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LINEAR LTC3880 User Guide

Summary

The LTC3880/-1 is a sophisticated dual-output DC/DC controller engineered for advanced digital power management in complex multi-rail electronic systems. This guide details how the unit simplifies design by integrating a comprehensive PMBus interface, enabling real-time monitoring and complete digital control of crucial power metrics like current and voltage. It is ideal for board designers developing high-performance electronics that require precise regulation, intelligent fault logging, and reliable system operation while minimizing design time and total cost.

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Page 1 Text Content

January 2012 Volume 21 Number 4

Dual Output DC/DC Controller

integer-N synthesizer with integrated VCO in a 4mm × 5mm package 9 Combines Digital Power System

supercapacitor-based Management with Analog Control power supply ride-through system 15

Loop for ±0.5% VOUT Accuracy

ultralow-EMI, µModule Gregory Manlove regulator is EN55022 class B certified 20

Though power management is critical to the reliable operation of modern electronic systems, voltage regulators are perhaps the last

UMTS base station receiver

remaining “blind spot” in today’s digitally managed systems. Few

in half-inch square 23

regulators have the means for direct configuration or monitoring of key power system operating parameters. As a result, power

negative voltage diode-OR

controller tolerates inputs designers who want complete digital control must use a mixed bag

beyond 300V 30 of sequencers, microcontrollers and voltage supervisors to program

basic regulator start-up and safety functions. Digitally programmable DC/DC converters are available, most notably those with VID output

voltage control designed for VRM core power supplies, but these specifically targeted converters do not directly communicate important operating parameters, such as real-time currents. The LTC®3880/-1 solves the problem of complex power system management by combining a dual out- put synchronous step-down DC/DC controller with a comprehensive power management feature set accessed via the I2C-based PMBus. PMBus can be used to set the output voltage, margin voltages, switching

Caption frequency, sequencing and a number of other oper- The LTC3880 in a digitally managed power system. ating parameters (see “PMBus Control” below).

(continued on page 4)

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Page Summary Contents For LINEAR LTC3880 User Guide

Page 1 January 2012 Volume 21 Number 4 Dual Output DC/DC Controller integer-N synthesizer with integrated VCO in a 4mm × 5mm package 9 Combines Digital Power System supercapacitor-based Management with Analo...
Page 2 A principal benefit of digital power system management is reduced design cost and faster time to market. The LTC3880/-1 greatly simplifies the design of complex multirail systems with the free, downlo...
Page 3 design features ANALOG CONTROL LOOP DIGITAL CONTROL LOOPANALOG CONTROL LOOP ANALOG CURRENT WAVEFORM VOUT 100m V/DIV 205m V FIXED f SW (AC-COUPLED) DIGITAL CONTROL LOOP IOUT 10A/DIV (15A LOAD STEP) DIG...
Page 4 Configurations are downloaded to internal EEPROM via the I2C serial interface supported by Linear Technology’s LTpower Play PC-based development software. After the configuration file is stored on-chi...
Page 5 design features Linear Technology PMBus controllers such as the LTC3880 and companion ICs such as the LTC2978 make it easy to program power-up and power-down sequencing for any number of supplies. By ...
Page 6 PMBus chips can be added later without having to worry about system constraints such as a limited number of connector pins. Multiple addresses are supported in PMBus allowing over 100 unique devices o...

Manual Details

Brand Linear
Pages 6
File Size 3.61 MB
Published June 16, 2026
3 views

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can the LTC3880 control multiple power rails' startup and safety functions?

The PMBus can be used to set output voltage, margin voltages, switching frequency, sequencing, and other operating parameters across various rails.