LT3503

1A, 2.2MHz Step-Down

Switching Regulator in
2mm × 3mm DFN
U
FEATURES DESCRIPTIO
■ Wide Input Range: 3.6V to 20V The LT®3503 is a current mode PWM step-down DC/DC
■ 5V at 1.2A from 11V to 18V Input converter with an internal 1.45A power switch. The wide
■ 5V at 1A from 7.2V to 18V Input operating input range of 3.6V to 20V makes the LT3503
■ 3.3V at 1.2A from 8.5V to 12V Input ideal for regulating power from a wide variety of sources.
■ 3.3V at 1A from 5.5V to 12V Input Its high operating frequency allows the use of tiny, low
■ Fixed Frequency Operation: 2.2MHz cost inductors and ceramic capacitors, resulting in low,
■ Output Adjustable Down to 780mV predictable output ripple.
■ Short-Circuit Robust
■
Cycle-by-cycle current limit provides protection against
Uses Tiny Capacitors and Inductors
shorted outputs and soft-start eliminates input current
■ Soft-Start
■
surge during start-up. The low current (<2µA) shutdown
Internally Compensated
■
mode provides output disconnect, enabling easy power
Low Shutdown Current: <2µA
management in battery-powered systems.
■ Low VCESAT Switch: 400mV at 1A
■ Thermally Enhanced, 2mm × 3mm 6-Pin DFN , LT, LTC and LTM are registered trademarks of Linear Technology Corporation.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Low Profile Package
U
APPLICATIO S
■ Automotive Battery Regulation
■ Industrial Control Supplies
■ Wall Transformer Regulation
■ Distributed Supply Regulation
■ Battery-Powered Equipment

U
TYPICAL APPLICATIO
3.3V Step-Down Converter Efficiency
85
VIN = 12V
VOUT
VIN 3.3V 80
4.5V TO 12V VIN BOOST
1A, VIN > 5.5V
20V MAX 0.1µF 2.5µH 1.2A, VIN > 8.5V
LT3503 75
EFFICIENCY (%)

ON OFF SHDN SW
37.4k 120pF 70

GND FB 10µF 65
1µF 11.5k
60

3503 TA01a
55

50
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2
LOAD CURRENT (A)
3503 TA01b
3503f

1
LT3503
W W W U U W U
ABSOLUTE AXI U RATI GS PACKAGE/ORDER I FOR ATIO
(Note 1)
Input Voltage (VIN) .................................................. 20V TOP VIEW

BOOST Pin Voltage .................................................. 40V

FB 1 6 SHDN
BOOST Pin Above SW Pin ....................................... 20V
GND 2 7 5 VIN
SHDN Pin ................................................................ 20V
BOOST 3 4 SW
FB Voltage ................................................................. 6V
Operating Temperature Range (Note 2) ... –40°C to 85°C DCB PACKAGE
Maximum Junction Temperature .......................... 125°C 6-LEAD (2mm ´ 3mm) PLASTIC DFN
TJMAX = 125°C, θJA = 64°C/ W
Storage Temperature Range ................. – 65°C to 150°C EXPOSED PAD (PIN 7) IS GND, MUST BE SOLDERED TO PCB

ORDER PART NUMBER DCB PART MARKING

LT3503EDCB LCGW
Order Options Tape and Reel: Add #TR Lead Free: Add #PBF
Lead Free Tape and Reel: Add #TRPBF
Lead Free Part Marking: http://www.linear.com/leadfree/
Consult LTC Marketing for parts specified with wider operating temperature ranges.

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The ● denotes specifications which apply over the full operating temperature range, otherwise specifications are at TA = 25°C.
VIN = 12V, VBOOST = 17V, unless otherwise noted. (Note 2)
PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
VIN Operating Range 3.6 20 V
Undervoltage Lockout 3.0 3.4 3.6 V
Feedback Voltage ● 765 780 795 mV
FB Pin Bias Current VFB = Measured VREF (Note 4) ● 50 150 nA
Quiescent Current Not Switching 1.9 2.6 mA
Quiescent Current in Shutdown VSHDN = 0V 0.01 2 µA
Reference Line Regulation VIN = 5V to 20V 0.007 %/V
Switching Frequency VFB = 0.7V 2.0 2.2 2.4 MHz
VFB = 0V 36 kHz
Maximum Duty Cycle ● 76 81 %

3503f

2
 LT3503
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The ● denotes specifications which apply over the full operating temperature range, otherwise specifications are at TA = 25°C.
VIN = 12V, VBOOST = 17V, unless otherwise noted. (Note 2)
PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
Switch Current Limit (Note 3) 1.45 1.75 2.2 A
Switch VCESAT ISW = 1A 400 mV
Switch Leakage Current 2 µA
Minimum Boost Voltage Above Switch ISW = 1A 2 2.3 V
BOOST Pin Current ISW = 1A 25 50 mA
SHDN Input Voltage High 2.3 V
SHDN Input Voltage Low 0.3 V
SHDN Bias Current VSHDN = 2.3V (Note 5) 6 15 µA
VSHDN = 0V 0.01 0.1 µA

Note 1: Stresses beyond those listed under Absolute Maximum Ratings Note 3: Current limit guaranteed by design and/or correlation to static test.
may cause permanent damage to the device. Exposure to any Absolute Slope compensation reduces current limit at higher duty cycle.
Maximum Rating condition for extended periods may affect device Note 4: Current flows out of pin.
reliability and lifetime. Note 5: Current flows into pin.
Note 2: The LT3503E is guaranteed to meet performance specifications
from 0°C to 85°C. Specifications over the –40°C to 85°C operating
temperature range are assured by design, characterization and correlation
with statistical process controls.

