Analog Devices Inc. LTC3832-1ES8#PBF

Overview

LTC3832-1ES8#PBF from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a high-efficiency, synchronous step-down DC/DC controller optimized for 3.3V–5V input to 0.6V–3.xV output conversion in CPU and logic power supplies. It features no external current sense resistor, >91% max duty cycle over temperature, ±1% output regulation over line/load/temperature, and operates from 3V to 8V input. Its SO-8 package supports compact high-current buck designs.

For engineers reviewing the LTC3832-1ES8#PBF datasheet, LTC3832-1ES8#PBF pinout, LTC3832-1ES8#PBF application, or LTC3832-1ES8#PBF equivalent, key selection criteria include its fixed-function SO-8 configuration, absence of current limit/shutdown/frequency adjustment, VCC/PVCC2 integration, and compatibility with all-N-channel MOSFET topologies requiring low-voltage, high-power regulation.

Technical Context

The LTC3832-1ES8#PBF implements voltage-mode PWM control with a precision 0.6V internal reference and transconductance error amplifier (AV = 50–65 dB, gm = 1600–2400 µmho). Its oscillator runs at a fixed 300 kHz (no FREQSET or synchronization capability), and gate drivers G1 and G2 support N-channel MOSFETs with nonoverlap time of 25–250 ns and rise/fall times of 80–250 ns.

Unlike the LTC3832, the LTC3832-1ES8#PBF omits IMAX, FREQSET, SHDN, SENSE+, and SENSE− pins - eliminating programmable current limiting, frequency adjustment, shutdown, and internal resistive divider functionality. Feedback is applied directly to FB, and PVCC1 and VCC/PVCC2 are independently biased to enable efficient high-side drive while maintaining signal integrity.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 8-lead plastic SO (SO-8), 130°C/W θJA, JEDEC MS-012AC compliant. Pin 3 internally connects PGND and GND.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LTC3832ES8#PBF, the LTC3832-1ES8#PBF trades configurability for simplicity and reduced external part count; versus MP2315DJ-LF-Z, it offers scalable high-current performance with discrete MOSFET selection - making it optimal for industrial and computing applications demanding >5A, wide input range, and thermal resilience.

Availability

LTC3832-1ES8#PBF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for CPU core power supplies, multi-rail logic generation, distributed point-of-load converters, and industrial embedded power modules requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for LTC3832-1ES8#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. (acquired Linear Technology in 2017) is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management semiconductors, serving industrial, automotive, communications, and computing markets.

The LTC3832 family was designed specifically for high-efficiency, high-current synchronous buck conversion in low-voltage digital systems - emphasizing precision regulation, thermal robustness, and MOSFET-driven current sensing to eliminate discrete sense resistors.

FAQ

What is the primary functional difference between LTC3832-1ES8#PBF and LTC3832ES8#PBF?

The LTC3832-1ES8#PBF is a fixed-function variant that removes IMAX, FREQSET, SHDN, SENSE+, and SENSE− pins - disabling current limiting, frequency adjustment, shutdown, and internal feedback divider. The LTC3832ES8#PBF retains all these features. Both share identical SO-8 packaging, 300kHz base frequency, and synchronous N-MOSFET gate drive architecture. The LTC3832-1ES8#PBF simplifies designs where those functions are unnecessary.

Does LTC3832-1ES8#PBF support external current sensing with a shunt resistor?

No. The LTC3832-1ES8#PBF does not support external current sensing. It relies exclusively on R_DS(ON) of the upper N-channel MOSFET for current monitoring and has no dedicated SENSE+ or SENSE− pins. Unlike the full LTC3832, it lacks IMAX and IFB functionality - meaning current limit is entirely absent. Designers must rely on thermal shutdown and external circuit protection for fault conditions.

What is the role of the VCC/PVCC2 pin on LTC3832-1ES8#PBF, and what bypass capacitance is required?

The VCC/PVCC2 pin on LTC3832-1ES8#PBF serves as a combined supply for internal logic circuitry and bottom MOSFET (Q2) gate drive. Because it handles both low-noise analog bias and high-current switching demands, Analog Devices specifies a 10µF ceramic bypass capacitor to GND, placed as close as possible to the pin. This dual-role integration reduces pin count but requires careful layout to prevent coupling of gate-switching noise into the error amplifier reference path.

Can LTC3832-1ES8#PBF be used to generate a 2.5V output, and how is feedback configured?

Yes. LTC3832-1ES8#PBF supports 2.5V output using an external resistor divider connected to the FB pin. Since the internal 18k/5.7k divider is omitted in the -1 version, designers must calculate R1 and R2 such that V_FB = 0.6V at the divider tap. For 2.5V output: R1 = R2 × (2.5V / 0.6V − 1) ≈ R2 × 3.17. A typical choice is R2 = 10kΩ, R1 = 31.6kΩ (1% tolerance). SENSE+ and SENSE− pins are not present and must remain unconnected.

What thermal protection behavior does LTC3832-1ES8#PBF exhibit during overload?

LTC3832-1ES8#PBF incorporates thermal shutdown that disables both G1 and G2 gate drivers when junction temperature reaches 150°C. Gate outputs are pulled low, halting switching and allowing the IC to cool. Normal operation resumes only after junction temperature falls below 125°C. This hysteresis prevents cycling near the trip point. Note that unlike current-limiting variants, LTC3832-1ES8#PBF provides no overcurrent protection - thermal shutdown is its sole fault-recovery mechanism.