LTC3836
1
3836fb
FEATURES
APPLICATIONS
DESCRIPTION
Dual 2-Phase,
No R
SENSE
TM
Low V
IN
Synchronous Controller
The LTC
®
3836 is a 2-phase dual output synchronous
step-down switching regulator controller with tracking
that drives external N-channel power MOSFETs using few
external components. The constant-frequency current
mode architecture with MOSFET V
DS
sensing eliminates
the need for sense resistors and improves effi ciency.
The power loss and noise due to the ESR of the input
capacitance are minimized by operating the two control-
lers out-of-phase. Pulse-skipping operation provides high
effi ciency at light loads. The 97% duty cycle capability
provides low dropout operation, extending operating time
in battery-powered systems.
The operating frequency is selectable from 300kHz to
750kHz, allowing the use of small surface mount induc-
tors and capacitors. For noise sensitive applications, the
LTC3836 operating frequency can be externally synchro-
nized from 250kHz to 850kHz.
The LTC3836 features an internal 1ms soft-start that can
be extended with an external capacitor. A tracking input al-
lows the second output to track the fi rst during start-up.
The LTC3836 is available in the tiny thermally enhanced
(4mm × 5mm) QFN and 28-lead narrow SSOP packages.
High Effi ciency, 2-Phase, Dual Synchronous DC/DC Step-Down Converter
n
No Current Sense Resistors Required
n
Out-of-Phase Controllers Reduce Required Input
Capacitance
n
All N-Channel Synchronous Drive
n
V
IN
Range: 2.75V to 4.5V
n
Constant-Frequency Current Mode Operation
n
0.6V ±1.5% Voltage Reference
n
Low Dropout Operation: 97% Duty Cycle
n
True PLL for Frequency Locking or Adjustment
n
Selectable Pulse-Skipping/Continuous Operation
n
Tracking Function
n
Internal Soft-Start Circuitry
n
Power Good Output Voltage Monitor
n
Output Overvoltage Protection
n
Micropower Shutdown: I
Q
= 6.5μA
n
Tiny Low Profi le (4mm × 5mm) QFN and Narrow
SSOP Packages
n
General Purpose 3.3V to 1.X Supplies
n
Single Lithium-Ion Powered Devices
n
Distributed DC Power Systems
SENSE1
+
V
IN
LTC3836
SGND
SENSE2
+
BOOST1 BOOST2
TG1 TG2
SW1 SW2
BG1 BG2
PGND
V
FB1
V
FB2
820pF
V
OUT1
1.8V AT
15A
V
OUT2
1.2V AT
15A
100μF
× 2
100μF
× 2
15k
820pF
15k
59k
59k
118k
59k
0.47μH
0.47μH
I
TH1
3836 TA01
I
TH2
22μF
× 3
V
IN
3.3V
Effi ciency/Power Loss vs Load Current
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
30
EFFICIENCY (%)
POWER LOSS (mW)
90
100
20
10
80
50
70
60
40
100 1000 10000010000
3836 TA01b
0
10000
10
100
1000
1
10
3.3V-1.2V
POWER LOSS
CIRCUIT OF FIGURE 15
3.3V-1.2V
EFFICIENCY
3.3V-1.8V
EFFICIENCY
3.3V-1.8V
POWER LOSS
TYPICAL APPLICATION
L, LT, LTC, LTM, Linear Technology, Burst Mode, OPTI-LOOP and the Linear logo are
registered trademarks and No R
SENSE
is a trademark of Linear Technology Corporation. All other
trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Protected by U.S. Patents including
5481178, 5929620, 6144194, 6304066, 6498466, 6580258, 6611131.