Four-phase DC-DC expander improves load current ability

Analog Devices LT8550 Four-Phase DC-DC Expander is a multi-phase expander for synchronous buck DC-DC converters. The device works in tandem with any buck DC-DC converter to improve the load current ability by adding extra phases, which are clocked out-of-phase to lessen ripple current and filtering capacitance. This feature simply adds phases with no need to route sensitive feedback and control signals.

The device integrates gate drivers and can support up to four buck phases per device. Multiple devices can be employed for up to 18 phases. It accurately monitors and modifies the current of each channel to deliver excellent DC and transient current sharing. The device runs over a fixed frequency from 100kHz to 1MHz or can be synchronised to an external clock.

Typical high current distributed power systems; telecom, datacom, and storage systems; and industrial and automotive.