Regulator is protected from automotive surges

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Jul 23, 2007

38V step-down switching regulator with input transient protection up to 60V is ideal for load dump and cold-crank conditions found in automotive applications.

The LT3480 released by Linear Technology is a 2A, 38V step-down switching regulator with input transient protection up to 60V.

Burst mode operation keeps quiescent current under 70uA in no load standby conditions.

The LT3480's 3.6 to 38V input voltage range and 60V transient protection make it ideal for load dump and cold-crank conditions found in automotive applications.

Its 3A internal switch can deliver up to 2A of continuous output current to voltages as low as 0.79V.

The LT3480's Burst Mode operation offers ultralow quiescent current that is well suited for applications such as automotive or telecomms systems, which demand always-on operation and optimum battery life.

Switching frequency is user programmable from 200kHz to 2.4MHz, optimising efficiency and avoiding critical noise-sensitive frequency bands.

The combination of its 3 x 3mm DFN-10 package (or thermally enhanced MSOP-10E) and high switching frequency keeps the external capacitors and inductor small, providing a very compact, thermally efficient footprint.

The LT3480 incorporates a high-efficiency 3A, 0.25ohm switch, with the necessary boost diode, oscillator, control and logic circuitry integrated on-chip.

Low ripple Burst Mode operation maintains high efficiency at low output currents while keeping output ripple below 15mV peak-peak.

Special design techniques and a new high voltage process enable high efficiency over a wide input voltage range while the LT3480's current mode topology enables fast transient response and excellent loop stability.

Other features include external synchronisation (from 250kHz to 2MHz), a power good flag and soft-start capability.

The LT3480EDD and LT3480EMSE are priced starting at US $3.45 and $3.55 each, respectively, for 1000-piece quantities.

The LT3480IDD and LT3480IMSE, tested and guaranteed to operate from a -40 to +125C operating junction temperature, are priced at US $4.14 and $4.26 each, respectively, in 1000-piece quantities.

All versions are available from stock.