP package. It operates within a VIN range of 2.7V to 5.5V making it suitable for single-cell, lithium-ion or multi-cell, nickel-metal hydride/alkaline applications.
The output voltage is resistor programmable from 0.9V to 1.6V enabling it to drive low-voltage DSPs and microcontrollers. Switched capacitor fractional conversion enables the LTC3251 to attain efficiencies as high as 88 percent, only slightly lower than that of an equivalent buck switching regulator. The combination of ultra-low noise, high efficiency and a low-profile footprint provide a step-down solution for hand-held wireless applications that require low noise and maximum battery life without using an inductor.
The LTC3251 is available from stock in a thermally enhanced, 10-lead, MSOP package. Pricing starts at $1.95 each in 1,000-piece quantities.
