DC DC Converter Circuit

A DC-to-DC converter is a device that accepts a DC input voltage and produces a DC output voltage. Normally the output voltage produced is at a different voltage level than the input. DC to DC converters are used to provide noise isolation as well as power bus regulation. Some of the popular DC-to-DC converter topolopgies are:

1. BUCK CONVERTER STEP-DOWN CONVERTER

2. BOOST CONVERTER STEP-UP CONVERTER

3. BUCK-BOOST CONVERTER

Linear Technology DC DC Converter Module

The 10A High efficiency DC/DC converter module LTM4600 is a complete 10A, DC/DC step down power supply. Included in the package are the switching controller, power FETs, inductor, and all support components.

Operating over an input voltage range of 4.5V to 20V, the LTM4600 supports an output voltage range of 0.6V to 5V, set by a single resistor.

This high efficiency design delivers 10A continuous current, needing no heat sinks or airflow to meet power specifications. Only bulk input and output capacitors are needed to finish the design. The low profile package (2.8mm) enables utilization of unused space on the bottom of PC boards for high density point of load regulation. High switching frequency and an adaptive on-time current mode architecture enables a very fast transient response to line and load changes without sacrificing stability. Fault protection features include integrated overvoltage and short circuit protection with a defeatable shutdown timer. A built-in soft-start timer is adjustable with a small capacitor.

The features of this module are described below:

Wide Input Voltage Range: 4.5V to 20V
10A DC, 14A Peak Output Current
Parallel Two µModule™ DC/DC Converters for 20A
Output Current
0.6V to 5V Output Voltage
1.5% Output Voltage Regulation
Ultrafast Transient Response
Current Mode Control
Up to 92% Efficiency
Programmable Soft-Start
Output Overvoltage Protection

The typical application circuit of this device is as shown below.