Compact buck regulator is ideal for Xscale

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Oct 13, 2005

The LTC3447 is a 600mA high-efficiency current-mode buck regulator in a 3 x 3mm DFN-10 package.

Linear Technology has announced the LTC3447, a 600mA high-efficiency current-mode buck regulator in a 3 x 3mm DFN-10 package.

Using an onboard I2C interface, the output voltage can be set between 0.69 and 2.05V using an internal 6bit DAC.

The LTC3447's 2.5 to 5.5V input voltage range makes it ideal for powering Intel's Xscale microprocessor core voltage in single Li-ion or multicell alkaline/NiCd/NiMH battery-powered applications.

The LTC3447 synchronous buck regulator can deliver up to 600mA of output current with efficiencies of up to 93%.

The I2C interface frequency can be set at either the standard 100kHz or the 400kHz "fast mode", and output voltages can be programmed with 21.6mV resolution.

A constant 1.0MHz switching frequency ensures low noise and allows the use of tiny surface mount inductors and capacitors.

For extended battery life automatic burst mode operation reduces light load supply current to only 33uA dropping to 1uA in shutdown.

For low noise applications, the burst mode feature can be disabled.

Other features include soft-start and startup power-good blanking.

The LTC3447 is available in a 3 x 3mm DFN-10 from stock.

Pricing starts at $1.95 each for 1000-piece quantities.