LTC Unveils LTC3801 Step-Down DC/DC Controller
Linear Technology Corp. (LTC, Milpitas, CA) introduced the new LTC3801, a ThinSOT™ (SOT-23), step-down, dc/dc controller designed to prolong battery by limiting standby current consumption to 16µA. With up to 94% operating efficiency during normal operation, Burst Mode® operation at light loads, and 6µA shutdown current, the LTC3801 conserves battery power in all operating modes.
A power supply solution using the LTC3801 occupies an area as small as 0.5in². The tiny package and high frequency (550kHz operation) permits the use of extra-small inductors and capacitors. The LTC3801 operates from a 2.4V to 9.8V input power source, making it especially suitable for operation from one-cell or two-cell lithium-ion, or three-cell to six-cell nickel-metal hydride/nickel cadmium batteries. With an output voltage adjustable to as low as 0.8V, the LTC3801 is optimized for powering low-voltage DSPs, ASICs and FPGAs in devices such as PDAs, notebook PCs, hard disk drives, memory backup and portable hand-held POS systems.
The LTC3801 is housed in a six-lead, low-profile (1mm), ThinSOT package. It is rated to operate from -40°C to +85°C. Pricing for 1,000-piece quantities begin at $1.95 each.
