The LTC3733 family are PolyPhase synchronous stepdown switching regulator controllers that drive all N-channel external power MOSFET stages in a phaselockable, fixed frequency architecture. The 3-phase controller drives its output stages with 120° phase separation at frequencies of up to 530kHz per phase to minimize the RMS current dissipated by the ESR of both the input and output filter capacitors. The 3-phase technique effectively triples the fundamental frequency, improving transient response while operating each phase 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 Burst Mode technology. A differential amplifier provides true remote sensing of both the high and low sides of the output voltage at load points. Soft-start and a defeatable, timed short-circuit shutdown protect the MOSFETs and the load. A foldback current circuit also provides protection for the external MOSFETs under short-circuit or overload conditions. An all-"1" VID detector turns off the regulator after 1µs timeout.
