42V synchronous step down dc/dc converter delivers 96% efficiency

Targeting industrial and automotive applications, Linear Technology has launched a 2.5A synchronous step down switching regulator that it claims can achieve 96% efficiency.

The LT8610 is 3.4 to 42V input capable and has internal 3.5A switches that deliver up to 2.5A of continuous output current to voltages as low as 0.97V. The Burst Mode operation also keeps quiescent current under 2.5µA, making it well suited for 'always on' systems which need to extend operating battery life. Maintaining a minimum dropout voltage of 200mV (at 1A) under all conditions, the LT8610 is said to excel in scenarios such as automotive cold crank. A fast minimum on time of 50ns enables 2MHz constant frequency switching from a 16V input to a 1.8V output, allowing designers to optimise efficiency while avoiding critical noise sensitive frequency bands. The LT8610's 16 lead thermally enhanced MSOP package and high switching frequency keeps external inductors and capacitors small, providing a compact, thermally efficient footprint. The LT8610 comes in a thermally enhanced MSOP-16 package and is available in automotive and industrial temperature versions.