Analog Devices Inc. LTC3612EFE#PBF
- Part No.:
- LTC3612EFE#PBF
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Package:
- 20-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width) Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
LTC3612EFE#PBF.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK ADJ 3A 20TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:571
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Product details
Overview
LTC3612EFE#PBF from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a 3A, 4MHz monolithic synchronous step-down DC/DC converter in a thermally enhanced 20-pin TSSOP package. It operates from 2.25V to 5.5V input, delivers output down to 0.6V with ±1% accuracy, supports 100% duty cycle for low-dropout operation, and features selectable Burst Mode® (70µA IQ), pulse-skipping, or forced continuous mode - ideal for Li-ion-powered portable computers and DDR memory termination.
For engineers reviewing the LTC3612EFE#PBF datasheet, LTC3612EFE#PBF pinout, LTC3612EFE#PBF application, or LTC3612EFE#PBF equivalent, key selection considerations include its 20-pin TSSOP thermal performance (θJA = 38°C/W), DDR mode support (±1.5A sinking capability), programmable switching frequency up to 4MHz, and active voltage positioning (AVP) via ITH pin compensation.
Technical Context
The LTC3612EFE#PBF uses constant-frequency current-mode control with internal slope compensation and dual MOSFET drivers (70mΩ P-channel high-side, 45mΩ N-channel synchronous rectifier). Its MODE pin selects among four operating modes - Burst Mode® (internal/external clamp), pulse-skipping, or forced continuous - each altering transient response, light-load efficiency, and EMI profile.
It integrates undervoltage lockout (1.7V–2.25V hysteresis), power-good monitoring (±7.5% window, 105µs blanking), and robust short-circuit protection with foldback current limiting. The TRACK/SS pin enables soft-start, external reference tracking, or startup sequencing - critical for multi-rail systems and DDR supply ramp alignment.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Current | 3A continuous; supports ±1.5A bidirectional current in DDR mode for memory termination compliance. |
| Input Voltage Range | 2.25V to 5.5V; compatible with single-cell Li-ion (2.7–4.2V) and fixed 3.3V/5V rails without external LDO pre-regulation. |
| Quiescent Current | 70µA in Burst Mode® at no load; ≤1µA in shutdown - extends battery runtime in always-on subsystems. |
| Output Voltage Accuracy | ±1% over temperature and line/load; ensures stable core voltage for sensitive processors and DDR interfaces. |
| Switching Frequency | Programmable 300kHz–4MHz via RT/SYNC resistor or external clock; enables use of sub-1µH inductors for compact point-of-load designs. |
| Duty Cycle Capability | 100% - maintains regulation down to VIN ≈ VOUT + (IOUT × RDS(ON)_HS); essential for battery brownout survival. |
| Thermal Resistance | θJA = 38°C/W (TSSOP); requires minimal copper area for 3A operation at 125°C ambient without forced airflow. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 20-Lead Plastic TSSOP (FE), 6.5mm × 4.4mm × 1.1mm, exposed thermal pad (Pin 21 = PGND). Requires soldering of exposed pad to PCB ground plane for rated thermal performance (θJA = 38°C/W).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| SVIN (Pin 1) | Signal Input Supply | Powers control circuitry and feeds UVLO comparator; must be ≥2.25V for operation. |
| RUN (Pin 2) | Enable Input | Active-high logic; <0.4V disables regulator and reduces supply current to ≤1µA. |
| PGOOD (Pin 3) | Open-Drain Power-Good Flag | Pulled low if VFB deviates >±7.5%; 105µs blanking prevents false triggers during transients. |
| MODE (Pin 4) | Operating Mode Select | Voltage-controlled: SGND = Burst Mode®, SVIN = pulse-skipping, 1.1V–0.58×SVIN = forced continuous. |
| VFB (Pin 5) | Feedback Input | Compares output divider voltage against 0.6V internal reference; sets output via resistor ratio. |
| ITH (Pin 6) | Error Amplifier Compensation | External compensation node; tie to SVIN to enable AVP for dynamic load-step optimization. |
| TRACK/SS (Pin 7) | Soft-Start / Tracking Input | Controls startup ramp rate; also accepts external reference for supply sequencing or tracking applications. |
| DDR (Pin 8) | DDR Mode Enable | Tie to SVIN to activate ±1.5A sinking capability and shift PGOOD window for DDR termination compliance. |
| RT/SYNC (Pin 9) | Frequency Control | Set oscillator via resistor-to-GND (300kHz–4MHz), sync to external clock (≤4MHz), or tie to SVIN for 2.25MHz default. |
