Date: 21/08/2009

New 200mA linear regulator IC from Linear

Linear has made available the LT3082 a 200mA linear regulator, here the output voltage is adjustable down to 0 volts with a single resistor and easily paralleled for higher current. The LT3082 PNP low dropout regulator (LDO) features a new architecture using a current reference and voltage follower. This architecture permits the paralleling of multiple regulators and sharing of output current using small amounts of PCB trace as ballast resistors. Current sharing spreads the heat in an all-surface-mount system. Extensive protection features include current limiting, thermal limiting and reverse input protection for the regulator and the load.

Key features are,

No current foldback
Wide VIN Range: 1.2V to 40V
Low Output Noise: 40uVRMS (10Hz to 100kHz)
Reverse Battery & Reverse Current Protection
Initial Current Reference Accuracy: ±1.0%
Internal Overcurrent Limit & Thermal Shutdown Protection

The LT3082 is independent of output voltage, and operates up to 40V with output noise of 40uVRMS with 10Hz to 100kHz bandwidth. The low TC current reference allows single resistor adjustment of output voltage, and the device is stable with a 2.2uF ceramic or electrolytic capacitor on the output. Minimum operating current is only 0.5mA.

According to Linear Technology's Senior Product Marketing Engineer Steve Knoth, "The LT3082 regulator provides designers a low current, all-surface-mount regulator where a linear, low noise output is needed for applications such as high-frequency serial data links or where paralleling for higher current and heat spreading eases surface mount design. With its ability to provide zero output, this versatile device can control powering down parts of the system."

Operating temperature range:
LT3082E and LT3082I: -40°C to +125°C
LT3082MP: -55°C to +125°C

Package: Low profile (0.75mm) 8-lead DFN (3mm x 3mm), 8-pin SOT-23 and the 3-pin SOT-223.

Price:
For DFN and SOT-23 packages in E and I grades: Starts at $1.40 and $1.56 for 1k pieces
For SOT-223 package in E and I grades: Starts at $1.50 and $1.67 for 1k pieces
For SOT-223 in the MP grade: starts at $4.05 for 1k pieces.

For more details visit www.linear.com.