USB-compatible PMIC controller with synchronous switching regulators

Date: 16/12/2008

Linear Technology Corporation announces the LTC3101, the latest PMIC in a family of multifunction, compact power management solutions for battery-powered and battery backup applications. The

LTC3101 integrates,

1. A low loss PowerPath controller
2. Three synchronous switching regulators (one buck-boost and two bucks)
3. Current limited 200mA VMAX output (which tracks higher voltage input supply)
4. A protected 100mA Hot Swap output
5. Pushbutton On/Off control
6. A programmable processor reset generator
7. An always-on LDO

The LTC3101 features,

1. A wide input operating range of 1.8V to 5.5V,
2. Compatible with two or three AA or AAA form factor battery cells in Nickel, Lithium or alkaline chemistries, standard 1-cell Li-Ion/Polymer prismatic batteries, plus USB or 5V wall adapter input power.
3. The device's low loss PowerPath control automatically manages power flow between these multiple input sources.
4. Internal sequencing and independent enable pins provide flexible power-up options.
5. Its internal low RDS(ON) switches enable buck-boost efficiencies up to 95% and buck regulator efficiencies up to 93%, maximizing battery run time.
6. The 1.27MHz switching frequency allows the use of tiny low cost capacitors and inductors less than 1mm in height.
7. Buck Boost Regulator: VOUT 1.5V to 5.25V, IOUT up to 800mA for VIN>=3.0V
8. Buck Regulators: VOUT 0.6V to VIN, IOUT = 2x350mA
9. High Efficiency: Up to 95% for Buck-Boost, up to 93% for Dual Bucks
10. Ultra-Low Quiescent Current: 38uA (Burst Mode, all regulators enabled), 15uA (Standby)
11. Always-ON LDO: 1.8V at 50mA
12. Protected 100mA Hot Swap Output for Flash Memory Cards
13. Current Limited 200mA VMAX Output
14. Pushbutton On/Off Control
15. Programmable microprocessor Reset Generator

Availability: The LTC3101 is available
Pricing: starts at $3.95 each for 1K-piece quantities
Packaging: 24-Pin QFN Package
Size: 4mm x 4mm x 0.75mm