LINER LTC3633 Dual channel 3a, 15v monolithic synchronous step-down regulator Datasheet

LTC3633
Dual Channel 3A, 15V
Monolithic Synchronous
Step-Down Regulator
DESCRIPTION
FEATURES
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3.6V to 15V Input Voltage Range
3A Output Current per Channel
Up to 95% Efficiency
Low Duty Cycle Operation: 5% at 2.25MHz
Selectable 0°/180° Phase Shift Between Channels
Adjustable Switching Frequency: 500kHz to 4MHz
External Frequency Synchronization
Current Mode Operation for Excellent Line and
Load Transient Response
0.6V Reference Allows Low Output Voltages
User Selectable Burst Mode® Operation or Forced
Continuous Operation
Output Voltage Tracking and Soft-Start Capability
Short-Circuit Protected
Overvoltage Input and Overtemperature Protection
Low Power 2.5V Linear Regulator Output
Power Good Status Outputs
Available in (4mm × 5mm) QFN-28 and 28-Lead
TSSOP Packages
The LTC®3633 is a high efficiency, dual-channel monolithic
synchronous buck regulator using a controlled on-time,
current mode architecture, with phase lockable switching
frequency. The two channels can run 180° out of phase,
which relaxes the requirements for input and output capacitance. The operating supply voltage range is from 3.6V
to 15V, making it suitable for dual cell lithium-ion batteries
as well as point of load power supply applications from
a 12V or 5V supply.
The operating frequency is programmable and synchronizable from 500kHz to 4MHz with an external resistor. The
high frequency capability allows the use of small surface
mount inductors and capacitors. The unique constant
frequency/controlled on-time architecture is ideal for high
step-down ratio applications that operate at high frequency
while demanding fast transient response. An internal phase
lock loop servos the on-time of the internal one-shot timer
to match the frequency of the internal clock or an applied
external clock.
APPLICATIONS
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The LTC3633 can select between forced continuous mode
and high efficiency Burst Mode operation.
Distributed Power Systems
Battery Powered Instruments
Point of Load Power Supplies
L, LT, LTC, LTM, Burst Mode, Linear Technology and the Linear logo are registered trademarks
of Linear Technology Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective
owners. Protected by U.S. Patents including 5481178, 5847554, 6580258, 6304066, 6476589,
6774611.
TYPICAL APPLICATION
Efficiency vs Load Current
VIN
12V
RUN1
VIN2
VIN1
RUN2
LTC3633
VOUT2
5V AT 3A
22µF
1.5µH
ITH1
ITH2
0.1µF
VON2
VFB2
80
BOOST1
0.1µF
10k
2.2µF
SGND PGND
SW1
VON1
VFB1
10k
1µH
45.3k
100
Burst Mode
OPERATION
90
RT
MODE/SYNC
PHMODE
V2P5
TRACKSS1
PGOOD1
SW2
73.2k
INTVCC
10
70
60
1
50
40
0.1
30
20
VOUT1
3.3V AT 3A
22µF
0.01
10
0
POWER LOSS (W)
TRACKSS2
PGOOD2
BOOST2
100
EFFICIENCY (%)
47µF
x2
VIN = 12V
1
10
VOUT = 5V
VOUT = 3.3V
1000
100
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
0.001
10000
3633 TA01b
3633 TA01a
3633fd
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3633
1
LTC3633
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
(Note 1)
VIN1, VIN2.................................................... –0.3V to 16V
VIN1, VIN2 Transient....................................................18V
PGOOD1, PGOOD2, VON1, VON2................... –0.3V to 16V
BOOST1, BOOST2.....................................–0.3V to 19.6V
BOOST1-SW1, BOOST2-SW2..................... –0.3V to 3.6V
V2P5, INTVCC, TRACKSS1, TRACKSS2....... –0.3V to 3.6V
ITH1, ITH2, RT, MODE/SYNC.........–0.3V to INTVCC + 0.3V
VFB1, VFB2, PHMODE....................–0.3V to INTVCC + 0.3V
RUN1, RUN2..................................... –0.3V to VIN + 0.3V
Operating Junction Temperature Range
(Notes 2, 3)............................................. –40°C to 125°C
Storage Temperature Range................... –65°C to 125°C
PIN CONFIGURATION
TOP VIEW
28 27 26 25 24 23
3
26 SW1
4
25 VIN1
24 VIN1
SW1
27 SW1
VFB1
VON1
28 VON1
2
ITH1
1
TRACKSS1
VFB1
ITH1
SW1
TRACKSS1
TOP VIEW
PGOOD1 1
22 VIN1
PGOOD1
PHMODE 2
21 VIN1
PHMODE
5
RUN1
6
MODE/SYNC
7
RT
8
9
RUN1 3
20 BOOST1
MODE/SYNC 4
19 INTVCC
29
PGND
RT 5
18 V2P5
23 BOOST1
29
PGND
22 INTVCC
21 V2P5
RUN2 6
17 BOOST2
RUN2
SGND 7
16 VIN2
SGND 10
PGOOD2 8
15 VIN2
19 VIN2
PGOOD2 11
18 VIN2
VFB2 12
17 SW2
TRACKSS2 13
16 SW2
ITH2 14
15 VON2
SW2
SW2
VON2
ITH2
VFB2
TRACKSS2
9 10 11 12 13 14
20 BOOST2
UFD PACKAGE
28-LEAD (4mm × 5mm) PLASTIC QFN
FE PACKAGE
28-LEAD PLASTIC TSSOP
TJMAX = 125°C, θJA = 43°C/W
EXPOSED PAD (PIN 29) IS PGND, MUST BE SOLDERED TO PCB
TJMAX = 125°C, θJA = 25°C/W
EXPOSED PAD (PIN 29) IS PGND, MUST BE SOLDERED TO PCB
ORDER INFORMATION
LEAD FREE FINISH
TAPE AND REEL
PART MARKING*
PACKAGE DESCRIPTION
TEMPERATURE RANGE
LTC3633EUFD#PBF
LTC3633EUFD#TRPBF
3633
28-Lead (4mm × 5mm) Plastic QFN
–40°C to 125°C
LTC3633IUFD#PBF
LTC3633IUFD#TRPBF
3633
28-Lead (4mm × 5mm) Plastic QFN
–40°C to 125°C
LTC3633EFE#PBF
LTC3633EFE#TRPBF
LTC3633FE
28-Lead Plastic TSSOP
–40°C to 125°C
LTC3633IFE#PBF
LTC3633IFE#TRPBF
LTC3633FE
28-Lead Plastic TSSOP
–40°C to 125°C
Consult LTC Marketing for parts specified with wider operating temperature ranges. *The temperature grade is identified by a label on the shipping container.
Consult LTC Marketing for information on non-standard lead based finish parts.
For more information on lead free part marking, go to: http://www.linear.com/leadfree/
For more information on tape and reel specifications, go to: http://www.linear.com/tapeandreel/
3633fd
2
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3633
LTC3633
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The l denotes the specifications which apply over the full operating junction
temperature range, otherwise specifications are at TJ = 25°C (Note 2). VIN1 = VIN2 = 12V, unless otherwise noted.
SYMBOL
PARAMETER
VIN
Supply Range
IQ
Input DC Supply Current (VIN1 + VIN2)
Both Channels Active (Note 4)
Sleep Current
Shutdown
VFB
Feedback Reference Voltage
CONDITIONS
MIN
l
TYP
3.6
MODE = 0V
MODE = INTVCC, VFB1, VFB2 > 0.6
RUN1 = RUN2 = 0V
MAX
15
1.3
500
13
l
0.594
0.6
UNITS
V
mA
µA
µA
0.606
V
∆VLINE_REG
Reference Voltage Line Regulation
VIN = 3.6V to 15V
0.02
%/V
∆VLOAD_REG
Output Voltage Load Regulation
ITH = 0.8V to 1.6V
0.05
%
IFB
Feedback Pin Input Current
gm(EA)
Error Amplifier Transconductance
ITH = 1.2V
1.8
mS
tON
Minimum On Time
VON = 1V, VIN = 4V
20
ns
tOFF
Minimum Off Time
VIN = 6V
fOSC
Oscillator Frequency
VRT = INTVCC
RT = 160k
RT = 80k
ILIM
Positive Valley Switch Current Limit
Negative Valley Switch Current Limit
–2
A
RDS(ON)
Top Switch On-Resistance
Bottom Switch On-Resistance
130
65
mΩ
mΩ
ISW(LKG)
Switch Leakage Current
VIN = 15V, VRUN = 0V
VVIN-OV
VIN Overvoltage Lockout Threshold
VIN Rising
VIN Falling
INTVCC Voltage
3.6V < VIN < 15V, 0mA Load
INTVCC Load Regulation
0mA to 50mA Load, VIN = 4V to 15V
±30
RUN Threshold Rising
RUN Threshold Falling
RUN Leakage Current
VIN = 15V
V2P5 Voltage
ILOAD = 0mA to 10mA
PGOOD Good-to-Bad Threshold
VFB Rising
VFB Falling
PGOOD Bad-to-Good Threshold
VFB Rising
VFB Falling
RPGOOD
PGOOD Pull-Down Resistance
10mA Load
tPGOOD
Power Good Filter Time
tSS
Internal Soft-Start Time
10% to 90% Rise Time
VFB During Tracking
TRACKSS = 0.3V
40
60
ns
1.4
1.7
3.4
2
2
4
2.6
2.3
4.6
MHz
MHz
MHz
2.6
3.5
4.5
A
0.01
±1
µA
16.8
15.8
17.5
16.5
18
17
V
V
3.1
3.3
3.5
V
1.18
0.98
1.22
1.01
1.26
1.04
V
V
0
±3
µA
2.5
2.54
V
8
–8
10
–10
%
%
0.7
l
l
l
2.46
%
–3
3
–5
5
15
Ω
20
40
µs
0.28
ITRACKSS
TRACKSS Pull-Up Current
VPHMODE
PHMODE Threshold Voltage
PHMODE VIH
PHMODE VIL
1
VMODE/SYNC
MODE/SYNC Threshold Voltage
MODE VIH
MODE VIL
1
SYNC Threshold Voltage
SYNC VIH
0.95
MODE/SYNC Input Current
MODE = 0V
MODE = INTVCC
IMODE
nA
%
%
400
700
0.3
0.315
1.4
µs
V
µA
0.3
V
V
0.4
V
V
V
1.5
–1.5
µA
µA
3633fd
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3633
3
LTC3633
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Note 1: Stresses beyond those listed under Absolute Maximum Ratings
may cause permanent damage to the device. Exposure to any Absolute
Maximum Rating condition for extended periods may affect device
reliability and lifetime.
