September 11, 2012 – Linear Technology Korea (CEO Hong Sa-kwak) has introduced the LTM4620, a dual 13A per output or single 26A output DC/DC µModule® step-down regulator. This product can supply up to 100A when four devices share current. The LTM4620 is a complete DC/DC regulator system supplied in a 15mm x 15mm x 4.41mm LGA package that includes the inductor, power stage, and all control circuitry. The patented top-side heat sink rapidly and uniformly removes heat for optimal thermal dissipation. At 200LFM air flow, 12VIN to 1.0VOUT, and full load of 26A (or 13A per output), the LTM4620's internal temperature rise is only 60ºC above ambient temperature. When an additional heat sink is added to the top of the package with 200LFM air flow applied, the temperature is only 40ºC. For performance demonstrations, TechClip videos are available at http://video.linear.com/p4634.

The LTM4620 is designed to convert 5V to 12V inputs to high-power, low-voltage point-of-load (PoL) system rails, stepping down to as low as 0.6V from 2.5V. Precise reference and internal remote sense amplifier ensure +/-1.5% accurate output regulation across line, load, and temperature. Load-side voltage sensing compensates for voltage drop caused by PCB trace impedance. The LTM4620's low-profile package characteristics—excellent thermal dissipation, low temperature rise, high-output power performance with excellent scalability, and small footprint—enable system designers to create higher-density boards. Applications include mezzanine boards such as ATCA and microTCA systems, PoL regulation for high-performance processors, ASICs, recently introduced 28nm FPGAs, and high-speed SERDES.

The LTM4620 features fast short-circuit protection with current foldback that can reduce IOUT to a minimum, protecting not only the load but also the upstream power supply while preventing the µModule regulator from overheating. Once the short-circuit condition is removed, the LTM4620 resumes operation (see TechClip video: http://video.linear.com/p4634). The LTM4620's two outputs operate at phases 180° apart, minimizing output ripple (when outputs share current) and input ripple. This results in the use of fewer, smaller-sized capacitors. For 100A designs, four LTM4620 devices share current and operate at phases 90° apart.

The LTM4620 operates over the range of -40ºC to 125ºC. Pricing starts at $29.99 per unit in quantities of 1,000. For more information, see www.linear.com/product/LTM4620.


Photo Caption: DC/DC µModule® step-down regulator with integrated heat sink source up to 26A

Product Features: LTM4620

• Dual 13A or single 26A output
• Multiphase current sharing with multiple LTM4620 devices up to 100A maximum
• Wide input voltage range: 4.5V to 16V
• Output voltage range: 0.6V to 2.5V
• ±1.5% maximum total DC output error
• Differential remote sense amplifier
• Current-mode control / fast transient response
• Overcurrent / foldback protection & output overvoltage protection
• Adjustable, synchronizable switching frequency
• Internal temperature sense diode output
• Low-profile (15mm x 15mm x 4.41mm) LGA package