DC/DC uModule regulator

Linear Technology has introduced LTM4616, a complete dual DC-DC uModule regulator system in a tiny surface-mount package.

The device can regulate either two voltages ranging from 0.6 to 5 at up to 8 A each or one output voltage at up to 16 A by sharing current from each output in a multi-phase configuration.

The regulator’s versatility is extended by its ability to operate from either two different input supply rails ranging from 2.375 to 5.5 V (6 V max) or from one input supply by tying the input pins together.

This complete DC-DC system includes all the support components needed for a dual point-of-load regulator: inductors, capacitors, DC/DC controller, compensation circuitry and power switches.

All are encapsulated and protected within a plastic surface mount LGA (land grid array) package.

The device has only ±1.75% total DC output error over the full operating temperature range, including the line and load regulation. As a current mode device with high switching frequency it has a fast transient response to line and load changes while operating with good stability with a variety of output capacitors, including all ceramic capacitors.

The efficiency is up to 94%, depending on the voltage and current conditions. The device supports frequency synchronisation, multi-phase operation, spread spectrum phase modulation, output voltage tracking and margining.

Safety features include overvoltage and overcurrent protection as well as thermal shutdown.