| SGND (Pin 10) | Signal Ground | Reference for all small-signal pins; must connect to PGND at single point to avoid noise coupling. |
| PVIN_DRV (Pin 20) | Gate Driver Supply | Must be tied directly to PVIN; powers high-side driver stage for optimal RDS(ON) and switching speed. |
| PGND (Pin 21) | Power Ground | Exposed thermal pad; connects to source of synchronous N-MOSFET; mandatory PCB solder connection for thermal integrity. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated Synchronous Power Stage | Eliminates external catch diode; 70mΩ/45mΩ RDS(ON) MOSFETs enable >95% peak efficiency at 3A with minimal board area. |
| Multi-Mode Operation Selection | Four distinct modes (Burst, pulse-skipping, forced continuous, external-clamp Burst) allow trade-off between light-load efficiency, output ripple, and EMI for system-specific requirements. |
| DDR Memory Termination Support | Configurable ±1.5A sinking capability and adaptive PGOOD window meet JEDEC DDR3/DDR4 termination specs without external components. |
| Programmable Soft-Start & Tracking | TRACK/SS pin enables controlled ramp-up, supply sequencing with master rail, or external reference tracking - critical for FPGA/CPU power integrity. |
| Robust Short-Circuit Protection | Foldback current limiting reduces peak inductor current during output short; valley-current limit prevents bottom-FET saturation and thermal runaway. |
Applications
| Portable Computer Systems | DDR Memory Termination |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Powering CPU core, GPU, or SoC I/O rails in ultrabooks and tablets with single-cell Li-ion battery input. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary point-of-load buck regulator delivering tightly regulated 1.05V/1.2V/1.8V at up to 3A with fast transient response. Use Value: 100% duty cycle operation extends usable battery voltage range; 70µA Burst Mode® IQ preserves standby time without compromising wake-up latency. |
Use Scenario: Providing VTT termination voltage for DDR3/DDR4 memory modules in laptops and embedded controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional regulator sourcing/sinking ±1.5A while tracking VDDQ/2 with precise ±1% accuracy. Use Value: Integrated DDR mode eliminates discrete op-amp/current-source circuits; adaptive PGOOD window ensures valid termination during memory initialization sequences. |
| Point-of-Load Supplies | Handheld Devices |
Use Scenario: Local regulation for FPGAs, ASICs, or high-speed SerDes in telecom and industrial equipment with distributed 5V/3.3V backplanes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Compact, high-frequency (up to 4MHz) buck converter enabling <1µH inductors and ceramic output caps for minimal footprint. Use Value: Programmable frequency avoids noise-sensitive bands (e.g., RF front-end); forced continuous mode suppresses switching harmonics near analog signal paths. |
Use Scenario: Main system power supply in medical handhelds, barcode scanners, and ruggedized PDAs requiring long battery life and reliable cold-start capability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary DC/DC converter accepting wide-input (2.25–5.5V) from primary battery or USB port, delivering stable 1.2V/1.8V/3.3V rails. Use Value: Low 2.25V minimum input enables operation down to deeply discharged Li-ion cells; thermal-enhanced TSSOP sustains 3A output without derating at 60°C ambient. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous step-down regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP2315DJ-LF-Z | 3A, 2.5–36V input, fixed 500kHz frequency, no DDR mode or external frequency sync. | Lacks burst clamp adjustability, AVP, and DDR sinking; suited for simpler industrial supplies but not memory termination. | Select when wide VIN range and cost sensitivity outweigh need for advanced light-load control or DDR compliance. |
| TPS54331DR | 3A, 3.5–28V input, adjustable frequency (100kHz–2.5MHz), no integrated DDR mode or 100% duty cycle. | Requires external components for tracking/soft-start; lower max frequency limits inductor size reduction vs. LTC3612EFE#PBF's 4MHz capability. | Choose for higher-VIN applications where 2.25V start-up and bidirectional DDR current are not required. |
Compared with MP2315DJ-LF-Z and TPS54331DR, the LTC3612EFE#PBF offers superior low-input operation (2.25V), integrated DDR sinking, programmable 4MHz switching, and finer-grained light-load mode control - making it uniquely suitable for space-constrained, battery-powered systems demanding both efficiency and precision.
