Linear Technology Corp. (LTC, Milpitas, CA) announced its LT3437, a 60 V (with transients up to 80 V), 200 kHz step-down switching regulator with quiescent current under 100 uA. The LT3437 operates within a VIN range of 3.3 V to 60 V, making it suitable for load dump or cold-crank conditions commonly found in automotive applications. Its 500 mA internal switch can deliver up to 400 mA of continuous output current at voltages as low as 1.25 V.
The LT3437's Burst Mode operation offers ultra-low quiescent current, well suited for applications such as automotive or telecom systems, which demand always-on operation and optimum battery life. The combination of its 3 mm x 3 mm DFN package (or thermally enhanced TSSOP-16E) and 200 kHz switching frequency, which keeps external inductors and capacitors small, provides a compact, thermally efficient footprint.
The LT3437 utilizes a high-efficiency 500 mA, 0.8 Ω switch with the necessary oscillator, control, and logic circuitry integrated into a single die. Special design techniques and a high voltage process enable high efficiency over a wide input-voltage range, while its current-mode topology enables fast transient response and loop stability. Other features include external synchronization (from 240 kHz to 700 kHz), soft-start capability, and Burst Mode defeat for low-noise applications.
Pricing for the LT3437EDD DFN version starts at $2.25. The LT3437IDD, which is tested and guaranteed to operate from a -40 °C to +125 °C operating junction temperature, is priced at $2.70 each. Pricing for the LT3437EFE TSSOP-16E version starts at $2.30 each. All prices are for 1,000-piece quantities and all versions are available from stock.
