Linear - Flyback switching regulator simplifies design and eliminates optocoupler

The LT3573, an isolated monolithic flyback switching regulator with an integrated 1.25A NPN POWER switch, has been introduced by Linear Technology.

The device significantly simplifies the design of a flyback converter since it does not require a third winding or optoisolator and can sense the output voltage directly from the primary side flyback waveform. The LT3573 operates over an input voltage range of 3V to 40V at output power levels up to 7W and can be used in a wide variety of industrial, medical, datacom and automotive applications requiring isolated power, including marine electronics, low power PoE and VoIP telephone interfaces.

The LT3573 operates in Boundary Mode, which is a variable frequency current mode switching scheme, resulting in a total regulation band of ±3% over a wide input voltage range and output load current in a typical application. Boundary mode operation also permits the use of a smaller transformer when compared to equivalent continuous conduction mode designs. The output voltage is easily set by two external RESISTORs.

The LT3573 has additional features that include an on board LDO for 3rd winding powering, programmable soft start, under-voltage lockout, adjustable current limit and output voltage temperature compensation. The LT3573 is available in a small thermally enhanced MSOP-16 package and is offered in an extended and industrial operating junction temperature range at -40C to 125C, says the company.