lt3070 Linear Technology Corporation, lt3070 Datasheet - Page 15

• Manufacturer Part Number: lt3070
• Description: 5a, Low Noise, Programmable Output, 85mv Dropout Linear Regulator
• Manufacturer: Linear Technology Corporation

ApplicAtions inFormAtion
Introduction
Current generation FPGA and ASIC processors place
stringent demands on the power supplies that power the
core, I/O and transceiver channels. These microprocessors
may cycle load current from near zero to amps in tens of
nanoseconds. Output voltage specifications, especially in
the 1V range, require tight tolerances including transient
response as part of the requirement. Some ASIC processors
require only a single output voltage from which the core
and I/O circuitry operate. Some high performance FPGA
processors require separate power supply voltages for the
processor core, the I/O, and the transceivers. Often, these
supply voltages must be low noise and high bandwidth
to achieve the lowest bit-error rates. These requirements
mandate the need for very accurate, low noise, high cur-
rent, very high speed regulator circuits that operate at low
input and output voltages.
The LT3070 is a low voltage, UltraFast transient response
linear regulator. The device supplies up to 5A of output
current with a typical dropout voltage of 85mV. A 0.01µF
reference bypass capacitor decreases output voltage noise
to 25µV
bandwidth provides UltraFast transient response using low
ESR ceramic output capacitors (15µF minimum), saving
bulk capacitance, PCB area and cost.
The LT3070’s features permit state-of-the-art linear regula-
tor performance. The LT3070 is ideal for high performance
FPGAs, microprocessors, sensitive communication sup-
plies, and high current logic applications that also operate
over low input and output voltages.
Output voltage for the LT3070 is digitally selectable in
50mV increments over a 0.8V to 1.8V range. A margining
function allows the user to adjust system output voltage
in increments of ±1%, ±3% or ±5%.
The IC incorporates a unique tracking function, which if
enabled by the user, controls an upsteam regulator power-
ing the LT3070’s input (see Figure 8). This tracking function
drives the buck regulator to maintain the LT3070’s input
voltage to V
control allows the user to change the regulator output
voltage, and have the switching regulator powering the
LT3070’s input to track to the optimum input voltage with
no component changes.
RMS
(BW = 10Hz to 100kHz). The LT3070’s high
OUT
+ 300mV. This input-to-output voltage
This combines the efficiency of a switching regulator
with superior linear regulator response. It also permits
thermal management of the system even with a maximum
5A output load.
LT3070 internal protection includes input undervoltage
lockout (UVLO), reverse-current protection, precision cur-
rent limiting with power foldback and thermal shutdown.
The LT3070 regulator is available in a thermally enhanced
28-lead, 4mm × 5mm QFN package.
The LT3070’s architecture drives an internal N-channel
power MOSFET as a source follower. This configuration
permits a user to obtain an extremely low dropout, Ultra-
Fast transient response regulator with excellent high fre-
quency PSRR performance. The LT3070 achieves superior
regulator bandwidth and transient load performance by
eliminating expensive bulk tantalum or electrolytic capaci-
tors in the most modern and demanding microprocessor
applications. Users realize significant cost savings as all
additional bulk capacitance is removed. The additional
savings of insertion cost, purchasing/inventory cost and
board space are readily apparent. Precision incremental
output voltage control accommodates legacy and future
microprocessor power supply voltages.
Output capacitor networks simplify to direct parallel com-
binations of ceramic capacitors. Often, the high frequency
ceramic decoupling capacitors required by these various
FPGA and ASIC processors are sufficient to stabilize the
system (see Stability and Output Capacitance section). This
regulator design provides ample bandwidth and responds
to transient load changes in a few hundred nanoseconds
versus regulators that respond in many microseconds.
The LT3070 also incorporates precision current limiting,
enable/disable control of output voltage and integrated
overvoltage and thermal shutdown protection. The
LT3070’s unique design combines the benefits of low
dropout voltage, high functional integration, precision
performance and UltraFast transient response, as well as
providing significant cost savings on the output capacitance
needed in fast load transient applications.
As lower voltage applications become increasingly preva-
lent with higher frequency switching power supplies, the
LT3070 offers superior regulation and an appreciable
LT3070

3070f