Analog Devices – LT8210-1 DC-DC Controller – PTM | DigiKey

The LT8210-1 supports an input range from 2.8 to 100 volts, with a 4.5 volt minimum for start-up, and optional reverse input protection up to minus 40 volts can be added with a single N-channel MOSFET. It can regulate the output from 1 to 100 volts, with a plus or minus 2 percent output voltage accuracy, using four 10 volt gate drivers to control four external N-channel power MOSFETs in a proprietary topology and control architecture to maximize efficiency and provide clean transitions between different switching regions. An integrated precision current sense amplifier can be used to monitor and limit the output or input average current.

The controller can operate in one of three modes: pass-thru mode, forced continuous conduction mode, and pulse-skipping or discontinuous conduction mode. These are selected via two mode input pins, which can be driven with 1.8 to 5 volt logic levels for dynamic control, or they can be tied high or low for fixed operation.

The controller features a programmable window for pass-thru, which passes the input directly to the output when the input is within the user programmable voltage window. When the input is in this window, there are no switching losses or EMI, and the controller quiescent current drops to 18 microamps, enabling efficiency up to 99.9 percent. Outside this window, the buck or boost regulation loops maintain the output at the programmed maximum or minimum values. This is true for line steps or surges, where the controller can respond quickly to regulate the output within the set limits.

The LT8210-1 offers built-in multiphase masterless current sharing. This is accomplished by connecting the IMON pins of each controller to create an average current measurement, and using a multiphase oscillator to generate clock signals with the appropriate phase difference connected to the sync input of each controller.

The error amplifier outputs are coupled and the LT8210-1 then uses a closed loop regulation scheme to balance the currents of multiple phases, providing higher output current and reduced voltage ripple. This multiphase current sharing is what differentiates the LT8210-1 from the LT8210, but they are otherwise pin compatible, making it easy to transition existing designs to the LT8210-1.

Analog Devices’ offers an evaluation board with four LT8210-1 controllers operating in a multiphase leaderless configuration to supply a load current up to 20 amps at 36 to 56 volts out while operating from a 26 to 80 volt supply. It includes header pins to select from all three operating modes: pass-thru, CCM, and DCM.

Phase clocks are generated by an LTC6902, so all that’s required is a power supply, load, voltmeters, and ammeters, then users can easily evaluate the efficiency and performance for each mode with different input and load settings.

Analog Devices’ LT8210-1 4-switch synchronous buck-boost DC to DC controller provides the performance, efficiency, and low noise capability necessary for a wide range of applications. It’s ideal for use in industrial machinery, telecom equipment, avionics systems, and automotive electronics, including modern dual voltage architectures with 12 and 48 volt busses.