Analog Devices Inc. LTC3601IMSE#PBF
- Part No.:
- LTC3601IMSE#PBF
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Package:
- 16-TFSOP (0.118", 3.00mm Width) Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
LTC3601IMSE#PBF.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK ADJ 1.5A 16MSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
LTC3601IMSE#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 switching frequency (800kHz–4MHz), and supports both Burst Mode® (300µA no-load IQ) and forced continuous operation - ideal for lithium-ion battery-powered instruments requiring compact, high-efficiency point-of-load regulation.
For engineers reviewing the LTC3601IMSE#PBF datasheet, LTC3601IMSE#PBF pinout, LTC3601IMSE#PBF application, or LTC3601IMSE#PBF equivalent, key selection considerations include its current-mode architecture for fast transient response, 0.6V reference enabling low-output-voltage designs, external frequency synchronization capability, and integrated power-good status output with ±8% regulation window detection.
Technical Context
The LTC3601IMSE#PBF employs a phase-lockable controlled on-time, current-mode architecture with internal error amplifier transconductance of 2.0mS and valley current limit of 1.7–2.8A. Its top/bottom MOSFET RDS(ON) values are 130mΩ/100mΩ, enabling high efficiency across wide load ranges.
It features dual operational modes: Burst Mode® (300µA IQ) for light-load efficiency optimization and forced continuous mode for constant-frequency, low-ripple performance. The device includes VIN overvoltage lockout (16.8V rising), short-circuit foldback protection, and programmable soft-start (400–700µs).
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, microcontroller subsystems, and sensor interfaces. |
| Switching Frequency | 800kHz to 4MHz (resistor-programmable) - enables use of sub-2.2µH inductors for space-constrained PCBs. |
| Efficiency | Up to 96% - minimizes thermal stress and extends battery runtime in portable applications. |
| No-Load Quiescent Current | 300µA in Burst Mode® - critical for always-on, low-power IoT nodes and sleep-mode instrumentation. |
| Reference Voltage | 0.600V ±6mV - allows precise 0.8V–5V output programming with standard resistor dividers. |
| Power Good Threshold | ±8% FB window (typical) - provides reliable system-level power 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. Requires soldering of exposed pad to PCB ground plane.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| MODE/SYNC (Pin 15) | Mode control & sync input | Ground = forced continuous; floating or INTVCC = Burst Mode®; external clock = synchronized operation. |
| PGOOD (Pin 16) | Open-drain status output | Pulled low when FB deviates >±8% from 0.6V; high-impedance when within ±5% - enables safe power sequencing. |
| SW (Pins 1,2) | Switch node | Connects to inductor; swings from PGND to VIN - requires low-inductance layout to minimize EMI. |
| BOOST (Pin 5) | Bootstrap supply | Drives high-side gate; connects to CBOOST between BOOST and SW - enables 100% duty cycle capability. |
| INTVCC (Pin 6) | Internal 3.3V LDO output | Supplies internal circuitry; must be decoupled with ≥1µF ceramic capacitor to SGND. |
| VON (Pin 7) | On-time voltage input | Sets on-time proportional to VOUT ≤6V; ensures stable frequency under varying output conditions. |
| SGND (Pin 17, exposed pad) | Signal ground reference | Reference for FB, RT, TRACK, ITH - must be star-connected to minimize noise coupling into feedback path. |
| RT (Pin 8) | Oscillator frequency set | Resistor to SGND programs fSW; 160kΩ = ~1.4MHz - enables precise EMI frequency placement. |
| FB (Pin 9) | Feedback input | Compares divider output to 0.6V reference; ±30nA input bias enables high-resistance dividers. |
| ITH (Pin 10) | Error amplifier output | Loop compensation node; connect RC network for stability - default internal compensation available. |
| TRACK (Pin 11) | Tracking/soft-start input | 0.3V threshold enables output voltage ramp-up or coordinated multi-rail sequencing. |
| RUN (Pin 12) | Enable input | 1.25V threshold (min); <1.0V disables regulator - prevents unintended startup during power ramp. |
| VIN (Pins 13,14) | Main power input | 4V–15V supply; requires ≥10µF low-ESR ceramic decoupling close to pins for ripple suppression. |
| PGND (Pins 3,4) | Power ground return | Low-impedance return for CIN, COUT, and MOSFET sources - separate from SGND to avoid noise injection. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Burst Mode® operation | Reduces no-load IQ to 300µA while maintaining regulation - extends battery life in standby without compromising wake-up time. |
| External frequency synchronization | Accepts external clock on MODE/SYNC pin across full 800kHz–4MHz range - eliminates beat frequencies in multi-rail systems. |
| Programmable soft-start | 400–700µs internal ramp via TRACK pin capacitor - prevents inrush current and overshoot during power-up. |
| Output voltage tracking | TRACK pin accepts external voltage <0.6V to servo FB - enables precise sequencing with higher-voltage rails or FPGA configuration supplies. |
| Short-circuit foldback protection | Reduces valley current limit to ~0.7A during output short - limits power dissipation and protects input source during fault. |
| VIN overvoltage lockout | Shuts down at 16.8V (rising), resumes at 15.8V (falling) - safeguards internal MOSFETs against automotive load-dump transients. |
Applications
| Lithium-Ion Battery Instruments | Distributed Power Systems |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Portable handheld test equipment powered by single-cell Li-ion (3.0–4.2V) requiring stable 1.8V/3.3V rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary buck converter delivering regulated core voltage to MCU and ADC subsystems. Use Value: Burst Mode® extends battery runtime >3× vs continuous mode at light loads; 96% peak efficiency minimizes heat in sealed enclosures. |
Use Scenario: Industrial PLC backplane with multiple isolated DC-DC modules feeding field I/O cards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Point-of-load regulator converting 12V intermediate bus to 5V/3.3V for local logic and interface ICs. Use Value: External SYNC capability aligns switching edges across modules, reducing aggregate EMI and simplifying filtering. |