U W
TYPICAL PERFOR A CE CHARACTERISTICS TA = 25°C unless otherwise noted.

Efficiency (VOUT = 3.3V) Efficiency (VOUT = 5V)

90 90
L = 2.5µH L = 3.3µH
88 88 VIN = 12V
86 86
VIN = 8V
84 84
VIN = 16V
EFFICIENCY (%)
EFFICIENCY (%)

82 VIN = 12V 82
80 80
78 78
76 76
74 74
72 72
70 70
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2
LOAD CURRENT (A) LOAD CURRENT (A)
3503 G01 3503 G02

3503f

3
LT3503
U W
TYPICAL PERFOR A CE CHARACTERISTICS TA = 25°C unless otherwise noted.

Maximum Load Current Maximum Load Current Switch Voltage Drop

1.8 1.8 500
VOUT = 3.3V VOUT = 5V
1.6 L = 2.2µH 1.6 L = 3.3µH 450
TYPICAL TYPICAL
1.4 400
1.4 TA = 85°C

OUTPUT CURRENT (A)

OUTPUT CURRENT (A)

1.2 350

VCE(SWITCH) (mV)
1.2 TA = 25°C
MINIMUM MINIMUM 300
1.0 1.0
250
0.8 0.8 TA = –45°C
200
0.6 0.6
150
0.4 0.4
100
0.2 0.2 50
0 0 0
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 0 300 600 900 1200 1500
INPUT VOLTAGE (V) INPUT VOLTAGE (V) SWITCH CURRENT (mA)
3503 G03 3503 G04 3503 G07

Undervoltage Lockout Switching Frequency

4.00 2.75

3.90
SWITCHING FREQUENCY (MHz)

3.80
2.50
3.70
3.60
UVLO (V)

3.50 2.25

3.40
3.30
2.00
3.20
3.10
3.00 1.75
–45 –25 –5 15 35 55 75 –45 –25 –5 15 35 55 75
TEMPERATURE (°C) TEMPERATURE (°C)
3503 G08 3503 G09

Frequency Foldback Soft-Start

2.5 2.0
1.8
SWITCHING FREQUENCY (MHz)

2.0 1.6
SWITCH CURRENT LIMIT (A)

1.4
1.5
1.2
1.0
1.0 0.8
0.6
0.5 0.4
0.2
0 0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 0 0.25 0.50 0.75 1 1.25 1.50 1.75 2
FEEDBACK VOLTAGE (mV) SHDN PIN VOLTAGE (V)
3503 G10 3503 G11

3503f

4
 LT3503
U W
TYPICAL PERFOR A CE CHARACTERISTICS TA = 25°C unless otherwise noted.

Typical Minimum Input Voltage Typical Minimum Input Voltage

SHDN Pin Current (VOUT = 3.3V) (VOUT = 5V)
50 5.5 7.7
45
40 7.2
5.0
35

INPUT VOLTAGE (V)

INPUT VOLTAGE (V)

30
ISHDN (µA)

6.7
25 4.5
20 6.2
15
4.0
10 5.7
5
0 3.5 5.2
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 1 10 1OO 1000 1 10 100 1000
VSHDN (V) LOAD CURRENT (mA) LOAD CURRENT (mA)
3503 G12 3503 G13 3503 G14

Switch Current Limit Switch Current Limit

2.0 1.8
1.9
1.7
1.8
SWITCH CURRENT LIMIT (A)
SWITCH CURRENT LIMIT (A)

1.6
1.7 TYPICAL
1.6 1.5

1.5 1.4
1.4 1.3
1.3 MINIMUM
1.2
1.2
1.1 1.1

1.0 1.0
–45 –25 -5 15 35 55 75 0 20 40 60 80 100
TEMPERATURE (°C) DUTY CYCLE (%)
!#! /# 3503 G16

3503f

5
LT3503
U U U
PI FU CTIO S
FB (Pin 1): The LT3503 regulates its feedback pin to VIN (Pin 5): The VIN pin supplies current to the LT3503’s
780mV. Connect the feedback resistor divider tap to this internal regulator and to the internal power switch. This
pin. Set the output voltage according to: pin must be locally bypassed.
SHDN (Pin 6): The SHDN pin is used to put the LT3503 in
⎛ V ⎞
R1 = R2 ⎜ OUT – 1⎟ shutdown mode. Tie to ground to shut down the LT3503.
⎝ 0.78 V ⎠
Tie to 2.3V or more for normal operation. If the shutdown
A good value for R2 is 10.0k. feature is not used, tie this pin to the VIN pin. SHDN also
provides a soft-start function; see the Applications Infor-
GND (Pin 2): Tie the GND pin to a local ground plane below mation section.
the LT3503 and the circuit components. Return the feed-
back divider to this pin. Exposed Pad (Pin 7): The Exposed Pad must be soldered
to the PCB and electrically connected to ground. Use a
BOOST (Pin 3): The BOOST pin is used to provide a drive large ground plane and thermal vias to optimize thermal
voltage, higher than the input voltage, to the internal performance.
bipolar NPN power switch.
SW (Pin 4): The SW pin is the output of the internal power
switch. Connect this pin to the inductor, catch diode and
boost capacitor.

