Analog Devices Inc. LTC3601EMSE#PBF
- Part No.:
- LTC3601EMSE#PBF
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Package:
- 16-TFSOP (0.118", 3.00mm Width) Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
LTC3601EMSE#PBF.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK ADJ 1.5A 16MSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
LTC3601EMSE#PBF from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a 1.5A, 4V–15V input monolithic synchronous step-down regulator in a 16-lead MSOP package. It delivers up to 1.5A output current with up to 96% efficiency, programmable 800kHz–4MHz switching frequency, and supports Burst Mode® operation for 300µA no-load quiescent current-ideal for lithium-ion battery-powered instruments requiring compact, high-efficiency point-of-load regulation.
For engineers reviewing the LTC3601EMSE#PBF datasheet, LTC3601EMSE#PBF pinout, LTC3601EMSE#PBF application, or LTC3601EMSE#PBF equivalent, key selection criteria include its current-mode architecture for fast transient response, adjustable soft-start via TRACK pin, power-good status output, external frequency synchronization capability, and thermal performance in the MSOP package (θJA = 38°C/W).
Technical Context
The LTC3601EMSE#PBF employs a phase-lockable controlled on-time, current-mode architecture with internal top and bottom MOSFETs (RDS(ON) = 130mΩ / 100mΩ), enabling stable operation at very low duty cycles (5% at 2.25MHz) and high step-down ratios. Its error amplifier drives the ITH pin to regulate valley inductor current, while an internal PLL aligns switching edges to either internal RT-programmed or external SYNC clock signals.
It supports dual operating modes: user-selectable Burst Mode® (300µA IQ) for light-load efficiency or forced continuous mode for constant-frequency, low-ripple operation. Protection features include short-circuit foldback (ILIM reduced to ~0.7A), VIN overvoltage lockout (16.5V–17.5V hysteresis), and negative current limiting (–1.2A).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 4V to 15V - supports wide-input industrial and battery-powered systems without pre-regulation |
| Output Current | 1.5A continuous - sufficient for FPGA core rails, DSP supplies, and sensor subsystems |
| Switching Frequency | 800kHz to 4MHz (RT-programmable) - enables use of sub-3mm inductors and minimizes EMI filtering burden |
| Efficiency | Up to 96% - reduces thermal load in space-constrained PCB layouts |
| Quiescent Current | 300µA in Burst Mode® - extends battery runtime in always-on instrumentation |
| Reference Voltage | 0.600V ±6mV - enables precise low-voltage outputs (e.g., 0.9V, 1.2V) with standard resistor dividers |
| Power Good Output | Open-drain PGOOD with ±8% trip threshold and 40µs filter - provides reliable system sequencing and fault detection |
Pinout & Package
Package: 16-Lead Plastic MSOP (3mm × 4.9mm), exposed pad (Pin 17) connected to SGND for thermal and signal integrity. θJA = 38°C/W.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| MODE/SYNC (Pin 15) | Mode control & sync input | Ground = forced continuous; floating/INTVCC = Burst Mode®; external clock = PLL-synchronized operation |
| PGOOD (Pin 16) | Open-drain status output | Pulled low when FB voltage deviates >±8% from 0.6V reference; filtered for noise immunity |
| SW (Pins 1, 2) | Switch node | Connects to inductor; swings from PGND to VIN - requires low-inductance layout for EMI control |
| BOOST (Pin 5) | Floating gate drive supply | Connects to bootstrap capacitor (–) terminal at SW; enables high-side MOSFET drive above VIN |
| INTVCC (Pin 6) | Internal 3.3V regulator output | Must be decoupled with ≥1µF ceramic cap to SGND; powers internal circuitry and gate drivers |
| VON (Pin 7) | On-time voltage input | Connected to VOUT ≤6V to make on-time proportional to output voltage - stabilizes frequency under varying loads |
| SGND (Pin 17, exposed pad) | Signal ground reference | Low-noise return for FB divider, compensation network, and RT resistor - must be isolated from PGND |
| RT (Pin 8) | Oscillator programming | Resistor to SGND sets fSW; 160kΩ → 1.4MHz; 80kΩ → 2MHz; 400kΩ → 800kHz |
| FB (Pin 9) | Feedback input | Compares resistive divider output to 0.6V reference - determines regulated output voltage |
