Robust linear regulators have extended safe operating area compared to existing devices

Linear Technology’s LT3089, available from Digi-Key, is a rugged, 800mA, wide input-voltage range linear regulator with key usability, monitoring and protection features. The device has an extended safe operating area compared to existing regulators. This makes it ideal for high input-to-output voltage and high output-current applications where older regulators limit the output. The device uses a current source reference for single resistor output-voltage settings and output adjustability down to 0V. Output current limit can be set externally with a single resistor. This regulator architecture, combined with low millivolt line and load regulation, enables multiple ICs to be paralleled easily for heat spreading and higher output current. The architecture is based on the LT308x family of next-generation, no-compromise, current-reference based PNP LDOs. It is similar to the LT3088 linear regulator. The LT3088 is a modernised LT1117 (positive LDO) which is pin-compatible in both SOT-223 and DD-Pak packages. Both products are offered in a variety of thermally enhanced, surface-mount compatible packages. The LT3088 is packaged in a low-profile (0.75 mm), 8-lead, 3mm x 3mm DFN, a 3-lead SOT-223, and a 3-lead DD-Pak. The device is packaged in a low-profile (0.75mm), 12-lead, 4mm x 4mm DFN, a 16-lead thermally enhanced TSSOP, and a 7-lead DD-Pak. This allows power dissipation up to 2W in surface-mount applications with no heat sink. A wide variety of grade/temperature ranges are offered including E and I grades (-40C to 125C), high-reliability H grade (-40C to 150C) and the high-reliability MP grade (-55C to 150C).