Availability
LTC3612EFE#PBF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable computer systems, DDR memory termination, and point-of-load supplies requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges (–40°C to 125°C) and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for LTC3612EFE#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 power management portfolio with rigorous automotive- and industrial-grade qualification.
The LTC3612EFE#PBF belongs to Linear's monolithic synchronous buck regulator family, designed specifically for high-efficiency, low-noise, and thermally constrained point-of-load applications in portable and memory-intensive electronics.
FAQ
What is the maximum switching frequency supported by the LTC3612EFE#PBF?
The LTC3612EFE#PBF supports an externally programmable switching frequency up to 4MHz via the RT/SYNC pin - either using a resistor-to-ground or synchronization to an external clock signal. At 4MHz, it enables use of very small inductors (e.g., 0.33µH) and ceramic capacitors, reducing solution size significantly compared to lower-frequency alternatives. The internal oscillator defaults to 2.25MHz when RT/SYNC is tied to SVIN.
Does the LTC3612EFE#PBF support DDR memory termination, and how is it configured?
Yes, the LTC3612EFE#PBF supports DDR memory termination through its dedicated DDR pin (Pin 8). When DDR is tied to SVIN, the device activates bidirectional operation with ±1.5A sinking capability and shifts the PGOOD voltage window to match JEDEC DDR3/DDR4 termination requirements. This eliminates the need for external op-amps or current sources typically used in discrete DDR termination solutions.
What is the quiescent current of the LTC3612EFE#PBF in Burst Mode® operation?
In Burst Mode® operation (MODE pin tied to SGND), the LTC3612EFE#PBF draws only 70µA of quiescent current at no load while maintaining regulated output voltage - a key advantage for battery-powered devices requiring extended standby time. Shutdown current drops further to ≤1µA when the RUN pin is pulled low, fully disabling internal circuitry.
Can the LTC3612EFE#PBF operate with input voltages below 3.0V, and what is the minimum supported input?
Yes, the LTC3612EFE#PBF is explicitly rated for input voltages as low as 2.25V, making it compatible with deeply discharged single-cell Li-ion batteries (down to ~2.5V) and low-voltage fixed rails. Its 100% duty cycle capability ensures regulation even when VIN approaches VOUT, extending usable battery life in portable applications where other buck regulators would drop out.
How does the LTC3612EFE#PBF handle short-circuit conditions on the output?
The LTC3612EFE#PBF employs dual short-circuit protections: (1) foldback current limiting that reduces peak inductor current as output voltage collapses, and (2) valley-current limiting on the synchronous N-MOSFET to prevent thermal runaway. During a short, the ITH clamp voltage drops to 40% of normal, lowering peak current to safe levels - all without requiring external components or sacrificing startup reliability.
LTC3612EFE#PBF Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 20-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm 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):
- 2.25V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 5.5V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 0.6V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- 5.5V
- Current - Output:
- 3A
- Frequency - Switching:
- 300kHz ~ 4MHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- Yes
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-TSSOP-EP
LTC3612EFE#PBF FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LTC3612EFE#PBF through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LTC3612EFE#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 LTC3612EFE#PBF reliable?
The price and inventory of LTC3612EFE#PBF are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LTC3612EFE#PBF is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LTC3612EFE#PBF?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LTC3612EFE#PBF transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LTC3612EFE#PBF?
LTC3612EFE#PBF orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LTC3612EFE#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 LTC3612EFE#PBF?
For technical support, including LTC3612EFE#PBF datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LTC3612EFE#PBF requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LTC3612EFE#PBF is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LTC3612EFE#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 LTC3612EFE#PBF meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LTC3612EFE#PBF?
All LTC3612EFE#PBF units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LTC3612EFE#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 LTC3612EFE#PBF part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LTC3612EFE#PBF:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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