DC/DC controller tracks supplies and requires no sense resistors

30 June 2004 Power Electronics / Power Management

Linear Technology's low input voltage synchronous 2-phase DC/DC step-down controller, the LTC3736, is capable of regulating and tracking two supplies. For high operating efficiency, the device drives two external MOSFETs (per channel) synchronously. Housed in tiny QFN and SSOP packages, this current mode controller further saves board space and cost by reducing the number of input capacitors and eliminating the need for two sense resistors.

The LTC3736 allows two output voltages to accurately track each other ensuring proper startup of systems with multiple supply rails. The IC converts input supplies from 2,7 V to 9,8 V to output voltages down to 0,6 V at up to 95% efficiency. With 100% duty cycle capability, the regulated output voltages can equal the input voltage, which extends the operating time in battery powered systems. Applications include one or two cell Li-Ion-powered devices, distributed power supplies, and systems with FPGA or DSP requiring power for core and I/O.

The switching frequency is programmable up to 750 kHz, allowing the use of small inductors and capacitors. Also, the constant frequency current mode architecture provides good AC and DC load and line regulation. For noise sensitive applications, the regulators can be externally synchronised from 300 kHz to 750 kHz. The soft-start time is integrated, saving a capacitor.

For more information contact Memec SA, 011 897 8600.

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