Introduction

Linear Technology’s new LTC3252 switched capacitor step-down DC/DC converter squeezes dual adjustable outputs into a space saving 3mm by 4mm DFN package. Each output is programmable within a range of 0.9V to 1.6V, is capable of 250mA of current, and operates from a single 2.7V to 5.5V supply. To keep the converter footprint small, the LTC3252 operates at high frequency, allowing the use of tiny low cost ceramic capacitors—no inductors are required.

Improve Efficiency and Save Space

The 2-to-1 switched capacitor fractional conversion architecture of the LTC3252 is twice as efficient as a linear regulator, which translates to battery run times that are double that of an LDO. Five tiny ceramic capacitors and four surface mount resistors are all that are required for operation.

Reduce Noise

The LTC3252 employs a unique spread spectrum architecture that continually switches, which not only provides a low input and output noise, but also significantly reduces EMI (Electro-Magnetic Interference). Regulation is achieved by sensing the output voltage and regulating the amount of charge transferred per cycle. This method of regulation provides much lower input and output ripple than that of conventional switched capacitor charge pumps. The spread spectrum feature of the LTC3252 randomly modulates the charge transfer rate between 1.0 MHz and 1.6MHz on a cycle-by-cycle basis. Modulating the frequency in this manner virtually eliminates high frequency harmonic EMI that can be conducted into other circuits.

Increase Battery Run Time

The LTC3252 also features Burst Mode^® operation, which allows the LTC3252 to achieve high efficiency even with lightly loaded outputs. While in Burst Mode operation the LTC3252 delivers a minimum amount of charge for a few cycles then goes into a low current state until the output drops enough to require another burst of charge. A current sense circuit is used to detect when the required output current of both outputs drops below about 30mA. When this occurs, the oscillator shuts down and the part goes into a low current operating state. The LTC3252 remains in the low current operating state until either output has dropped enough to require another burst of current. The current transferred to the output is limited by internal circuitry, thus providing a nearly fixed output ripple of about 12mV_P–P. The unloaded operating current of the part is just 35μA with one output enabled and 60μA with both outputs enabled.

Circuit Protection Features

The LTC3252 has built-in short-circuit current limiting as well as over temperature protection. During a short-circuit condition the part automatically limits the output current to approximately 500mA. The LTC3252 shuts down and stops all charge transfer when the IC temperature exceeds approximately 160°C. Under normal operating conditions, the part should not go into thermal shutdown but the function is included to protect the IC from excessively high ambient temperatures, or from excessive power dissipation inside the IC (i.e., over-current or short circuit). The charge transfer reactivates once the junction temperature drops back to approximately 150°C. The LTC3252 can cycle in and out of thermal shutdown, without latch-up or damage, until the fault condition is removed.

The EN1 and EN2 pins are used to individually enable OUT1 and OUT2 respectively. When both EN pins are low the outputs become high impedance and all control circuitry is disabled leaving only a few nanoamps of supply current. The LTC3252 includes a soft-start feature that limits the inrush currents required to charge the output capacitor when an output is enabled, thereby minimizing input supply transients caused by the power on phase of the IC. The soft-start is implemented whenever an output is brought out of shutdown.

Conclusion

The LTC3252 is well suited for medium to low power step-down applications requiring multiple low noise outputs in a small footprint. It is an especially good match for single cell Li-Ion and multi-cell NiMH/NiCd battery powered applications and where EMI is a concern.