Note 2: The LTC3633 is tested under pulsed load conditions such that
TJ ≈ TA. The LTC3633E is guaranteed to meet performance specifications
from 0°C to 85°C junction temperature. Specifications over the
–40°C to 125°C operating junction temperature range are assured by
design, characterization and correlation with statistical process controls.
The LTC3633I is guaranteed over the full –40°C to 125°C operating
junction temperature range. Note that the maximum ambient temperature
consistent with these specifications is determined by specific operating
conditions in conjunction with board layout, the rated package thermal
impedance and other environmental factors. The junction temperature
(TJ, in °C) is calculated from the ambient temperature (TA, in °C) and
power dissipation (PD, in watts) according to the formula:
TJ = TA + (PD • θJA), where θJA (in °C/W) is the package thermal
impedance.
Note 3: This IC includes overtemperature protection that is intended
to protect the device during momentary overload conditions. Junction
temperature will exceed 125°C when overtemperature protection is active.
Continuous operation above the specified maximum operating junction
temperature may impair device reliability.
Note 4: Dynamic supply current is higher due to the internal gate charge
being delivered at the switching frequency.
3633fd
4
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3633
LTC3633
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
otherwise noted.
Efficiency vs Load Current
Forced Continuous Mode
Operation
Efficiency vs Load Current
Burst Mode Operation
100
90
Efficiency vs Load Current
100
VOUT = 1.8V
80
70
70
50
40
30
20
0
10
1
1000
100
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
60
50
40
30
20
VIN = 4V
VIN = 8V
VIN = 12V
10
EFFICIENCY (%)
80
70
60
0
10
1
1000
100
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
100
VOUT = 5V
VOUT = 3.3V
10
1
1000
100
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
10000
3633 G03
Reference Voltage
vs Temperature
0.605
VOUT = 1.8V
0.603
60
50
40
30
0.1
1
10
1000
100
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
80
75
70
VIN = 4V
VIN = 8V
VIN = 12V
VIN = 15V
10
85
VFB (V)
EFFICIENCY (%)
EFFICIENCY (%)
0
90
70
20
ILOAD = 10mA
ILOAD = 100mA
ILOAD = 1A
ILOAD = 3A
65
60
10000
4
6
10
12
8
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
0.599
0.597
14
16
0.595
–50 –25
2.6
8
0.4
0.0
RT = INTVCC
2.4
6
4
FREQUENCY (MHz)
FREQUENCY VARIATION (%)
0.8
25 50 75 100 125 150
TEMPERATURE (°C)
Oscillator Internal Set Frequency
vs Temperature
10
Burst Mode OPERATION
FORCED CONTINUOUS
1.2
0
3633 G06
Oscillator Frequency
vs Temperature
Load Regulation
1.6
0.601
3633 G05
3633 G04
∆VOUT/VOUT (%)
30
95
80
0
40
Efficiency vs Input Voltage
Burst Mode Operation
VOUT = 1.2V
90
50
3633 G02
Efficiency vs Load Current
100
60
10
10000
3633 G01
FORCED
CONTINUOUS
OPERATION
20
VIN = 4V
VIN = 8V
VIN = 12V
10
10000
Burst Mode
OPERATION
90
80
EFFICIENCY (%)
EFFICIENCY (%)
100
VOUT = 1.8V
90
TJ = 25°C, VIN = 12V, fSW = 1MHz, L = 1µH unless
2
0
–2
–4
–6
2.2
2.0
1.8
1.6
–8
–0.4
0
0.5
1
1.5
ILOAD (A)
2
2.5
3
3633 G07
–10
–50
–25
0
50
75
25
TEMPERATURE (°C)
100
125
3633 G08
1.4
–50
–25
0
50
75
25
TEMPERATURE (°C)
100
125
3633 G09
3633fd
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3633
5
LTC3633
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
TJ = 25°C, VIN = 12V, fSW = 1MHz, L = 1µH unless
otherwise noted.
Internal MOSFET RDS(ON)
vs Temperature
800
160
TOP SWITCH
600
100
500
80
BOTTOM SWITCH
20
100
–25
0
50
75
25
TEMPERATURE (°C)
100
14
300
200
0
–50
16
400
40
0
125
4
TA = 90°C
TA = 25°C
TA = –40°C
4
6
8
10
VIN (V)
2
12
0
16
0
25
50
75
TEMPERATURE (°C)
100
125
12
14
16
1.6
3.6
1.4
1.2
1.0
3.4
1000
10
VIN (V)
1.8
3.5
2000
8
2.0
ITRACK (µA)
3000
6
Track Pull-Up Current
vs Temperature
3.7
4000
4
3633 G12
3.8
ILIM (A)
LEAKAGE CURRENT (nA)
14
3.9
5000
–25
8
Valley Current Limit
vs Temperature
2.494
MAIN SWITCH
SYNCHRONOUS SWITCH
0
–50
10
3633 G11
Switch Leakage vs Temperature
6000
12
6
3633 G10
7000
Shutdown Current vs VIN
18
IQ (µA)
120
60
20
700
IQ (µA)
RDS(ON) (mΩ)
140
Quiescent Current vs VIN
Burst Mode Operation
0.8
3.3
–50 –25
0
25
75
50
TEMPERATURE (°C)
3633 G13
100
125
0.6
–50 –25
50
25
75
0
TEMPERATURE (°C)
125
3633 G15
3633 G14
V2P5 Load Regulation
100
Burst Mode Operation
Load Step
V2P5(V)
2.506
2.504
SW
10V/DIV
2.502
VOUT
50mV/DIV
VOUT
AC-COUPLED
100mV/DIV
2.500
IL
2A/DIV
IL
1A/DIV
2.498
2.496
2.494
5µs/DIV
0
2
4
6
ILOAD (mA)
8
10
3633 G17
VOUT = 1.8V
ILOAD = 100mA
20µs/DIV
VOUT = 1.8V
ILOAD = 100mA to 3A
CITH = 220pF
RITH = 13kΩ
3633 G18
3633 G16
3633fd
6
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3633
LTC3633
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
otherwise noted.
Load Step (Internal Compensation)
VOUT
AC-COUPLED
100mV/DIV
IL
2A/DIV
RUN
2V/DIV
RUN
2V/DIV
VOUT
1V/DIV
VOUT
1V/DIV
IL
2A/DIV
IL
1A/DIV
CSS = 4.7nF
ILOAD = 150mA
3633 G20
400µs/DIV
3633 G21
Start-Up into Prebiased Output
(Forced Continuous Mode)
RUN
2V/DIV
RUN
2V/DIV
VOUT 1.8V
1V/DIV
VOUT 1.8V
1V/DIV
IL
1A/DIV
IL
2A/DIV
200µs/DIV
400µs/DIV
CSS = 4.7nF
ILOAD = 150mA
Start-Up into Prebiased Output
(Burst Mode Operation)
ILOAD = 0mA
Start-Up (Forced Continuous Mode)
Start-Up (Burst Mode Operation)
3633 G19
20µs/DIV
VOUT = 1.8V
ILOAD = 100mA to 3A
ITH = INTVCC
TJ = 25°C, VIN = 12V, fSW = 1MHz, L = 1µH unless
3633 G22
ILOAD = 0mA
1ms/DIV
3633 G22
3633fd
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3633
7
LTC3633
PIN FUNCTIONS
(QFN/TSSOP)
PGOOD1 (Pin 1/Pin 4): Channel 1 Open-Drain Power
Good Output Pin. PGOOD1 is pulled to ground when the
voltage on the VFB1 pin is not within ±8% (typical) of the
internal 0.6V reference. PGOOD1 becomes high impedance once the VFB1 pin returns to within ±5% (typical) of
the internal reference.
