DC/DC converter from Linear Technology with dual linear controllers

The device, packaged in a 4 x 5mm QFN or TSSOP-20E, operates from a V_IN range of 4 to 36V, with transient protection to 70V, which Linear says makes it ideal for load dump and cold crank conditions found in automotive applications. According to the company, its internal 3.5A switch can deliver up to 2.6A of continuous output current at voltages as low as 0.75V. The converter's switching frequency is user programmable from 250 to 2.5MHz, while each integrated LDO controller has an accurate programmable current limit up to 1A. Combined with NPN transistors, they have been designed to offer dual low noise outputs in addition to the primary channel. Although the LDO controllers can be powered by independent inputs, powering them from the primary switching output is said to ensure both high efficiency and low noise.