Analog Devices Inc. LTC3713EG#PBF

Overview

LTC3713EG#PBF from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a high-efficiency, valley current-mode synchronous buck DC/DC controller optimized for ultra-low-input-voltage operation down to 1.5V, delivering regulated outputs from 0.8V up to 0.9×VIN using external N-channel MOSFETs. It eliminates the need for a sense resistor by leveraging MOSFET R_DS(ON), features a 0.8V ±1% reference, programmable soft-start, and integrated boost regulator for INTVCC generation-targeting telecom card step-down and DDR bus termination.

For engineers reviewing the LTC3713EG#PBF datasheet, LTC3713EG#PBF pinout, LTC3713EG#PBF application, or LTC3713EG#PBF equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, exact pin functions, real-world application mappings, and validated alternative options for low-VIN synchronous buck designs requiring no R_SENSE, true current mode control, and 5V gate drive compatibility.

Technical Context

The LTC3713EG#PBF implements a valley current-mode architecture with a one-shot timer controlling top-MOSFET on-time (t_ON(MIN) = 50 ns), enabling stable high-frequency operation without external current-sense resistors. Its dual-regulator structure integrates a fixed-frequency (0.9–1.9 MHz) current-mode boost converter to generate 4.7–5.3V INTVCC from VIN2 as low as 1.5V.

Control logic includes forced-continuous/discontinuous mode selection via FCB pin, output overvoltage protection (±7.5% window), foldback current limiting, and power-good monitoring with open-drain PGOOD output. The ITH pin serves as both error amplifier compensation node and current threshold control point (0–2.4V range), directly scaling valley current limit.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 24-lead plastic SSOP (G package), 0.635 mm pitch, JEDEC MS-013AC, body size 7.5 mm × 12.8 mm.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous buck controller applications.

Compared with LTC3780EFE#PBF and MP2315DJ-LF-Z, the LTC3713EG#PBF uniquely supports sub-2V inputs, eliminates R_SENSE, and integrates a boost regulator - making it the only option for efficient, high-current, single-rail 1.5V–3.3V systems requiring 5V gate drive and no auxiliary supply.

Availability

LTC3713EG#PBF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telecom infrastructure, DDR memory subsystems, FPGA power delivery, and low-voltage industrial embedded systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and guaranteed performance across –40°C to +85°C.

Supply support for LTC3713EG#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, Inc. (ADI) is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, formed through the acquisition of Linear Technology in 2017.

The LTC3713EG#PBF belongs to ADI's Power by Linear™ high-efficiency DC/DC controller family, engineered specifically for ultra-low-input-voltage, high-current synchronous buck applications in space-constrained telecom, computing, and industrial systems.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage supported by the LTC3713EG#PBF?

The LTC3713EG#PBF supports a minimum main input voltage (VIN1) of 1.5V, enabling direct regulation from single-cell lithium batteries or low-voltage logic rails. Its integrated boost converter (VIN2) operates down to 0.9V, allowing independent 5V INTVCC generation even when the main input is as low as 1.5V. This capability is confirmed in the Absolute Maximum Ratings and Electrical Characteristics tables of the official datasheet.

Does the LTC3713EG#PBF require an external current-sense resistor?

No, the LTC3713EG#PBF does not require an external current-sense resistor. It uses the R_DS(ON) of the external bottom N-channel MOSFET as the current-sensing element, eliminating associated cost, board area, and conduction losses. The VRNG pin scales the effective sense voltage (50–200 mV nominal), and the SENSE+/SENSE– pins connect directly to the MOSFET terminals for Kelvin sensing - all explicitly detailed in the Applications Information section.

How is the switching frequency set on the LTC3713EG#PBF?

The switching frequency of the LTC3713EG#PBF is set implicitly by the one-shot timer controlling top-MOSFET on-time. An external resistor (RON) from VIN1 to the ION pin programs the timer current, while the VON pin sets the comparator threshold. Frequency is approximately constant across VIN1 variations and can be stabilized across VOUT changes by tying VON to VOUT - equations and design guidance are provided in the Applications Information section of the datasheet.

What is the function of the VRNG pin on the LTC3713EG#PBF?

The VRNG pin on the LTC3713EG#PBF sets the nominal current-sense voltage range: 10× the VRNG voltage equals the nominal sense threshold (e.g., 1V at VRNG = 100 mV). It directly determines the maximum allowable sense voltage (79–214 mV depending on VRNG and VFB1), which in turn defines the peak valley current limit. VRNG can be tied to SGND (70 mV default), INTVCC (140 mV), or a resistive divider (0.5–2V) for precise current-limit tuning.

Can the LTC3713EG#PBF operate with only one input supply?

Yes, the LTC3713EG#PBF can operate with a single input supply by connecting both VIN1 and VIN2 to the same rail (e.g., 2.5V). In this configuration, the boost section generates INTVCC from that rail, and the buck section regulates the output. However, optimal efficiency and regulation are achieved when VIN2 is ≥1.5V and VIN1 is ≥1.5V - confirmed by test data in Figure 1 and the Electrical Characteristics table under VIN2(MIN) = 0.9V and VIN1 min = 1.5V conditions.