PHMODE (Pin 2/Pin 5): Phase Select Input. Tie this pin
to ground to force both channels to switch in phase. Tie
this pin to INTVCC to force both channels to switch 180°
out of phase. Do not float this pin.
RUN1 (Pin 3/Pin 6): Channel 1 Regulator Enable Pin.
Enables channel 1 operation by tying RUN1 above 1.22V.
Tying it below 1V places channel 1 into shutdown. Do not
float this pin.
MODE/SYNC (Pin 4/Pin 7): Mode Select and External
Synchronization Input. Tie this pin to ground to force
continuous synchronous operation at all output loads.
Floating this pin or tying it to INTVCC enables high efficiency
Burst Mode operation at light loads. Drive this pin with a
clock to synchronize the LTC3633 switching. An internal
phase-locked loop will force the bottom power NMOS’s
turn on signal to be synchronized with the rising edge of
the CLKIN signal. When this pin is driven with a clock,
forced continuous mode is automatically selected.
RT (Pin 5/Pin 8): Oscillator Frequency Program Pin.
Connect an external resistor (between 80k to 640k) from
this pin to SGND in order to program the frequency from
500kHz to 4MHz. When RT is tied to INTVCC, the switching
frequency will default to 2MHz.
RUN2 (Pin 6/Pin 9): Channel 2 Regulator Enable Pin.
Enables channel 2 operation by tying RUN2 above 1.22V.
Tying it below 1V places channel 2 into shutdown. Do not
float this pin.
SGND (Pin 7/Pin 10): Signal Ground Pin. This pin should
have a low noise connection to reference ground. The
feedback resistor network, external compensation network,
and RT resistor should be connected to this ground.
PGOOD2 (Pin 8/Pin 11): Channel 2 Open-Drain Power
Good Output Pin. PGOOD2 is pulled to ground when the
voltage on the VFB2 pin is not within ±8% (typical) of the
internal 0.6V reference. PGOOD2 becomes high imped-
ance once the VFB2 pin returns to within ±5% (typical) of
the internal reference.
VFB2 (Pin 9/Pin 12): Channel 2 Output Feedback Voltage
Pin. Input to the error amplifier that compares the feedback
voltage to the internal 0.6V reference voltage. Connect this
pin to a resistor divider network to program the desired
output voltage.
TRACKSS2 (Pin 10/Pin 13): Output Tracking and Soft-Start
Input Pin for Channel 2. Forcing a voltage below 0.6V on
this pin bypasses the internal reference input to the error
amplifier. The LTC3633 will servo the FB pin to the TRACK
voltage under this condition. Above 0.6V, the tracking function stops and the internal reference resumes control of
the error amplifier. An internal 1.4µA pull up current from
INTVCC allows a soft start function to be implemented by
connecting a capacitor between this pin and SGND.
ITH2 (Pin 11/Pin 14): Channel 2 Error Amplifier Output
and Switching Regulator Compensation Pin. Connect this
pin to appropriate external components to compensate
the regulator loop frequency response. Connect this pin
to INTVCC to use the default internal compensation.
VON2 (Pin 12/Pin 15): On-Time Voltage Input for Channel 2. This pin sets the voltage trip point for the on-time
comparator. Tying this pin to the output voltage makes
the on-time proportional to VOUT2 when VOUT2 < 6V. When
VOUT2 > 6V, switching frequency may become higher than
the set frequency. The pin impedance is nominally 140kΩ.
SW2 (Pins 13, 14/Pins 16, 17): Channel 2 Switch Node
Connection to External Inductor. Voltage swing of SW is
from a diode voltage drop below ground to VIN.
VIN2 (Pins 15, 16/Pins 18, 19): Power Supply Input for
Channel 2. Input voltage to the on chip power MOSFETs
on channel 2. This input is capable of operating from a
different supply voltage than VIN1.
BOOST2 (Pin 17/Pin 20): Boosted Floating Driver Supply
for Channel 2. The (+) terminal of the bootstrap capacitor
connects to this pin while the (–) terminal connects to
the SW pin. The normal operation voltage swing of this
pin ranges from a diode voltage drop below INTVCC up
to VIN+INTVCC.
3633fd
8
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3633
LTC3633
PIN FUNCTIONS
(QFN/TSSOP)
V2P5 (Pin 18/Pin 21): 2.5V Regulator Output. Outputs a
regulated 2.5V supply voltage capable of supplying 10mA.
Bypass this pin with a minimum of 1µF low ESR ceramic
capacitor. Tie this pin to INTVCC when this output is not
being used in the application.
INTVCC (Pin 19/Pin 22): Internal 3.3V Regulator Output.
The internal power drivers and control circuits are powered
from this voltage. The internal regulator is disabled when
both channel 1 and channel 2 are disabled with the RUN1/
RUN2 inputs. Decouple this pin to power ground with a
minimum of 1µF low ESR ceramic capacitor.
BOOST1 (Pin 20/Pin 23): Boosted Floating Driver Supply
for Channel 1. The (+) terminal of the bootstrap capacitor
connects to this pin while the (–) terminal connects to
the SW pin. The normal operation voltage swing of this
pin ranges from a diode voltage drop below INTVCC up
to VIN + INTVCC.
VIN1 (Pins 21,22/Pins 24, 25): Power Supply Input for
Channel 1. Input voltage to the on chip power MOSFETs
on channel 1. The internal LDO for INTVCC is powered off
of this pin.
SW1 (Pins 23,24/Pins 26, 27): Channel 1 Switch Node
Connection to External Inductor. Voltage swing of SW is
from a diode voltage drop below ground to VIN.
VON1 (Pin 25/Pin 28): On-Time Voltage Input for Channel 1. This pin sets the voltage trip point for the on-time
comparator. Tying this pin to the regulated output voltage makes the on-time proportional to VOUT1 when
VOUT1 < 6V. When VOUT1 > 6V, switching frequency may
become higher than the set frequency. The pin impedance
is nominally 140kΩ.
ITH1 (Pin 26/Pin 1): Channel 1 Error Amplifier Output and
Switching Regulator Compensation Pin. Connect this pin
to appropriate external components to compensate the
regulator loop frequency response. Connect this pin to
INTVCC to use the default internal compensation.
TRACKSS1 (Pin 27/Pin 2): Output Tracking and Soft-Start
Input Pin for Channel 1. Forcing a voltage below 0.6V on
this pin bypasses the internal reference input to the error
amplifier. The LTC3633 will servo the FB pin to the TRACK
voltage. Above 0.6V, the tracking function stops and the
internal reference resumes control of the error amplifier.
An internal 1.4µA pull up current from INTVCC allows a
soft-start function to be implemented by connecting a
capacitor between this pin and SGND.
VFB1 (Pin 28/Pin 3): Channel 1 Output Feedback Voltage
Pin. Input to the error amplifier that compares the feedback
voltage to the internal 0.6V reference voltage. Connect this
pin to a resistor divider network to program the desired
output voltage.
PGND (Exposed Pad Pin 29/Exposed Pad Pin 29): Power
Ground Pin. The (–) terminal of the input bypass capacitor,
CIN, and the (–) terminal of the output capacitor, COUT,
should be tied to this pin with a low impedance connection. This pin must be soldered to the PCB to provide low
impedance electrical contact to power ground and good
thermal contact to the PCB.
3633fd
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3633
9
LTC3633
BLOCK DIAGRAM
CIN
RUN
VON
VIN
1.22V
140k
+
AV = 1
–
RUN
INTVCC
VIN
0.72V
ION
ION
CONTROLLER
OSC1
6V
V
tON = VON
IION
RUN
R
S Q
ON
BOOST
SWITCH
LOGIC
AND
ANTISHOOT
THROUGH
TG
M1
COUT
BG
ICMP
+
COMP
SELECT
M2
IREV
–
–
CBOOST
L1
SW
PGND
+
SENSE–
SENSE+
R2
ITH
FB
RC
IDEAL DIODES
CC1
R1
0.6V
REF
–
EA
–
+
0.648V
INTERNAL
SOFT-START
0V
PGOOD
+
INTVCC
1.4µA
–
TRACK
–
UV
TRACKSS
SS
+
0.552V
+
FC BURST
MODE
SELECT
CSS
0.48V AT START-UP
0.10V AFTER START-UP
CHANNEL 1
OSC1
RT
OSC
RRT
OSC
PLL-SYNC
MODE/SYNC
VIN1
PHMODE
PHASE
SELECT
INTVCC
3.3V
REG
CVCC
2.5V
REG
OSC2
V2P5
SGND
CHANNEL 2 (SAME AS CHANNEL 1)
3633 BD
3633fd
10
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LTC3633
OPERATION
The LTC3633 is a dual-channel, current mode monolithic
step down regulator capable of providing 3A of output
current from each channel. Its unique controlled on-time
architecture allows extremely low step-down ratios while
maintaining a constant switching frequency. Each channel
is enabled by raising the voltage on the RUN pin above
1.22V nominally.
Main Control Loop
In normal operation, the internal top power MOSFET is
turned on for a fixed interval determined by a fixed oneshot timer (“ON” signal in Block Diagram). When the top
power MOSFET turns off, the bottom power MOSFET turns
on until the current comparator ICMP trips, thus restarting
the one shot timer and initiating the next cycle. Inductor
current is measured by sensing the voltage drop across
the SW and PGND nodes of the bottom power MOSFET.
