Linear Technology Corporation announces the LT8613, a 6 A, 42 V input capable synchronous step-down switching regulator with integrated current sensing. Synchronous rectification delivers efficiency as high as 95% while Burst Mode® operation keeps quiescent current under 3µA in no-load standby conditions. Its 3.4 V to 42 V input voltage range makes it ideal for automotive and industrial applications. Its internal high efficiency switches deliver up to 6 A of continuous output current to voltages as low as 0.97 V. An internal current sense amplifier with monitor and control pins enable accurate input or output current regulation and limiting.
The LT8613's Burst Mode operation offers ultralow quiescent current, making it well suited for applications such as automotive "always-on" systems, which need to extend operating battery life. The LT8613's unique design maintains a minimum dropout voltage of only 250 mV at 3 A under all conditions, enabling it to excel in scenarios such as automotive cold-crank. Furthermore, a fast minimum on-time of only 40 ns enables 2 MHz constant frequency switching from a 16 V input to a 1.5 V output, enabling designers to optimize efficiency while avoiding critical noise-sensitive frequency bands. The LT8613's 28-lead 3 mm x 6mm QFN package and high switching frequency keeps external inductors and capacitors small, providing a compact, thermally efficient footprint.
The LT8613 utilizes internal top and bottom high efficiency power switches with the necessary boost diode, oscillator, control and logic circuitry integrated into a single die. Low ripple Burst Mode operation maintains high efficiency at low output currents while keeping output ripple below 10 mVP-P. Special design techniques and a new high speed process enable high efficiency over a wide input voltage range, and the LT8613's current-mode topology enables fast transient response and excellent loop stability. Other features include internal compensation, a power good flag, output soft start/tracking and thermal protection.
The LT8613EUDE is packaged in a 3 mm x 6 mm QFN package and is priced at $5.20 each. An industrial temperature version, the LT8613IUDE, is tested and guaranteed to operate from a -40 °C to 125 °C operating junction temperature and is priced at $5.72. All pricing is for 1,000-piece quantities and all versions are available from stock.