Linear Technology introduces the LTM4631, a dual 10-A or single 20-A µModule (power module) step-down regulator in a 1.91-mm-high LGA package with a 16 x 16-mm footprint. The packaging is what makes this module significant and sets it apart from the competition. Why? Because the device provides a regulator, including the inductor, in one package, while the competition needs two chips. That means that the Linear product needs 400 mm2 compared to 750 mm2 for one competitor. At 1.91 mm, the height of the package is also very significant because it’s under 2.00 mm, which is a barrier to designs that aim to provide solutions for the underside of the PCB.
The micro-module can be placed on a PCB very close to the load, such as an FPGA, and can share one heat sink covering both of the low-profile packages. It frees space on the top side for components such as DDR-QDR memory and transceiver ICs. Examples of applications include plug-in and mezzanine cards in embedded systems, data storage systems, gateway controllers, and 40- to 100-Gbps networks.
For this module design, the company figured out how to make the inductor smaller, which materials to use, and even how to get the accuracy down to 1.5% error for the total dc output error over line, load, and temperature. The regulator operates from 4.5- to 15-V input supplies and regulates an output voltage from 0.6 to 1.8 V, and operates from –40°C to 125°C. Its two outputs operate 180° out-of-phase, each capable of delivering 10 A or 20 A when the outputs current share. Two devices can also current share, delivering up to 40 A.
Advertisement
Learn more about Linear Technology