W
BLOCK DIAGRA

VIN
VIN 5

C2

INT REG
AND
UVLO

D2
ON OFF Σ BOOST
3
SLOPE
R3 COMP R Q
SHDN C3
6
S Q
DRIVER Q1
C4 L1
OSC SW
4 VOUT
D1 C1
FREQUENCY
FOLDBACK
VC
gm

780mV

GND FB
2 1
R2 R1
3503 BD

3503f

6
 LT3503
U
OPERATIO (Refer to Block Diagram)
The LT3503 is a constant frequency, current mode step- An internal regulator provides power to the control cir-
down regulator. A 2.2MHz oscillator enables an RS flip- cuitry. This regulator includes an undervoltage lockout to
flop, turning on the internal 1.75A power switch Q1. An prevent switching when VIN is less than ~3.4V. The SHDN
amplifier and comparator monitor the current flowing pin is used to place the LT3503 in shutdown, disconnect-
between the VIN and SW pins, turning the switch off when ing the output and reducing the input current to less than
this current reaches a level determined by the voltage at 2µA.
VC. An error amplifier measures the output voltage through The switch driver operates from either the input or from
an external resistor divider tied to the FB pin and servos the the BOOST pin. An external capacitor and diode are used
VC node. If the error amplifier’s output increases, more to generate a voltage at the BOOST pin that is higher than
current is delivered to the output; if it decreases, less
the input supply. This allows the driver to fully saturate the
current is delivered. An active clamp (not shown) on the VC
internal bipolar NPN power switch for efficient operation.
node provides current limit. The VC node is also clamped
to the voltage on the SHDN pin; soft-start is implemented The oscillator reduces the LT3503’s operating frequency
by generating a voltage ramp at the SHDN pin using an when the voltage at the FB pin is low. This frequency
external resistor and capacitor. foldback helps to control the output current during start-
up and overload.

3503f

7
LT3503
U U W U
APPLICATIO S I FOR ATIO
FB Resistor Network In pulse-skipping mode the part skips pulses to control the
The output voltage is programmed with a resistor divider inductor current and regulate the output voltage, possibly
between the output and the FB pin. Choose the 1% producing a spectrum of frequencies below 2.2MHz.
resistors according to: Note that this is a restriction on the operating input voltage
to remain in constant-frequency operation; the circuit will
⎛ V ⎞
R1 = R2 ⎜ OUT – 1⎟ tolerate transient inputs up to the absolute maximum
⎝ 0.78 V ⎠ ratings of the VIN and BOOST pins when the output is in
R2 should be 20.0k or less to avoid bias current errors. regulation. The input voltage should be limited to VIN(PS)
Reference designators refer to the Block Diagram. during overload conditions (short-circuit or start-up).

An optional phase lead capacitor of 22pF between VOUT Minimum On Time

and FB reduces light-load output ripple.
The part will still regulate the output at input voltages that
Input Voltage Range exceed VIN(PS) (up to 20V), but the output voltage ripple
increases. Figure 1 illustrates switching waveforms in
The input voltage range for LT3503 applications depends continuous mode for a 0.78V output application near
on the output voltage and on the absolute maximum VIN(PS) = 6V.
ratings of the VIN and BOOST pins.
As the input voltage is increased, the part is required to
The minimum input voltage is determined by either the switch for shorter periods of time. Delays associated with
LT3503’s minimum operating voltage of 3.6V, or by its turning off the power switch dictate the minimum on time
maximum duty cycle. The duty cycle is the fraction of time of the part. The minimum on time for the LT3503 is
that the internal switch is on and is determined by the input ~130ns. Figure 2 illustrates the switching waveforms
and output voltages: when the input voltage is increased to VIN = 14V.
VOUT + VD
DC =
VIN – VSW + VD VSW
10V/DIV

where VD is the forward voltage drop of the catch diode IL

1A/DIV
(~0.4V) and VSW is the voltage drop of the internal switch
VOUT
(~0.4V at maximum load). This leads to a minimum input 20mV/DIV
voltage of: COUT = 47µF 1µs/DIV 3503 F01

VOUT + VD VOUT = 0.78V

VIN(MIN) = – VD + VSW VIN = 7V
ILOAD = 1.1A
DCMAX L = 1.1µH
Figure 1
with DCMAX = 0.81 (0.76 over temperature).
The maximum input voltage is determined by the absolute VSW
maximum ratings of the VIN and BOOST pins. For con- 10V/DIV

stant-frequency operation the maximum input voltage is IL

1A/DIV
determined by the minimum duty cycle, DCMIN = 0.29. If
the duty cycle requirement is less than DCMIN, the part will VOUT
20mV/DIV
enter pulse-skipping mode. The onset of pulse-skipping 3503 F02
COUT = 47µF 1µs/DIV
occurs at: VOUT = 0.78V
VIN = 14V
VOUT + VD ILOAD = 1.1A
VIN(PS) = – VD + VSW L = 1.1µH
DCMIN Figure 2
3503f

8
 LT3503
U U W U
APPLICATIO S I FOR ATIO
Now the required on time has decreased below the mini- VSW
mum on time of 130ns. Instead of the switch pulse width 10V/DIV

becoming narrower to accommodate the lower duty cycle IL

1A/DIV
requirement, the switch pulse width remains fixed at
130ns. In Figure 2 the inductor current ramps up to a value VOUT
20mV/DIV
exceeding the load current and the output ripple increases 3503 F03
COUT = 47µF 1µs/DIV
to ~40mV. The part then remains off until the output VOUT = 0.78V
voltage dips below 100% of the programmed value before VIN = 20V
ILOAD = 1.1A
it begins switching again. L = 1.1µH
Figure 3
Provided that the output remains in regulation and that the
inductor does not saturate, operation above VIN(PS) is safe
and will not damage the part. Figure 3 illustrates the VSW
10V/DIV
switching waveforms when the input voltage is increased IL
to its absolute maximum rating of 20V. 1A/DIV

