Datasheet

LTC3526L/LTC3526LB
10
3526lfc
V
IN
> V
OUT
OPERATION
The LTC3526L/LTC3526LB will maintain voltage regulation
even when the input voltage is above the desired output
voltage. Note that the efficiency is much lower in this mode,
and the maximum output current capability will be less.
Refer to the Typical Performance Characteristics.
SHORT-CIRCUIT PROTECTION
The LTC3526L/LTC3526LB output disconnect feature al
-
lows output
short circuit while maintaining a maximum
internally set current limit. To reduce power dissipation
under short-circuit conditions, the peak switch current
limit is reduced to 400mA (typical).
SCHOTTKY DIODE
Although not recommended, adding a Schottky diode from
SW to V
OUT
will improve efficiency by about 2%. Note
that this defeats the output disconnect and short-circuit
protection features.
PCB LAYOUT GUIDELINES
The high speed operation of the LTC3526L/LTC3526LB
demands careful attention to board layout. A careless
layout will result in reduced performance. Figure 2 shows
the recommended component placement. A large ground
pin copper area will help to lower the die temperature. A
multilayer board with a separate ground plane is ideal, but
not absolutely necessary.
COMPONENT SELECTION
Inductor Selection
The
L
TC3526L/LTC3526LB can utilize small surface mount
chip inductors due to their fast 1MHz switching frequency.
Inductor values between 3.3µH and 6.8µH are suitable for
most applications. Larger values of inductance will allow
slightly greater output current capability (and lower the
Burst Mode threshold) by reducing the inductor ripple cur
-
rent. Increasing the inductance above 10µH will increase
component size while providing little improvement in
output current capability.
The minimum inductance value is given by:
L
V V V
Ripple V
IN MIN OUT MAX IN MIN
OUT
>
( )
( ) ( ) ( )
(
• –
•
MMAX)
where:
Ripple = Allowable inductor current ripple (amps peak-
peak)
V
IN(MIN)
= Minimum input voltage
V
OUT(MAX)
= Maximum output voltage
The inductor current ripple is typically set for 20% to
40% of the maximum inductor current. High frequency
ferrite core inductor materials reduce frequency dependent
power losses compared to cheaper powdered iron types,
improving efficiency. The inductor should have low ESR
(series resistance of the windings) to reduce the I
2
R power
Figure 2. Recommended Component Placement for Single Layer Board
+
SW
LTC3526L
1
GND
MINIMIZE
TRACE ON FB
AND SW
2
V
IN
MULTIPLE VIAS
TO GROUND PLANE
V
IN
V
OUT
FB
SHDN
3526l F02
3
6
5
4
ApplicAtions inForMAtion