Power Electronics / Power Management


Step-down regulator with fail-safe load protection

14 November 2012 Power Electronics / Power Management

Linear Technology’s new LTM4641 is a 4,5 V to 38 V input, 0,6 V to 6 V output, 10 A step-down µModule regulator with comprehensive electrical and thermal protection for loads such as processors, ASICs and high-end FPGAs.

The IC monitors input voltage, output voltage and temperature conditions. If any user-adjustable trip thresholds are exceeded, it responds within 500 ns in the case of an output over-voltage fault, ceasing operation and, if necessary, activating external switches.

One switch disconnects the input supply rail while the other discharges the output capacitors to protect the load. Additionally, when any trip threshold is exceeded, the LTM4641 will issue a logic level fault signal which may be used to initiate an orderly emergency shutdown sequence in the system.

The adjustable trip thresholds are accurate to within ±2,7% over the full operating temperature range. As a μModule regulator, the device includes power MOSFETs, DC-DC controller, inductor, compensation and the protection logic circuits in a compact surface-mount BGA package.

The LTM4641 is designed for point-of-load regulation in robotics and industrial instrumentation, as well as rugged environments such as defence and avionics systems.

When any trip threshold is exceeded, the IC’s protection circuitry classifies the fault in one of two categories – latching or non-latching. Normal voltage regulation will automatically resume once a non-latching fault such as input under-voltage, bias input under-voltage or input over-voltage has cleared.

For latching faults such as an output over-voltage or a second input over-voltage threshold, the system must cycle the input power or supply a logic level signal to the LTM4641 in order to resume normal operation. An over-temperature fault can be classified by the user as a latching or non-latching fault by setting a logic level pin. The device can be configured to autonomously restart after latch-off fault conditions have cleared.

The output voltage is user adjustable from 0,6 V to 6 V with ±1,5% total accuracy over line, load and temperature. Additional features include output current sharing for loads requiring more than 10 A, externally adjustable soft start, output over-current protection, switching frequency and output voltage tracking.

The LTM4641 is packaged in a thermally efficient 15 x 15 x 5,01 mm RoHS compliant BGA with guaranteed operation over the -40°C to +125°C (E grade and I grade) or -55°C to +125°C (mp grade) internal temperature range.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

The importance of power integrity
Spectrum Concepts Power Electronics / Power Management
[Sponsored] Behind every high-speed system lies the need for power integrity. Without it, even the cleanest signal paths become compromised.

Read more...
Precise multi-vital sign monitoring
Future Electronics Power Electronics / Power Management
The AS7058 by ams OSRAM is an integrated multi-vital sign monitoring device, which provides a complete photoplethysmogram, electrocardiogram, body impedance sensor, and electrodermal activity sensor.

Read more...
Automotive battery diagnostics tester
Comtest Power Electronics / Power Management
Midtronics’ MVT handheld battery tester is a revolutionary tool, powered by MDX-AI, which is set to redefine the standards of battery diagnostics and testing in the automotive industry.

Read more...
Ultra-low power MEMS accelerometer
Altron Arrow Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
Analog Devices’ ADXL366 is an ultra-low power, 3-axis MEMS accelerometer that consumes only 0,96 µA at a 100 Hz output data rate and 191 nA when in motion-triggered wake-up mode.

Read more...
Advanced 3-phase controllers
Future Electronics Power Electronics / Power Management
The STSPIN32G0 by STMicroelectronics is a family of highly integrated system-in-package providing solution suitable for driving three-phase brushless motors.

Read more...
Converting high voltages without a transformer
Altron Arrow Editor's Choice Power Electronics / Power Management
With appropriate power converter ICs, such as the LTC7897 from Analog Devices, many applications can be suitably powered without having to use complex and cost-intensive transformers.

Read more...
Reliable power for demanding applications
Conical Technologies Power Electronics / Power Management
The Mibbo Power MTR480 three-phase DIN-rail power supply is engineered to meet stringent industrial automation requirements, offering dependable performance in environments where downtime is not an option.

Read more...
MCU platform for battery-powered devices
Altron Arrow DSP, Micros & Memory
The MCX W23 is a new dedicated wireless MCU platform from NXP for battery-powered sensing devices.

Read more...
Precision MEMS IMU modules
Altron Arrow Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
The ADIS16575/ADIS16576/ADIS16577 from Analog Devices are precision, MEMS IMUs that includes a triaxial gyroscope and a triaxial accelerometer.

Read more...
Powering performance and precision
Future Electronics Power Electronics / Power Management
onsemi’s innovative T10 series MOSFETs, available in 40 V and 80 V versions, are designed for high-efficiency, fast-switching, and power-dense applications.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved