Linear Technology Corp. (LTC, Milpitas, CA) announced its new LTC3830 step-down dc/dc controller, which uses a synchronous switching architecture with n-channel MOSFETs to deliver efficiencies >90 percent. Additionally, the IC monitors output current through the drain-source resistance of the MOSFET, allowing an adjustable current limit without the need of a current sense resistor.
The controller is designed for 1.xV to 3.xV output applications with up to 15A load requirements, such as DSP and logic power supplies, distributed power in telecom cards, and industrial systems. The LTC3830 also meets the demand of low-voltage systems where a 3.3V or 5V is the only available supply.
The company also claims a high duty-cycle limit that allows the output voltage to be set up to 91 percent of the input voltage, over the temperature range of -40 to +85 degrees C. The LTC3830 operates from input sources ranging from 3V to 8V, and is offered in an eight-lead SOP and 16-lead SSOP housings. Pricing starts at $2.50 each in quantities of 1,000.
