Analog Devices Inc. announces the Power by Linear™LTM4646, a dual 10 A or single 20 A output, step-down µModule^® point-of-load regulator from 5 or 12 V input supply rails. The LTM4646 includes the inductors, MOSFETs, a DC/DC controller and supporting components and is housed in a 11.25 mm x 15 mm x 5.01 mm BGA package. Compared to the prior 2x single 10A output module solutions, the LTM4646 reduces the solution size of more than 25 percent. With its dual regulator design, small package size and precise voltage regulation, the LTM4646 meets the PCB area constraints of densely populated system boards to power low voltage and high current devices such as FPGAs, ASICs, microprocessors and GPUs. Applications include PCIe boards, communication infrastructure, cloud computing-based systems, as well as medical, industrial and test and measurement equipment.

Total output voltage DC accuracy is guaranteed at ±1.5 percent over line, load and temperature (–40°C to 125°C). Moreover, the onboard remote sense amplifiers on both outputs compensate for voltage drop caused by trace impedance of the PC board due to large load currents. The LTM4646 has selectable internal or external feedback loop compensation, enabling users to optimize loop stability and transient performance while minimizing the number of output capacitors.

The peak efficiency at 12 V_IN to 1.V_OUT is 86 percent. With 200 LFM air flow, the LTM4646 delivers a full 20 A continuously up to 85°C ambient. The current mode architecture allows multiphase parallel operation to increase output current with very good current sharing.

Standalone, the LTM4646 operates from 4.5 to 20 V input range. When 5 V external bias is available, the device can operate from 2.375 V. The output voltages are adjustable from 0.6 to 5.5 V, enabling the device to generate not only low voltage for digital devices but also 2.5, 3.3 and 5 V, which are commonly needed in system bus voltages. The switching frequency can be programmed from 250 kHz to 1.3 MHz with one resistor, and can also be synchronized to an external clock ranging from 300 kHz to 1 MHz for noise-sensitive applications. Additionally, it features overvoltage and overcurrent protection.