LT3942

36V, 2A Synchronous Buck-Boost Converter and LED Driver

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Recommended for New Designs

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Overview

Features and Benefits
Product Details

Features and Benefits

4-Switch Single Inductor Architecture Allows V_IN Above, Below or Equal to V_OUT
Constant Voltage and Constant Current Regulation
Proprietary Peak-Buck Peak-Boost Current Mode
3V to 36V Input Voltage Range
0V to 36V Output Voltage Range
±1.5% Output Voltage Regulation
±3% Output Current Regulation

5000:1 External and 128:1 Internal PWM Dimming
Open and Short LED Protection with Fault Reporting
300kHz to 2MHz Fixed Switching Frequency with External Frequency Synchronization
Flicker-Free Spread Spectrum for Low EMI
Available in 28-Lead QFN (4mm × 5mm)
AEC-Q100 Qualified for Automotive Applications

Product Details

The LT3942 is a monolithic 4-switch synchronous buck-boost converter with constant voltage and constant current regulation, suitable for both voltage regulator and LED driver applications. The part can regulate the output voltage, or input/output current with input voltages above, below, or equal to the output voltage. The proprietary peak-buck peak-boost current mode control scheme allows adjustable and synchronizable 300kHz to 2MHz fixed frequency operation, or internal 25% triangle spread spectrum operation for low EMI. The LT3942 covers 3V to 36V input and 0V to 36V output with seamless low-noise mode transition.

For voltage regulator applications, the LT3942 provides input or output current monitor. For LED driver applications, it provides current regulation with up to 128:1 internal and 5000:1 external PWM dimming using an optional high-side PMOS switch. Fault protection is also provided to detect output short-circuit condition and open or short LED condition.

Applications

Voltage Regulator with Accurate Current Limit
General Purpose LED Driver
Automotive and Industrial Lighting

Product Categories

Power Management
- Buck-Boost LED Drivers
- Internal Power Switch Buck-Boost Regulators

Markets and Technologies

Aerospace and Defense (1)
- Avionics Products and Solutions

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Product Lifecycle Recommended for New Designs

This product has been released to the market. The data sheet contains all final specifications and operating conditions. For new designs, ADI recommends utilization of these products.

Evaluation Kits (2)

DC3103A

LT3942 Demo Board | 36V 4-Switch Buck-Boost Voltage Regulator

DC2404A

LT3942 Demo Board | 36V, 2A Synchronous Buck-Boost Converter and LED Driver

DC3103A

View Detailed Evaluation Kit Information

Demonstration circuit DC3103A is a monolithic 4-Switch buck-boost voltage regulator featuring the LT3942. It has been designed with an output voltage set to 12V with capability of delivering up to 1A when the input voltage is between 7V and 36V. The demonstration circuit continues operating with an input voltage as low as 3V with reduced output power capability. DC3103A is configured for 2MHz switching frequency with spread spectrum frequency modulation (SSFM) disabled. When enabled, SSFM adjusts the switching frequency of the LT3942 between 2MHz and 2.5MHz for improved EMI performance.

The LT3942 has an operating input voltage range of 3V to 36V. It has internal, synchronous 40V switches for high efficiency and small size. It has an adjustable switching frequency between 300kHz and 2MHz. The LT3942 can by synchronized to an external oscillator source, programmed with SSFM enabled for low EMI, or set to normal operation.

The board is designed with ceramic capacitors placed near the PV_IN and PV_OUT pins to form a compact high frequency hotloop. SMD pads are available to install an optional ferrite bead EMI filter on both the input and output of DC3103A. Small cuts on the top layer copper between the SMD pads of both ferrite bead components are necessary to install the EMI filter correctly. These filters, combined with proper board layout and SSFM, are effective in reducing both radiated and conducted EMI. Please follow the recommended layout and four-layer PCB thickness of DC3103A for low EMI applications.