VOUT
The part is robust enough to survive prolonged operation 20mV/DIV
under these conditions as long as the peak inductor
COUT = 2 × 47µF 1µs/DIV 3503 F04

current does not exceed 2.2A. In Figure 3 the peak inductor VOUT = 0.78V
VIN = 20V
current of 2A suggests that the saturation current rating of ILOAD = 1.1A
the inductor should be ~2.6A, which may require an L = 2.7µH

inductor of large physical size. The peak inductor current Figure 4

value can be reduced by simultaneously increasing the
inductance and output capacitance. In Figure 4 the peak where VD is the voltage drop of the catch diode (~0.4V) and
inductor current is reduced to 1.3A by doubling the output L is in µH. With this value there will be no subharmonic
capacitor and inductor values. Now the required inductor oscillation for applications with 50% or greater duty cycle.
current saturation rating is ~1.7A, so that even though the The inductor’s RMS current rating must be greater than
inductance value has increased, it may be possible to your maximum load current and its saturation current
achieve a physically smaller inductor size. should be about 30% higher. For robust operation in fault
conditions, the saturation current should be above 2.2A.
Note that inductor current saturation ratings often de- To keep efficiency high, the series resistance (DCR) should
crease with temperature and that inductor current satura- be less than 0.1Ω. Table 1 lists several vendors and types
tion may further limit performance in this operating regime. that are suitable.
Inductor Selection and Maximum Output Current Of course, such a simple design guide will not always
result in the optimum inductor for your application. A
A good first choice for the inductor value is: larger value provides a higher maximum load current and
L = 0.6 (VOUT + VD) reduces output voltage ripple at the expense of slower

3503f

9
LT3503
U U W U
APPLICATIO S I FOR ATIO
Table 1. Inductor Vendors
Vendor URL Part Series Inductance Range (µH) Size (mm)
Sumida www.sumida.com CDRH4D28 1.2 to 4.7 4.5 × 4.5
CDRH5D28 2.5 to 10 5.5 × 5.5
CDRH8D28 2.5 to 33 8.3 × 8.3
Toko www.toko.com A916CY 2 to 12 6.3 × 6.2
D585LC 1.1 to 39 8.1 × 8.0
Würth Elektronik www.we-online.com WE-TPC(M) 1 to 10 4.8 × 4.8
WE-PD2(M) 2.2 to 22 5.2 × 5.8
WE-PD(S) 1 to 27 7.3 × 7.3

transient response. If your load is lower than 1A, then you impedance, or there is significant inductance due to long
can decrease the value of the inductor and operate with wires or cables, additional bulk capacitance may be nec-
higher ripple current. This allows you to use a physically essary. This can be provided with a low performance
smaller inductor, or one with a lower DCR resulting in electrolytic capacitor.
higher efficiency. There are several graphs in the Typical Step-down regulators draw current from the input supply
Performance Characteristics section of this data sheet that in pulses with very fast rise and fall times. The input
show the maximum load current as a function of input capacitor is required to reduce the resulting voltage ripple
voltage and inductor value for several popular output at the LT3503 and to force this very high frequency
voltages. Low inductance may result in discontinuous switching current into a tight local loop, minimizing EMI.
mode operation, which is okay, but further reduces maxi- A 1µF capacitor is capable of this task, but only if it is
mum load current. For details of the maximum output placed close to the LT3503 and the catch diode; see the
current and discontinuous mode operation, see Linear PCB Layout section. A second precaution regarding the
Technology Application Note 44. ceramic input capacitor concerns the maximum input
voltage rating of the LT3503. A ceramic input capacitor
Catch Diode
combined with trace or cable inductance forms a high
Depending on load current, a 1A to 2A Schottky diode is quality (underdamped) tank circuit. If the LT3503 circuit is
recommended for the catch diode, D1. The diode must plugged into a live supply, the input voltage can ring to
have a reverse voltage rating equal to or greater than the twice its nominal value, possibly exceeding the LT3503’s
maximum input voltage. The ON Semiconductor MBRM140 voltage rating. This situation is easily avoided; see the Hot
is a good choice; it is rated for 1A continuous forward Plugging Safely section.
current and a maximum reverse voltage of 40V.
Output Capacitor
Input Capacitor
The output capacitor has two essential functions. Along
Bypass the input of the LT3503 circuit with a 1µF or higher with the inductor, it filters the square wave generated by
value ceramic capacitor of X7R or X5R type. Y5V types the LT3503 to produce the DC output. In this role it
have poor performance over temperature and applied determines the output ripple so low impedance at the
voltage and should not be used. A 1µF ceramic is adequate switching frequency is important. The second function is
to bypass the LT3503 and will easily handle the ripple to store energy in order to satisfy transient loads and
current. However, if the input power source has high stabilize the LT3503’s control loop.

