Dual Synchronous Buck Controller Complies with DDR1/DDR2/DDR3 Standards

Linear Technology Corporation introduces the LTC3876, a high-efficiency dual output synchronous step-down DC/DC controller that generates the VDDQ supply voltage, the VTT bus termination voltage and the VTTR reference voltage for DDR1/DDR2/DDR3 and future standard memory applications. The output of the first channel produces VDDQ and can be programmed from 2.5V down to 1V at up to 25A. The output of the second channel produces VTT and offers superior load regulation accuracy and efficiency. An internal LDO provides the precision ±1.2% VTTR reference. Both VTT and VTTR are programmed by an internal resistor divider equal to one-half the VDDQ supply and operate from 1.25V to 0.5V to support all DDR standards. The VTT supply offers symmetrical output current capability, with ±25A (sourcing/sinking) at VTT and ±50mA at VTTR.

The LTC3876 operates from an input voltage range of 4.5V to 38V. The switching frequency is programmable up to 2MHz allowing the use of very small external components. For noise-sensitive applications, the LTC3876 switching frequency can be synchronized to an external clock. The two channels can be phase shifted at 0°, 90°, 180° or 270° to reduce input filter components and accommodate multi-phase applications with multiple ICs. The LTC3876 utilizes a controlled on-time valley current mode architecture. Additional features include output voltage tracking, programmable soft start, RSENSE or DCR current sense, remote VDDQ sensing and a power good output signal.

For optimal thermal performance, the LTC3876 is available in 38-pin thermally enhanced 5mm x 7mm QFN and TSSOP packages. This device is guaranteed for operation from -40° to 125°C. 1,000 piece pricing starts at $2.94 each.