The LTC3883/-1 is a PolyPhase capable DC/DC synchronous step-down switching regulator controller with a PMBus compliant serial interface. The controller uses a constant frequency, current mode architecture that is supported by the LTPowerPlay™ software development tool with graphical user interface (GUI).
Switching frequency, output voltage, and device address can be programmed using external configuration resistors. Additionally, parameters can be set via the digital interface or stored in on-chip EEPROM.
This device can be configured for Burst Mode® operation, discontinuous (pulse-skipping) mode or continuous inductor current mode. The LTC3883 incorporates an internal 5V linear regulator while the LTC3883-1 uses an external 5V supply for minimum power loss.
The LTC3883/-1 from Linear Technology is a synchronous step-down DC/DC controller with an I²C-based PMBus interface for digital power system management. This device combines best-in-class current-mode switching regulator performance with precision mixed signal data acquisition for unsurpassed ease of power system design and management. It is supported by the LTpowerPlay™ software development system via an easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI).
The LTC3883 allows for digital programming and read back for real-time control and monitoring of critical point-of-load converter functions. Programmable control parameters include output voltage, margining and current limits, input and output supervisory limits, switching frequency and tracking. On-chip precision data converters and EEPROM enable the capture and nonvolatile storage of regulator configuration settings and telemetry variables, including input voltage and current as well as output voltage and current, duty cycle, temperature and fault logging.
Configurations for the LTC3883 are easily saved to the internal EEPROM over the device’s I²C serial interface, using Linear Technology’s LTpowerPlay GUI-based development software. With configurations stored on-chip, the controller can power-up autonomously without burdening the host processor. Default settings can be optionally configured by external resistor dividers for output voltage, switching frequency, phase and device address. Multiple designs can be easily calibrated and configured in firmware to optimize a single hardware design for a range of applications.
This controller can be configured for up to 6 phases that can be interleaved and paralleled for accurate sharing among multiple ICs, minimizing input and output filtering requirements for high current and/or multiple output requirements. Applications include high current ASIC, FPGA and processor supplies in telecom, datacom, computing and storage markets.
The LTC3883 features high current integrated gate drivers to drive N-channel power MOSFETs from input voltages ranging from 4.5V to 24V. It can produce ± 0.50% accurate output voltages from 0.5V to 5.5V with output currents up to 30A per phase over the full operating temperature range. An integrated amplifier provides true differential remote output voltage sensing, enabling high accuracy regulation, independent of board IR voltage drops.
Highest efficiency is achieved by sensing current using the voltage drop across the output inductor (DCR), or an external sense resistor can be optionally used. Programmable DCR temperature compensation maintains an accurate and constant current limit over a broad temperature range. The device’s minimum on-time of just 90nsec makes the LTC3883/-1 ideal for compact high frequency/high step-down ratio applications.
Accurate timing across multiple chips and event-based or time-based sequencing allow the optimization of power-up and power-down of complex, multiple rail systems. Additional features include storage of identification and traceability data, cycle-by-cycle current limit, adjustable soft start, a synchronizable switching frequency, and programmable GPIO pins to indicate part status and to provide autonomous recovery from faults.
The LTC3883 features an onboard LDO for controller and gate drive power, and the LTC3883-1 allows for an external bias voltage for highest efficiency. Both parts are available in a thermally enhanced 5mm x 5mm QFN-32 package.
The extended temperature range grade is specified over a -40°C to 105°C operating junction temperature range. The industrial grade part is specified over a -40°C to 125°C operating junction temperature range. Pricing starts at $4.82 each in 1000-piece quantities and both versions are available from stock.
For more information on the LTC3883/-1, visit www.linear.com/product/LTC3883.
Summary of Features of the LTC3883/-1:
- Synchronous Step-Down DC/DC Controller with Strong Onboard N-Channel MOSFET Drivers
- I2C/PMBus Compliant Serial Interface
- Internal Nonvolatile EEPROM Memory
- Programmable Parameters Include VOUT, ILIM, Sequencing, Margining, OV/UV Levels, Switching Frequency & Current Limit
- System Management Telemetry Variables include VIN, IIN, VOUT, IOUT, Duty Cycle, Temperature & Fault Status & Logging
- VIN Range: 4.5V to 24V
- VOUT Range: 0.5V to 5.5V
- ±0.5% Maximum DC Output Voltage Error over the Full Operating Junction Temperature Range
- Temperature Compensated DCR or RSENSE Current Sensing
- PolyPhase® Operation for up to 6 Phases
- Phase-Locked Loop Fixed Frequency from 250kHz to 1MHz
Typical Application
Applications
- High Current Distributed Power Systems
- Telecom Systems
- Intelligent Energy Efficient Power Regulation
About Linear Technology
Linear Technology Corporation, a manufacturer of high performance linear integrated circuits, was founded in 1981, became a public company in 1986 and joined the S&P 500 index of major public companies in 2000. Linear Technology products include high performance amplifiers, comparators, voltage references, monolithic filters, linear regulators, DC-DC converters, battery chargers, data converters, communications interface circuits, RF signal conditioning circuits, µModule products, and many other analog functions. Applications for Linear Technology’s high performance circuits include telecommunications, cellular telephones, networking products such as optical switches, notebook and desktop computers, computer peripherals, video/multimedia, industrial instrumentation, security monitoring devices, high-end consumer products such as digital cameras and MP3 players, complex medical devices, automotive electronics, factory automation, process control, and military and space systems.
Linear Technology (UK) Limited
Tel: +44 (0)1628 477066
E-mail: uksales@linear.com
Web site: www.linear.com
Website for product information: http://www.linear.com/product/LTC3883