DC3103A uses the LT3942’s voltage regulation loop to program a constant-voltage output of 12V. The LT3942 can operate as a constant voltage regulator as well as a constant current regulator. For LED driver designs, please refer to demonstration circuit DC2404A. DC2404A includes a high-side PMOS disconnect switch to assist with PWM dimming, as well as several other optimizations for LED driver applications.

The LT3942 data sheet gives a complete description of the part, operation, and applications information. The data sheet must be read in conjunction with the User Guide for DC3103A. The LT3942EUFD is assembled in a 28-lead plastic QFN (UFD) package with a thermally-enhanced exposed ground pad. Proper board layout is essential for maximum thermal and low-noise performance. Refer to DC3103A’s design files files for recommended layout and routing of the LT3942 for voltage regulator applications.

Resources

DC2404A

View Detailed Evaluation Kit Information

Demonstration circuit 2404A is a 36V synchronous buckboost LED driver featuring the LT3942. It drives a single string of LEDs up to 14V at 1A when V_IN is between 9V and 36V and will run down to 3V_IN with reduced ILED. DC2404A runs at 2MHz switching frequency with spread spectrum frequency modulation (SSFM) disabled. When enabled, SSFM spreads the switching frequency of the LT3942 from f_SW to f_SW + 25% for reduced EMI performance.

The LT3942 has an operating input voltage range of 3V to 36V. It has internal, synchronous 40V switches for high efficiency and small size. It has an adjustable switching frequency between 300kHz and 2MHz. The LT3942 can by synchronized to an external source, programmed with SSFM enabled for low EMI, or set to normal operation.

The LT3942’s integrated PWMTG high-side PWM MOSFET driver assists with short-circuit protection of the output, as well as PWM dimming of the connected LEDs. The LED string can be PWM dimmed with an external PWM signal or can be dimmed using the internally generated PWM signal. DC2404A has jumpers that can be set to switch between internally and externally generated PWM signals. The external PWM setting defaults to 100% on with no PWM signal applied. The LT3942 can also be analog dimmed by placing a controllable DC voltage on the CTRL pin.

When running PWM dimming with SSFM enabled, the SSFM aligns itself with the PWM signal for flicker free operation. This applies to both internal and external PWM dimming.

Small ceramic input and output capacitors are used to save space and cost. The board is designed with tiny, high frequency capacitors placed near the PV_IN and PV_OUT pins for a reduction in radiated EMI. The open LED overvoltage protection uses the IC’s constant voltage regulation loop to regulate the output to approximately 17V peak if the LED string is opened. The output current can be monitored through the ISMON output pin.

Undervoltage lockout can be adjusted on DC2404A with a few simple resistor choices.

There is a small ferrite bead EMI filter on the input and output of DC2404A. These filters, combined with proper board layout and SSFM, are effective in reducing EMI. Please follow the recommended layout and four-layer PCB thickness of DC2404A for low EMI applications.

The LT3942 can operate as a constant current LED driver as well as a constant voltage regulator. Small changes to the circuit allow for constant output voltage regulation.

The LT3942 data sheet gives a complete description of the part, operation, and applications information. The data sheet must be read in conjunction with this demo manual for demonstration circuit 2404A. The LT3942EUFD is assembled in a 28-lead plastic QFN (UFD) package with a thermally enhanced exposed ground pad. Proper board layout is essential for maximum thermal performance. See the data sheet section Layout Considerations.

Resources

Documentation & Resources

Data Sheets

LT3942: 36V, 2A Synchronous Buck-Boost Converter and LED Driver Data Sheet (Rev. B)
10/14/2019

PDF

2 M

Reliability Data

R580 Reliability Data
4/17/2019

PDF

151 K

User Guides

DC3103A - Demo Manual (Rev. 0)
6/14/2021

PDF

541 K
DC2404A - Demo Manual (Rev. 0)
2/27/2020

PDF

416 K

Technical Articles

Automotive LED Driver Power Conversion Topology Guide
6/1/2022 Analog Dialogue
PCB Space-Constraint Woes Eliminated by 2 MHz, Monolithic, Buck-Boost DC-to-DC Converter and LED Driver
11/1/2019

Tools & Simulations

LTspice

LTspice® is a powerful, fast and free simulation software, schematic capture and waveform viewer with enhancements and models for improving the simulation of analog circuits.

