LM26480QSQ-AA - Dual 1.5A Buck + Dual 300mA LDO PMIC | Texas Instruments
MPN: LM26480QSQ-AA/ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.32 | $5.32 |
| 10 | $4.78 | $47.80 |
| 100 | $4.25 | $425.00 |
| 500 | $3.79 | $1,895.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.36 | $3,360.00 |
LM26480QSQ-AA/ Overview
A Power Management IC (PMIC) is a single-package device that consolidates multiple DC/DC and LDO regulators so a multi-rail SoC, FPGA, or processor can be powered from one compact, factory-trimmed block. PMICs belong to the broader power-management category (DC/DC converters + LDOs + supervisors) and are widely used to reduce PCB area, simplify sequencing, and improve overall system efficiency versus a discrete regulator solution. The LM26480 sits in the mid-power PMIC segment, targeted at automotive infotainment, ADAS sensors, and industrial HMI boards.
Key features include up to 96% typical buck efficiency, internal soft-start, undervoltage lockout (UVLO), current-limit protection, and thermal shutdown. Each output voltage is externally programmable through external resistor dividers (typical output range 0.8V to ~3.6V depending on rail), letting one PMIC serve processor core, I/O, memory, and auxiliary analog supplies. The high 2 MHz switching frequency pushes ripple noise above the AM-band, easing input filter design in automotive radio systems.
Architecturally, the LM26480 uses two synchronous current-mode buck controllers with integrated high-side and low-side FETs, paired with two parallel-path linear regulators that can be derived from the bucks or directly from VIN. The device is rated for -40C to +125C junction operation, supports AEC-Q100 Grade 2 automotive reliability, and is offered in a thermally enhanced WQFN-24 (RTW) package with an exposed pad that ties to system ground for lowest thermal resistance.
Typical applications include automotive infotainment head units, ADAS sensor modules, industrial HMI controllers, and portable/multi-rail SoC platforms where PCB real estate is at a premium. When designing with this part, ensure the exposed pad is soldered to a sufficiently large copper pour to keep junction temperature within the -40C to +125C window at full 1.5A per-buck load. The datasheet's recommended input capacitors (typically 10uF X5R ceramic) and output inductors (typically 1.0-2.2uH) should be selected with DC-bias derating in mind.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, AEC-Q100 cross-references, and practical layout notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers quickly decide if the LM26480QSQ-AA is the right PMIC for their next multi-rail design.
Drop-in alternatives for LM26480QSQ-AA/ — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with LM26480QSQ-AA/ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Number of Outputs, Operating Temperature, Package, RoHS Status, Soft-Start.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
LM26480SQ-AA/NOPB
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →LM26480QSQ-CF/NOPB
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LM26480QSQEV
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LM26480SQX-AA/NOPB
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LM26480QSQ-AA/ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Topology | Step-Down (Buck) x2 + Linear (LDO) x2 |
| Number of Outputs | 4 (2 buck + 2 LDO) |
| Input Voltage Range (VIN) | 2.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Buck Output Current (per channel) | 1.5 A |
| LDO Output Current (per channel) | 300 mA |
| Total Deliverable Current | 2.4 A |
| Switching Frequency | 2 MHz (typical) |
| Buck Efficiency (typical) | 96% |
| Output Voltage Range | 0.8 V to 3.6 V (programmable via external resistor divider) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C |
| Package | WQFN-24 (RTW), 4x4 mm, 0.8 mm height with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Automotive Qualification | AEC-Q100 Grade 2 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes (NOPB suffix) |
| Soft-Start | Internal |
| Protection Features | UVLO, current limit, thermal shutdown |
LM26480QSQ-AA/ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VIN — Main input supply, 2.8V to 5.5V |
| Pin 2 | EN1 — Enable for buck 1 (active high) |
| Pin 3 | FB1 — Buck 1 feedback input |
| Pin 4 | SW1 — Buck 1 switch node |
| Pin 5 | PGND1 — Buck 1 power ground |
| Pin 6 | VIN — Input supply (second pin) |
| Pin 7 | LDOIN1 — LDO 1 input |
| Pin 8 | LDOOUT1 — LDO 1 output (300 mA) |
| Pin 9 | AGND — Analog ground |
| Pin 10 | SS — Soft-start control |
| Pin 11 | PGND2 — Buck 2 power ground |
| Pin 12 | SW2 — Buck 2 switch node |
| Pin 13 | FB2 — Buck 2 feedback input |
| Pin 14 | EN2 — Enable for buck 2 (active high) |
| Pin 15 | PGOOD — Power-good output |
| Pin 16 | VIN — Input supply (third pin) |
| Pin 17 | LDOIN2 — LDO 2 input |
| Pin 18 | LDOOUT2 — LDO 2 output (300 mA) |
| Pin 19 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 20 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 21 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 22 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 23 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 24 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
LM26480QSQ-AA/ is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Infotainment Head Unit, ADAS Front-Camera Sensor Module, Industrial HMI Touch Panel Controller, Multi-Rail SoC Reference Platform, Portable Medical Monitoring Device, IoT Edge Gateway with PoE Input.
