Linear Tech Launches Synchronous N-Channel MOSFET Driver

Linear Technology Corporation has introduced its LTC4447, a synchronous MOSFET driver designed to drive upper and lower power N-Channel MOSFETs in a synchronous rectified converter topology. This driver, combined with power MOSFETs and one of Linear Technology's DC/DC controllers, forms a synchronous regulator that can be used as a step-down or step-up DC/DC converter. The LTC4447 operates from a supply voltage up to 38V. The driver can sink up to 5A and source up to 3.2A for driving high gate capacitance, high current MOSFETs. The LTC4447 can also drive multiple MOSFETs in parallel for higher current applications and it includes an integrated bootstrap schottky diode. The 8ns rise time, 7ns fall time of the top MOSFET and 7ns rise time, 4ns fall time of the bottom MOSFET, when driving a 3,000pF load, minimize switching losses and improve efficiency. Adaptive shoot-through protection is integrated to prevent both the upper and lower MOSFETs from conducting simultaneously while minimizing dead time. The LTC4447 is offered in a low profile (0.75mm) 3mm x 3mm DFN-12 package and operates over a -40°C to 85°C temperature range with prices starting at $1.35 for 1000-piece quantities.