LTC3851
Synchronous
Step-Down Switching
Regulator Controller
FEATURES
DESCRIPTION
The LTC®3851 is a high performance synchronous
step-down switching regulator controller that drives
an all N-channel synchronous power MOSFET stage. A
constant frequency current mode architecture allows a
phase-lockable frequency of up to 750kHz.
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Wide V Range: 4V to 38V Operation
SENSE
±±1 Output Voltage Accuracy
IN
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R
or DCR Current Sensing
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Phase-Lockable Fixed Frequency: 250kHz to 750kHz
Dual N-Channel MOSFET Synchronous Drive
Very Low Dropout Operation: 99% Duty Cycle
Adjustable Output Voltage Soft-Start or Tracking
Output Current Foldback Limiting
OPTI-LOOP compensation allows the transient response
to be optimized over a wide range of output capacitance
and ESR values. The LTC3851 features a precision 0.8V
reference that is compatible with a wide 4V to 38V input
supply range.
Output Overvoltage Protection
5V Internal Regulator
OPTI-LOOP® Compensation Minimizes C
OUT
The TK/SS pin ramps the output voltage during start-up.
Current foldback limits MOSFET heat dissipation during
short-circuit conditions. The MODE/PLLIN pin selects
among Burst Mode operation, pulse skipping mode or
continuousinductorcurrentmodeatlightloadsandallows
the IC to be synchronized to an external clock.
Selectable Continuous, Pulse-Skipping or
Burst Mode® Operation at Light Loads
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Low Shutdown I : 20μA
Q
V
Range: 0.8V to 5.5V
OUT
16-Lead Narrow SSOP or 3mm × 3mm QFN Package
APPLICATIONS
, LT, LTC, LTM, Burst Mode and OPTI-LOOP are registered trademarks of Linear
Technology Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Protected by U.S. Patents, including 5408150, 5481178, 5705919, 5929620, 6304066,
6498466, 6580258, 6611131.
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Automotive Systems
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Telecom Systems
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Industrial Equipment
Distributed DC Power Systems
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TYPICAL APPLICATION
High Efficiency Synchronous Step-Down Converter
Efficiency and Power Loss
vs Load Current
V
IN
I
V
LIM
IN
100
95
10000
1000
100
4V TO 38V
150μF
V
V
= 12V
IN
OUT
FREQ/PLLFLTR TG
= 3.3V
0.68μH
10k
V
3.3V
10A
OUT
RUN
SW
90
EFFICIENCY
LTC3851
0.22μF
85
TK/SS
BOOST
330μF
0.1μF
80
75
INTV
CC
10nF
1k
POWER LOSS
70
65
60
55
50
BG
I
TH
GND
100pF
+
SENSE
PLLIN/MODE
SENSE
0.22μF
13k
–
62.5k
20k
10
10000
10
100
1000
V
FB
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
3851TA01b
3851 TA01a
3851f
1