The voltage on the ITH pin sets the comparator threshold
corresponding to inductor valley current. The error amplifier EA adjusts this ITH voltage by comparing an internal
0.6V reference to the feedback signal VFB derived from the
output voltage. If the load current increases, it causes a
drop in the feedback voltage relative to the internal reference. The ITH voltage then rises until the average inductor
current matches that of the load current.
The operating frequency is determined by the value of the
RT resistor, which programs the current for the internal
oscillator. An internal phase-locked loop servos the switching regulator on-time to track the internal oscillator edge
and force a constant switching frequency. A clock signal
can be applied to the MODE/SYNC pin to synchronize the
switching frequency to an external source. The regulator
defaults to forced continuous operation once the clock
signal is applied.
At light load currents, the inductor current can drop to zero
and become negative. In Burst Mode operation, a current
reversal comparator (IREV) detects the negative inductor
current and shuts off the bottom power MOSFET, resulting in discontinuous operation and increased efficiency.
Both power MOSFETs will remain off until the ITH voltage
rises above the zero current level to initiate another cycle.
During this time, the output capacitor supplies the load
current and the part is placed into a low current sleep
mode. Discontinuous mode operation is disabled by tying
the MODE/SYNC pin to ground, which forces continuous
synchronous operation regardless of output load current.
“Power Good” Status Output
The PGOOD open-drain output will be pulled low if the
regulator output exits a ±8% window around the regulation
point. This condition is released once regulation within a
±5% window is achieved. To prevent unwanted PGOOD
glitches during transients or dynamic VOUT changes, the
LTC3633 PGOOD falling edge includes a filter time of approximately 40µs.
VIN Overvoltage Protection
In order to protect the internal power MOSFET devices
against transient voltage spikes, the LTC3633 constantly
monitors each VIN pin for an overvoltage condition. When
VIN rises above 17.5V, the regulator suspends operation
by shutting off both power MOSFETs on the corresponding channel. Once VIN drops below 16.5V, the regulator
immediately resumes normal operation. The regulator
does not execute its soft-start function when exiting an
overvoltage condition.
Out-Of-Phase Operation
Tying the PHMODE pin high sets the SW2 falling edge to
be 180° out of phase with the SW1 falling edge. There is
a significant advantage to running both channels out of
phase. When running the channels in phase, both top-side
MOSFETs are on simultaneously, causing large current
pulses to be drawn from the input capacitor and supply
at the same time.
When running the LTC3633 channels out of phase, the
large current pulses are interleaved, effectively reducing
the amount of time the pulses overlap. Thus, the total
RMS input current is decreased, which both relaxes the
capacitance requirements for the VIN bypass capacitors
and reduces the voltage noise on the supply line.
One potential disadvantage to this configuration occurs
when one channel is operating at 50% duty cycle. In this
situation, switching noise can potentially couple from one
channel to the other, resulting in frequency jitter on one
or both channels. This effect can be mitigated with a well
designed board layout.
3633fd
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11
LTC3633
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
A general LTC3633 application circuit is shown on the
first page of this data sheet. External component selection
is largely driven by the load requirement and switching
frequency. Component selection typically begins with the
selection of the inductor L and resistor RT. Once the inductor
is chosen, the input capacitor, CIN, and the output capacitor, COUT, can be selected. Next, the feedback resistors
are selected to set the desired output voltage. Finally, the
remaining optional external components can be selected
for functions such as external loop compensation, track/
soft-start, VIN UVLO, and PGOOD.
Programming Switching Frequency
Selection of the switching frequency is a trade-off between
efficiency and component size. High frequency operation
allows the use of smaller inductor and capacitor values.
Operation at lower frequencies improves efficiency by
reducing internal gate charge losses but requires larger
inductance values and/or capacitance to maintain low
output ripple voltage.
Connecting a resistor from the RT pin to SGND programs
the switching frequency (f) between 500kHz and 4MHz
according to the following formula:
3.2E11
RRT =
f
where RRT is in Ω and f is in Hz.
When RT is tied to INTVCC, the switching frequency will
default to approximately 2MHz, as set by an internal
6000
FREQUENCY (kHz)
Inductor Selection
For a given input and output voltage, the inductor value and
operating frequency determine the inductor ripple current.
More specifically, the inductor ripple current decreases
with higher inductor value or higher operating frequency
according to the following equation:
 V  V 
ΔIL =  OUT  1– OUT 
VIN 
 f • L 
Where ΔIL = inductor ripple current, f = operating frequency
and L = inductor value. A trade-off between component
size, efficiency and operating frequency can be seen from
this equation. Accepting larger values of ∆IL allows the
use of lower value inductors but results in greater inductor
core loss, greater ESR loss in the output capacitor, and
larger output voltage ripple. Generally, highest efficiency
operation is obtained at low operating frequency with
small ripple current.
A reasonable starting point is to choose a ripple current
that is about 40% of IOUT(MAX). Note that the largest
ripple current occurs at the highest VIN. Exceeding 60%
of IOUT(MAX) is not recommended. To guarantee that
ripple current does not exceed a specified maximum, the
inductance should be chosen according to:
 V


V
OUT
 1– OUT 
L = 


 f • ΔIL(MAX)   VIN(MAX) 
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
resistor. This internal resistor is more sensitive to process and temperature variations than an external resistor
(see Typical Performance Characteristics) and is best used
for applications where switching frequency accuracy is
not critical.
0
100
200 300 400 500
RT RESISTOR (kΩ)
600
700
3633 F01
Figure 1. Switching Frequency vs RT
The inductor ripple current also must not be so large that
its valley current level exceeds the negative current limit,
which can be as small as –1.2A. If the negative current
limit is exceeded while the part is in the forced continuous mode of operation, VOUT can get charged up to above
its regulation level – until the inductor current no longer
exceeds the negative current limit. In such instances,
choose a larger inductor value to reduce the inductor
ripple current. The alternative is to reduce the inductor
3633fd
12
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3633
LTC3633
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
ripple current by decreasing the RT resistor value which
will increase the switching frequency.
Once the value for L is known, the type of inductor must
be selected. Actual core loss is independent of core size
for a fixed inductor value, but is very dependent on the
inductance selected. As the inductance increases, core
losses decrease. Unfortunately, increased inductance
requires more turns of wire, leading to increased DCR
and copper loss.
Ferrite designs exhibit very low core loss and are preferred at high switching frequencies, so design goals
can concentrate on copper loss and preventing saturation. Ferrite core material saturates “hard”, which means
that inductance collapses abruptly when the peak design
current is exceeded. This results in an abrupt increase in
inductor ripple current, so it is important to ensure that
the core will not saturate.
Different core materials and shapes will change the size/
current and price/current relationship of an inductor. Toroid
or shielded pot cores in ferrite or permalloy materials are
small and don’t radiate much energy, but generally cost
more than powdered iron core inductors with similar
characteristics. The choice of which style inductor to use
mainly depends on the price versus size requirements
and any radiated field/EMI requirements. Table 1 gives a
sampling of available surface mount inductors.
CIN and COUT Selection
The input capacitance, CIN, is needed to filter the trapezoidal wave current at the drain of the top power MOSFET.
To prevent large voltage transients from occurring, a low
ESR input capacitor sized for the maximum RMS current
is recommended. The maximum RMS current is given by:
IRMS =IOUT(MAX)
VOUT ( VIN – VOUT )
VIN
This formula has a maximum at VIN = 2VOUT, where
IRMS ≅ IOUT/2. This simple worst case condition is commonly used for design because even significant deviations
do not offer much relief. Note that ripple current ratings
from capacitor manufacturers are often based on only
2000 hours of life which makes it advisable to further de-
Table 1. Inductor Selection Table
INDUCTANCE
(µH)
DCR
(mΩ)
MAX
CURRENT
(A)
DIMENSIONS
(mm)
HEIGHT
(mm)
7 × 7.7
3.8
15
12
11.5
10
7
5.2 × 5.5
2
12.4
9.0
5.7
7 × 7.7
2.0
10
7.7
5.3
6 × 8.9
5.0
6.4
6.1
6.9 × 7.3
3.2
Würth Electronik WE-HC 744312 Series
0.25
0.47
0.72
1.0
1.5
2.5
3.4
7.5
9.5
10.5
18
16
12
11
9
Vishay IHLP-2020BZ-01 Series
0.22
0.33
0.47
0.68
1
5.2
8.2
8.8
12.4
20
Toko FDV0620 Series
0.20
0.47
1.0
4.5
8.3
18.3
Coilcraft D01813H Series
0.33
0.56
1.2
4
10
17
TDK RLF7030 Series
1.0
1.5
8.8
9.6
rate the capacitor, or choose a capacitor rated at a higher
temperature than required.
Several capacitors may also be paralleled to meet size or
height requirements in the design. For low input voltage
applications, sufficient bulk input capacitance is needed
to minimize transient effects during output load changes.
Even though the LTC3633 design includes an overvoltage
protection circuit, care must always be taken to ensure
input voltage transients do not pose an overvoltage hazard
to the part.