3503f

10
 LT3503
U U W U
APPLICATIO S I FOR ATIO
Ceramic capacitors have very low equivalent series resis- Figure 5 shows the transient response of the LT3503 with
tance (ESR) and provide the best ripple performance. A a few output capacitor choices. The output is 3.3V. The
good value is: load current is stepped from 0.5A to 1.1A and back to 0.5A,
and the oscilloscope traces show the output voltage. The
COUT = 24/VOUT
upper photo shows the recommended value. The second
where COUT is in µF. Use X5R or X7R types and keep in photo shows the improved response (less voltage drop)
mind that a ceramic capacitor biased with VOUT will have resulting from a phase lead capacitor. The last photo
less than its nominal capacitance. This choice will provide shows the response to a high performance electrolytic
low output ripple and good transient response. Transient capacitor. Transient performance is improved due to the
performance can be improved with a high value capacitor, large output capacitance.
but a phase lead capacitor across the feedback resistor R1
may be required to get the full benefit (see the Compen- BOOST Pin Considerations
sation section). Using a small output capacitor results in Capacitor C3 and diode D2 are used to generate a boost
an increased loop crossover frequency and increased voltage that is higher than the input voltage. In most cases
sensitivity to noise. A 22pF capacitor connected between a 0.1µF capacitor and fast switching diode (such as the
VOUT and the FB pin is required to filter noise at the FB pin 1N4148 or 1N914) will work well. Figure 6 shows two
and ensure stability. ways to arrange the boost circuit. The BOOST pin must be
High performance electrolytic capacitors can be used for at least 2.3V above the SW pin for best efficiency. For
the output capacitor. Low ESR is important, so choose outputs of 3.3V and above, the standard circuit (Figure 6a)
one that is intended for use in switching regulators. The is best. For outputs between 3V and 3.3V, use a 0.22µF
ESR should be specified by the supplier and should be capacitor. For outputs between 2.5V and 3V, use a 0.47µF
0.1Ω or less. Such a capacitor will be larger than a capacitor and a small Schottky diode (such as the BAT-54).
ceramic capacitor and will have a larger capacitance, be- For lower output voltages tie a Schottky diode to the input
cause the capacitor must be large to achieve low ESR. (Figure 6b). The circuit in Figure 6a is more efficient
Table 2 lists several capacitor vendors. because the BOOST pin current comes from a lower
voltage source. You must also be sure that the maximum
voltage rating of the BOOST pin is not exceeded.

Table 2. Capacitor Vendors

Vendor Phone URL Part Series Comments
Panasonic (714) 373-7366 www.panasonic.com Ceramic,
Polymer, EEF Series
Tantalum
Kemet (864) 963-6300 www.kemet.com Ceramic,
Tantalum T494, T495
Sanyo (408) 749-9714 www.sanyovideo.com Ceramic,
Polymer, POSCAP
Tantalum
Murata (404) 436-1300 www.murata.com Ceramic
AVX www.avxcorp.com Ceramic,
Tantalum TPS Series
Taiyo Yuden (864) 963-6300 www.taiyo-yuden.com Ceramic

3503f

11
LT3503
U U W U
APPLICATIO S I FOR ATIO
ILOAD
1A/DIV
VOUT

36.5k

FB 10µF
VOUT
11.3k 50mV/DIV

3503 F05a
40µs/DIV

ILOAD
VOUT 1A/DIV

36.5k 1nF

FB 10µF

11.3k VOUT
50mV/DIV

3503 F05b
40µs/DIV

ILOAD
VOUT
1A/DIV
36.5k 1nF
+
FB 100µF

11.3k
KEMET VOUT
A700D686M010ATE015 50mV/DIV

3503 F05c
40µs/DIV

Figure 5. Transient Load Response of the LT3503 with Different Output Capacitors
as the Load Current is Stepped from 0.5A to 1.1A. VIN = 12V, VOUT = 3.3V, L = 3.3µH

3503f

12
 LT3503
U U W U
APPLICATIO S I FOR ATIO
D2 D2

BOOST C3 BOOST C3
LT3503 LT3503
VIN VIN SW VOUT VIN VIN SW VOUT

GND GND
3503 F06a 3503 F06b

VBOOST – VSW ≅ VOUT VBOOST – VSW ≅ VIN

MAX VBOOST ≅ VIN + VOUT MAX VBOOST ≅ 2VIN
(6a) (6b)

Figure 6. Two Circuits for Generating the Boost Voltage

7.7 5.5

7.2 TO START
5.0

INPUT VOLTAGE (V)

INPUT VOLTAGE (V)

TO START
6.7
4.5
TO RUN TO RUN
6.2

4.0
5.7

5.2 3.5
1 10 100 1000 1 10 1OO 1000
LOAD CURRENT (mA) LOAD CURRENT (mA)
3503 F07a 3503 F07b

(7a) Typical Minimum Input Voltage, (7b) Typical Minimum Input Voltage,
VOUT = 5V VOUT = 3.3V

Figure 7

The minimum operating voltage of an LT3503 application to start and to run as a function of input voltage. In many
is limited by the undervoltage lockout (3.6V) and by the cases the discharged output capacitor will present a load
maximum duty cycle as outlined above. For proper start- to the switcher which will allow it to start. The plots show
up, the minimum input voltage is also limited by the boost the worst-case situation where VIN is ramping verly slowly.
circuit. If the input voltage is ramped slowly, or the LT3503 For lower start-up voltage, the boost diode can be tied to
is turned on with its SHDN pin when the output is already VIN; however this restricts the input range to one-half of
in regulation, then the boost capacitor may not be fully the absolute maximum rating of the BOOST pin.
charged. Because the boost capacitor is charged with the At light loads, the inductor current becomes discontinu-
energy stored in the inductor, the circuit will rely on some ous and the effective duty cycle can be very high. This
minimum load current to get the boost circuit running reduces the minimum input voltage to approximately
properly. This minimum load will depend on the input and 400mV above VOUT. At higher load currents, the inductor
output voltages, and on the arrangement of the boost current is continuous and the duty cycle is limited by the
circuit. The minimum load generally goes to zero once the maximum duty cycle of the LT3503, requiring a higher
circuit has started. Figure 7 shows a plot of minimum load input voltage to maintain regulation.

