December 1, 2011 – Linear Technology (Country Manager: Hong Sa-kwak) announced the development of fixed-frequency synchronous buck converters (product names: LTC3103 and LTC3104) capable of supplying a continuous current of 300mA at output voltages ranging from 0.6V to 13.8V. Standby current consumption is only 1.8µA for the LTC3103 and 2.6µA for the LTC3104 (which provides a 10mA programmable LDO output). These products are ideal for a wide range of battery-powered applications, including industrial control power, remote sensor networks, low-power wireless systems, and energy harvesting applications. Both devices can operate within an input voltage range of 2.5V to 15V, enabling operation from a diverse range of input sources, including single or multi-cell batteries, supercapacitors, and system rails.

Photo caption: 15V, 300mA buck converter with 1.8 µA standby current consumption

The LTC3103 and LTC3104 operate at a fixed switching frequency of 1.2 MHz and provide up to 95% efficiency using synchronous rectification. For applications requiring low noise, both the LTC3103 and LTC3104 can operate in “forced continuous mode,” allowing the components to operate at a switching frequency of 1.2 MHz.

This device can also issue an automatic switching command from a fixed frequency to Burst Mode® operation, enabling high efficiency to be achieved over a significantly wide range of load currents. Furthermore, this product offers a very compact solution footprint by requiring only a few ultra-small external components, thanks to features such as internal compensation, a small footprint DFN/MSOP package, and a fixed 1.2 MHz switching frequency. Using an accurate and programmable RUN comparator, users can easily program at which input voltage the component is enabled. In addition, Power Good, integrated soft start, and over-temperature protection are provided.

Prices for the LTC3103EDD and LTC3103EMSE start at $2.45 per unit, each, based on a 1,000-unit quantity. The industrial-grade versions, the LTC3103IDD and LTC3103IMSE, are tested for performance over a temperature range of -40°C to 125°C and are priced at $2.70 per unit, based on a 1,000-unit quantity.

Prices for the LTC3104EDE and LTC3104EMSE start at $2.70 per unit for 1,000 units. The industrial-grade versions, LTC3104IDE and LTC3104IMSE, are operationally tested over a temperature range of -40°C to 125°C to guarantee performance, and are priced at $2.96 per unit for 1,000 units. All versions are currently available for immediate purchase. For details, please refer to www.linear.com/product/LTC3104 and www.linear.com/product/LTC3103 .

Product Features: LTC3103 & LTC3104

• Ultra-low standby current: 1.8μA (LTC3103), 2.6μA (LTC3104)
• Synchronous Rectification: Up to 95% efficiency
• Wide input voltage range: 2.5V ~ 15V
• Wide output voltage range: 0.6V ~ 13.8V
• 300mA output current
• 10mA LDO with 1µA standby current consumption (LTC3104)
• User selectable between Automatic Burst Mode® or Forced Continuous Operation Mode
• Accurate and programmable RUN pin threshold
• 1.2MHz Fixed Frequency PWM
• Internal reward feature
• Power Good status output for output voltage
• LTC3103 – Thermally Enhanced 3mm × 3mm × 0.75mm, 10-pin DFN & 10-pin MSOP Package
• LTC3104 – Thermally Enhanced 3mm × 4mm × 0.75mm, 14-pin DFN & 16-pin MSOP Package