LTC3868 Linear Technology, LTC3868 Datasheet - Page 15

• Manufacturer Part Number: LTC3868
• Description: Low IQ Dual 2-Phase Synchronous Step-Down Controller
• Manufacturer: Linear Technology

meaning that the actual power wasted is reduced by a fac-
tor of 2.66. The reduced input ripple voltage also means
less power is lost in the input power path, which could
include batteries, switches, trace/connector resistances
and protection circuitry. Improvements in both conducted
and radiated EMI also directly accrue as a result of the
reduced RMS input current and voltage.
Of course, the improvement afforded by 2-phase opera-
tion is a function of the dual switching regulator’s relative
duty cycles which, in turn, are dependent upon the input
operaTion
(Refer to the Functional Diagram)
Figure 3. RMS Input Current Comparison
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0
0
V
V
O1
O2
= 5V/3A
= 3.3V/3A
10
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
DUAL CONTROLLER
SINGLE PHASE
DUAL CONTROLLER
2-PHASE
20
voltage V
the RMS input current varies for single phase and 2-phase
operation for 3.3V and 5V regulators over a wide input
voltage range.
It can readily be seen that the advantages of 2-phase op-
eration are not just limited to a narrow operating range,
for most applications is that 2-phase operation will reduce
the input capacitor requirement to that for just one channel
operating at maximum current and 50% duty cycle.
30
IN
(Duty Cycle = V
3868 F03
40
OUT
/V
IN
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). Figure 3 shows how
LTC3868

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