3503f

13
LT3503
U U W U
APPLICATIO S I FOR ATIO
Soft-Start where the output will be held high when the input to the
LT3503 is absent. This may occur in battery charging
The SHDN pin can be used to soft-start the LT3503,
applications or in battery backup systems where a battery
reducing the maximum input current during start-up. The
or some other supply is diode OR-ed with the LT3503’s
SHDN pin is driven through an external RC filter to create
output. If the VIN pin is allowed to float and the SHDN pin
a voltage ramp at this pin. Figure 8 shows the start-up
waveforms with and without the soft-start circuit. By is held high (either by a logic signal or because it is tied to
choosing a large RC time constant, the peak start up VIN), then the LT3503’s internal circuitry will pull its
quiescent current through its SW pin. This is fine if your
current can be reduced to the current that is required to
system can tolerate a few mA in this state. If you ground
regulate the output, with no overshoot. Choose the value
the SHDN pin, the SW pin current will drop to essentially
of the resistor so that it can supply 20µA when the SHDN
zero. However, if the VIN pin is grounded while the output
pin reaches 2.3V.
is held high, then parasitic diodes inside the LT3503 can
Shorted and Reversed Input Protection pull large currents from the output through the SW pin and
the VIN pin. Figure 9 shows a circuit that will run only when
If the inductor is chosen so that it won’t saturate exces- the input voltage is present and that protects against a
sively, an LT3503 buck regulator will tolerate a shorted shorted or reversed input.
output. There is another situation to consider in systems

VSW
5V/DIV

RUN SHDN
IL
GND 1A/DIV

VOUT
2V/DIV

3503 F08a
VIN = 12V 10µs/DIV
VOUT = 3.3V
L = 3.3µH
COUT = 10µF

VSW
RUN
5V/DIV
15k

SHDN

0.068µF IL
GND
1A/DIV

VOUT
2V/DIV
3503 F08b
VIN = 12V 10µs/DIV
VOUT = 3.3V
L = 3.3µH
COUT = 10µF

Figure 8. To Soft-Start the LT3503, Add a Resistor and Capacitor to the SHDN Pin. VIN = 12V, VOUT = 3.3V, COUT = 10µF, RLOAD = 5Ω

3503f

14
 LT3503
U U W U
APPLICATIO S I FOR ATIO
D4
a live supply (see Linear Technology Application Note 88
VIN VIN BOOST
for a complete discussion). The low loss ceramic capaci-
LT3503
tor combined with stray inductance in series with the
SHDN SW VOUT
power source forms an underdamped tank circuit, and the
GND FB
voltage at the VIN pin of the LT3503 can ring to twice the
nominal input voltage, possibly exceeding the LT3503’s
BACKUP
rating and damaging the part. If the input supply is poorly
controlled or the user will be plugging the LT3503 into an
3503 F09
energized supply, the input network should be designed to
Figure 9. Diode D4 Prevents a Shorted Input from Discharging prevent this overshoot.
a Backup Battery Tied to the Output; It Also Protects the Circuit Figure 10 shows the waveforms that result when an
from a Reversed Input. The LT3503 Runs Only When the Input
is Present LT3503 circuit is connected to a 20V supply through six
feet of 24-gauge twisted pair. The first plot is the response
with a 2.2µF ceramic capacitor at the input. The input
Hot Plugging Safely
voltage rings as high as 35V and the input current peaks
The small size, robustness and low impedance of ceramic at 20A. One method of damping the tank circuit is to add
capacitors make them an attractive option for the input another capacitor with a series resistor to the circuit. In
bypass capacitor of LT3503 circuits. However, these ca- Figure 10b an aluminum electrolytic capacitor has been
pacitors can cause problems if the LT3503 is plugged into added. This capacitor’s high equivalent series resistance
CLOSING SWITCH
SIMULATES HOT PLUG
IIN VIN DANGER!
LT3503 VIN
+ 20V/DIV RINGING VIN MAY EXCEED
2.2µF ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM
RATING OF THE LT3503

IIN
5A/DIV
LOW STRAY
IMPEDANCE INDUCTANCE 20µs/DIV
ENERGIZED DUE TO 6 FEET
20V SUPPLY (2 METERS) OF
TWISTED PAIR (10a)

LT3503 VIN
20V/DIV
+ 10µF +
35V 2.2µF
AI.EI.
IIN
5A/DIV

(10b) 20µs/DIV

1Ω
LT3503 VIN
+ 20V/DIV
0.1µF 2.2µF

IIN
5A/DIV

(10c) 20µs/DIV 3503 F10

Figure 10. A Well Chosen Input Network Prevents Input Voltage Overshoot and
Ensures Reliable Operation When the LT3503 is Connected to a Live Supply
3503f

