LTC3738 Datasheet | Linear Technology

Features - 3-Phase Controller with Onboard MOSFET Drivers - Programmable Active Voltage Positioning (AVP) with True Current Sensing - Programmable External Thermal Detection or Internal Thermal Sensing - Precise Output Current Matching Optimizes Thermal Performance and Solution Size - Supports Starting into Precharged VOUTS - Differential Amplifier Accurately Senses VOUT - PWM, Pulse Skip and Stage Shedding TM Operation - Synchronizable - 210k Hz to 530k Hz Per Phase, Fixed Frequency - Output Power Good Indicator with Adaptive Blanking - Adjustable Soft-Start Current Ramping - Short-Circuit Shutdown Timer with Defeat Option - OPTI-LOOP® pensation Minimizes COUT - 38-Lead (5mm × 7mm) QFN Package U APPLICATIO S - High Performance Notebook puters - Servers, Desktop puters and Workstations U.S. Patent Numbers: 5481178, 5994885, 5929620, 6177787, 6144194, 6580258, 6462525, 6593724, 6674274, 6100678 pending on AVP technique. 3-Phase Buck Controller for Intel VRM9/VRM10 with Active Voltage Positioning DESCRIPTIO The LTC®3738 is a 3-phase synchronous step-down switching regulator controller that drives all N-channel external power MOSFET stages in a phase-lockable, fixed frequency architecture. The 3-phase technique effectively triples the fundamental frequency, improving transient response while operating each controller at an optimal frequency for efficiency and ease of thermal design. Light load efficiency is optimized by using a choice of output Stage Shedding or Pulse Skip mode technology. The LTC3738 also allows users to program load slope via a resistor for AVP control. Both external and internal thermal sensing are available from the on-chip thermal detector and parator. A differential amplifier provides sensing of both the high and low sides of the output voltage. Soft-start and a defeatable, timed short-circuit shutdown protect the MOSFETs and the load. A foldback current circuit also provides protection for the external MOSFETs under...