The LTM4601, LTM4602 and LTM4603 comprise a family of high-voltage, high-power dc-dc μModule point-of-load (POL) regulators from Linear Technology that provide various features and output-power capabilities. The modules each contain all the components required to build a 6-A to 48-A point-of-load (POL) regulator, including the inductor, power MOSFETs, dc-dc controller, compensation circuitry and input/output bypass capacitors.
The devices' compact 15-mm x 15-mm x 2.8-mm LGA package protects the solution from the external environment and the modules' thermal enhancements provide highly efficient heat removal. The μModule packages provide the size, form-factor and simplicity of a surface-mount IC. Designing with this family requires no knowledge of switching-mode power supplies. Circuit simulation models and layouts are available for each device.
Each module is rated for operation from 4.5 V to 28 V (20 V for the standard voltage version). The output voltage is adjustable with one resistor from 0.6 V to 5 V. The features added to the family include phase-lock loop (PLL) synchronization for lower switching noise as well as for PolyPhase operation for paralleling multiple μModule regulators to deliver higher output current, true differential remote sensing for precision regulation of low voltage, high current loads such as FPGAs, DSPs and ASICs, and tracking/margining for proper startup of multiple voltage rail systems.
The LTM4601 is a full-featured 12-A output dc-dc solution. It includes PLL, tracking and margining, and remote sensing. The LTM4603 is rated for 6 A and has the same features, footprint and layout as the LTM4601. Each device is offered in two voltage options: 4.5 V to 20 V or 4.5 V to 28 V.
The LTM4601-1 and LTM4603-1 are identical with the LTM4601 and LTM4603, respectively, except the remote sense function is removed. They allow current sharing by paralleling the outputs of multiple devices for higher load current. Each device is offered in two voltage options of 4.5 V to 20 V or 4.5 V to 28 V.
The LTM4600 is a 10-A dc-dc converter intended for POL solutions compatible with the reduced feature set. The LTM4602 is rated for 6 A and has the same features, footprint and layout as the LTM4600. Each device is offered in two voltage options of 4.5 V to 20 V or 4.5 V to 28 V. The 1000-piece price starts at $11.95 each.