15
LT3503
U U W U
APPLICATIO S I FOR ATIO
damps the circuit and eliminates the voltage overshoot. capacitor, the loop crossover occurs above the RCCC zero.
The extra capacitor improves low frequency ripple filtering This simple model works well as long as the value of the
and can slightly improve the efficiency of the circuit, inductor is not too high and the loop crossover frequency
though it is likely to be the largest component in the circuit. is much lower than the switching frequency. With a larger
An alternative solution is shown in Figure 10c. A 1Ω ceramic capacitor (very low ESR), crossover may be
resistor is added in series with the input to eliminate the lower and a phase lead capacitor (CPL) across the feed-
voltage overshoot (it also reduces the peak input current). back divider may improve the phase margin and transient
A 0.1µF capacitor improves high frequency filtering. This response. Large electrolytic capacitors may have an ESR
solution is smaller and less expensive than the electrolytic large enough to create an additional zero, and the phase
capacitor. For high input voltages its impact on efficiency lead may not be necessary.
is minor, reducing efficiency less than one half percent for
If the output capacitor is different than the recommended
a 5V output at full load operating from 20V.
capacitor, stability should be checked across all operating
Frequency Compensation conditions, including load current, input voltage and tem-
perature. The LT1375 data sheet contains a more thor-
The LT3503 uses current mode control to regulate the ough discussion of loop compensation and describes how
output. This simplifies loop compensation. In particular, to test the stability using a transient load.
the LT3503 does not require the ESR of the output
capacitor for stability allowing the use of ceramic capaci- PCB Layout
tors to achieve low output ripple and small circuit size.
For proper operation and minimum EMI, care must be
Figure 11 shows an equivalent circuit for the LT3503 taken during printed circuit board layout. Figure 12 shows
control loop. The error amp is a transconductance ampli- the recommended component placement with trace,
fier with finite output impedance. The power section, ground plane and via locations. Note that large, switched
consisting of the modulator, power switch and inductor, currents flow in the LT3503’s VIN and SW pins, the catch
is modeled as a transconductance amplifier generating an diode (D1) and the input capacitor (C2). The loop formed
output current proportional to the voltage at the V C node. by these components should be as small as possible and
Note that the output capacitor integrates this current, and tied to system ground in only one place. These compo-
that the capacitor on the VC node (CC) integrates the error nents, along with the inductor and output capacitor,
amplifier output current, resulting in two poles in the loop. should be placed on the same side of the circuit board, and
RC provides a zero. With the recommended output their connections should be made on that layer. Place a

LT3503 CURRENT MODE

0.8V
– POWER STAGE
gm = SW
OUT
+1.1A/V
R1 CPL

– FB
VC gm =
200µA/V ESR
+ 780mV
RC C1
24k ERROR +
AMPLIFIER C1
CC
100pF 2M

R2
GND

3503 F11

Figure 11. Model for Loop Response

3503f

16
 LT3503
U U W U
APPLICATIO S I FOR ATIO

SYSTEM
GROUND
C2 D1 VOUT
C1
VIN

SHUTDOWN

3503 F12

: VIAS TO LOCAL GROUND PLANE

: OUTLINE OF LOCAL GROUND PLANE

Figure 12. A Good PCB Layout Ensures Proper, Low EMI Operation

local, unbroken ground plane below these components, efficiency measurement and subtracting the catch diode
and tie this ground plane to system ground at one location, loss. The resulting temperature rise at full load is nearly
ideally at the ground terminal of the output capacitor C1. independent of input voltage. Thermal resistance depends
The SW and BOOST nodes should be as small as possible. on the layout of the circuit board, but 64°C/W is typical for
Finally, keep the FB node small so that the ground pin and the (2mm × 3mm) DFN (DCB) package.
ground traces will shield it from the SW and BOOST nodes.
Include vias near the exposed GND pad of the LT3503 to Outputs Greater Than 6V
help remove heat from the LT3503 to the ground plane. For outputs greater than 6V, add a resistor of 1k to 2.5k
across the inductor to damp the discontinuous ringing of
High Temperature Considerations
the SW node, preventing unintended SW current.
The die temperature of the LT3503 must be lower than the
maximum junction of 125°C. This is generally not a Other Linear Technology Publications
concern unless the ambient temperature is above 85°C. Application notes AN19, AN35 and AN44 contain more
For higher temperatures, care should be taken in the layout detailed descriptions and design information for Buck
of the circuit to ensure good heat sinking of the LT3503. regulators and other switching regulators. The LT1376
The maximum load current should be derated as the data sheet has a more extensive discussion of output
ambient temperature approaches 125°C. The die tem- ripple, loop compensation and stability testing. Design
perature is calculated by multiplying the LT3503 power Note DN100 shows how to generate a bipolar output
dissipation by the thermal resistance from junction to supply using a Buck regulator.
ambient. Power dissipation within the LT3503 can be
estimated by calculating the total power loss from an

3503f

17
LT3503
U
TYPICAL APPLICATIO S
0.78V Step-Down Converter

BAT54

VIN
3.6V TO 4V VIN BOOST
20V MAX
LT3503 0.1µF 1.0µH
VOUT
ON OFF SHDN SW 0.78V
MBRM140 1.2A

GND FB 47µF
1µF

3503 TA02

1.8V Step-Down Converter

BAT54

VIN
3.6V TO 7.6V VIN BOOST
20V MAX 0.1µF 1.5µH
LT3503
VOUT
ON OFF SHDN SW 1.8V
MBRM140 120pF 1.2A
26.1k
GND FB 22µF
1µF 20k

3503 TA03

2.5V Step-Down Converter

BAT54 VOUT
VIN
2.5V
3.6V TO 10V VIN BOOST
1A, VIN > 4.5V
20V MAX
LT3503 0.47µF 1.8µH 1.2A, VIN > 8.1V
ON OFF SHDN SW
MBRM140 22.1k 22pF
GND FB 10µF
1µF 10k

3503 TA04

3503f

18
 LT3503
U
PACKAGE DESCRIPTION
DCB Package
6-Lead Plastic DFN (2mm × 3mm)
(Reference LTC DWG # 05-08-1715)

0.70 ±0.05

1.65 ±0.05
3.55 ±0.05
(2 SIDES)
2.15 ±0.05
PACKAGE
OUTLINE

0.25 ± 0.05
0.50 BSC
1.35 ±0.05
(2 SIDES)
RECOMMENDED SOLDER PAD PITCH AND DIMENSIONS

2.00 ±0.10 R = 0.115 0.40 ± 0.10

(2 SIDES) TYP
R = 0.05 4 6
TYP

3.00 ±0.10 1.65 ± 0.10

(2 SIDES) (2 SIDES)

