Analog

6A Synchronous step-down DC/DC converter enables voltage margining

Product

LTC3815

Linear Technology Corporation has announced the LTC3815, a high efficiency 6A monolithic synchronous step-down DC/DC converter with an I2C-based PMBus interface for digital power system management (PSM). The LTC3815’s simplified and intuitive PMBus ‘Lite’ command set makes it simple to use. The digital interface provides programming and read back of voltage, current, temperature and faults; all supported by LTpowerPlay software. This interface allows the output voltage to be margined over a ±25 per cent range with 0.1 per cent resolution. The default output voltage is set with a single external resistor and will power up to this voltage with or without the serial interface.

The LTC3815 builds on our popular line of PSM controllers and multichannel managers by offering a monolithic device for lower current applications. Its input operating supply voltage range is from 2.25V to 5.5V making it suitable for operation from 2.5V, 3.3V or 5V rails or from Lithium-Ion batteries. The output voltage is programmable from 0.4V to 72 per cent of VIN or can be set with an external voltage reference making it ideal for intelligent energy power conversion, ASIC/FPGA power, distributed power and point-of-load applications.

The LTC3815 uses a phase-lockable controlled on-time, current mode architecture providing an extremely fast transient response and enabling operation at the low duty cycles necessary to regulate low output voltages at high switching frequencies. The operating frequency is programmable from 400kHz to 3MHz with an external resistor or for switching noise sensitive applications, it can be synchronized to an external clock over the same range.

An integrated differential amplifier provides true remote output voltage sensing enabling high accuracy regulation, independent of board IR voltage drops. Additional features include a clock output for two-phase operation, a power good signal, selectable forced continuous or discontinuous mode and a fast 1ms start-up time.

The LTC3815 is available in a 38-lead 4 x 6mm QFN package with an operating junction temperature range of –40ºC to 125ºC. The 1,000-piece price starts at $4.71 each.