Novel LDO design keeps its cool

Current reference allows sharing between multiple regulators with a small length of PC trace as ballast, enabling multi-amp linear regulation in all surface-mount systems without heatsinks.

The LT3080 from Linear Technology is a 1.1A three-terminal LDO that may be easily paralleled for heat spreading and is adjustable with a single resistor.

This novel architecture regulator uses a current reference to allow sharing between multiple regulators with a small length of PC trace as ballast, enabling multi-amp linear regulation in all surface-mount systems without heatsinks.

The LT3080 achieves high performance without any compromises.

Featuring wide input voltage capability from 1.2 to 40V, it has a low dropout voltage of only 300mV at full load.

The output voltage is adjustable, spanning a wide range from 0V to 40V, and the on-chip trimmed reference achieves high accuracy of +/-1%.

The wide input and output voltage capability, tight line and load regulation, high ripple rejection, low external parts count and parallel capability make it ideal for modern multi-rail systems.

According to Linear Technology's VP/CTO Robert Dobkin: "The LT3080 regulator allows designers to have an all-surface mount solution in high current, noise-sensitive applications such as high-frequency serial data links".

"Also, with the ability to provide zero output, it can control powering down parts of the system".

"Having the collector of the pass transistor available further enhances the options of spreading the heat".

The LT3080 is offered in a variety of thermally enhanced surface-mount compatible packages including the low profile (0.75mm) 8-lead DFN (3 x 3mm), an 8-lead thermally enhanced MSOP, and simple-to-use 3-lead SOT-223 package.

These packages are able to dissipate 1 to 2W in surface mount applications without a heatsink.

In addition, the device is housed in a TO-220 power package for mounting to heatsinks for higher power dissipation.

1000-piece pricing starts at US $1.88.

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