DESCRIPTION
The LTC®3738 is a 3-phase synchronous step-down switching regulator controller that drives all N-channel external power MOSFET stages in a phase-lockable, fixed frequency architecture. The 3-phase technique effectively triples the fundamental frequency, improving transient response while operating each controller at an optimal frequency for efficiency and ease of thermal design. Light load efficiency is optimized by using a choice of output Stage Shedding or Pulse Skip mode technology.

FEATURES
■ 3-Phase Controller with Onboard MOSFET Drivers
■ Programmable Active Voltage Positioning (AVP) with True Current Sensing
■ Programmable External Thermal Detection or Internal Thermal Sensing
■ Precise Output Current Matching Optimizes Thermal Performance and Solution Size
■ Supports Starting into Precharged VOUTS
■ Differential Amplifier Accurately Senses VOUT
■ PWM, Pulse Skip and Stage SheddingTM Operation
■ Synchronizable
■ 210kHz to 530kHz Per Phase, Fixed Frequency
■ Output Power Good Indicator with Adaptive Blanking
■ Adjustable Soft-Start Current Ramping
■ Short-Circuit Shutdown Timer with Defeat Option
■ OPTI-LOOP® Compensation Minimizes COUT
■ 38-Lead (5mm × 7mm) QFN Package

APPLICATIONS
■ High Performance Notebook Computers
■ Servers, Desktop Computers and Workstations