Linear Technology announces the LTC6993, an accurate and tiny "one-shot" pulse generator, the latest member of the TimerBlox™ family of timing devices. The one-shot function, also known as a monostable multivibrator, is useful for accurate event timing, edge detection and frequency discrimination. The LTC6993 makes implementation simple, since it is programmed using only a few resistors. The programmability range allows the LTC6993 to operate from 1 us to 33.6 seconds, spanning 25 octaves.

Four versions of the LTC6993 are available, providing a choice of rising and falling-edge trigger polarities, as well as retrigger capability. With retriggering, an output pulse is extended by multiple input triggers. Without retriggering, the output pulse ignores multiple input triggers and can only be initiated when the output is not active. Each LTC6993 can be configured to generate logic high or low output pulses. In sum, the LTC6993 family covers a total of eight logic functions to ensure flexibility and ease-of-use. In addition, the output pulse-width of the LTC6993 can be dynamically adjusted via a separate control voltage.

The LTC6993 is part of the TimerBlox family of versatile silicon timing devices in which an accurate programmable oscillator is combined with precision circuitry and logic. No capacitors, no crystals, no microcontroller and no programming are required. TimerBlox devices are solid state and can be operated under high acceleration, vibration and temperature extremes. They offer higher accuracy, stability and lower power consumption than typical resistor/capacitor-based oscillators. The 20 mA source and sink capability allows for directly driving opto-isolators and transformers for electrical isolation. Fully specified over the temperature range of -40° to 125°C, the TimerBlox parts are suitable for demanding automotive and industrial environments where many oscillators and microcontrollers are unable to operate. The small SOT23 footprint allows each timing device to be placed at the point of use, without routing signals over long distances, and provides an ideal timer for space-limited applications such as handheld and portable devices.

"The LTC6993 was designed to be flexible and simple," says Doug LaPorte, Design Manager for Linear Technology. "This allows an accurate one-shot to be added to nearly any circuit with ease."

The LTC6993 is now available, priced starting at $1.35 each in 1,000-piece quantities.