Analog Devices Inc. LTC4444IMS8E-5#TRPBF

Overview

LTC4444IMS8E-5#TRPBF from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a high-frequency, high-voltage synchronous N-channel MOSFET gate driver for buck and buck-boost DC/DC converters, supporting up to 100V input supply and 114V bootstrapped high-side operation. It delivers 1.4A peak top-gate pull-up and 1.75A peak bottom-gate pull-up current, with adaptive shoot-through protection and undervoltage lockout, enabling efficient driving of high-capacitance power MOSFETs in telecom and automotive power modules.

For engineers reviewing the LTC4444IMS8E-5#TRPBF datasheet, LTC4444IMS8E-5#TRPBF pinout, LTC4444IMS8E-5#TRPBF application, or LTC4444IMS8E-5#TRPBF equivalent, key selection criteria include bootstrap voltage tolerance (up to 114V), dual independent inputs with internal level-shifting, nanosecond-scale rise/fall times under 1nF load, thermal performance in the MS8E package, and compatibility with high-density synchronous rectified topologies.

Technical Context

The LTC4444IMS8E-5#TRPBF integrates a CMOS-compatible input stage with 450mV hysteresis (VIH = 2.75V, VIL = 2.3V), independent of VCC, and an internal LDO that biases both high- and low-side input buffers. Its high-side driver uses adaptive level-shifting referenced to TS, allowing operation with BOOST–TS up to 114V while maintaining precise timing control.

Output stage architecture employs bipolar NPN transistors for pull-up (Q1/Q2) and N-channel MOSFETs for pull-down (M1/M2), delivering low RDS(on) pull-down resistances (1.5Ω top, 0.75Ω bottom) and fast switching (5ns TG fall, 3ns BG fall at 1nF). Adaptive shoot-through protection monitors TINP/BINP states and TS voltage transitions to prevent simultaneous conduction, with built-in 150ns delay logic for safe low-side turn-on after high-side turn-off.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The LTC4444IMS8E-5#TRPBF is housed in a thermally enhanced 8-lead MSOP package (MS8E) with exposed GND pad (Pin 9) requiring soldering to PCB for θJA = 40°C/W thermal performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-voltage synchronous gate driver applications.

Compared with LTC4446 and LTC4440-5, the LTC4444IMS8E-5#TRPBF uniquely combines integrated adaptive shoot-through protection, dual independent inputs, and 114V BOOST–TS capability-making it the only option among the three qualified for fully self-contained, high-reliability 100V-input synchronous buck designs without additional timing or protection circuitry.

Availability

LTC4444IMS8E-5#TRPBF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telecom power modules, automotive DC/DC converters, and high-density industrial SMPS requiring stable component supply, extended temperature qualification, and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for LTC4444IMS8E-5#TRPBF 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 portfolio with rigorous automotive and industrial qualification standards.

The LTC4444IMS8E-5#TRPBF belongs to Linear's high-voltage gate driver product line, engineered specifically for synchronous rectification in high-input-voltage DC/DC converters where efficiency, reliability, and layout simplicity are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable BOOST–TS voltage for the LTC4444IMS8E-5#TRPBF?

The LTC4444IMS8E-5#TRPBF supports a maximum BOOST–TS voltage of 114V, as specified in Absolute Maximum Ratings. This allows safe operation in synchronous buck converters with up to 100V input voltage, including margin for ringing and transient overshoot. Exceeding 114V risks permanent damage to the high-side level-shifter and output stage.

Does the LTC4444IMS8E-5#TRPBF require external bootstrap diodes?

Yes, the LTC4444IMS8E-5#TRPBF requires an external bootstrap diode connected between VCC (Pin 3) and BOOST (Pin 6) to charge the bootstrap capacitor during low-side conduction. The diode must support the peak reverse voltage (up to VIN + VCC) and forward current needed to replenish capacitor charge each cycle. Schottky diodes with low V_F and fast recovery are recommended.

How does adaptive shoot-through protection work in the LTC4444IMS8E-5#TRPBF?

The LTC4444IMS8E-5#TRPBF implements adaptive shoot-through protection by monitoring both input signals (TINP/BINP) and the TS node voltage. If both inputs go high simultaneously, BG is held low while TG is enabled. When TINP turns on, TG is delayed until BG confirms low state; when TINP turns off, BG is delayed 150ns unless TS falls first-ensuring no overlap without fixed dead-time settings.

What is the purpose of the exposed pad (Pin 9) on the LTC4444IMS8E-5#TRPBF MS8E package?

The exposed pad (Pin 9) on the LTC4444IMS8E-5#TRPBF is electrically and thermally connected to GND. It must be soldered to a dedicated PCB ground plane to achieve the specified θ_JA = 40°C/W thermal resistance. Failure to solder this pad results in thermal resistance exceeding 100°C/W, risking junction temperature violation and premature device failure under sustained load.

Can the LTC4444IMS8E-5#TRPBF drive both high-side and low-side MOSFETs in a half-bridge configuration?

Yes, the LTC4444IMS8E-5#TRPBF is explicitly designed for half-bridge synchronous rectification: TG drives the high-side N-MOSFET gate referenced to TS, while BG drives the low-side N-MOSFET gate referenced to GND. Its independent TINP/BINP inputs, adaptive shoot-through logic, and matched timing characteristics make it ideal for this topology in buck, buck-boost, and active clamp converters.