Date: 18/10/2011

100kHz - 1MHz adjustable FSW, 36VIN, 5A step-down µModule regulator

Linear Technology has introduced the LTM8052, a 36V input constant frequency step-down µModule
regulator with an adjustable output current limit up to 5A. The adjustable current limit helps system designers set the maximum power delivered to a load, minimizing the output rating of the upstream AC/DC or DC/DC power supply. Applications include industrial, medical imaging and communications point of load, charge balancing and Peltier thermoelectric module drivers.

Key features of LTM8052 include:
±10% Adjustable Current Limit Accuracy
CCM operation at Light Load
6V to 36V Input Voltage Range
1.2V to 24V VOUT Range
Source up to +5A / Sink up to -7A Output Current
88% Efficiency (12VIN to 2.5VOUT)
Adjustable FSW 100kHz - 1MHz
Synchronizable to an External Clock 100kHz to 1MHz

The LTM8052's 10% accurate current limit is an improvement over traditional step-down regulators whose current limit can be 40%-50% greater than the actual output current, as per Linear technologies. 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. Additional features include externally adjustable soft start, adjustable switching frequency and thermal shutdown.

Availability, package and pricing: The LTM8052 is packaged within a thermally efficient 11.25mm x 15mm x 2.82mm LGA package. The two temperature grades, E and I for the -40°C to +125°C temperature range, are available for immediate delivery from stock. Pricing starts at $13.17 each for 1,000-piece quantities.

For more information visit, www.linear.com/product/LTM8052