| Point-of-Load Power Supply | FPGA Core Supply |
Use Scenario: High-density telecom board where space constraints demand minimal passive component count. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Compact 1.5A regulator using 1µH inductor and ceramic caps for 1.2V output. Use Value: 4MHz max switching frequency enables sub-1mm height inductors; MSOP package fits tight pitch layouts. |
Use Scenario: FPGA development platform requiring clean, sequenced 1.0V core and 2.5V auxiliary rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Core rail regulator with TRACK pin tied to auxiliary rail's feedback divider for monotonic startup. Use Value: Integrated tracking eliminates need for external sequencing IC; ±6mV reference ensures <±1% output accuracy. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous buck regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPS54331DR | 3.5–28V input, 3A output, fixed 570kHz fSW, no Burst Mode®, larger SOIC-8 package | Higher input voltage range but lacks low-IQ mode and frequency flexibility - better suited for 24V industrial inputs than Li-ion systems | Select when input exceeds 15V or >1.5A output is required; avoid if Burst Mode® or EMI-controlled frequency is needed. |
| MP2315DJ-LF-Z | 4.5–28V input, 1.5A, 1.4MHz fixed fSW, no SYNC, no TRACK, smaller TSOT23-8 package | Lower cost and smaller footprint but missing key features: no soft-start control, no output tracking, no external sync | Choose for cost-sensitive, non-sequencing applications with fixed 1.4MHz operation; not suitable for multi-rail coordination or low-noise designs. |
Compared with TPS54331DR and MP2315DJ-LF-Z, the LTC3601IMSE#PBF uniquely combines ultra-low quiescent current, wide-frequency programmability, and precision tracking in a thermally enhanced MSOP - making it optimal for battery-powered, multi-rail, and EMI-sensitive embedded systems where design flexibility outweighs lowest BOM cost.
Availability
LTC3601IMSE#PBF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for lithium-ion battery instruments, distributed power systems, point-of-load power supplies, FPGA core supplies, and industrial embedded controllers requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability.
Supply support for LTC3601IMSE#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 high-performance analog and power management product lines with rigorous qualification and long-term support.
The LTC3601 belongs to Linear's monolithic synchronous buck regulator family, designed specifically for high-efficiency, low-noise, and space-constrained point-of-load applications in portable, industrial, and communications equipment.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage rating for the LTC3601IMSE#PBF?
The LTC3601IMSE#PBF has an absolute maximum input voltage of 16V, with overvoltage lockout triggering at 16.8V (rising) and resuming operation at 15.8V (falling). This protects internal MOSFETs from transients while supporting nominal 12V and 15V input rails common in industrial and battery-backed systems.
Does the LTC3601IMSE#PBF support output voltage tracking, and how is it implemented?
Yes, the LTC3601IMSE#PBF supports output voltage tracking via the TRACK pin. Applying a voltage below 0.6V to TRACK overrides the internal reference and forces the FB pin to follow that voltage. An internal 1.4µA pull-up current enables soft-start when a capacitor is connected from TRACK to ground - a feature used for controlled power-up sequencing in multi-rail systems.
What is the difference between Burst Mode® and forced continuous operation on the LTC3601IMSE#PBF?
Burst Mode® reduces no-load quiescent current to 300µA by disabling switching until output droop triggers a new cycle - ideal for battery longevity. Forced continuous mode maintains constant-frequency operation regardless of load, minimizing output voltage ripple and EMI but increasing light-load losses. Selection is made via the MODE/SYNC pin voltage level.
Can the LTC3601IMSE#PBF be synchronized to an external clock, and what is the supported frequency range?
Yes, the LTC3601IMSE#PBF accepts an external clock signal on the MODE/SYNC pin across its full operating frequency range of 800kHz to 4MHz. When synchronized, the internal PLL aligns the on-time of the top MOSFET to the external clock edge - enabling deterministic switching timing and reduced beat frequencies in multi-converter systems.
What thermal considerations apply to the LTC3601IMSE#PBF in the MSOP package?
The LTC3601IMSE#PBF in the 16-lead MSOP package has θJA = 38°C/W. Its exposed pad (Pin 17) must be soldered to a PCB copper area connected to SGND to ensure effective heat dissipation. For 1.5A continuous operation at high ambient temperatures, thermal vias under the pad and adequate copper pour are essential to maintain junction temperature below 125°C.
LTC3601IMSE#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
LTC3601IMSE#PBF FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LTC3601IMSE#PBF through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LTC3601IMSE#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 LTC3601IMSE#PBF reliable?
The price and inventory of LTC3601IMSE#PBF are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LTC3601IMSE#PBF is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LTC3601IMSE#PBF?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LTC3601IMSE#PBF transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LTC3601IMSE#PBF?
LTC3601IMSE#PBF orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LTC3601IMSE#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 LTC3601IMSE#PBF?
For technical support, including LTC3601IMSE#PBF datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LTC3601IMSE#PBF requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LTC3601IMSE#PBF is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LTC3601IMSE#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 LTC3601IMSE#PBF meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LTC3601IMSE#PBF?
All LTC3601IMSE#PBF units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LTC3601IMSE#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 LTC3601IMSE#PBF part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LTC3601IMSE#PBF:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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