Linear Technology 250 mA LDOs withstand up to 80 V input

Linear Technology Corporation has introduced two LDOs with input voltage capability up to 80 V. The LT3012 and LT3013 feature low dropout voltage of 400 mV while delivering up to 250 mA of load current. Output voltage from 1.24 V to 60 V suits the devices for automotive and other applications, and quiescent current as low as 40 µA (operating) and 1 µA (shutdown) allows them to work in battery-powered memory "keep alive" systems that require extended run times. The LT3013 has a programmable Powergood flag feature that indicates output regulation.

Both devices are available in thermally enhanced DFN and TSSOP packages that are said to provide thermal resistances comparable to larger conventional packages. Both operate with small, low cost ceramic output capacitors and are stable with only a 3.3 µF output capacitor, compared to older regulator devices of comparable output current and high voltage that require 10 µF to more than 100 µF. External capacitors can be used without any necessary series resistance as is common with many other regulators. Internal protection circuitry includes reverse-battery protection, current limiting, thermal limiting, and reverse-current protection.