Linear Technology Corporation introduces a family of DC/DC converters that offers the performance and simplicity of a buck (step-down) regulator for the design of isolated power supplies. These primary- and secondary-side ICs introduce PolyPhase® operation for current sharing and paralleling of two circuits to achieve higher output current. Other advantages include self-starting capability, which eliminates the need for an extra transformer winding, no optocoupler design, fast transient response and synchronous rectiflation for high efficiency operation. The chipset supports standard output voltages such as 5V, 12V, 28V and 52V as well as low voltages down to 0.6V. Furthermore, they allow the use of inexpensive and off-the-shelf magnetics and discrete components. An example of an application is an isolated power supply with 36VIN-72VIN range and 3.3VOUT at 30A or 1.2VOUT at 100A.

The primary-side controllers, the LTC3705 and LTC3725 are forward drivers. The LTC3705 is a dual switch driver and the LTC3725 is the simpler version with single-switch operation. The secondary-side ICs, the LTC3706 and LTC3726, are current mode synchronous rectifiers with a self-starting architecture. The LTC3706 is suitable for PolyPhase operation whereas the LTC3726 is simpler and ideal for single-phase operation. To further simplify the design, a proprietary technique is used to multiplex gate drive signals and DC bias power across the isolation barrier through a single, tiny pulse transformer.

The flexible design of the chipset enables both standard and custom footprint isolated power supplies. Linear Technology offers design assistance for its customers, providing a schematic, bill-of-materials, simulations, design files and a demo board. In addition to design support, customers can realize substantial cost savings compared to the cost of a DC/DC module.

The 1,000-piece price per unit for the LTC3705, LTC3706, LTC3725, and LTC3726 are $2.63, $3.88, $2.56 $3.19, respectively..

Summary of Features:
LTC3705/LTC3706/LTC3725/LTC3726
 
 Chipset Simplifies Design of Isolated Power Supplies 
 PolyPhase Operation Allows Easy Paralleling of the Circuit to Achieve Higher Output Power (LTC3706)
 No Optocoupler Needed 
 Fast Transient Response
 Synchronous Operation for High Efficiency (up to 94%)