Provides up to 98% efficiency over a temperature range of 150°C

Linear Technology Korea (CEO Hong Sa-kwak) announced the release of the H-rated version (product name: LTC3786) of a synchronous step-up DC/DC controller that guarantees operation at temperatures up to 150°C.

The LTC3786 uses N-channel MOSFETs instead of boost diodes to increase efficiency and reduce power loss. Providing 98% conversion efficiency, this controller can supply a 24V 5A output from a 12V input voltage, making it ideal for automotive, industrial, and medical applications.

The LTC3786 operates within an input voltage range of 4.5V to 38V during startup, maintains operation at a low voltage of 2.5V after startup, and allows for high output voltage settings up to 60V. The quiescent current is low at 55µA, enabling battery-powered applications to operate for longer periods in standby mode.

The powerful onboard N-channel MOSFET gate driver of 1.2Ω can quickly drive large MOSFET gates, minimizing conversion losses and increasing output current up to 10A. It also features adjustable periodic current limit protection and detects current by using a sensing resistor or monitoring the voltage drop across the inductor (DCR).

For applications where the input voltage may exceed the regulated output voltage, the LTC3786 allows the synchronous MOSFET to operate continuously, thereby minimizing power loss while ensuring the output voltage follows the input voltage. The LTC3786 has a phase-lock frequency of 75 kHz to 850 kHz or a selectable fixed frequency of 50 kHz to 900 kHz.

The LTC3786H is available in a thermally enhanced MSOP-16 package and a 3mm x 3mm QFN-16 package. Pricing starts at $3.35 per unit for 1,000-unit quantities, and it is currently in stock.