January 23, 2014 – Linear Technology Korea (CEO Hong Sa-kwak) has launched a synchronous buck-boost converter (product name: LTC3111) that provides up to 1.5A output current from various power inputs, including single or multi-cell batteries, supercapacitors, and wall adapters. The device's input and output voltage range of 2.5V to 15V provides a regulated output when the input voltage is higher than, lower than, or equal to the output voltage.

The low-noise buck-boost topology integrated in the LTC3111 provides continuous and jitter-free conversion between buck and boost modes, making it ideal for RF and other noise-sensitive applications that require maintaining a constant, low-noise output voltage across various input power sources.

In numerous applications, battery operating time is dramatically extended with a step-down solution. The LTC3111's default 800kHz switching frequency can be synchronized with an external 600kHz to 1.5MHz clock, and its proprietary 3rd generation buck-boost PWM circuitry minimizes external component size while ensuring low noise and high efficiency. The integration of small external components into a 3mm x 4mm DFN or MSOP-16E package provides a compact solution footprint.

The LTC3111 features four low RDS(ON) N-channel MOSFETs and uses a single inductor to provide efficiencies of up to 95%. User-selectable Burst Mode® operation reduces standby current to 49µA, improving light-load efficiency and further extending battery operating time. For noise-sensitive applications, Burst Mode operation can be disabled. Other features include soft start, overvoltage protection, short circuit protection, thermal shutdown, and output cutoff.

Photo Caption: 1.5A, 15V Synchronous Buck-Boost DC/DC Converter to Increase Battery Life