Low profile regulator has digital power system management
Available as either a dual 10A or single 20A thin uModule regulator, the LTM4686 has a PMBus interface and is housed in a 16 x 11.9 x 1.82mm LGA package.
The Power by Linear regulator’s low height allows the it to be placed on a PC board very close to its load such as an FPGA or ASIC, while sharing one heat sink covering both low profile packages. The package allows the LTM4686 to be mounted on the back of a PCB, freeing top space for components such as memory and transceiver ICs, explains Analog Devices. This makes the LTM4686 suitable for height-restricted applications such as rack-mounted telecomms switches and routers, raid systems, and test and measurement equipment.
The PMBus interface enables users to measure and alter key power parameters such as voltage, load current and temperature. Users can also program sequencing, fault thresholds and responses via PMBus, storing values and fault log data in the onboard EEPROM.
The LTM4686 operates from 4.5 to 17V and the LTM4686-1 operates from 2.375 to 17V input supplies. The modules regulate an output from 0.5 to 3.6V with ±0.5 per cent maximum DC output error over temperature, – 40 to +125 degree C. They deliver 80 per cent efficiency at 12VIN to 1.0VOUT at a full load condition and can deliver 18A from a 5VIN to a 1VOUT at 85 degree C ambient with 400LFM air flow. There is also current mode control in a parallel configuration, to deliver increased output current. Internal switching frequency is settable from 250kHz to 1MHz and can be synchronised to an external clock from 250kHz to 1MHz for noise-sensitive applications.
The LTM4686 configurable offers protection features, including over-voltage and under-voltage, over-current and over-temperature. If a fault occurs, data is saved automatically to the EEPROM, and the fault log can be retrieved over an I2C interface, where it can then be analysed, advises Analog Devices. The LTpowerPlay GUI DC1613 USB-to-PMBus converter VDC2086 programing adapter and demo kits are available to evaluate the performance of the LTM4686.