DC/DC Controller Extends Battery Life

Housed in a six-lead ThinSOT (SOT-23) package measuring 0.5 in2 and 1-mm high, the LTC3801 dc/dc controller consumes just 16 µA in standby mode and only 6 µA in shutdown mode. The device extends battery run time while the battery voltage decreases by sustaining regulation until battery voltage nearly equals the output voltage. Input voltage ranges from 2.4V to 9.8V and output voltage is adjustable down to 0.8V. Output current ranges from a few hundred mA up to 5A. Other features include an operating efficiency up to 94%, operating frequency of 550 kHz, current limiting, and the company's OPTI-LOOP compensation feature that guarantees stability without constraints on the type of output capacitors. Additionally, the device's reference voltage of 0.8V exhibits ±1.5% accuracy from -40°C to +85°C. Pricing starts at $1.95 each/1,000. LINEAR TECHNOLOGY CORP., Milpitas, CA. (800) 454-6327.