The selection of COUT is determined by the effective series
resistance (ESR) that is required to minimize voltage ripple
and load step transients as well as the amount of bulk
capacitance that is necessary to ensure that the control
loop is stable. Loop stability can be checked by viewing
the load transient response. The output ripple, ΔVOUT, is
approximated by:


1
∆VOUT < ∆IL ESR +

8 • f • COUT 

3633fd
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13
LTC3633
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
When using low-ESR ceramic capacitors, it is more useful
to choose the output capacitor value to fulfill a charge storage requirement. During a load step, the output capacitor
must instantaneously supply the current to support the load
until the feedback loop raises the switch current enough
to support the load. The time required for the feedback
loop to respond is dependent on the compensation and the
output capacitor size. Typically, 3 to 4 cycles are required
to respond to a load step, but only in the first cycle does
the output drop linearly. The output droop, VDROOP, is
usually about 3 times the linear drop of the first cycle.
Thus, a good place to start is with the output capacitor
size of approximately:
COUT ≈
3 • ∆IOUT
f • VDROOP
INTVCC Regulator Bypass Capacitor
An internal low dropout (LDO) regulator produces the
3.3V supply that powers the internal bias circuitry and
drives the gate of the internal MOSFET switches. The
INTVCC pin connects to the output of this regulator and
must have a minimum of 1µF ceramic decoupling capacitance to ground. The decoupling capacitor should have
low impedance electrical connections to the INTVCC and
PGND pins to provide the transient currents required by
the LTC3633. This supply is intended only to supply additional DC load currents as desired and not intended to
regulate large transient or AC behavior, as this may impact
LTC3633 operation.
Boost Capacitor
Though this equation provides a good approximation, more
capacitance may be required depending on the duty cycle
and load step requirements. The actual VDROOP should be
verified by applying a load step to the output.
Using Ceramic Input and Output Capacitors
Higher values, lower cost ceramic capacitors are available
in small case sizes. Their high ripple current, high voltage
rating and low ESR make them ideal for switching regulator
applications. However, due to the self-resonant and highQ characteristics of some types of ceramic capacitors,
care must be taken when these capacitors are used at
the input. When a ceramic capacitor is used at the input
and the power is supplied by a wall adapter through long
wires, a load step at the output can induce ringing at the
VIN input. At best, this ringing can couple to the output and
be mistaken as loop instability. At worst, a sudden inrush
of current through the long wires can potentially cause a
voltage spike at VIN large enough to damage the part. For
a more detailed discussion, refer to Application Note 88.
When choosing the input and output ceramic capacitors,
choose the X5R and X7R dielectric formulations. These
dielectrics have the best temperature and voltage characteristics of all the ceramics for a given value and size.
The LTC3633 uses a “bootstrap” circuit to create a voltage
rail above the applied input voltage VIN. Specifically, a boost
capacitor, CBOOST, is charged to a voltage approximately
equal to INTVCC each time the bottom power MOSFET is
turned on. The charge on this capacitor is then used to
supply the required transient current during the remainder
of the switching cycle. When the top MOSFET is turned on,
the BOOST pin voltage will be equal to approximately VIN
+ 3.3V. For most applications, a 0.1µF ceramic capacitor
closely connected between the BOOST and SW pins will
provide adequate performance.
Low Power 2.5V Linear Regulator
The V2P5 pin can be used as a low power 2.5V regulated
rail. This pin is the output of a 10mA linear regulator
powered from the INTVCC pin. Note that the power from
V2P5 eventually comes from VIN1 since the INTVCC power
is supplied from VIN1. When using this output, this pin
must be bypassed with a 1µF ceramic capacitor. If this
output is not being used, it is recommended to short this
output to INTVCC to disable the regulator.
3633fd
14
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LTC3633
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
Output Voltage Programming
Each regulator’s output voltage is set by an external resistive divider according to the following equation:
 R2 
VOUT = 0.6V 1+ 
 R1 
The desired output voltage is set by appropriate selection
of resistors R1 and R2 as shown in Figure 2. Choosing
large values for R1 and R2 will result in improved zeroload efficiency but may lead to undesirable noise coupling
or phase margin reduction due to stray capacitances
at the VFB node. Care should be taken to route the VFB
trace away from any noise source, such as the SW trace.
To improve the frequency response of the main control
loop, a feedforward capacitor, CF , may be used as shown
in Figure 2.
VOUT
R2
CF
FB
LTC3633
SGND
R1
3633 F02
Figure 2. Setting the Output Voltage
Minimum Off-Time/On-Time Considerations
The minimum off-time is the smallest amount of time that
the LTC3633 can turn on the bottom power MOSFET, trip
the current comparator and turn the power MOSFET back
off. This time is typically 40ns. For the controlled on-time
control architecture, the minimum off-time limit imposes
a maximum duty cycle of:
(
DC(MAX) = 1– f • tOFF(MIN)
)
where f is the switching frequency and tOFF(MIN) is the
minimum off-time. If the maximum duty cycle is surpassed,
due to a dropping input voltage for example, the output
will drop out of regulation. The minimum input voltage to
avoid this dropout condition is:
VIN(MIN) =
(
VOUT
1- f • tOFF(MIN)
)
Conversely, the minimum on-time is the smallest duration of time in which the top power MOSFET can be in
its “on” state. This time is typically 20ns. In continuous
mode operation, the minimum on-time limit imposes a
minimum duty cycle of:
(
DC(MIN) = f • tON(MIN)
)
where tON(MIN) is the minimum on-time. As the equation
shows, reducing the operating frequency will alleviate the
minimum duty cycle constraint.
In the rare cases where the minimum duty cycle is
surpassed, the output voltage will still remain in regulation, but the switching frequency will decrease from its
programmed value. This constraint may not be of critical
importance in most cases, so high switching frequencies
may be used in the design without any fear of severe
consequences. As the sections on Inductor and Capacitor
selection show, high switching frequencies allow the use
of smaller board components, thus reducing the footprint
of the application circuit.
Internal/External Loop Compensation
The LTC3633 provides the option to use a fixed internal
loop compensation network to reduce both the required
external component count and design time. The internal
loop compensation network can be selected by connecting the ITH pin to the INTVCC pin. To ensure stability it is
recommended that internal compensation only be used with
applications with fSW > 1MHz. Alternatively, the user may
choose specific external loop compensation components
to optimize the main control loop transient response as
desired. External loop compensation is chosen by simply
connecting the desired network to the ITH pin.
3633fd
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15
LTC3633
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
Suggested compensation component values are shown in
Figure 3. For a 2MHz application, an R-C network of 220pF
and 13kΩ provides a good starting point. The bandwidth
of the loop increases with decreasing C. If R is increased
by the same factor that C is decreased, the zero frequency
will be kept the same, thereby keeping the phase the same
in the most critical frequency range of the feedback loop.
A 10pF bypass capacitor on the ITH pin is recommended
for the purposes of filtering out high frequency coupling
from stray board capacitance. In addition, a feedforward
capacitor CF can be added to improve the high frequency
response, as previously shown in Figure 2. Capacitor CF
provides phase lead by creating a high frequency zero
with R2 which improves the phase margin.
ITH
RCOMP
13k
CCOMP
220pF
LTC3633
SGND
3633 F03
Figure 3. Compensation Component
Checking Transient Response
The regulator loop response can be checked by observing
the response of the system to a load step. When configured
for external compensation, the availability of the ITH pin
not only allows optimization of the control loop behavior
but also provides a DC-coupled and AC filtered closed loop
response test point. The DC step, rise time, and settling
behavior at this test point reflect the closed loop response.
Assuming a predominantly second order system, phase
margin and/or damping factor can be estimated using the
percentage of overshoot seen at this pin.
The ITH external components shown in Figure 3 circuit
will provide an adequate starting point for most applications. The series R-C filter sets the dominant pole-zero
loop compensation. The values can be modified slightly
(from 0.5 to 2 times their suggested values) to optimize
transient response once the final PC layout is done and
the particular output capacitor type and value have been
determined. The output capacitors need to be selected
because their various types and values determine the
loop gain and phase. An output current pulse of 20% to
100% of full load current having a rise time of ~1µs will
produce output voltage and ITH pin waveforms that will
give a sense of the overall loop stability without breaking
the feedback loop.
Switching regulators take several cycles to respond to a
step in load current. When a load step occurs, VOUT immediately shifts by an amount equal to ΔILOAD • ESR, where
ESR is the effective series resistance of COUT. ΔILOAD also
begins to charge or discharge COUT generating a feedback
error signal used by the regulator to return VOUT to its
steady-state value. During this recovery time, VOUT can
be monitored for overshoot or ringing that would indicate
a stability problem.
When observing the response of VOUT to a load step, the
initial output voltage step may not be within the bandwidth of
the feedback loop, so the standard second order overshoot/
DC ratio cannot be used to determine phase margin. The
output voltage settling behavior is related to the stability
of the closed-loop system and will demonstrate the actual
overall supply performance. For a detailed explanation of
optimizing the compensation components, including a
review of control loop theory, refer to Linear Technology
Application Note 76.
