Analog Devices, Inc. announces the LTC3246, a compact, low-noise buck-boost charge pump with integrated watchdog timer capable of up to 500mA of output current. The LTC3246 utilizes multimode switched capacitor conversion to maintain regulation over a wide input voltage range of 2.7V to 38V and generates an adjustable output of 3.3V, 5V, or 2.5V to 5V.

As input voltage and load conditions vary, internal circuits automatically select the conversion ratio (2:1, 1:1, or 1:2) for optimal conversion efficiency. Low operating current (20 μA at no-load and 1.5 μA in shutdown), low EMI switching, and minimal external component count make it ideal for noise-sensitive, space-constrained automotive applications, industrial vacuum cleaner supplies, and low-power 12 V input to 5 V output conversion.


The LTC3246's switched capacitor architecture with inherent soft-switching reduces radiated noise and EMI compared to conventional switching regulators. Timing control for reset timeout and windowed watchdog timeout can be adjusted using external capacitors on the RT and WT pins, or internally fixed capacitors via pin strapping.

The exact threshold of the reset input can be used for additional supply monitoring or set as a pushbutton reset. Other features include stability using ceramic capacitors, foldback current limiting to prevent excessive current flow during startup, and short-circuit and thermal protection.

The LTC3246 is available in a compact, thermally enhanced 16-lead MSOP package. The E and I grades are specified for operation from –40°C to 125°C, the H grade from –40°C to 150°C, and the MP grade from –55°C to 150°C.