PIN 1 BAR PIN 1 NOTCH

TOP MARK R0.20 OR 0.25
(SEE NOTE 6) × 45° CHAMFER
(DCB6) DFN 0405
3 1
0.25 ± 0.05
0.200 REF 0.75 ±0.05 0.50 BSC
1.35 ±0.10
(2 SIDES)
0.00 – 0.05 BOTTOM VIEW—EXPOSED PAD

NOTE:
1. DRAWING TO BE MADE A JEDEC PACKAGE OUTLINE M0-229 VARIATION OF (TBD)
2. DRAWING NOT TO SCALE
3. ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS
4. DIMENSIONS OF EXPOSED PAD ON BOTTOM OF PACKAGE DO NOT INCLUDE
MOLD FLASH. MOLD FLASH, IF PRESENT, SHALL NOT EXCEED 0.15mm ON ANY SIDE
5. EXPOSED PAD SHALL BE SOLDER PLATED
6. SHADED AREA IS ONLY A REFERENCE FOR PIN 1 LOCATION ON THE
TOP AND BOTTOM OF PACKAGE

3503f

Information furnished by Linear Technology Corporation is believed to be accurate and reliable.

However, no responsibility is assumed for its use. Linear Technology Corporation makes no represen-
tation that the interconnection of its circuits as described herein will not infringe on existing patent rights. 19
LT3503
U
TYPICAL APPLICATIO
5V Step-Down Converter

1N4148 VOUT
VIN
5V
6.7V TO 18V VIN BOOST
1A, VIN > 7.2V
20V MAX
LT3503 0.1µF 3.3µH 1.2A, VIN > 11V
ON OFF SHDN SW
MBRM140 61.9k 120pF
GND FB 10µF
1µF 11.3k

3503 TA05

RELATED PARTS
PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION COMMENTS
LT1766 60V, 1.2A IOUT, 200kHz, High Efficiency Step-Down VIN: 5.5V to 60V, VOUT(MIN) = 1.2V, IQ = 2.5mA, ISD = 25µA,
DC/DC Converter TSSOP16/TSSOP16E Packages
LT1767 25V, 1.2A IOUT, 1.25MHz, High Efficiency Step-Down VIN: 3V to 25V, VOUT(MIN) = 1.20V, IQ = 1mA, ISD < 6µA,
DC/DC Converter MS8E Package
LT1933 500mA IOUT, 500kHz, Step-Down Switching Regulator VIN: 3.6V to 36V, VOUT(MIN) = 1.25V, IQ = 1.6mA, ISD < 1µA,
in SOT-23 ThinSOTTM Package
LT1936 36V, 1.4A IOUT, 500kHz, High Efficiency Step-Down VIN: 3.6V to 36V, VOUT(MIN) = 1.20V, IQ = 1.9mA, ISD < 1µA,
DC/DC Converter MS8E Package
LT1940 Dual 25V, Dual 1.4A IOUT, 1.1MHz, High Efficiency Step-Down VIN: 3.6V to 25V, VOUT(MIN) = 1.25V, IQ = 3.5mA, ISD = <30µA,
DC/DC Converter TSSOP16E Package
LT1976/LT1977 60V, 1.2A IOUT, 200kHz/500kHz, High Efficiency Step-Down VIN: 3.3V to 60V, VOUT(MIN) = 1.25V, IQ = 100µA, ISD < 1µA,
DC/DC Converter with Burst Mode® Operation TSSOP16E Package
LT3434/LT3435 60V, 2.4A IOUT, 200kHz/500kHz, High Efficiency Step-Down VIN: 3.3V to 60V, VOUT(MIN) = 1.25V, IQ = 100µA, ISD < 1µA,
DC/DC Converter with Burst Mode Operation TSSOP16E Package
LT3437 60V, 400mA IOUT, Micropower Step-Down DC/DC Converter VIN: 3.3V to 60V, VOUT(MIN) = 1.25V, IQ = 100µA, ISD < 1µA,
with Burst Mode Operation 3mm × 3mm DFN10 and TSSOP16E Packages
LT3481 34V, 2A IOUT, 2.8MHz Micropower Step-Down DC/DC Converter VIN: 3.3V to 34V, VOUT(MIN) = 1.265V, IQ = 50µA, ISD < 1µA,
with IQ = 50µA 3mm × 3mm DFN10 and MS10E Packages
LT3493 36V, 1.2A IOUT, 750kHz High Efficiency DC/DC Converter VIN: 3.6V to 36V, VOUT(MIN) = 0.78V, IQ = 1.9mA, ISD < 2µA,
2mm × 3mm DFN8 Package
LT3505 36V, 1.2A IOUT, 750kHz High Efficiency Step-Down VIN: 3.6V to 36V, VOUT(MIN) = 0.78V, IQ = 1.9mA, ISD < 2µA,
DC/DC Converter 3mm × 3mm DFN8 and MS8E Packages
LT3506/LT3506A Dual 25V, 1.6A IOUT, 575kHz/1.1MHz High Efficiency VIN: 3.6V to 25V, VOUT(MIN) = 0.8V, IQ = 3.8mA, ISD < 30µA,
Step-Down DC/DC Converter 5mm × 4mm DFN16 Package
Burst Mode is a registered trademark of Linear Technology Corporation. ThinSOT is a trademark of Linear Technology Corporation.

3503f

Linear Technology Corporation LT 1006 • PRINTED IN USA

20 1630 McCarthy Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035-7417

(408) 432-1900 ● FAX: (408) 434-0507 ●
www.linear.com © LINEAR TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 2006