| ITH (Pin 10) | Error amplifier output | Loop compensation node; connect RC network for stability; tie to INTVCC for internal compensation |
| TRACK (Pin 11) | Tracking/soft-start input | 0.3V–0.6V override enables output voltage tracking; internal 1.4µA pull-up enables capacitor-based soft-start |
| RUN (Pin 12) | Enable input | ≥1.25V enables regulation; ≤1.0V disables with <25µA shutdown current - prevents floating |
| VIN (Pins 13, 14) | Main power input | 4V–15V supply; requires ≥10µF low-ESR ceramic bypass to PGND near pins |
| PGND (Pins 3, 4) | Power ground return | Low-impedance return for CIN, COUT, and MOSFET sources - separate from SGND to avoid noise coupling |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Current-mode control | Delivers excellent line/load transient response (<5µs recovery) without external compensation in many cases |
| Burst Mode® operation | Reduces no-load IQ to 300µA while maintaining regulation - critical for battery life in portable medical devices |
| Programmable soft-start | Capacitor on TRACK pin controls VOUT ramp time (400–700µs typical), preventing inrush current and bus droop |
| Output voltage tracking | Enables coordinated startup with other rails (e.g., DDR memory VDDQ/VDD) using simple resistor networks |
| Short-circuit foldback | Limits ILIM to ~0.7A during output shorts - reduces power dissipation and avoids thermal shutdown during faults |
| External frequency sync | Accepts 800kHz–4MHz clock on MODE/SYNC pin - eliminates beat frequencies in multi-rail synchronized systems |
Applications
| Distributed Power Systems | Lithium-Ion Battery-Powered Instruments |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Point-of-load conversion in multi-board rack systems where 12V backplane supplies local 3.3V/1.8V rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary synchronous buck regulator delivering 1.5A at 96% efficiency with minimal board area. Use Value: Enables compact, thermally efficient DC/DC stages without external MOSFETs or complex loop compensation. |
Use Scenario: Power management in handheld test equipment with 3.7V Li-ion battery and 1.2V FPGA core rail. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-efficiency step-down regulator supporting both active operation and ultra-low-power sleep states. Use Value: Burst Mode® extends battery runtime by minimizing quiescent loss while maintaining fast wake-up response. |
| Point-of-Load Power Supply | Industrial Sensor Node Power |
Use Scenario: Local regulation for high-speed ADCs or RF transceivers requiring low-noise, tightly regulated 1.8V supply. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Synchronous buck converter with forced continuous mode and external loop compensation. Use Value: Delivers <10mVpp output ripple and <5µs transient recovery - meets stringent analog/RF supply requirements. |
Use Scenario: Powering low-power wireless sensor nodes (e.g., LoRaWAN, NB-IoT) with intermittent 500mA peak loads. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Efficient buck regulator with programmable soft-start and PGOOD sequencing for MCU-controlled wake-up. Use Value: TRACK pin enables coordinated startup with microcontroller; PGOOD ensures clean reset assertion before firmware execution. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous buck regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT8610EMSE#PBF | Higher input range (3V–42V), lower IQ (2.5µA), but fixed 2MHz fSW and no TRACK pin | Better suited for automotive 12V/24V systems; lacks output tracking for multi-rail sequencing | Select if wide VIN and ultra-low standby power outweigh need for frequency tuning or rail coordination |
| TPS54332DR | 3.5A output, 5.5V–36V input, integrated compensation, but higher IQ (200µA in Eco-mode) and no PGOOD | Higher current capacity for motor drivers or multi-core SoCs; missing power-good signaling for safety-critical sequencing | Select for cost-sensitive industrial PLCs needing >1.5A, where PGOOD is handled externally |
Compared with LT8610EMSE#PBF and TPS54332DR, the LTC3601EMSE#PBF uniquely balances 1.5A capability, 300µA Burst Mode® IQ, TRACK-enabled sequencing, and 800kHz–4MHz programmability - making it optimal for portable, multi-rail, thermally constrained designs where flexibility and precision matter more than raw current or ultra-wide VIN.
