A power IC from Linear Technology Corporation provides system designers with a two-terminal current source. Until now, current sources were imprecise or had to be designed from discrete components. The LT3092 200mA two-terminal current source overcomes the problems associated with previous current sources, with its wide voltage range, high AC and DC impedance, good regulation, low temperature coefficient, and the fact that it requires no capacitors. The device's two floating terminals make it easy to use.
The LT3092 features 1% initial accuracy and a very low temperature coefficient. Output current is programmable from 0.5mA to 200mA and current regulation over 1.5V to 40V is better than 10ppm/volt. Unlike other analog integrated circuits, the LT3092 leverages special design techniques for high DC and AC impedance, ensuring stable operation without supply bypass capacitors. Since the LT3092 requires no capacitors, it is ideal for "intrinsically safe" applications in which the output may be shorted and no sparking can be tolerated. Reverse supply tolerance and thermal shutdown protect both the IC and the load.
Its ability to easily generate a constant current enables the simplification of many circuits. It can be used in precision or remote current limiting, bias circuits, temperature sensing, active loads, and signaling. Further, the LT3092 can be easily extended to operate at higher voltages or higher currents.
The LT3092 is offered in three packages: the low profile (0.75mm) 8-lead DFN (3mm x 3mm), 8-pin SOT-23, and 3-pin power SOT-223 package. Both the LT3092E and LT3092I feature an operating junction temperature of -40°C to +125°C, while the LT3092MP operates from -55°C to +125°C junction temperature. 1,000 piece pricing starts at $1.65 and $1.83 for the DFN and SOT-23 packages in E and I grades, $1.75 and $1.94 for the SOT-223 package in E and I grades, and $4.73 for the SOT-223 in the MP grade.
