EDN's 18th Annual Innovation Awards Finalists

<< PREVIOUS FINALIST  |  MAIN  |  NEXT FINALIST >>
 

Category: Power ICs
WINNER: LT3080 adjustable LDO regulator (Linear Technology)

The LT3080 three-terminal linear regulator improves upon other three-terminal parts because you can mount it in parallel rather than using surface-mount techniques. The device has a 10-μA set current, meaning that a 100-kΩ resistor produces a 1V output. By leveraging Linear Technology’s low-offset-voltage-design expertise, the voltage at the output remains within 1 mV of the set pin. In this way, multiple surface-mount regulators can all share one set resistor and the output current. A copper-clad board can dissipate approximately 5W per device, so designers can parallel enough devices to achieve their power requirements and eliminate the need for bulky, expensive mechanical heat sinks. The part has a 40V input range, and because the control section operates from a separate supply, the dropout voltage of the NPN output stage is only 300 mV. Using a small-value resistor enables you to create output voltages as low as 0V, so this part can supply any conceivable digital-process operating voltage.