Linear Introduces 40A to 240A Expandable Step-Down μModule Switching Regulator LTM4636-1

Linear introduces the LTM4636-1, a 40A to 240A scalable step-down μModule® (micromodule) switching regulator. The device has a built-in protection circuit that protects the circuit breaker from tripping to protect itself, PCBs, and loads such as high-current, low-voltage processors, FPGAs, GPUs, and ASICs in the event of an overvoltage or overtemperature fault. An output discharge function quickly clamps the output to protect the load from overvoltage conditions. The LTM4636-1 benefits from an innovative BGA package structure in which the inductor is exposed on top of the package and acts as a heat sink, allowing direct contact with the gas flow from any direction for more efficient cooling.

By stacking the inductor on top of a 16mm x 16mm BGA package, the LTM4636-1 is capable of delivering 40W and is only 40°C above ambient (12VIN, 1VOUT, 40A, 200LFM). 40W full power is available at ambient temperatures up to 83°C and 20W half power at 110°C ambient temperature.

The LTM4636-1 operates at 92%, 90%, and 88% efficiency and provides 15A, 30A, and 40A from 12VIN to a 1V load. The μModule regulator is scalable, so the four parallel LTM4636-1s are capable of 160W with a temperature rise of only 40°C and an efficiency of 88% (12VIN, 1VOUT, 200LFM).

The device has a total height of 7.07mm and a BGA package with a footprint of 16mm x 16mm. In addition to dissipating heat from the top, the LTM4636-1 is designed to spread heat evenly from the bottom of the package to the PCB. This device has 144 BGA solder balls and distributes them to the flow in rows. Current GND, VIN, and VOUT. The LTM4636-1 μModule regulator combines impressive DC/DC conversion efficiency, enhanced heat dissipation and safety circuitry to ensure improved thermal performance and voltage and thermal protection in a small package. The LTM4636-1 operates from a 4.7V to 15V input supply voltage range and regulates the output voltage from 0.6V to 3.3V. The total DC output voltage accuracy is ±1.3% over the -40oC to 125oC temperature range.

Relevant LTM46 series products

Author：Brittany Antonia （The author of article owns the copyright.）