LTC3526LEDC#TRMPBF Integrated Circuits (ICs)

PMIC - Voltage Regulators - DC DC Switching Regulators

A DC-DC switching regulator is an integrated circuit (IC) that regulates a voltage supply by utilizing pulse width modulation (PWM). It is a popular replacement for linear regulators as it is more efficient and takes up less board space. The LTC3526LEDC#TRMPBF is one such example of a DC-DC switching regulator.

Application Field

The LTC3526LEDC#TRMPBF is a member of the LTC3526 series of step-down DC-DC converters from Texas Instruments. It is designed for space-constrained, high-efficiency, buck-mode applications. This includes single-cell lithium-ion and alkaline battery-powered systems. It is also suitable for other linear (or wallwart) powered systems that require a high-efficiency voltage conversion.

The key feature of the LTC3526LEDC#TRMPBF is its low operating current of only 160mA, allowing it to be used in applications where thermal performance and space are limited. The device can operate at up to 95% efficiency, ensuring that the generated heat is dissipated quickly and effectively.

The LTC3526LEDC#TRMPBF offers an adjustable output voltage of between 0.8V and 3.3V, making it suitable for a wide variety of applications. It also provides an enable shutdown pin, allowing the user to switch the device off when not in use. This pin can also be controlled by a digital signal, making the device ideal for battery-powered applications which require power control for improved power efficiency.

Working Principle

The LTC3526LEDC#TRMPBF is a step-down DC-DC converter, which can deliver up to 500mA of load current. It is controlled using PWM, and the frequency is adjustable between 100kHz and 1.2MHz. This makes it suitable for a variety of applications, as the frequency can be varied to optimize the efficiency of the regulator. The current limit of the device can also be adjusted, enabling the user to obtain the desired current output with the minimum of effort.

The LTC3526LEDC#TRMPBF can be operated in either pulse skipping or pulse frequency modulation (PFM) mode. In pulse skipping mode, the device will skip pulses when the output voltage is below the desired level. This adjusts the output current accordingly and ensures optimal efficiency. In PFM mode, the device will switch from PWM to PFM when the output voltage is below the desired level, thereby conserving power.

The LTC3526LEDC#TRMPBF also includes an integrated soft-start feature, which reduces in-rush current and improves stability. The device also has an adjustable soft-stop function which reduces the output voltage when the load current drops below a certain threshold. This helps to prevent over-discharge of the battery.

Conclusion

The LTC3526LEDC#TRMPBF is an excellent example of a DC-DC switching regulator. It can be used in a variety of applications, including those with space constraints, due to its low operating current and adjustable output voltage. The device also features adjustable pulse frequency, soft-start and soft-stop functions, making it ideal for battery-powered systems. The overall performance of the LTC3526LEDC#TRMPBF is impressive, and it is proving to be a popular device for voltage regulation applications.