Ultra-thin package allows for back-mounting on the PCB
Analog Devices announces the Power by Linear LTM4686, a new ultra-thin dual 10A or single 20A step-down µModule regulator with PMBus interface housed in a 16mm x 11.9mm x 1.82mm LGA package.

The LTM4686's low 1.82mm package height allows it to be mounted very close to loads such as FPGAs or ASICs on the PCB. This allows system designers to integrate these two low-profile packages with a single heat sink. The ultra-thin package also allows the LTM4686 to be mounted on the backside of a PCB, freeing up space on the topside for components such as memory and transceiver ICs. This makes the LTM4686 ideal for height-constrained applications such as rack-mounted telecom switches and routers, RAID systems, and test and measurement equipment. The PMBus interface allows users to measure and adjust key power parameters such as voltage, load current, and temperature. Users can also program sequencing, fault thresholds, and PMBus responses, storing these values and fault log data in the onboard EEPROM.

The LTM4686 operates over an input voltage range of 4.5V to 17V, while the LTM4686-1 operates over an input voltage range of 2.375V to 17V. These modules regulate an output from 0.5V to 3.6V with a maximum DC output error of ±0.5% over a temperature range of -40°C to 125°C. Conversion efficiency is 80% at full load at 12V IN, 1.0V OUT. The LTM4686 delivers 18A at 5V IN, 1V OUT with 400LFM air flow at 85°C ambient. Current mode control allows paralleling of the devices for higher output current. The internal switching frequency can be set from 250kHz to 1MHz, and can be synchronized to an external clock from 250kHz to 1MHz for noise-sensitive applications.

The configurable LTM4686 offers a variety of protection features to safeguard the device from overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, and overtemperature. If a fault occurs, data is automatically saved to EEPROM, and the fault log can be recovered and analyzed via the I2C interface. The LTpowerPlay GUI, DC1613 USB-to-PMBus converter, VDC2086 programming adapter, and demo kit are also available for evaluation.