Achieves ±25% voltage margining with 0.1% resolution

Linear Technology announced the release of a high-efficiency 6A monolithic synchronous step-down DC/DC converter (product name: LTC3815) equipped with an I2C-based PMBus interface featuring digital PSM (power system management).

The LTC3815’s simplified and intuitive PMBus “Lite” command set enables simple operation. The digital interface provides programmable and readback functions for voltage, current, temperature, and errors. All of these functions are supported by LTpowerPlay™. Through this interface, the output voltage can be margined within a ±25% range with 0.1% resolution. The default output voltage can be set using a single external resistor and is maintained at the set voltage during initial startup, whether or not a serial interface is present.

This product is established as an entry-level line of PSM controllers and multi-channel managers by providing a monolithic device suitable for lower-current applications. The input operating voltage range of this product is 2.25V to 5.5V, making it suitable for operation with 2.5V, 3.3V, or 5V power supplies or lithium-ion batteries. The output voltage can be programmed from 0.4V to 72% of VIN or set to an external voltage reference, making it ideal for energy-power conversion in artificial intelligence, ASIC/FPGA power, split power, and point-of-load (PoL) applications.

The LTC3815 uses a phase-locked, controlled on-time, current mode architecture to provide a very fast transient response and enables operation at a low duty cycle, which is essential for regulating to a low output voltage at high switching frequencies. The operating frequency can be programmed in the range of 400 kHz to 3 MHz in applications sensitive to external resistors or switching noise. Therefore, it can be synchronized with an external clock within the same range.

The integrated differential amplifier provides true remote output voltage sensing, enabling high-precision regulation independently of board IR voltage drop. Additional features include a clock output for two-phase operation, a power good signal, selectable forced continuous or cutoff modes, and a fast 1ms startup time.

The LTC3815 is available in a 38-pin 4mm x 6mm QFN package with an operating junction temperature range of –40ºC to 125ºC. It is priced at $4.71 per unit in 1,000-piece quantities. For more information, please refer to www.linear.com/product/LTC3815.


Photo: 6A PMBusLite Synchronous Step-Down Regulator