Regulator powers low-voltage MCUs and DSPs

High-efficiency 2.25MHz synchronous buck regulator delivers up to 500mA of continuous output current from either a 2 x 2mm DFN or ThinSOT package.

Linear Technology has announced the LTC3542, a high-efficiency 2.25MHz synchronous buck regulator that delivers up to 500mA of continuous output current from either a 2 x 2mm DFN or ThinSOT package.

Using a constant frequency, current mode architecture, the LTC3542 operates from an input voltage range of 2.5 to 5.5V, making it ideal for single cell Li-ion/polymer, or multicell alkaline/NiCad/NiMH applications.

It can generate output voltages as low as 0.6V, enabling it to power the latest generation of low voltage DSPs and microcontrollers.

Its 2.25MHz switching frequency enables the utilisation of tiny, low cost ceramic capacitors and inductors less than a 1mm in height, providing a very compact solution footprint for handheld applications.

The LTC3542 uses internal switches with an on-resistance of only 0.35ohm (N-channel) and 0.50ohm (P-channel) to deliver efficiencies as high as 96%.

It also uses low dropout 100% duty cycle operation to allow output voltages equal to the input voltage, further extending battery runtime.

The LTC3542 uses low ripple (sub-20mV peak-peak) Burst Mode operation to offer only 26uA of no load quiescent current.

If the application is noise sensitive, Burst Mode operation can be replaced with an even lower noise pulse-skipping mode.

The device maintains shutdown currents of less than 1uA, further maximising battery life.

The LTC3542's switching frequency is synchronisable to an external clock between 1MHz and 3MHz.

Other features include +/-2% output voltage accuracy, internal soft-start and overtemperature protection.

The LTC3542EDC is offered in a 2 x 2mm DFN-6 package and the LTC3542ES6 is packaged in a 6-lead ThinSOT package.

Both are available from stock.

Pricing starts at US $1.75 each for both parts in 1000-piece quantities.

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