Ultrathin DC/DC regulator targets height-constrained apps

By Gina Roos, editor-in-chief

Analog Devices Inc. (ADI) recently launched the Power by Linear LTM4686, which can operate as either a dual 10-A or single 20-A step-down µModule regulator with a PMBus interface. Housed in a 16 × 11.9-mm LGA package with an ultrathin 1.82-mm height, the LTM4686 can be placed on a printed circuit board (PCB) very close to its load such as an FPGA or ASIC while sharing one heat sink for both packages, said ADI.
 

The thin package also allows the LTM4686 step-down DC/DC regulator to be mounted on the backside of a PCB. This frees topside space for components such as memory and transceiver ICs, said ADI. The ultrathin package suits height-constrained applications such as rack-mounted telecom switches and routers, raid systems, and test and measurement equipment.

With the PMBus interface, users can measure and alter key power parameters such as voltage, load current, and temperature. They can also program sequencing, fault thresholds, and responses via PMBus, storing values and fault log data in the onboard EEPROM.

Key specs include the following:

• Dual, fast analog loops with digital interface for control and monitoring
• Wide input voltage range: 4.5 V to 17 V, 2.375 V to 17 V with aux 5-V bias (LTM4686-1)
• Output voltage range from 0.5 V to 3.6 V with ±0.5% maximum DC output error over temperature (–40°C to 125°C)
• 80% efficiency at 12 Vin to 1.0 Vout at a full load condition
• Protection features include overvoltage and undervoltage, overcurrent, and overtemperature

ADI offers the LTpowerPlay GUI DC1613 USB-to-PMBus converter VDC2086 programing adapter and demo kits to evaluate the performance of the LTM4686. Pricing for the LTM4686 starts at $23.23 each per 1,000 units.