LTC Unveils LTC3429 Synchronous DC-DC Converter

New Products Mar 07, 2004 by Jeff Shepard

Linear Technology Corp. (LTC, Milpitas, CA), a manufacturer of high-performance integrated circuits, announced the LTC3429, a 500 kHz, current-mode, synchronous-boost, dc-dc converter with true output disconnect, inrush current limiting and integrated soft-start capability. The LTC3429 it suitable for lithium-ion and single-cell or multi-cell alkaline/nickel-metal hydride applications.

The LTC3429's internal 0.35 Ohm (n-channel) and 0.45 Ohm (p-channel) switches provide a 600 mA current limit and can deliver an output voltage as high as 5 V from an input-voltage range of 0.5 V to 4.4 V. The LTC3429 delivers up to 100 mA of continuous output current (at 3.3 V) from a single alkaline cell. Synchronous rectification enables efficiencies of up to 96 percent, while Burst Mode® operation lowers quiescent current to 20 µA. A constant switching frequency of 500 kHz minimizes inductor and capacitor sizes.

The LTC3429ES6 is available from stock in a six-lead, ThinSOT package, and 1,000-piece pricing starts at $1.95 each.