8A buck regulator with 4V to 18V input range
The LTC3608EWKG#TRPBF is an Analog Devices step-down buck regulator delivering 8A continuous output current from a 4V to 18V input supply. The adjustable output voltage range spans 0.6V minimum to 17.82V maximum, making it suitable for generating intermediate bus rails or point-of-load supplies from 5V, 12V, or 18V sources.
External Schottky diode required — no synchronous rectifier
This regulator uses an asynchronous buck topology — the internal switch handles the high-side duty cycle, but an external Schottky catch diode is required on the SW pin for the low-side freewheeling path. The diode's forward voltage and thermal rating must be matched to the 8A output current and the switching frequency; a 40V, 10A-rated Schottky in a D2PAK or similar package is typical for full-load operation. The absence of a synchronous rectifier means the efficiency curve peaks at moderate loads and drops at light loads due to the diode's forward drop. For designs prioritising efficiency below 1A, a synchronous alternative may be preferred, but the LTC3608's simplicity and lower cost in the power stage are advantages for fixed-load applications.
Active production with ROHS3 compliance
The part is offered in Tape & Reel (TR) and Cut Tape (CT) packaging options. The TR suffix indicates full reel quantities suitable for production pick-and-place, while CT availability supports prototyping and low-volume builds without committing to a full reel.