Analog Devices announced the release of its new 25A step-down µModule (power module) regulator, the LTM4645.

The new product is characterized by the ability to share current among multiple connected LTM4645 devices. In a system structure (N+1) where multiple LTM4645s (N) are connected in parallel and at least one of them is used as a backup (+1), if one device detects a failure and the power supply needs to be cut off, the one device used as a backup shares the current, thereby ensuring a stable power supply to the system.

For example, an ASIC with a 75A, 1V load requires three LTM4645s (= 3 x 25A) to achieve a total of 75A. In this case, to increase system stability, one additional LTM4645 is added as a backup to configure a 3+1 system. This allows the four LTM4645s to share the current and provide 75A even if one fails.

If one regulator fails, the device disconnects itself from the power path and sends a signal to the hot-swap controller to allow the remaining three LTM4645 regulators to continue operating without interruption. Applications that can benefit from the LTM4645's N+1 redundancy structure include aerospace, financial transactions, and cloud-based systems, where enhanced system safety and fidelity are top priorities.

The LTM4645 operates in an input voltage range of 4.7V to 15V and an output voltage range of 0.6V to 1.8V. Synchronous step-down operation provides 86% efficiency when supplying 1V/25A from 12VIN, and the module's power loss (without airflow or heatsink) is 3.5W, with a temperature rise of approximately 41°C.

The operating temperature range of the LTM4645 is –40°C to 125°C, and it can supply up to 180A of current by connecting up to 6 devices in parallel to share the current. The power loss is only 3.5W at 25A, 12V input, and 1V output.