Linear Technology‘s new LTC3880/-1 is a dual output synchronous step-down DC/DC controller with I2C-based PMBus interface for digital power system management. The device combines what the company terms “best-in-class” analog switching regulator performance with mixed signal data conversion and access to LTpowerPlay software development support, which includes a graphical user interface (GUI).
The LTC3880/-1 can regulate two independent outputs or be configured for a two phase single output. Up to 6 phases can be interleaved and paralleled for sharing among multiple ICs, minimizing input and output filtering requirements for high current and/or multiple output applications.
The device offers integrated gate drivers to drive all n-channel power MOSFETs from input voltages ranging from 4.5 to 24 V, and it can produce ±0.50% output-voltage accuracy from 0.5 to 5.5-V with output currents up to 30-A per phase over its full operating temperature range.
LTC3880/-1 allows for digital programming and read back for real-time control and monitoring of critical POL converter functions. Programmable control parameters include output voltage, margining and current limits, input and output supervisory limits, power-up sequencing and tracking, switching frequency and identification and traceability data. On-chip data converters and EEPROM allow for the capture and nonvolatile storage of regulator configuration settings and telemetry variables, including input and output voltages and currents, duty cycle, temperature and fault logging.
With this part Linear is targeting apps such as high current ASIC, FPGA and processor supplies in telecom, datacom, computing and storage markets.
Pricing starts at $5.35 each in 1000-piece quantities.