August 13, 2015 – Linear Technology Corporation announces the LTC3886, a 60V input, dual output synchronous step-down DC/DC controller with programmable loop compensation and an I2C-based PMBus interface. The controller employs a constant frequency, current mode architecture with programmable output voltages up to 13.8V. The LTC3886 is ideal for demanding environments requiring a high input voltage range, such as automotive, industrial, medical, communications, and avionics.

The LTC3886 can be configured for dual or single outputs and is stackable up to 6 phases to support load currents as high as 120A. Interleaved clock phases of 2, 3, 4, or 6 phases reduce input and output ripple, thereby reducing input and output capacitance. The device is supported by the LTpowerPlay™ software development tool with graphical user interface. System designers and remote operators can instruct and manage system power status and consumption through a serial I2C-based interface. The ability to digitally change power supply parameters accelerates time to market and reduces downtime, eliminating the need for hardware, circuit, or system bill of materials (BoM) modifications typically required. The LTC3886 simplifies system characterization, optimization, and data mining during prototyping, development, and field operation.

In addition to powering POLs, the LTC3886 allows configuration and remote monitoring of power and power management parameters over PMBus, an open standard I²C-based digital serial interface protocol. The LTC3886 features a 2-wire serial interface, allowing output margining, adjustment, and ramping with programmable slew rates and sequential delays. Input and output voltage data, along with input and output current and temperature, are readable. The device consists of fast dual analog control loops, precision mixed-signal circuitry, and EEPROM, and is housed in a 7mm x 8mm QFN-52 package.

Linear offers the LTpowerPlay GUI for free download to test the performance of the LTC3886. A USB-PMBus converter and demo kit are also available. With ±0.5% maximum DC output error over temperature, ±1.5% current readback accuracy, and an integrated 16-bit delta-sigma ADC and EEPROM, the LTC3886 delivers industry-leading analog switching regulator performance combined with precision mixed-signal data acquisition. Channels can accurately share current during both steady-state and transient conditions. At startup, the output voltage, switching frequency, and channel phase angle assignments can be set via pin-strapping resistors or loaded from the internal EEPROM. The LTC3886 operates over a –40ºC to 125ºC junction temperature range. Pricing starts at $6.35 each in 1,000-piece quantities. For detailed product information, please visit www.linear.com/product/LTC3886.

Dual synchronous step-down controller with digital interface

Product Features: LTC3886

· Dual synchronous current mode step-down controller

· Input voltage range: 4.5V to 60V

· Output voltage range: 0.5V to 13.8V

· Programmable loop compensation

· Digital interface for remote power system management

· ±1.5% current readback accuracy

· ±0.5% maximum DC output voltage error (over the specified temperature range)

· 7mm x 8mm QFN-52 package: Includes data acquisition and EEPROM

Readable data

· Input/output voltage, input/output current/temperature

· Errors and warnings

· Failure log record report

Power Good Signal

writable data

· Output voltage, voltage sequencing and margining

Digital soft start/stop ramp

· Switching frequency and pacing

· PWM control configuration