Linear Technology Corp. has released the LTC3245, a versatile 250 mA high voltage buck-boost charge pump. The LTC3245 uses switched capacitor fractional conversion to maintain regulation over a wide range of input voltage from 2.7 V to 38 V and produces a regulated output of 3.3 V, 5 V or adjustable (2.5 V to 5 V). Internal circuitry automatically selects the conversion ratio (2:1, 1:1 or 1:2) to optimize efficiency as input voltage and load conditions vary. Low operating current (18 μA with no load, 4 μA in shut-down) and low external device count (three small ceramic capacitors and no inductors) make the LTC3245 well suited for low power, space constrained automotive/industrial applications such as automotive ECU/CAN transceiver supplies, industrial housekeeping supplies and efficient low power 12 V to 5 V conversion.
The LTC3245’s constant frequency architecture with reduced switching edge rates provides lower conducted and radiated noise compared to conventional switching regulators. The device has pin selectable Burst Mode operation that allows the user to trade off low output ripple for better efficiency/lower quiescent current. Other IC features include low external parts count with ceramic capacitor stability, soft-start circuitry to prevent excessive current flow during startup, plus short circuit and thermal protection.
The LTC3245 is available in a low-profile (0.75 mm) 3 mm by 4 mm 12-lead DFN with backside thermal pad and a 12-lead MSOP package with backside thermal pad. E- and I-grade operating junction temperature is -40°C to 125°C, while H-grade is -40°C to 150°C. 1,000-piece pricing for the E grade starts at $2.80 each and devices are available from stock.
