October 2010 When should I consider a DC/DC Power Module Regulator?

© 2010 Linear Technology 2 What is a Power Module Regulator? A Complex Power Solution Becomes… Product displayed for demonstration purposes only

© 2010 Linear Technology 3 How do power module regulators compare to traditional DC/DC switching solutions? Low High 0A 120A+ Output Current Design / Layout Effort Power Expertise Level Component Count (Area) Time to Market Switchmode Controller Switchmode Regulator µModule ® Regulator

© 2010 Linear Technology 4 Benefits of integration within a power module Fixed BOM / Layout enables useful EMI certification Many parts EN55022 Class B Compliant Certificates for Linear Technology µModule Regulator products available online 1A Output 2A Output 3A Output

© 2010 Linear Technology 5 Reliability – All power µModule regulators 0 (Zero) Failures: 20,375,540 Power Cycle (device hours) 2,324,462 Operating Life (device hours) 4,100,000 Board Mount Temp Cycle (-40 º C to 125 º C) 446,400 Humidity Test (device hours) High Temp Bake (device hours) 11,542, º C 154, º C 15,932,276 Temp Cycle -65 º C to 150 º C 15,346,176 Thermal Shock -65 º C to 150 º C FIT Rate: 1.17 And 14 more pages of data Periodically updated with more data

© 2010 Linear Technology 6 DC/DC Converter Selection Process With integrated components, rigorous testing, thermal analysis, layout, and in some cases EMI certification already completed, the per unit cost of a power module regulator is often higher than a comparable discrete DC/DC regulator or controller Consider these features, your team’s capabilities, supply chain, production volume and market risk when selecting between a DC/DC module or discrete converter

© 2010 Linear Technology 7 DC/DC Converter Comparison Summary µModule ® Regulator Switching Regulator Switching Controller High Efficiency Region 1 (V OUT vs. V IN ) Wide Maximum Output Current Low to ModerateLowHigh Solution Component Count LowModerateHigh Design & Layout Effort / Time to Market LowModerateHigh Solution Cost (per unit) Moderate to HighLowModerate Schematic 1. Defined as supporting 85% efficiency or greater for this comparison

© 2010 Linear Technology 8 For more information