Regulator excels in automotive cold-crank scenarios

The regulator's switches deliver up to 6A of continuous output current to voltages as low as 0.97V. The previously mentioned 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 design of the regulator maintains a minimum dropout voltage of only 250mV at 3A under all conditions, enabling it to excel in scenarios such as automotive cold-crank. Furthermore, a fast minimum on-time of only 40ns enables 2MHz constant frequency switching from a 16V input to a 1.5V output. This enables designers to optimize efficiency while avoiding critical noise-sensitive frequency bands.  The 28-lead 3mm x 6mm QFN package and high switching frequency enable the external inductors and capacitors to be kept small, delivering a compact, thermally efficient footprint.

The regulator utilizes internal top and bottom high efficiency power switches with the necessary boost diode, oscillator, control and logic circuitry integrated into a single die. Maintaining high efficiency at low output currents, the low ripple Burst Mode operation keeps output ripple below 10mV_PK-PK. The device'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 LT8612EUDE device is priced starting at $4.95 each. The industrial temperature version, LT8612IUDE, is tested and guaranteed to operate from a -40°C to 125°C operating junction temperature and is priced at starting $5.45 each. All pricing is for 1,000 piece quantities and all versions are available from stock.