Analog Devices Inc. LT4180IGN#PBF

Overview

LT4180IGN#PBF from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a Virtual Remote Sense™ controller IC that enables tight load regulation over long, resistive cables without remote sense wiring. It features ±1% internal voltage reference, 5mA opto-isolator sink capability, 3.1V–50V input range, soft-correct startup, and user-programmable dither frequency - used in industrial 28V systems, high-power CAT5 cable power delivery, and notebook battery charging.

For engineers reviewing the LT4180IGN#PBF datasheet, LT4180IGN#PBF pinout, LT4180IGN#PBF application, or LT4180IGN#PBF equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, real-world design meaning for each specification, validated pin functions, and two confirmed alternative parts with documented functional differences and selection guidance.

Technical Context

The LT4180IGN#PBF implements virtual remote sensing by injecting controlled current dither into the power path and measuring resulting ∆V across wiring to compute and compensate for IR drop. Its four-track/hold architecture captures high- and low-current voltage samples, amplifies ∆V by 10×, and sums correction into the feedback loop - all without closed-loop measurement at the load.

It integrates an LDO (INTVCC = 3.15V), open-drain DRAIN output (5mA sink), ±1% bandgap reference, under/overvoltage comparators (1.21V thresholds), and programmable spread-spectrum dither via DIV0–DIV2 pins and SPREAD control - supporting synchronization with external switching regulators via OSC output.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LT4180IGN#PBF is housed in a 24-lead narrow plastic SSOP (GN) package with exposed pad, optimized for thermal performance in high-current power correction applications.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar virtual remote sense controller applications.

Compared with LTC7106 and MAX17504, the LT4180IGN#PBF uniquely combines analog flexibility (any topology, opto-drive, SSOP package), field-programmable dither, and spread-spectrum EMI reduction - making it the only solution validated for CAT5 high-power delivery and industrial 28V remote instrumentation.

Availability

LT4180IGN#PBF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 28V industrial systems, high-power CAT5 cable power delivery, and notebook battery charging applications requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for LT4180IGN#PBF includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Analog Devices acquired Linear Technology in 2017 and maintains its legacy of high-performance analog ICs for precision power, signal conditioning, and timing applications.

The LT4180IGN#PBF belongs to Linear's Virtual Remote Sense™ controller product line, designed specifically to solve load regulation degradation caused by wiring resistance in distributed power systems - targeting industrial, instrumentation, and high-reliability embedded applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the LT4180IGN#PBF in a power system?

The LT4180IGN#PBF is a Virtual Remote Sense™ controller that dynamically compensates for voltage drop across power wiring by measuring incremental ∆V per ∆I and adjusting the power supply's feedback to maintain precise load-end voltage. It eliminates the need for dedicated remote sense wires while supporting isolated and nonisolated topologies - a core capability confirmed in its block diagram and typical application circuits.

How does the LT4180IGN#PBF achieve ±1% load regulation accuracy?

The LT4180IGN#PBF achieves ±1% load regulation through its ±1% internal voltage reference, matched track/hold amplifier gain (0.891–0.909), and 10× ∆V amplification stage - all specified over –40°C to 125°C. Its dither-based correction algorithm, validated to deliver >50:1 line-drop compensation (e.g., 10V drop → 200mV residual), ensures tight regulation independent of cable resistance drift.

Can the LT4180IGN#PBF interface with both isolated and nonisolated power supplies?

Yes - the LT4180IGN#PBF is explicitly designed for universal topology compatibility. It interfaces with nonisolated regulators via direct DRAIN-to-ITH/VC connection (Figure 4), and with isolated supplies using opto-couplers driven by INTVCC and DRAIN (Figure 5), including cascode configurations for VC > 5V (Figure 6). This dual-mode support is documented in the Applications Information section.

What is the role of the CHOLD1–CHOLD4 pins on the LT4180IGN#PBF?

CHOLD1–CHOLD4 are dedicated track/hold capacitor nodes that store voltage samples during the LT4180IGN#PBF's dither cycle: CHOLD1 holds the high-current V_OUT, CHOLD2/CHOLD3 hold differential samples, and CHOLD4 stores the final amplified correction voltage. Their leakage-critical nature mandates NPO capacitors and guard rings (GUARD2–GUARD4) - details confirmed in Pin Functions and Applications Information.

Does the LT4180IGN#PBF support spread-spectrum dither, and how is it enabled?

Yes - the LT4180IGN#PBF supports optional spread-spectrum dither to reduce EMI peaks. It is enabled by tying the SPREAD pin (Pin 19) high, which pseudo-randomly adjusts dither phasing during correction cycles. This feature is explicitly listed in Features and detailed in the Pin Functions section, with performance shown in Typical Performance Characteristics (Figure G05/G06).