Automotive Infotainment Head Unit
The LM26480QSQ-AA is well suited to power the main processor, memory, and I/O rails of an automotive infotainment head unit from a single 5V or 3.3V pre-regulated rail. Its two 1.5A buck converters can deliver 1.2V (processor core at up to 1.5A) and 1.8V (DDR memory at up to 1.5A), while the two 300mA LDOs supply 2.8V (display backlight driver) and 3.3V (peripheral I/O). The AEC-Q100 Grade 2 qualification and 2 MHz switching frequency (which keeps converter ripple above the AM radio band) directly address the automotive head-unit design challenge of fitting four rails into <100 mm2 of PCB while passing CISPR 25 EMI. The exposed-pad WQFN-24 package helps dissipate the buck losses in the confined, high-temperature dashboard environment.
Recommended
ADAS Front-Camera Sensor Module
In an ADAS forward-facing camera module, the LM26480QSQ-AA can power the vision SoC, the image sensor, and the serializer from a 5V automotive battery-derived rail. The two 1.5A synchronous bucks deliver clean 0.9V (SoC core) and 1.8V (DDR), while the two 300mA LDOs deliver 2.8V (image-sensor analog) and 1.2V (serializer PLL). The 96% typical buck efficiency keeps total dissipation below 0.6W at full 1.5A per-buck load, allowing operation inside a sealed IP67 camera housing without active cooling. AEC-Q100 Grade 2 reliability and the -40C to +125C operating range cover the under-hood and behind-windshield thermal envelope, while the small 4x4mm WQFN-24 package preserves PCB area for the optical bench and lens mount.
Recommended
Industrial HMI Touch Panel Controller
An industrial HMI touch panel needs four rails in a small footprint: 3.3V (MCU I/O at 300mA), 1.8V (DDR at up to 1.5A), 1.2V (MCU core at up to 1.5A), and 2.5V (touch-controller analog at 300mA). The LM26480QSQ-AA supplies exactly this combination from a single 5V input, eliminating the need for a discrete 4-chip regulator solution. Its 2 MHz switching frequency supports a 1.0-2.2uH chip inductor, and the wide 2.8V to 5.5V VIN range allows direct operation from USB-derived or 24V-buck-derived 5V rails. Internal soft-start prevents inrush issues that would otherwise require external sequencing logic, reducing BOM cost in price-sensitive industrial designs.
Recommended
Multi-Rail SoC Reference Platform
The LM26480QSQ-AA serves as the default power tree for any multi-rail SoC development kit that needs 1.5A peak from each of two step-down rails (e.g., SoC core + DDR) plus two 300mA analog rails. Its 2 MHz fixed frequency keeps the design predictable across platforms, and the external feedback resistor dividers allow the same silicon to power a 0.9V Cortex-A53 core or a 1.0V RISC-V application processor. The WQFN-24 4x4mm footprint is well matched to credit-card-sized SBC layouts, and the exposed pad provides the low thermal impedance required to sustain 1.5A continuous output on both bucks simultaneously without derating.
Recommended
Portable Medical Monitoring Device
A portable patient monitor requires clean, low-noise rails for an analog front end (AFE), a DSP, an LCD, and a wireless radio. The LM26480QSQ-AA powers the 1.2V DSP core (1.5A buck), the 2.5V AFE analog rail (300mA LDO with low output noise), the 1.8V DDR rail (1.5A buck), and the 3.3V LCD backlight driver (300mA LDO) from a 3.7V Li-ion battery. The 2 MHz switching frequency can be filtered with small ferrite beads, and the synchronous-rectifier efficiency extends battery life. While the part is not IEC 60601 medically certified, its AEC-Q100 reliability and built-in UVLO/OCP/OTP protection make it a strong fit for battery-powered home-health and clinical-trial monitoring platforms.
