LT3012B
APPLICATIO S I FOR ATIO
can exhibit an effective value as low as 1µF to 2µF for the
DC bias voltage applied and over the operating tempera-
ture range. The X5R and X7R dielectrics result in more
stable characteristics and are more suitable for use as the
output capacitor. The X7R type has better stability across
temperature, while the X5R is less expensive and is
available in higher values. Care still must be exercised
when using X5R and X7R capacitors; the X5R and X7R
codes only specify operating temperature range and maxi-
mum capacitance change over temperature. Capacitance
change due to DC bias with X5R and X7R capacitors is
better than Y5V and Z5U capacitors, but can still be
significant enough to drop capacitor values below appro-
priate levels. Capacitor DC bias characteristics tend to
improve as component case size increases, but expected
capacitance at operating voltage should be verified.
Voltage and temperature coefficients are not the only
sources of problems. Some ceramic capacitors have a
piezoelectric response. A piezoelectric device generates
voltage across its terminals due to mechanical stress,
similar to the way a piezoelectric accelerometer or micro-
phone works. For a ceramic capacitor the stress can be
induced by vibrations in the system or thermal transients.
Current Limit and Safe Operating Area Protection
Like many IC power regulators, the LT3012B has safe
operating area protection. The safe operating area protec-
tion decreases the current limit as the input voltage
increases and keeps the power transistor in a safe operat-
ing region. The protection is designed to provide some
output current at all values of input voltage up to the device
breakdown (see curve of Current Limit vs Input Voltage in
the Typical Performance Characteristics).
The LT3012B is limited for operating conditions by maxi-
mum junction temperature. While operating at maximum
input voltage, the output current range must be limited;
when operating at maximum output current, the input
voltage range must be limited. Device specifications will
not apply for all possible combinations of input voltage
and output current. Operating the LT3012B beyond the
maximum junction temperature rating may impair the life
of the device.
Thermal Considerations
The power handling capability of the device will be limited
by the maximum rated junction temperature (125°C). The
power dissipated by the device will be made up of two
components:
1. Output current multiplied by the input/output voltage
differential: IOUT • (VIN – VOUT) and,
2. GND pin current multiplied by the input voltage:
IGND • VIN.
The GND pin current can be found by examining the GND
Pin Current curves in the Typical Performance Character-
istics. Power dissipation will be equal to the sum of the two
components listed above.
20
BOTH CAPACITORS ARE 16V,
1210 CASE SIZE, 10µF
0
X5R
–20
–40
–60
Y5V
–80
–100
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
DC BIAS VOLTAGE (V)
3012B F02
Figure 2. Ceramic Capacitor DC Bias Characterics
40
20
0
X5R
–20
–40
Y5V
–60
–80
BOTH CAPACITORS ARE 16V,
–100 1210 CASE SIZE, 10µF
–50 –25 0 25 50 75
TEMPERATURE (°C)
100 125
3012B F03
Figure 3. Ceramic Capacitor Temperature Characterics
3012bf
9