Regulators' synchronous rectification delivers 96% efficiency

The 3.5A, 42V input capable synchronous step-down switching regulators feature 5A switches which deliver up to 3.5A of continuous output current to voltages as low as 0.97V. The regulators' Burst Mode operation offers ultralow quiescent current, making it well suited for applications such as automotive “always-on” systems, which is needed to extend operating battery life. The LT8610A/AB’s design maintains a minimum dropout voltage of only 200mV at 1A under all conditions, enabling it to excel in scenarios such as automotive cold-crank. Furthermore, a fast minimum on-time of only 30ns enables 2MHz constant frequency switching from a 16V input to a 1.0V output, thus allowing designers to optimize efficiency while avoiding critical noise-sensitive frequency bands. The LT8610A/AB’s 16-lead thermally enhanced MSOP package and high switching frequency keeps external inductors and capacitors small, providing a compact thermally efficient footprint. The LT8610AB offers higher efficiency at very light loads, <0.5mA when compared to the LT8610A, but this does result in slightly higher output ripple.

Sharing the performance and features of the LT8610, the LT8610A and LT8610AB do differ in that they offer improvements. First, they deliver 3.5A of continuous output current, in lieu of the LT8610’s 2.5A capability. Secondly, their minimum on-time has been reduced from 50ns to 30ns, enabling 16V to 1V step-down conversion @ 2MHz, compared to 1.8V for the standard LT8610. All other electrical parameters are identical to the standard LT8610.

Packaged in thermally enhanced MSOP-16 packages and are priced starting at $3.75 each, automotive and industrial versions are also available. The industrial temperature versions, the LT8610AIMSE and LT8610ABIMSE are tested and guaranteed to operate from a -40°C to 125°C operating junction temperature and are priced starting at $4.13 each. The automotive temperature versions, the LT8610AHMSE and LT8610ABHMSE are tested and guaranteed to operate from a -40°C to 150°C operating junction temperature and are priced starting at $4.38 each. All pricing is for 1,000-piece quantities and all versions are available from stock.