DC/DC Regulator Thwarts Heat, Reduces Board Space

Described as a simple dc/dc regulator, the LTM8020 accepts an input up to 36V input and delivers a1.25V to 5V with reportedly 98% less heat dissipation in a 90% smaller footprint than comparable devices. The 200-mA device packs a dc/dc controller, power switches, inductor, compensation circuitry, plus input and output bypass capacitors into a 6.25 mm x 6.25 mm x 2.3 mm LGA package. The package is mountable on the backside of the board, allowing more room for digital ICs on the topside. Other features include an operating temperature range from -40ºC to 85ºC, RoHS compliance, and gold-plated pads that allow both lead- and lead-free soldering. LINEAR TECHNOLOGY CORP., Milpitas, CA. (800) 454-6327.