In some applications, a more severe transient can be caused
by switching in loads with large (>10µF) input capacitors.
The discharged input capacitors are effectively put in parallel with COUT, causing a rapid drop in VOUT. No regulator
can deliver enough current to prevent this problem, if
the switch connecting the load has low resistance and is
driven quickly. The solution is to limit the turn-on speed
of the load switch driver. A hot swap controller is designed
specifically for this purpose and usually incorporates current limiting, short-circuit protection, and soft starting.
3633fd
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LTC3633
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
MODE/SYNC Operation
The MODE/SYNC pin is a multipurpose pin allowing both
mode selection and operating frequency synchronization. Floating this pin or connecting it to INTVCC enables
Burst Mode operation for superior efficiency at low load
currents at the expense of slightly higher output voltage
ripple. When the MODE/SYNC pin is tied to ground, forced
continuous mode operation is selected, creating the lowest
fixed output ripple at the expense of light load efficiency.
The LTC3633 will detect the presence of the external clock
signal on the MODE/SYNC pin and synchronize the internal oscillator to the phase and frequency of the incoming
clock. The presence of an external clock will place both
regulators into forced continuous mode operation.
Output Voltage Tracking and Soft-Start
The LTC3633 allows the user to control the output voltage
ramp rate by means of the TRACKSS pin. From 0 to 0.6V, the
TRACKSS voltage will override the internal 0.6V reference
input to the error amplifier, thus regulating the feedback
voltage to that of the TRACKSS pin. When TRACKSS is
above 0.6V, tracking is disabled and the feedback voltage
will regulate to the internal reference voltage.
The voltage at the TRACKSS pin may be driven from an
external source, or alternatively, the user may leverage
the internal 1.4µA pull-up current source to implement
a soft-start function by connecting an external capacitor
(CSS) from the TRACKSS pin to ground. The relationship
between output rise time and TRACKSS capacitance is
given by:
tSS = 430000Ω • CSS
A default internal soft-start ramp forces a minimum softstart time of 400µs by overriding the TRACKSS pin input
during this time period. Hence, capacitance values less
than approximately 1000pF will not significantly affect
soft-start behavior.
When driving the TRACKSS pin from another source, each
channel’s output can be set up to either coincidentally or
ratiometrically track another supply’s output, as shown in
Figure 4. In the following discussions, VOUT1 refers to the
LTC3633 output 1 as a master channel and VOUT2 refers
to output 2 as a slave channel. In practice, either channel
can be used as the master.
To implement the coincident tracking in Figure 4a, connect an additional resistive divider to VOUT1 and connect
its midpoint to the TRACKSS pin of the slave channel.
VOUT2
TIME
VOUT1
OUTPUT VOLTAGE
OUTPUT VOLTAGE
VOUT1
VOUT2
TIME
3633 F04a
(4a) Coincident Tracking
3633 F04b
(4b) Ratiometric Tracking
Figure 4. Two Different Modes of Output Voltage Tracking
3633fd
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LTC3633
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
The ratio of this divider should be the same as that of the
slave channel’s feedback divider shown in Figure 5a. In
this tracking mode, VOUT1 must be set higher than VOUT2.
To implement the ratiometric tracking, the feedback pin of
the master channel should connect to the TRACKSS pin of
the slave channel (as in Figure 5b). By selecting different
resistors, the LTC3633 can achieve different modes of
tracking including the two in Figure 4.
Upon start-up, the regulator defaults to Burst Mode operation until the output exceeds 80% of its final value (VFB >
0.48V). Once the output reaches this voltage, the operating
mode of the regulator switches to the mode selected by
the MODE/SYNC pin as described above. During normal
operation, if the output drops below 10% of its final value
(as it may when tracking down, for instance), the regulator
will automatically switch to Burst Mode operation to prevent
inductor saturation and improve TRACKSS pin accuracy.
Output Power Good
The PGOOD output of the LTC3633 is driven by a 15Ω
(typical) open-drain pull-down device. This device will be
turned off once the output voltage is within 5% (typical) of
the target regulation point, allowing the voltage at PGOOD
to rise via an external pull-up resistor. If the output voltage
exits an 8% (typical) regulation window around the target
regulation point, the open-drain output will pull down
VOUT1
TO
TRACKSS2
PIN
VOUT2
R3
R4
R1
R2
TO
VFB1
PIN
TO
VFB2
PIN
R3
R4
with 15Ω output resistance to ground, thus dropping the
PGOOD pin voltage. This behavior is described in Figure 6.
NOMINAL OUTPUT
PGOOD
VOLTAGE
–8%
–5%
0%
5%
8%
OUTPUT VOLTAGE
3633 F06
Figure 6. PGOOD Pin Behavior
A filter time of 40µs (typical) acts to prevent unwanted
PGOOD output changes during VOUT transient events.
As a result, the output voltage must be within the target
regulation window of 5% for 40µs before the PGOOD pin
pulls high. Conversely, the output voltage must exit the
8% regulation window for 40µs before the PGOOD pin
pulls to ground.
Efficiency Considerations
The percent efficiency of a switching regulator is equal to
the output power divided by the input power times 100%.
It is often useful to analyze individual losses to determine
VOUT1
TO
TRACKSS2
PIN
VOUT2
R1
R2
TO
VFB1
PIN
TO
VFB2
PIN
R3
R4
3633 F05
(5a) Coincident Tracking Setup
(5b) Ratiometric Tracking Setup
Figure 5. Setup for Coincident and Ratiometric Tracking
3633fd
18
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3633
LTC3633
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
what is limiting the efficiency and which change would
produce the most improvement. Percent efficiency can
be expressed as:
% Efficiency = 100% – (L1 + L2 + L3 +…)
where L1, L2, etc. are the individual losses as a percentage of input power.
Although all dissipative elements in the circuit produce
losses, three main sources usually account for most of
the losses in LTC3633 circuits: 1) I2R losses, 2) switching
losses and quiescent power loss 3) transition losses and
other losses.
1. I2R losses are calculated from the DC resistances of
the internal switches, RSW, and external inductor, RL.
In continuous mode, the average output current flows
through inductor L but is “chopped” between the
internal top and bottom power MOSFETs. Thus, the
series resistance looking into the SW pin is a function
of both top and bottom MOSFET RDS(ON) and the duty
cycle (DC) as follows:
RSW = (RDS(ON)TOP)(DC) + (RDS(ON)BOT)(1 – DC)
The RDS(ON) for both the top and bottom MOSFETs can be
obtained from the Typical Performance Characteristics
curves. Thus to obtain I2R losses:
I2R losses = IOUT2(RSW + RL)
2. The internal LDO supplies the power to the INTVCC rail.
The total power loss here is the sum of the switching
losses and quiescent current losses from the control
circuitry.
Each time a power MOSFET gate is switched from low
to high to low again, a packet of charge dQ moves from
VIN to ground. The resulting dQ/dt is a current out of
INTVCC that is typically much larger than the DC control
bias current. In continuous mode, IGATECHG = f(QT + QB),
where QT and QB are the gate charges of the internal
top and bottom power MOSFETs and f is the switching
frequency. For estimation purposes, (QT + QB) on each
LTC3633 regulator channel is approximately 2.3nC.
To calculate the total power loss from the LDO load,
simply add the gate charge current and quiescent current and multiply by VIN:
PLDO = (IGATECHG + IQ) • VIN
3. Other “hidden” losses such as transition loss, copper
trace resistances, and internal load currents can account
for additional efficiency degradations in the overall power
system. Transition loss arises from the brief amount of
time the top power MOSFET spends in the saturated
region during switch node transitions. The LTC3633
internal power devices switch quickly enough that these
losses are not significant compared to other sources.
Other losses, including diode conduction losses during
dead-time and inductor core losses, generally account
for less than 2% total additional loss.
Thermal Considerations
The LTC3633 requires the exposed package backplane
metal (PGND) to be well soldered to the PC board to
provide good thermal contact. This gives the QFN and
TSSOP packages exceptional thermal properties, which
are necessary to prevent excessive self-heating of the part
in normal operation.
In a majority of applications, the LTC3633 does not dissipate much heat due to its high efficiency and low thermal
resistance of its exposed-back QFN package. However, in
applications where the LTC3633 is running at high ambient temperature, high VIN, high switching frequency, and
maximum output current load, the heat dissipated may
exceed the maximum junction temperature of the part. If
the junction temperature reaches approximately 150°C,
both power switches will be turned off until temperature
returns to 140°C.
To prevent the LTC3633 from exceeding the maximum
junction temperature of 125°C, the user will need to do
some thermal analysis. The goal of the thermal analysis
3633fd
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3633
19
LTC3633
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
TRISE = PD • θJA
As an example, consider the case when one of the regulators is used in an application where VIN = 12V, IOUT = 2A,
frequency = 2MHz, VOUT = 1.8V. From the RDS(ON) graphs
in the Typical Performance Characteristics section, the top
switch on-resistance is nominally 140mΩ and the bottom
switch on-resistance is nominally 80mΩ at 70°C ambient.
