Linear Technology Corporation announces the LTC3458L, a 1.7Amp, 6V, 1.5MHz synchronous step-up DC/DC converter with inrush current limiting and output disconnect. Its wide 1.5V to 6V input voltage range enables the LTC3458L to operate from dual cell alkaline/NiMH/NiCd to single cell Li-Ion batteries. It can deliver outputs up to 6V with efficiencies up to 95%. Its switching frequency is programmable up to1.5MHz, allowing designers to keep switching noise out of noise-sensitive circuitry and enabling the use of tiny capacitors and inductors. The combination of the LTC3458L’s internal switches and a tiny 4mm x 3mm DFN package provide high efficiency boost capability in a very compact form factor.

The LTC3458L’s 200mOhm (N-Channel) MOSFET switch and 300mOhm (P-Channel) MOSFET synchronous rectifier provide high efficiency operation. For light load efficiency, the part utilizes programmable Burst Mode® operation to reduce quiescent current to less than 15uA. The current threshold at which Burst Mode operation begins is user programmable, enabling designers to optimize battery run-time. Switching frequency is also programmable from 400kHz to 1.5MHz via a single resistor. Alternatively the part will synchronize to an external clock. Other features include current mode operation, programmable soft-start and a programmable current limit.

The LTC3458LEDE is available from stock in a 4mm x 3mm DFN package. Pricing starts at $3.20 each for 1,000-piece quantities.