The device has a wide safe operating area (SOA), making it ideal for applications with large differences between input and output voltages along with high currents, where older regulators would limit the output. The LT3089 uses a current source-based reference to set the output voltage with a single resistor and allows the output to be adjusted down to 0V. The output current limit is also set with a single resistor. The regulator architecture, combined with millivolt line and load regulation, allows multiple ICs to be used in parallel to distribute heat and increase the output current. The internal current monitor current can be added to the set current to compensate for line losses; in this case, the LT3089's output voltage is increased to compensate for resistive losses in the wiring and PCB traces.
    The LT3089 achieves unparalleled sub-2mV line and load regulation, regardless of the output current, and has an input voltage range of 1.2V to 36V. The device is perfectly suited for multi-output applications. The output voltage is programmable via a single resistor from 0V to 34.5V with a 1.2V drop between VIN and Vout. The internal 50µA current reference has an accuracy of ±1%. Regulation, transient response, and output noise (27µVRMS) are independent of the output voltage due to the voltage follower architecture. The LT3089 can be configured as a two-terminal current source with just two resistors. Input or output capacitors for stability are optional in both linear regulator and current source modes.
The LT3089 provides several monitoring and protection functions. The current limit is programmed with a single resistor. The monitoring outputs provide an output current proportional to the temperature (1µA/°C) and the output current (200µA/A), thus facilitating ground-referenced measurements. The current monitor can be used to compensate for wiring losses. The LT3089's internal circuitry includes reverse voltage and reverse current protection, internal current limiting, and thermal shutdown.
According to Robert Dopkin, Vice President of Engineering and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Linear Technology, “The LT3089’s robust architecture, along with its protection and monitoring features, provides designers with new tools for more reliable designs. A high-power DD-Pak package and several lower-power surface-mount packages are available. System power and temperature can be easily monitored for proper operation.”
    The LT3089 is available in several thermally enhanced surface-mount packages, including a low-profile (0.75mm) 12-pin 4mm x 4mm DFN, a thermally enhanced 16-pin TSSOP, and a 7-pin DD-Pak; all are capable of dissipating 2W without a heatsink. A wide variety of grades and temperatures are available, including E and I grades from -40ºC to 125ºC, H grades from -40ºC to 150ºC and the high reliability MP grade from -55ºC to 150ºC.

More information or a quote