The equivalent power MOSFET resistance RSW is:
1.8V
10.2V
RDS(ON)TOP •
+RDS(ON)BOT •
= 89mΩ
12V
12V
From the previous section’s discussion on gate drive, we
estimate the total gate drive current through the LDO to be
2MHz • 2.3nC = 4.6mA, and IQ of one channel is 0.65mA
(see Electrical Characteristics). Therefore, the total power
dissipated by a single regulator is:
PD = IOUT2 • RSW + VIN • (IGATECHG + IQ)
PD = (2A)2 • (0.089Ω) + (12V) • (4.6mA + 0.65mA) = 0.419W
Running two regulators under the same conditions would
result in a power dissipation of 0.838W. The QFN 5mm
× 4mm package junction-to-ambient thermal resistance,
θJA, is around 43°C/W. Therefore, the junction temperature
of the regulator operating in a 70°C ambient temperature
is approximately:
TJ = 0.838W • 43°C/W + 70°C = 106°C
which is below the maximum junction temperature of
125°C. With higher ambient temperatures, a heat sink or
cooling fan should be considered to drop the junctionto-ambient thermal resistance. Alternatively, the TSSOP
package may be a better choice for high power applications,
since it has better thermal properties than the QFN package.
Remembering that the above junction temperature is
obtained from an RDS(ON) at 70°C, we might recalculate
the junction temperature based on a higher RDS(ON) since
it increases with temperature. Redoing the calculation
assuming that RSW increased 12% at 106°C yields a new
junction temperature of 109°C. If the application calls for
a higher ambient temperature and/or higher load currents,
care should be taken to reduce the temperature rise of the
part by using a heat sink or air flow.
Figure 7 is a temperature derating curve based on the
DC1347 demo board (QFN package). It can be used to
estimate the maximum allowable ambient temperature
for given DC load currents in order to avoid exceeding
the maximum operating junction temperature of 125°C.
3.5
CHANNEL 1 LOAD CURRENT (A)
is to determine whether the power dissipated exceeds the
maximum junction temperature of the part. The temperature rise is given by:
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
CH2 LOAD = 0A
CH2 LOAD = 1A
CH2 LOAD = 2A
CH2 LOAD = 3A
0.5
0
0
25
75
100
50
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE AMBIENT
TEMPERATURE (°C)
125
3633 F07
Figure 7. Temperature Derating Curve for DC1347 Demo Circuit
Junction Temperature Measurement
The junction-to-ambient thermal resistance will vary depending on the size and amount of heat sinking copper
on the PCB board where the part is mounted, as well as
the amount of air flow on the device. In order to properly
evaluate this thermal resistance, the junction temperature
needs to be measured. A clever way to measure the junction temperature directly is to use the internal junction
diode on one of the pins (PGOOD) to measure its diode
voltage change based on ambient temperature change.
First remove any external passive component on the
PGOOD pin, then pull out 100μA from the PGOOD pin to
turn on its internal junction diode and bias the PGOOD
pin to a negative voltage. With no output current load,
measure the PGOOD voltage at an ambient temperature
of 25°C, 75°C and 125°C to establish a slope relationship
between the delta voltage on PGOOD and delta ambient
temperature. Once this slope is established, then the
junction temperature rise can be measured as a function
3633fd
20
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3633
LTC3633
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
of power loss in the package with corresponding output
load current. Although making this measurement with this
method does violate absolute maximum voltage ratings
on the PGOOD pin, the applied power is so low that there
should be no significant risk of damaging the device.
Board Layout Considerations
When laying out the printed circuit board, the following
checklist should be used to ensure proper operation of
the LTC3633. Check the following in your layout:
1) Do the input capacitors connect to the VIN and PGND
pins as close as possible? These capacitors provide
the AC current to the internal power MOSFETs and their
drivers.
2) The output capacitor, COUT, and inductor L should be
closely connected to minimize loss. The (–) plate of
COUT should be closely connected to both PGND and
the (–) plate of CIN.
3) The resistive divider, (e.g. R1 to R4 in Figure 8) must be
connected between the (+) plate of COUT and a ground
line terminated near SGND. The feedback signal VFB
should be routed away from noisy components and
traces, such as the SW line, and its trace length should
be minimized. In addition, the RT resistor and loop
compensation components should be terminated to
SGND.
4) Keep sensitive components away from the SW pin. The
RT resistor, the compensation components, the feedback
resistors, and the INTVCC bypass capacitor should all
be routed away from the SW trace and the inductor L.
5) A ground plane is preferred, but if not available, the
signal and power grounds should be segregated with
both connecting to a common, low noise reference point.
The connection to the PGND pin should be made with
a minimal resistance trace from the reference point.
6) Flood all unused areas on all layers with copper in order
to reduce the temperature rise of power components.
These copper areas should be connected to the exposed
backside of the package (PGND).
Refer to Figures 9 and 10 for board layout examples.
Design Example
As a design example, consider using the LTC3633 in an
application with the following specifications: VIN(MAX) =
13.2V, VOUT1 = 1.8V, VOUT2 = 3.3V, IOUT(MAX) = 3A, IOUT(MIN)
= 10mA, f = 2MHz, VDROOP ~ (5% • VOUT). The following
discussion will use equations from the previous sections.
Because efficiency is important at both high and low load
current, Burst Mode operation will be utilized.
First, the correct RT resistor value for 2MHz switching frequency must be chosen. Based on the equation discussed
earlier, RT should be 160k; the closest standard value is
162k. RT can be tied to INTVCC if switching frequency
accuracy is not critical.
Next, determine the channel 1 inductor value for about
40% ripple current at maximum VIN:
 1.8V

1.8V 
L1= 
 1−
 = 0.64µH
 2MHz • 1.2A   13.2V 
A standard value of 0.68µH should work well here. Solving
the same equation for channel 2 results in a 1µH inductor.
COUT will be selected based on the charge storage requirement. For a VDROOP of 90mV for a 3A load step:
COUT1 ≈
3 • ∆IOUT
3 •(3A)
=
= 50µF
f0VDROOP (2MHz)(90mV)
3633fd
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3633
21
LTC3633
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
A 47µF ceramic capacitor should be sufficient for channel
1. Solving the same equation for channel 2 (using 5% of
VOUT for VDROOP) results in 27µF of capacitance (22µF is
the closest standard value).
Lastly, the feedback resistors must be chosen. Picking
R1 and R3 to be 12.1k, R2 and R4 are calculated to be:
 1.8V 
R2 = (12.1k) • 
– 1 = 24.2k
 0.6V 
CIN should be sized for a maximum current rating of:
1.8V (13.2V – 1.8V )
IRMS = 3A
= 1A
13.2V
R4 = (12.1k) •
Solving this equation for channel 2 results in an RMS
input current of 1.3A. Decoupling each VIN input with
a 47µF ceramic capacitor should be adequate for most
applications.
3.3V 
– 1 = 54.5k
0.6V 
The final circuit is shown in Figure 8.
VIN
12V
CIN
47µF
×2
RUN1
RUN2
VIN2
VIN1
LTC3633
RT
TRACKSS2
PGOOD2
BOOST2
R5
162k
VOUT2
3.3V AT 3A
COUT2
22µF
L2
1µH
INTVCC
ITH1
ITH2
C2
2.2µF
V2P5
MODE/SYNC
PHMODE
TRACKSS1
PGOOD1
BOOST1
0.1µF
0.1µF
R4
R3
54.9k 12.1k
SW2
VON2
VFB2
SGND PGND
SW1
VON1
VFB1
L1
0.68µH
R2
R1
12.1k 24.3k
VOUT1
1.8V AT 3A
COUT1
47µF
3633 F08
Figure 8. Design Example Circuit
3633fd
22
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3633
LTC3633
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
VIA TO BOOST1
VIA TO VON1/R2 (NOT SHOWN)
VOUT1
COUT1
L1
GND
VIAS TO GROUND
PLANE
SW1
CBOOST1
CIN
VIAS TO GROUND
PLANE
VIN
SGND (TO NONPOWER
COMPONENTS)
CBOOST2
CIN
SW2
GND
VIAS TO GROUND
PLANE
L2
COUT2
VOUT2
3633 F09
VIA TO BOOST2
VIA TO VON2/R4 (NOT SHOWN)
Figure 9. Example of Power Component Layout for QFN Package
VIA TO VON1 AND R2 (NOT SHOWN)
COUT1
VOUT1
VIAS TO GROUND
PLANE
GND
VIAS TO GROUND
PLANE
L1
CIN
VIA TO BOOST1
SW1
CBOOST1
CBOOST2
SGND (TO NONPOWER
COMPONENTS)
VIN
SW2
VIA TO BOOST2
CIN
L2
GND
VIAS TO GROUND
PLANE
COUT2
VOUT2
3633 F10
VIA TO VON2 AND R4 (NOT SHOWN)
Figure 10. Example of Power Component Layout for TSSOP Package
3633fd
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3633
23
LTC3633
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
1.2V/2.5V 4MHz Buck Regulator
VIN
3.6V TO 15V
C1
22µF
×2
VIN2
RUN1
RUN2
ITH2
VIN1
C2
2.2µF
V2P5
PHMODE
ITH1
6.98k
10pF
INTVCC
220pF
6.98k
LTC3633
10pF
220pF
RT
R5
80.6k
VOUT2
2.5V AT 3A
MODE/SYNC
0.1µF
R4
31.6k
COUT2
22µF
BOOST1
BOOST2
L2
0.82µH
L1
0.47µH
0.1µF
SW2
VON2
VFB2
R3
10k
SGND PGND
SW1
VON1
VFB1
R1
10k
R2
10k
VOUT1
1.2V AT 3A
COUT1
47µF
3633 TA02
3.3V/1.8V Sequenced Regulator with 6V Input UVLO (VOUT1 Enabled After VOUT2)
VIN
6V TO 15V
C1
47µF
×2
R7
154k
R6
100k
VIN2
RUN1
PGOOD2
VIN1
RUN2
LTC3633
R8
40k
INTVCC
ITH1
ITH2
V2P5
C2
2.2µF
MODE/SYNC
PHMODE
RT
R5
162k
VOUT2
3.3V AT 3A
COUT2
22µF
L2
1µH
R4
54.9k
BOOST2
BOOST1
0.1µF
0.1µF
SW2
VON2
VFB2
R3
12.1k
SGND PGND
SW1
VON1
VFB1
R1
12.1k
L1
0.68µH
R2
24.3k
VOUT1
1.8V AT 3A
COUT1
47µF
3633 TA05
3633fd
24
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3633
LTC3633
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
1.2V/1.8V Buck Regulator with Coincident Tracking and 6V Input UVLO
VIN
3.6V TO 15V
R7
154k
C1
47µF
×2
VIN2
RUN1
VIN1
RUN2
INTVCC
C2
2.2µF
ITH1
ITH2
R8
40k
MODE/SYNC
V2P5
LTC3633 PHMODE
RT
TRACKSS2
R5
162k
BOOST2
L2
0.47µH
VOUT2
1.2V AT 3A
BOOST1
0.1µF
SW2
VON2
VFB2
R4
10k
COUT2
68µF
L1
0.68µH
0.1µF
R3
10k
SGND PGND
SW1
VON1
VFB1
R1
10k
VOUT1
1.8V AT 3A
R2
15k
R6
4.99k
COUT1
47µF
3633 TA03
PACKAGE DESCRIPTION
Please refer to http://www.linear.com/designtools/packaging/ for the most recent package drawings.
