- Achieves 96% efficiency, IQ=2.5µA
- Operates at 3.0V ~ 42V input

October 30, 2014 – Linear Technology Korea (CEO Hong Sa-kwak, www.linear.com) announced the launch of the LT8610AC, a synchronous step-down switching regulator capable of 3.5A with 42V input. Synchronous rectification provides high efficiency at 96%, while Burst Mode® operation maintains quiescent current below 2.5µA under no-load standby conditions. The device's 3.0V ~ 42V input voltage range is ideal for automotive applications. Automotive applications must be regulated through cold crank/start-stop scenarios with low minimum input voltage of 3.0V and load dump transient conditions exceeding 40V. The integrated 5A switch can deliver up to 3.5A continuous output current at a low voltage of 0.8V.

The LT8610AC's burst mode operation provides ultra-low quiescent current and is well suited for applications such as automotive "always-on" systems that need to extend battery operating life. The LT8610AC's unique design maintains a minimum dropout voltage of only 200mV at 1A under all conditions, enabling excellent performance in conditions such as automotive cold crank. Furthermore, the fast minimum on-time of only 30ns enables a 2MHz fixed-frequency switch from 16V input to 1.0V output, maximizing efficiency while critically avoiding noise-sensitive frequency bands. The LT8610AC's 16-pin thermally enhanced MSOP package and high switching frequency reduce external inductor and capacitor sizes, achieving a compact and thermally enhanced footprint.

The LT8610AC integrates essential boost diode, oscillator, control and logic circuits on a single die, utilizing internal high-efficiency power switches on the upper and lower sides. Low ripple burst mode operation maintains low output ripple at 10mVPK-PK while maintaining high efficiency at low output currents. Special design techniques and new high-speed processes achieve high efficiency across a wide input voltage range, and the LT8610AC's current mode topology enables fast transient response and excellent loop stability. Other features include internal compensation, power good flag, output soft-start/tracking and thermal shutdown protection.

The LT8610ACEMSE is offered in a thermally enhanced MSOP-16 package and is priced at $3.75 per unit. The industrial temperature version, LT8610ACIMSE, is tested and guaranteed to operate at junction temperatures from –40°C to 125°C and is priced at $4.13. The automotive temperature version, LT8610ACHMSE, is tested and guaranteed to operate at junction temperatures from –40°C to 150°C. All prices are based on quantities of 1,000 units and are available immediately. For more information, see www.linear.com/product/LT8610AC.

Photo Caption: 42V, 3.5A IOUT, 2.2MHz Synchronous Step-Down DC/DC Converter Operating at 3.0V ~ 42V

Product Features: LT8610AC

• Wide input voltage range: 3.0V ~ 42V
• Up to 3.5A continuous output current
• Ultra-low quiescent current Burst Mode® operation
• 2.5μA IQ regulating 12VIN ~ 3.3VOUT, output ripple < 10mVP-P
• High efficiency synchronous operation
o 95% efficiency at 1A, 5VOUT at 12VIN
o 93% efficiency at 1A, 3.3VOUT at 12VIN
• Fast minimum switch on-time: 30ns
• Low dropout under all conditions: 200mV at 1A
• Minimum output voltage: 0.8V
• Small inductor usable
• Adjustable & synchronizable: 200kHz ~ 2.2MHz
• Current mode operation
• Precise 1V enable pin threshold
• Internal compensation
• Output soft-start & tracking
• Small compact thermally enhanced 16-pin MSOP package

The USA list price information presented is for approximate budgeting purposes and may vary depending on local tariffs, taxes, fees and exchange rates.