Regulator Powers DDR1, DDR2 or DDR3 Memory

The LTC3634 is a high efficiency, dual-channel monolithic synchronous step-down regulator from Linear Technology Corp., which provides power supply and bus termination rails for DDR1, DDR2 and DDR3 SDRAM controllers. The LTC3634 operates from an input voltage from 3.6V to 15V, making it ideal for dual cell Li-Ion applications as well as 5V and 12V intermediate bus systems. The LTC3634 incorporates a unique constant frequency/controlled on-time, current mode architecture, which is ideal for powering DDR applications from a 12V input supply at high switching frequencies. Its termination voltage, VTT, is set to ½ of VDDQ down to 0.6V with accuracy of +1.6 percent. The combination of a monolithic design and switching frequencies as high as 4MHz, which enable the use of tiny, low cost capacitors and inductors, provides a very compact, high efficiency solution for DDR power applications.

Each channel of the LTC3634 uses internal switches with RDS(ON) of only 65mΩ and 130mΩ to deliver efficiencies as high as 95 percent. The two channels run 180° out of phase, minimizing the size of both input and output capacitance. An on-chip buffer capable of driving a 10mA load provides a low noise reference output (VTTR) also at VDDQ/2. Additional features include power good voltage monitors, input overvoltage and overtemperature protection, and short circuit protection.

The LTC3634EUFD is available in a 4x5mm QFN-28 whereas the LTC3634EFE is available in a 28-lead TSSOP package.

Linear Technology