Synchronous four-switch buck-boost controller with spread spectrum

Linear Technology’s LT8390, is a synchronous buck-boost DC-DC controller that can regulate output voltage, and input or output current from input voltages above, below and equal to the output voltage. Its 4V to 60V input voltage range and 0V to 60V output voltage range are ideal for voltage regulator, battery and supercap charger applications in automotive, industrial, telecom and even battery-powered systems. The device’s four-switch buck-boost controller, combined with four external N-channel MOSFETs, can deliver from 10W to over 400W of power with efficiencies up to 98%. Its buck-boost capability is ideal for applications such as automotive, where the input voltage can vary dramatically during stop/start, cold crank and load dump conditions. Transitions between buck, buck-boost and boost operating modes are seamless, offering a well regulated output even with wide variations of supply voltage. The device is offered in either a 28-lead 4mm x 5mm QFN or thermally enhanced TSSOP to provide a very compact solution footprint. The device uses a proprietary peak-buck, peak-boost current mode control scheme which uses a single inductor current sense resistor to provide a seamless transition between buck, boost and buck-boost regions. Output voltage is delivered with ±1.5% accuracy, whereas output current accuracy of ±3% ensures accurate constant current regulation. It can be programmed to use a fixed switching frequency between 150kHz to 650kHz with synchronization, or it can utilize internal spread spectrum operation for lower EMI. Additional features include an input or output current monitor, power good flag, integrated bootstrap diodes and short-circuit protection with fault reporting.