To launch ready-to-run LTspice demonstration circuits for this part:

Step 1: Download and install LTspice on your computer.

Step 2: Click on the link in the section below to download a demonstration circuit.

Step 3: If LTspice does not automatically open after clicking the link below, you can instead run the simulation by right clicking on the link and selecting “Save Target As.” After saving the file to your computer, start LTspice and open the demonstration circuit by selecting ‘Open’ from the ‘File’ menu.

LTspice downloads and documentation

LTspice Simulations

LT3942 - 5A LED Flash. 2MHz Buck-Boost Cap Charger w/ 1A Input Current Limit + Low-Side Current Sink. 30Hz PWM Frequency - 1ms PWM Pulse Width.

LT3942 Demo Circuit- 93% Efficient 13W Buck-Boost LED Driver (8-36V to 13V LED @ 1A)

Models for the following parts are available in LTspice:

LT3942

LTpowerCAD

LTpowerCAD^® is a power supply design program which selects power stage components, provides detailed power efficiency, shows quick loop Bode plot stability and load transient analysis, and can export to LTspice for simulation.

LTpowerCAD download and documentation

Design tools for the following parts are available in LTpowerCAD:

LT3942

Design Resources

ADI has always placed the highest emphasis on delivering products that meet the maximum levels of quality and reliability. We achieve this by incorporating quality and reliability checks in every scope of product and process design, and in the manufacturing process as well. "Zero defects" for shipped products is always our goal.View our quality and reliability program and certifications for more information.

Part Number	Material Declaration	Reliability Data	Pin/Package Drawing	CAD Symbols, Footprints & 3D Models
LT3942EUFD#PBF	Material Declaration	Reliability Data	28-Lead QFN (4mm x 5mm x 0.75mm w/ EP)	Ultra Librarian SamacSys
LT3942EUFD#TRPBF	Material Declaration	Reliability Data	28-Lead QFN (4mm x 5mm x 0.75mm w/ EP)	Ultra Librarian SamacSys
LT3942HUFD#PBF	Material Declaration	Reliability Data	28-Lead QFN (4mm x 5mm x 0.75mm w/ EP)	Ultra Librarian SamacSys
LT3942HUFD#TRPBF	Material Declaration	Reliability Data	28-Lead QFN (4mm x 5mm x 0.75mm w/ EP)	Ultra Librarian SamacSys
LT3942JUFD#PBF	Material Declaration	Reliability Data	28-Lead QFN (4mm x 5mm x 0.75mm w/ EP)	Ultra Librarian SamacSys
LT3942JUFD#TRPBF	Material Declaration	Reliability Data	28-Lead QFN (4mm x 5mm x 0.75mm w/ EP)	Ultra Librarian SamacSys
LT3942JUFDM#WPBF	Material Declaration	Reliability Data	28-Lead QFN (4mm x 5mm x 0.75mm w/ EP)	Ultra Librarian SamacSys
LT3942JUFDM#WTRPBF	Material Declaration	Reliability Data	28-Lead QFN (4mm x 5mm, Plastic Side Wettable)	Ultra Librarian SamacSys
Wafer Fabrication Data		R580 Reliability Data

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Support & Discussions

LT3942 Discussions

RE: LT3942 - LED with Vf < 3V and PWM

RE: LT3942 LTSPICE model

All LT3942 Discussions

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Pricing displayed is based on 1-piece. The USA list pricing shown is for budgetary use only, shown in United States dollars (FOB USA per unit), and is subject to change. International prices may vary due to local duties, taxes, fees and exchange rates.