A 4A, 42V input capable synchronous step-down switching regulator has been released by Linear Technology Corporation. The LT8614 features the company’s Silent
Switcher architecture that is claimed to reduce EMI/EMC emissions by more than 20dB, which is significantly below the CISPR 25 Class 5 limit. Even with switching frequencies in excess of 2MHz, synchronous rectification delivers efficiency as high as 96 percent while Burst Mode operation keeps quiescent current under 2.5µA in no-load standby conditions. Its 3.4V to 42V input voltage range makes it ideal for automotive and industrial applications.
The internal high efficiency switches can deliver up to 4A of continuous output current to voltages as low as 0.97V. Its Burst Mode operation provides ultralow quiescent current, making it well suited for applications such as automotive “always-on” systems, which need to extend operating battery life. The design maintains a minimum dropout voltage of only 200mV at 1A under all conditions, enabling it to excel in scenarios such as automotive cold-crank. Furthermore, a fast minimum on-time of only 30ns enables 2MHz constant frequency switching from a 16V input to a 1.0V output, enabling optimised efficiency while avoiding critical noise-sensitive frequency bands. A 20-lead 3mm by 4mm QFN package and high switching frequency keeps external inductors and capacitors small, providing a compact, thermally efficient footprint.
This device utilises internal top and bottom high efficiency power switches with the necessary boost diode, oscillator, control and logic circuitry integrated into a single die. Low ripple Burst Mode operation maintains high efficiency at low output currents while keeping output ripple below 10mVPK-PK. Special design techniques and a new high speed process enable high efficiency over a wide input voltage range, and the LT8614’s current-mode topology enables fast transient response and excellent loop stability. Other features include internal compensation, a power good flag, output soft-start/tracking and thermal protection.
Linear Technology Corporation
