New 40V / 3.5A micro regulator is FMEA compliant and operates to 150C

Linear Technology has introduced the LTM8003, a new step-down DC-DC µModule (micro module) regulator with a 40V input voltage rating (42V abs max) and 3.5A of continuous (6A peak) output current. The LTM8003’s pinout is FMEA (failure mode effects analysis) compliant, so the output voltage stays at or below the regulation voltage in the event of short-circuit to GND, short-circuit to a neighbouring pin or if a pin is left floating. The maximum junction temperature of the H-grade version is 150°C, ideal for high-temperature or high-power automotive and industrial applications. The LTM8003 operates from an input voltage range of 3.4V to 40V and has an adjustable output voltage range of 0.97V to 18V. The switching frequency is adjustable via an external resistor or can be synchronized to an external clock from 200kHz to 3MHz. The module has four operation modes: Burst Mode operation, pulse skip mode, pulse skip mode with spread spectrum and external synch mode. The quiescent current in Burst Mode operation is 25µA (max), so the LTM8003 is well suited for battery operated systems, specifically 'keep alive' systems. The efficiency at 12VIN to 3.3VOUT is 90% and the LTM8003 delivers 3.5A of output current up to 100C ambient without a heat sink or airflow. The LTM8003 includes a switching regulator, inductor and other supporting components in a 6.25mm x 9mm x 3.32mm BGA package. Only the bulk input and output capacitors and a few resistors are required to complete the design. The LTM8003 is operational from -40C to 125C or -40C to 150C.