The LTC3838 operates over a 4.5V to 38V input voltage range, encompassing a wide variety of applications including most intermediate bus voltages. Strong onboard N-channel MOSFET gate drivers allow the use of high power external MOSFETs for output currents up to 25A per channel, at output voltages ranging from 0.6V to 5.5V, making it ideal for point-of-load requirements. The LTC3838’s differential amplifier provides true remote output voltage sensing of both the positive and negative terminals, enabling high accuracy regulation independent of board IR losses (up to ±500mV). The output current is monitored by sensing the voltage drop across the output inductor (DCR) for highest efficiency or by using a sense resistor for extra precision. Additional features include an onboard bias voltage LDO, soft-start or tracking, adjustable current limit, overvoltage protection, current limit foldback and external VCC control.
The LTC3838 offers superior total regulation accuracy and is specified to account for all error sources including line, load and differential sensing. The LTC3838 total differential output voltage accuracy is +/-0.25% at 25°C,
+/-0.67% from 0°C to 85°C and ±1% maximum DC error over the full -40°C to 125°C operating junction temperature range. The LTC3838 is available in thermally enhanced 5mm x 7mm QFN-38 or TSSOP-38 packages.
Summary of Features: LTC3838
Controlled On-Time, Valley
Current-Mode Control for Very Fast Transient Response
Differential Amplifier for Remote Output Voltage Sensing
Programmable Operating Frequency from 200kHz to 2MHz, Synchronizable to an External Clock
Wide VIN Range: 4.5V to 38V
VOUT Range: 0.6V to 5.5V
High Step-Down Ratio: 30ns Minimum
On-Time
±0.67% Output Voltage Accuracy over Temperature
RSENSE or DCR Current Sensing
Output Voltage Tracking or Programmable Soft Start
Adjustable Current Limit
Overvoltage Protection
Foldback Current Limit
Dual Fast Synchronous Step-Down
DC/DC Controller