FE Package
28-Lead Plastic TSSOP (4.4mm)
(Reference LTC DWG # 05-08-1663 Rev J)
Exposed Pad Variation EB
9.60 – 9.80*
(.378 – .386)
4.75
(.187)
4.75
(.187)
28 27 26 2524 23 22 21 20 1918 17 16 15
6.60 ±0.10
4.50 ±0.10
2.74
(.108)
SEE NOTE 4
0.45 ±0.05
EXPOSED
PAD HEAT SINK
ON BOTTOM OF
PACKAGE
6.40
2.74
(.252)
(.108)
BSC
1.05 ±0.10
0.65 BSC
RECOMMENDED SOLDER PAD LAYOUT
4.30 – 4.50*
(.169 – .177)
0.09 – 0.20
(.0035 – .0079)
0.50 – 0.75
(.020 – .030)
NOTE:
1. CONTROLLING DIMENSION: MILLIMETERS
2. DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS
(INCHES)
3. DRAWING NOT TO SCALE
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
0.25
REF
1.20
(.047)
MAX
0° – 8°
0.65
(.0256)
BSC
0.195 – 0.30
(.0077 – .0118)
TYP
0.05 – 0.15
(.002 – .006)
FE28 (EB) TSSOP REV J 1012
4. RECOMMENDED MINIMUM PCB METAL SIZE
FOR EXPOSED PAD ATTACHMENT
*DIMENSIONS DO NOT INCLUDE MOLD FLASH. MOLD FLASH
SHALL NOT EXCEED 0.150mm (.006") PER SIDE
3633fd
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3633
25
LTC3633
PACKAGE DESCRIPTION
Please refer to http://www.linear.com/designtools/packaging/ for the most recent package drawings.
UFD Package
28-Lead Plastic QFN (4mm × 5mm)
(Reference LTC DWG # 05-08-1712 Rev B)
0.70 ±0.05
4.50 ± 0.05
3.10 ± 0.05
2.50 REF
2.65 ± 0.05
3.65 ± 0.05
PACKAGE OUTLINE
0.25 ±0.05
0.50 BSC
3.50 REF
4.10 ± 0.05
5.50 ± 0.05
RECOMMENDED SOLDER PAD PITCH AND DIMENSIONS
APPLY SOLDER MASK TO AREAS THAT ARE NOT SOLDERED
4.00 ± 0.10
(2 SIDES)
0.75 ± 0.05
R = 0.05
TYP
PIN 1 NOTCH
R = 0.20 OR 0.35
× 45° CHAMFER
2.50 REF
R = 0.115
TYP
27
28
0.40 ± 0.10
PIN 1
TOP MARK
(NOTE 6)
1
2
5.00 ± 0.10
(2 SIDES)
3.50 REF
3.65 ± 0.10
2.65 ± 0.10
(UFD28) QFN 0506 REV B
0.200 REF
0.00 – 0.05
0.25 ± 0.05
0.50 BSC
BOTTOM VIEW—EXPOSED PAD
NOTE:
1. DRAWING PROPOSED TO BE MADE A JEDEC PACKAGE OUTLINE MO-220 VARIATION (WXXX-X).
2. DRAWING NOT TO SCALE
3. ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS
4. DIMENSIONS OF EXPOSED PAD ON BOTTOM OF PACKAGE DO NOT INCLUDE
MOLD FLASH. MOLD FLASH, IF PRESENT, SHALL NOT EXCEED 0.15mm ON ANY SIDE
5. EXPOSED PAD SHALL BE SOLDER PLATED
6. SHADED AREA IS ONLY A REFERENCE FOR PIN 1 LOCATION
ON THE TOP AND BOTTOM OF PACKAGE
3633fd
26
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3633
LTC3633
REVISION HISTORY
REV
DATE
DESCRIPTION
A
11/11
Updated Typical Application and Graph.
PAGE NUMBER
Updated Absolute Maximum Ratings section.
B
6/12
C
12/13
D
5/15
1
2
Updated • statement and Note 3 on Electrical Characteristics section.
3, 4
Updated graphs G04, G05, G10 in Typical Performance Characteristics section.
5, 6
Updated Block Diagram.
10
Updated Typical Application.
28
Clarified Absolute Maximum Ratings.
2
Clarified Parametric Table.
3, 4
Clarified Pin Functions.
8, 9
Clarified Block Diagram.
10
Clarified Absolute Maximum Ratings
2
Clarified ILIM limits.
3
Clarified Inductor Selection.
13
3633fd
Information furnished by Linear Technology Corporation is believed to be accurate and reliable.
However, no responsibility is assumed for its use. Linear Technology Corporation makes no representation that the interconnection
of its circuits
as described
herein will not infringe on existing patent rights.
For more
information
www.linear.com/LTC3633
27
LTC3633
TYPICAL APPLICATION
3.3V/1.8V Buck Regulator with 2.5V LDO Output
VIN
12V
C1
47µF
×2
RUN1
RUN2
VIN2
VIN1
INTVCC
ITH1
ITH2
C2
2.2µF
PHMODE
MODE/SYNC
LTC3633
RT
V2P5
2.5V AT 10mA
R5
162k
VOUT2
1.8V AT 3A
COUT2
47µF
1µF
BOOST1
BOOST2
L2
0.68µH
0.1µF
R4
20k
0.1µF
SW2
VON2
VFB2
R3
10k
SGND PGND
SW1
VON1
VFB1
R1
10k
L1
1µH
R2
45.3k
VOUT1
3.3V AT 3A
COUT1
22µF
3633 TA04
RELATED PARTS
PART
NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
COMMENTS
LTC3605
15V, 5A (IOUT), 4MHz, Synchronous Step-Down DC/
DC Converter
95% Efficiency, VIN: 4V to 15V, VOUT(MIN) = 0.6V, IQ = 2mA, ISD < 15µA,
4mm × 4mm QFN-24
LTC3603
15V, 2.5A (IOUT), 3MHz, Synchronous Step-Down DC/ 95% Efficiency, VIN: 4.5V to 15V, VOUT(MIN) = 0.6V, IQ = 75µA, ISD < 1µA,
DC Converter
4mm × 4mm QFN-20, MSOP-16E
LTC3602
10V, 2.5A (IOUT), 3MHz, Synchronous Step-Down DC/ 95% Efficiency, VIN: 4.5V to 10V, VOUT(MIN) = 0.6V, IQ = 75µA, ISD < 1µA,
DC Converter
3mm × 3mm QFN-16, MSOP-16E
LTC3601
15V, 1.5A (IOUT), 4MHz, Synchronous Step-Down DC/ 95% Efficiency, VIN: 4.5V to 15V, VOUT(MIN) = 0.6V, IQ = 300µA, ISD < 1µA,
DC Converter
4mm × 4mm QFN-20, MSOP-16E
3633fd
28 Linear Technology Corporation
1630 McCarthy Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035-7417
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3633
(408) 432-1900 ● FAX: (408) 434-0507
●
www.linear.com/LTC3633
LT 0515 REV D • PRINTED IN USA
 LINEAR TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 2010