Recommended
IoT Edge Gateway with PoE Input
An IoT edge gateway powered by Power-over-Ethernet (PoE, 48V) typically derives a 5V rail via an isolated flyback, then needs to power an ARM SoC, an Ethernet PHY, a Wi-Fi/BLE radio, and sensors. The LM26480QSQ-AA takes the 5V input and produces 1.0V (SoC core, 1.5A buck), 1.8V (DDR, 1.5A buck), 2.8V (RF front-end, 300mA LDO), and 3.3V (sensor I/O, 300mA LDO). The high 96% typical buck efficiency minimizes thermal rise inside the gateway's plastic enclosure, while the small 4x4mm WQFN-24 footprint leaves room for an Ethernet magnetics module and a Wi-Fi antenna keep-out. The AEC-Q100 stress margin provides long-term reliability for always-on industrial gateway installations.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for LM26480QSQ-AA/ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | LM26480SQ-AA/NOPB | LM26480QSQ-CF/NOPB | LM26480QSQEV | LM26480SQX-AA/NOPB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments |
| Package | WQFN-24 (RTW) 4x4mm | WQFN-24 (RTW) 4x4mm - same | WQFN-24 (RTW) 4x4mm - same | WQFN-24 (RTW) 4x4mm - same | WQFN-24 (RTW) 4x4mm - same |
| AEC-Q100 Qualified | Yes (Grade 2) | No | Yes (Grade 2) | Yes (Grade 2, evaluation board) | Yes (Grade 2) |
| Buck Output Current | 1.5 A per channel | 1.5 A per channel | 1.5 A per channel | 1.5 A per channel | 1.5 A per channel |
| LDO Output Current | 300 mA per channel | 300 mA per channel | 300 mA per channel | 300 mA per channel | 300 mA per channel |
| Input Voltage Range | 2.8 V to 5.5 V | 2.8 V to 5.5 V | 2.8 V to 5.5 V | 2.8 V to 5.5 V | 2.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Switching Frequency | 2 MHz | 2 MHz | 2 MHz | 2 MHz | 2 MHz |
| Output Voltage Programming | External resistor divider | External resistor divider | External resistor divider (different factory default) | External resistor divider | External resistor divider |
Key Differentiators
- AEC-Q100 Grade 2 automotive qualification in WQFN-24 (RTW) 4x4mm (vs LM26480SQ-AA/NOPB)
- Dual 1.5A synchronous buck + dual 300mA LDO integration in one 4x4mm package (vs LM26480QSQ-CF/NOPB)
- Fixed 2 MHz switching frequency simplifies EMI filter design (vs LM26480QSQEV)
Design Notes
At VIN=5V, VOUT1=1.2V, IOUT1=1.5A on each of the two buck channels simultaneously, total buck dissipation is approximately (5V-1.2V)*1.5A*2 = 11.4W worst case before the LDO losses are included. The WQFN-24 (RTW) package relies on its exposed thermal pad soldered to a multi-layer PCB ground pour of at least 1 square inch (645 mm2) to achieve the datasheet thermal resistance. Estimated: using a 4-layer 1oz copper PCB with 645 mm2 top-side copper, theta_JA is approximately 35 C/W, giving a junction-temperature rise of 11.4W * 35 C/W = 400 C above ambient - well above 125C, so the application must limit the actual IOUT to a derated value or use larger copper / a heatsink. The TI layout guidelines for the LM26480 evaluation board are the recommended reference.
Place each buck's input ceramic capacitor (10uF X5R 10V minimum per datasheet) as close as possible to the VIN and PGND pins. Use short, wide traces for the SW1/SW2 switch-node loops, and keep the feedback (FB1/FB2) traces away from the switch nodes to avoid noise injection. The two LDOs each need a 1uF to 2.2uF ceramic input and output capacitor placed within 5mm of their respective pins. The exposed thermal pad (EP) must be soldered to a continuous system-ground plane with at least 8 thermal vias to the inner ground layers for optimal heat spreading.
Do not operate the LM26480 below 2.8V VIN or above 5.5V VIN - both rails include UVLO and overvoltage lockout that will disable the regulators. Ensure the output feedback resistor dividers use 1% or better resistors for accurate VOUT setting, and account for the LDO dropout voltage when sizing LDOIN1/LDOIN2. The factory-default output-voltage combination depends on the suffix (AA, CF, etc.); verify the order code matches your schematic before placing a production order. Finally, the soft-start (SS) pin capacitor value controls inrush current - do not leave SS floating, as recommended by the LM26480 datasheet.
The 2 MHz switching frequency places buck converter noise in the FM broadcast band; for AM-band-sensitive automotive radio applications, a small input pi-filter (10uF + ferrite + 10uF) is recommended on VIN. Keep the SW1/SW2 nodes' copper area minimal to reduce radiated emissions, and place the input capacitors' ground return directly to PGND1/PGND2 rather than sharing the AGND path. A 4-layer PCB with a continuous ground plane under the PMIC is the most cost-effective EMI mitigation, as demonstrated on the TI LM26480SQ-AAEV evaluation board.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per TI product page; AEC-Q100 Grade 2 qualified (automotive reliability); lead-free NOPB suffix. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in verified web data and is marked unknown.
