Linear Technology Corporation introduces the LTC3832, a high efficiency step-down DC/DC controller for converting input supplies ranging from 3V to 8V to an output voltage as low as 0.6V up to 15A. The LTC3832 provides a very low output voltage with ý1% accuracy to power the newest generation of logic ICs such as DSPs and network processors that require 2.xV, 1.xV and sub-1V operating supply voltages. The faster processing capabilities of these ICs, especially in multiple-IC parallel designs, demand several amps of supply current. The LTC3832 integrates powerful MOSFET drivers that operate synchronously to provide operating efficiencies as high as 95% over a wide range of load currents. Because the LTC3832 operates from supplies as low as 3V and provides its own MOSFET gate drive voltage, the need for an auxiliary supply voltage of 5V or 12V is eliminated. The operating frequency is adjustable from 100kHz to 500kHz, which allows the user to size the external components to optimize either the real estate by operating at high frequency, or the cost of the solution by operating at the lower frequency range. Applications include network systems, industrial control equipment, blade servers, and general-purpose low voltage distributed power supplies. The LTC3832 is a voltage mode DC/DC controller with a precision ý0.8% 0.6V reference voltage. The IC requires no sense resistor for current limiting. Current limit is detected by sensing the current through the drain-source resistance of the upper N-channel MOSFET. The LTC3832's excellent output regulation of 1% is guaranteed over line, load and temperature variations. For controlled start-up or power supply sequencing, the LTC3832's soft-start is adjustable with an external capacitor. Nominal operating frequency is 300kHz, although it's synchronizable from 100kHz to 500kHz.Supply current consumption during shutdown is less than 10ýA to conserve battery life in handheld battery powered devices. The LTC3832 is offered in two packages of 8-pin SO (LTC3832-1) and 16-pin SSOP (LTC3832). The LTC3832 in SSOP includes shutdown, frequency adjustment and current limit functions. The 8-pin packaged version does not include these features and is intended for less sophisticated designs. Pricing for the LTC3832-1 and LTC3832 in 1,000-piece quantity starts at $2.95 each and $3.10 each, respectively.

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