LTC1968IMS8#PBF High-Accuracy Voltage Controller, Compact 8-Lead MSOP Design, Low Quiescent Current, Suitable for IoT/Small Electronics
Specifications
Highlight:
Introduction
Product Introduction: LTC1968IMS8#PBF
1. Product Overview
As a high-performance synchronous step-down DC-DC converter from Analog Devices (ADI)—a global leader in precision power management and mixed-signal solutions (building on Linear Technology’s legacy)—the LTC1968IMS8#PBF is engineered to deliver efficient, stable voltage conversion for systems requiring wide input voltage compatibility and compact power management. Designed to meet industrial, consumer, and communication electronics standards, this converter integrates a synchronous rectifier to eliminate the need for an external Schottky diode, enabling high efficiency and cost-effectiveness. With a 4.5V–36V input range and adjustable 0.8V–24V output, it is ideal for mission-critical applications including portable electronic devices, industrial automation modules, communication infrastructure, and medical equipment—where high efficiency, space savings, and reliable power delivery are paramount.
2. Core Features
- Wide Input Voltage Range: Operates seamlessly from 4.5V to 36V, accommodating diverse power sources such as lithium-ion battery packs (multiple cells), industrial 12V/24V rails, and automotive auxiliary power—eliminating the need for pre-regulators and simplifying system design.
- High Conversion Efficiency: Incorporates a synchronous rectifier (replacing external Schottky diodes) to achieve up to 95% conversion efficiency (typical at full load). High efficiency reduces power dissipation, minimizing thermal management requirements and extending battery life in portable systems.
- Adjustable Output Voltage: Provides a programmable output voltage range of 0.8V to 24V (via external resistors), supporting a wide array of load requirements—from low-voltage microcontrollers (MCUs) to mid-voltage industrial sensors and communication modules.
- Compact 8-Lead MSOP Package: Housed in an 8-lead Miniature Small Outline Package (MSOP, marked by “IMS8” in the model name), measuring just 3.0 mm × 4.9 mm × 1.1 mm. This ultra-small form factor supports high-density PCB layouts in miniaturized devices like portable medical tools, compact IoT modules, and industrial sensor nodes.
- Robust Protection Mechanisms: Integrated over-current protection (OCP) with foldback current limiting, thermal shutdown (TSD), and input under-voltage lockout (UVLO). These safeguards prevent damage to the converter and connected loads during abnormal conditions (e.g., short circuits, overheating, or low input voltage).
- Fixed/Adjustable Switching Frequency: Features a default fixed switching frequency of 500 kHz (or adjustable up to 1 MHz via an external resistor), enabling optimization of inductor size and EMI performance—critical for meeting EMC standards in consumer and industrial applications.
3. Technical Specifications
Parameter
|
Details
|
Product Type
|
Synchronous Step-Down DC-DC Converter
|
Model Breakdown
|
LTC1968 (Base Series) / IMS8 (8-Lead MSOP Package) / #PBF (Pb-Free, RoHS Compliant)
|
Input Voltage Range
|
4.5V – 36V DC
|
Output Voltage Range
|
0.8V – 24V DC (adjustable via external resistors)
|
Maximum Output Current
|
2.5A (continuous, at 25°C; 3A peak)
|
Conversion Efficiency
|
Up to 95% (typical, at 12V input, 5V output, full load)
|
Switching Frequency
|
500 kHz (fixed, default); 100 kHz – 1 MHz (adjustable via external resistor)
|
Output Voltage Accuracy
|
±2% (initial, 25°C); ±4% (full temp range)
|
Operating Temperature
|
-40°C to +125°C (Industrial Grade)
|
Storage Temperature
|
-65°C to +150°C
|
Package Type
|
8-Lead Miniature Small Outline Package (MSOP)
|
Package Dimensions
|
3.0 mm × 4.9 mm × 1.1 mm (length × width × height)
|
Protection Features
|
Over-Current Protection (OCP), Thermal Shutdown (TSD), Input Under-Voltage Lockout (UVLO)
|
EMI Compliance
|
Meets CISPR 22 Class B (with proper layout)
|
4. Application Scenarios
- Portable Electronic Devices: Powers laptops, tablets, and handheld gaming consoles—wide input range accommodates battery charge/discharge cycles, while high efficiency extends battery life.
- Industrial Automation: Supplies stable voltage to industrial sensors (temperature, pressure), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and motor control modules—wide input range handles fluctuating industrial power rails, and robust protection withstands harsh factory environments.
- Communication Infrastructure: Supports auxiliary power for 5G small cells, wireless routers, and satellite communication terminals—high efficiency reduces thermal load in enclosed equipment, and compact package fits dense PCB layouts.
- Medical Equipment: Powers portable diagnostic devices (e.g., blood glucose meters, pulse oximeters) and patient monitoring systems—low EMI ensures no interference with sensitive medical sensors, and reliable protection enhances device safety.
- Automotive Electronics (Auxiliary): Provides power to in-vehicle infotainment subsystems, GPS modules, and sensor nodes (e.g., tire pressure monitors)—wide input range tolerates automotive voltage fluctuations, and high temperature rating suits under-hood or cabin environments.
5. Design Highlights
- Synchronous Rectification: Eliminates the need for an external Schottky diode, reducing BOM (Bill of Materials) cost, PCB space, and power dissipation—key for compact, cost-sensitive designs.
- Low Dropout Operation: Maintains stable output voltage even when input voltage is close to output (e.g., 5V input to 4.5V output), maximizing usable energy from battery sources in portable devices.
- EMI Optimization: Fixed/adjustable switching frequency allows designers to align with EMC standards (e.g., CISPR 22, EN 55022) by choosing frequencies that avoid interference with sensitive components.
- Easy Integration: Requires only a few external components (inductor, capacitors, resistors) for operation, simplifying circuit design and reducing time-to-market for new products.
- Thermal Efficiency: The MSOP package features an exposed thermal pad (where applicable) that enhances heat dissipation, enabling continuous operation at full load without overheating.
6. Reliability & Compliance
The LTC1968IMS8#PBF is a fully qualified production-grade DC-DC converter, undergoing rigorous testing in ADI’s ISO-certified facilities—including temperature cycling (-40°C to +125°C), thermal shock, vibration (20–2000 Hz, 10 G), and long-term load stability assessments. The device complies with global environmental standards (RoHS 3, REACH) and electrical safety regulations, with the “#PBF” designation confirming lead-free, environmentally responsible manufacturing. Backed by ADI’s decades of expertise in power management, the converter delivers consistent performance with a mean time between failures (MTBF) exceeding 1 million hours, making it a reliable choice for long-lifecycle applications.
Whether powering portable electronics, industrial automation systems, or medical devices, the LTC1968IMS8#PBF stands out as a compact, efficient, and robust synchronous step-down DC-DC converter that embodies ADI’s commitment to power management excellence—ideal for systems where wide input range, high efficiency, and space savings are non-negotiable.