The LT3042 is a high performance low dropout linear regulator with ultralow noise, ultrahigh power supply ripple rejection (PSRR) for powering noise sensitive RF applications. Designed as a precision current reference followed by a high performance voltage buffer, the LT3042 can be easily paralleled to further reduce noise, increase output current and spread heat on the PCB. The device supplies 200mA at a typical 350mV dropout voltage. Operating quiescent current is nominally 2mA and drops to <<1µA in shutdown.
The LT3042 from Linear Technology is a leading-edge, low dropout voltage linear regulator featuring LTC’s ultralow noise and ultrahigh power supply ripple rejection (PSRR) architecture. Its unique design features ultralow spot noise of only 2nV/vHz at 10kHz and 0.8µVRMS integrated output noise across a wide 10Hz to 100kHz bandwidth.
Low and high frequency PSRR performance are exceptional. Low frequency PSRR exceeds 90dB out to 10kHz and high frequency PSRR exceeds 75dB out to 3MHz, quieting noisy or high ripple input supplies.
This device utilizes LTC’s proprietary LDO architecture – a precision current source reference followed by a high performance unity gain buffer, resulting in virtually constant bandwidth, noise, PSRR and load regulation performance independent of output voltage. In addition, this architecture permits paralleling of multiple LT3042s to further decrease noise, increase output current and spread heat on a printed circuit board.
The LT3042 delivers up to 200mA output current with a 350mV dropout voltage at full load, across a wide 1.8V to 20V input voltage range. Output voltage range is 0V to 15V and output voltage tolerance is highly accurate at ±2% over line, load and temperature.
The wide output voltage range (0V to 15V) while maintaining unity gain operation provides virtually constant output noise, PSRR, bandwidth and load regulation, regardless of the programmed output voltage. Additionally, the regulator features programmable current limit, fast start-up capability and programmable power good to indicate output voltage regulation.
The device’s wide input and output voltage ranges, high bandwidth, high PSRR and ultralow noise performance make it ideal for powering noise-sensitive applications such as: PLLs / VCOs / mixers / LNAs, very low noise instrumentation, high speed/high precision data converters, medical applications such as imaging and diagnostics, precision power supplies and as a post regulator for switching supplies.
The LT3042 operates with a small, low cost, 4.7µF ceramic output capacitor, optimizing stability and transient response. A single resistor programs the external precision current limit (±10% over temperature). A single SET pin capacitor lowers output noise and provides reference soft-start functionality, preventing output voltage overshoot at turn on.
Moreover, the device’s internal protection circuitry includes reverse battery protection, reverse current protection, internal current limit with foldback and thermal limit with hysteresis.
Other features include fast start-up capability (useful if large value SET pin capacitors are used) and a power good flag with programmable threshold to indicate output voltage regulation.
The LT3042 is available in thermally enhanced 10-lead 3mm x 3mm DFN and 10-lead MSOP packages, both with a compact footprint. The E- and I-grade versions are available from stock with an operating junction temperature of -40°C to 125°C.
The high temperature H-grade is rated from -40°C to 150°C, and the high reliability MP-grade version is specified from -55°C to 150°C. Devices are in stock, and pricing starts at $2.25 each for the E-grade in 1,000-piece quantities.
The USA list pricing shown is for budgetary use only. International prices may differ due to local duties, taxes, fees and exchange rates.
For more information, visit www.linear.com/product/LT3042
Summary of Features of the LT3042:
- Ultralow RMS Noise: 0.8µVRMS (10Hz to 100kHz)
- Ultralow Spot Noise: 2nV/vHz at 10kHz
- Ultrahigh PSRR: >90dB to 10kHz and >75dB to 3MHz
- Output Current: 200mA
- Wide Input Voltage Range: 1.8V to 20V
- Single Capacitor Improves Noise & PSRR
- 100µA SET Pin Current: ±1% Initial Accuracy
- Single Resistor Programs Output Voltage
- High Bandwidth: 1MHz
- Programmable Current Limit
- Low Dropout Voltage: 350mV
- Output Voltage Range: 0V to 15V
- Power Good Flag with Programmable Threshold
- Fast Start-Up Capability
- Precision Enable/UVLO
- Can Be Paralleled for Lower Noise & Higher Current
- Internal Current Limit with Foldback
- Minimum Output Capacitor: 4.7µF Ceramic
- Reverse Battery & Reverse Current Protection
- 10-Lead MSOP & 3mm x 3mm DFN Packages
Typical Application
Applications
- RF Power Supplies: PLLs, VCOs, Mixers, LNAs
- Very Low Noise Instrumentation
- High Speed/High Precision Data Converters
- Medical Applications: Imaging, Diagnostics
- Precision Power Supplies
- Post-Regulator for Switching Supplies
About Linear Technology
Linear Technology Corporation, a manufacturer of high performance linear integrated circuits, was founded in 1981, became a public company in 1986 and joined the S&P 500 index of major public companies in 2000. Linear Technology products include high performance amplifiers, comparators, voltage references, monolithic filters, linear regulators, DC-DC converters, battery chargers, data converters, communications interface circuits, RF signal conditioning circuits, µModule products, and many other analog functions. Applications for Linear Technology’s high performance circuits include telecommunications, cellular telephones, networking products such as optical switches, notebook and desktop computers, computer peripherals, video/multimedia, industrial instrumentation, security monitoring devices, high-end consumer products such as digital cameras and MP3 players, complex medical devices, automotive electronics, factory automation, process control, and military and space systems.
Linear Technology (UK) Limited
Tel: +44 (0)1628 477066
E-mail: uksales@linear.com
Web site: www.linear.com
Website for product information: http://www.linear.com/product/LT3042
