3.5A Synchronous Step-Down DC-DC Operates from 3.0V to 42V

Linear Technology Corporation announces the LT8610AC, a 3.5A, 42V input capable synchronous step-down switching regulator. Synchronous rectification delivers efficiency as high as 96%, while Burst Mode® operation keeps quiescent current under 2.5µA in no-load standby conditions. The device's 3.0V to 42V input voltage range makes it suited for automotive applications, which must regulate through cold-crank/stop-start scenarios with minimum input voltages as low as 3.0V and load dump transients in excess of 40V. Its internal 5A switches can deliver up to 3.5A of continuous output current to voltages as low as 0.80V.

The LT8610AC’s Burst Mode operation offers ultralow quiescent current, making it well suited for applications such as automotive “always-on” systems, which need to extend operating battery life. The LT8610AC’s unique design maintains a minimum dropout voltage of only 200mV at 1A under all conditions, enabling it to excel in conditions such as automotive cold-crank. Furthermore, a fast minimum on-time of only 30ns enables 2MHz constant frequency switching from a 16V input to a 1.0V output, optimizing efficiency while avoiding critical noise-sensitive frequency bands. The LT8610AC’s 16-lead thermally enhanced MSOP package and high switching frequency keeps external inductors and capacitors small, providing a compact, thermally efficient footprint.

The LT8610AC utilizes internal top and bottom high efficiency power switches with the necessary boost diode, oscillator, control and logic circuitry integrated into a single die. Low ripple Burst Mode operation maintains high efficiency at low output currents while keeping output ripple below 10mVPK-PK. Special design techniques and a new high speed process enable high efficiency over a wide input voltage range, and the LT8610AC’s current-mode topology enables fast transient response and excellent loop stability. Other features include internal compensation, a power good flag, output soft-start/tracking and thermal protection.

The LT8610ACEMSE is packaged in thermally enhanced MSOP-16 package and is priced at $3.75 each. An industrial temperature version, the LT8610ACIMSE, is tested and guaranteed to operate from a -40 to 125 degrees C operating junction temperature and is priced at $4.13. An automotive temperature version, the LT8610ACHMSE, is tested and guaranteed to operate from a -40 to 150 degrees C operating junction temperature, priced at $4.38 each. All pricing is for 1,000 piece quantities and all versions are available from stock.