Availability
LTC3601EMSE#PBF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for distributed power systems, lithium-ion battery-powered instruments, and point-of-load power supply applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for LTC3601EMSE#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) is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs, serving industrial, automotive, communications, and healthcare markets.
The LTC3601EMSE#PBF belongs to Linear's monolithic synchronous buck regulator product line, designed specifically for high-efficiency, compact, and thermally robust point-of-load conversion in space- and power-constrained applications.
FAQ
What is the maximum output current capability of the LTC3601EMSE#PBF?
The LTC3601EMSE#PBF delivers up to 1.5A of continuous output current under typical thermal conditions with proper PCB layout and heatsinking. Its valley current limit is specified at 1.7A–2.8A (typical 2.2A), and short-circuit foldback reduces this to ~0.7A to limit power dissipation during faults. Derating is required above 85°C ambient due to its MSOP package θJA of 38°C/W.
Does the LTC3601EMSE#PBF support external frequency synchronization?
Yes, the LTC3601EMSE#PBF supports external frequency synchronization via the MODE/SYNC pin (Pin 15). When driven with a clean TTL/CMOS clock signal between 800kHz and 4MHz, its internal PLL locks to the external source and forces forced continuous operation. This eliminates beat frequencies in multi-converter systems and simplifies EMI compliance testing.
How does the TRACK pin function on the LTC3601EMSE#PBF?
The TRACK pin (Pin 11) on the LTC3601EMSE#PBF serves dual functions: voltage tracking and soft-start. When a voltage between 0.3V and 0.6V is applied, the regulator servo-controls the FB pin to match that voltage - enabling coordinated startup with other rails. An external capacitor to ground leverages the internal 1.4µA pull-up current to generate a controlled VOUT ramp (400–700µs typical).
What is the purpose of the VON pin on the LTC3601EMSE#PBF?
The VON pin (Pin 7) on the LTC3601EMSE#PBF sets the on-time comparator threshold. When connected to VOUT (≤6V), it makes the on-time proportional to output voltage, improving regulation accuracy and stability across line and load variations. This feature maintains consistent switching frequency behavior even as input voltage changes - especially valuable in high-step-down applications.
Can the LTC3601EMSE#PBF operate with an input voltage below 4V?
No, the LTC3601EMSE#PBF has a minimum specified input voltage of 4V per its Absolute Maximum Ratings and Electrical Characteristics tables. Operation below 4V is not guaranteed and may result in failure to start, unstable regulation, or violation of the INTVCC undervoltage lockout (2.45V–2.9V). For sub-4V inputs, consider alternatives like the LTC3638 (2.5V–5.5V input) or discrete controller + external FET solutions.
LTC3601EMSE#PBF Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-TFSOP (0.118", 3.00mm Width) Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Function:
- Step-Down
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Topology:
- Buck
- Output Type:
- Adjustable
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 4V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 15V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 0.6V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- 14.52V
- Current - Output:
- 1.5A
- Frequency - Switching:
- 2MHz ~ 4MHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- Yes
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-MSOP-EP
LTC3601EMSE#PBF FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LTC3601EMSE#PBF through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LTC3601EMSE#PBF on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for LTC3601EMSE#PBF reliable?
The price and inventory of LTC3601EMSE#PBF are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LTC3601EMSE#PBF is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LTC3601EMSE#PBF?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LTC3601EMSE#PBF transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LTC3601EMSE#PBF?
LTC3601EMSE#PBF orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LTC3601EMSE#PBF order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for LTC3601EMSE#PBF?
For technical support, including LTC3601EMSE#PBF datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LTC3601EMSE#PBF requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LTC3601EMSE#PBF is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LTC3601EMSE#PBF products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that LTC3601EMSE#PBF meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LTC3601EMSE#PBF?
All LTC3601EMSE#PBF units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LTC3601EMSE#PBF, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The LTC3601EMSE#PBF part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LTC3601EMSE#PBF:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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