January 14, 2014 – Linear Technology Korea (CEO Hong Sa-kwak) announced the release of the quad-output step-down µModule® (micromodule) regulator (product name: LTM4644), which can be configured as a single (16A), dual (12A, 4A or 8A, 8A), triple (8A, 4A, 4A), or quad (4A, respectively) output regulator. This flexibility allows system designers to use just a single simple and compact µModule regulator for the various voltage and load current requirements of FPGAs, ASICs, microprocessors, as well as other board circuits.

The LTM4644 regulator incorporates a DC/DC controller, power switch, inductor, and compensation components into a 9 x 15 x 5.01 mm BGA package. Just eight external ceramic capacitors (1206 or smaller cake size) and four feedback resistors (0603 cake size) regulate four independently adjustable outputs between 0.6 V and 5.5 V. Through individual input pins, the four channels can be powered from a common or separate power supply ranging from 4 V to 14 V. The LTM4644 is ideal for applications in communications, data storage, industrial, automotive, and medical systems.

The LTM4644 provides up to 13A at 1.5V input at an ambient temperature of 55°C and up to 14A under 200LFM airflow conditions. The four channels operate with a 90° phase shift to minimize input ripple, whether the switching frequency is set to the default of 1MHz or synchronized with an external clock between 700kHz and 1.3MHz. By adding an external bias power supply of 4V or higher, the LTM4644 can be used with input power as low as 2.375V. Output overvoltage and overcurrent fault protection is included in the regulator.
The LTM4644 can operate within an internal temperature range of -40°C to +125°C.

Photo Caption: 16A step-down µModule® regulator solution configurable to quad, triple, dual, or single output