Source/sink step-down regulator offers adjustable current limit benefits
Additionally, the LTM8052 is capable of sourcing or sinking current while regulating an adjustable output voltage. For simple noise filtering, the LTM8052 operates at a constant frequency throughout the entire output current range.
The µModule regulator converts an input voltage between 6 V and 36 V to an adjustable output voltage between 1.2 V to 24V. In a 12 V input to 2.5 V output application, the LTM8052 achieves a peak operating efficiency of 88% at 2 A. Applications include industrial, medical imaging and communications point of load, charge balancing and Peltier thermoelectric module drivers.
The LTM8052’s 10% accurate current limit is an improvement compared with traditional step-down regulators whose current limit can be 40%-50% greater than the actual output current. With the LTM8052, a lower power and less costly upstream power supply can be installed, which would otherwise require a greater output power rating to prevent a collapse of the voltage rail under an overcurrent or short-circuit condition.
The current limit may also be compensated for temperature using a thermistor for improved thermal management. When sinking current, the µModule regulator recovers energy, transferring it to the input rail rather than dissipating it as heat in conventional methods. For noise-sensitive applications, the LTM8052 can be synchronized to an external clock frequency in the range of 100 kHz to 1 MHz. Additional features include externally adjustable soft start, adjustable switching frequency and thermal shutdown.
Availability and Pricing
The LTM8052 is packaged within a thermally efficient 11.25 mm x 15 mm x 2.82 mm LGA package. The two temperature grades, E and I for the -40 to +125°C temperature range, are available for immediate delivery from stock. Pricing starts at $13.17 each for 1,000-piece quantities.
More information about the LTM8052 at
www.linear.com/product/LTM8052
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