The LTM4637 from Linear Technology Corporation is a 20 A DC/DC step-down µModule® (micromodule) regulator with onboard precision differential remote sense amplifier. This enables automatic correction of voltage errors caused by droop across PCB traces, which is valuable for powering loads such as FPGAs requiring high currents at low voltages. Total output DC voltage accuracy is guaranteed at +/-1.5% from -40 °C to 125 °C. The LTM4637 includes the inductor, MOSFETs, DC/DC controller and compensation circuitry. It is housed in a low height (profile) 4.32 mm LGA package with a 15 mm x 15 mm footprint. With a VIN range of 4.5 V to 20 V, the device’s operating efficiency is optimized for 5 V and 12 V input systems (88%, 12 VIN, 1.8 VOUT @ 20 A). The output voltage can be set with one resistor from 0.6 V to 5.5 V. Four devices in parallel can deliver 80 A of load current. Applications include industrial and medical equipment, and networking and telecom systems.
A main feature of the LTM4637 is its drop-in and pin compatibility with the LTM4627 15 A output µModule regulator. Systems designers value pin compatibility since they can interchange these products without layout changes at any stage from development to production. Linear offers a series of pin-compatible µModule devices.
The LTM4637 features protection functions for overcurrent and overvoltage conditions. The internal temperature of the device can be monitored via an internal temperature sensing diode. The LTM4637 is rated for operation from -40 °C to 125 °C. The 1000-piece price is $22.10 each.