The LT1581 is a 10A low dropout regulator designed to power the new generation of microprocessors. The dropout voltage of this device is 100mV at light loads rising to just 430mV at 10A. To achieve this dropout a second low current input voltage 1V greater than the output voltage is required. The device can also be used as a single supply device where dropout is comparable to an LT1584. Several other new features have been added to the LT1581. A remote SENSE pin is brought out. This feature virtually eliminates output voltage variations due to load changes. Typical load regulation for a load current step of 100mA to 10A, measured at the SENSE pin, is less than 1mV. The LT1581 has fast transient response, equal to the LT1584. On fixed voltage devices, the ADJUST pin is brought out. A small capacitor on the ADJUST pin further improves transient response. This device is ideal for generating processor supplies of 2V to 3V on motherboards where both 5V and 3.3V supplies are available.
