LTC3884IRHE-1 - Dual-Output PolyPhase PMBus Buck Controller | ADI
MPN: LTC3884IRHE-1 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $13.5 | $13.50 |
| 10 | $12.4 | $124.00 |
| 100 | $11.2 | $1,120.00 |
| 500 | $9.95 | $4,975.00 |
| 1,000 | $8.8 | $8,800.00 |
LTC3884IRHE-1 Overview
A switching regulator controller is an IC that drives external power MOSFETs to convert one DC voltage to another. Buck (step-down) controllers specifically produce a lower output rail from a higher input rail, and PolyPhase architectures interleave multiple phases to reduce input ripple, shrink output inductors, and spread thermal dissipation. Controllers (vs. regulators) require external FETs, inductors, and capacitors, allowing the designer to optimize for currents above 5 A and to choose MOSFETs for a specific efficiency target.
Key features include ±0.5% output voltage accuracy over temperature, integrated 16-bit ADC telemetry for VIN/IOUT/Temperature/IOUT per phase, EEPROM for configuration storage, fault logging with 14-event black box, and per-rail loop compensation. The constant-frequency current-mode architecture simplifies feedback compensation and enables accurate PolyPhase current sharing. PMBus commands allow real-time VOUT margining, sequencing, and fault response without external hardware changes.
The LTC3884-1 architecture separates the controller logic from the power stage. PWM outputs use a three-state protocol (high, low, Hi-Z) so that the same controller can directly drive ADI Power Blocks (e.g., LTM4601 family), discrete DrMOS power stages, or discrete MOSFET bridges. This makes the LTC3884-1 the preferred choice when a system already has a fixed power-stage IC chosen for size or cost reasons.
Typical applications include 12 V to point-of-load conversion in telecom and datacom boards, intermediate bus conversion in FPGA and ASIC evaluation platforms, and digitally-managed POL rails in industrial test equipment. The wide 4.5 V to 38 V input tolerates industrial 24 V and 28 V avionics busses. PMBus telemetry allows remote monitoring of rail health, while the integrated black-box fault log accelerates root-cause analysis in field returns.
When designing with the LTC3884IRHE-1, ensure the input supply decouples at the IC pins with 1 µF and 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors in parallel, place the differential DCR sense filter within 5 mm of the inductor sense points, and verify the GQFN-EP thermal pad has at least 25 thermal vias to the inner ground plane. The exposed pad is the primary heat path and must be soldered to the PCB for rated thermal performance.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing from DigiKey, Mouser, Arrow, and LCSC, drop-in alternatives drawn from the same GQFN-48 family, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet. Prices referenced below are as of 2026-10-09.
Drop-in alternatives for LTC3884IRHE-1 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
LTC3884IRHE
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LTC3884IRHE-1#WPBF
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LTC3884EUHE-1#PBF
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LTC3884ERHE-1#PBF
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LTC3884IUK-1#PBF
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LTC3884IRHE-1 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Topology | Dual-output PolyPhase synchronous buck controller |
| Number of Outputs | 2 |
| Input Voltage Range | 4.5 V to 38 V |
| Switching Frequency | Up to 1 MHz |
| Current Sense Method | Sub-milliohm DCR or RSENSE |
| Digital Interface | I2C / PMBus compliant |
| PMBus Features | Telemetry, fault logging, VOUT margining, sequencing |
| ADC Telemetry | 16-bit (VOUT/IOUT/Temperature per output) |
| Internal Memory | EEPROM for configuration storage |
| PWM Output Type | Three-state (PWM-PWM-Low/Hi-Z) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C (I grade) |
| Package | 48-pin GQFN-EP (5x6 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 2 (1 year floor life) |
| Compliance | RoHS compliant (per ADI product page) |
LTC3884IRHE-1 48-pin gqfn-ep (5x6 mm) with exposed pad Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for LTC3884IRHE-1 (48-pin gqfn-ep (5x6 mm) with exposed pad package). This power device features gate, drain, and source terminals. For non-polarized packages, refer to the manufacturer datasheet for exact pin 1 orientation and footprint details. Common applications include power supply design, motor driving, and load switching.
No detailed pinout data available for LTC3884IRHE-1.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
LTC3884IRHE-1 is suitable for 6 applications: Telecom and Datacom Point-of-Load, Intermediate Bus Conversion for FPGA and ASIC Evaluation Platforms, Industrial Test and Measurement Equipment, Avionics 28V Intermediate Bus Conversion, Server and Storage BLOS/BMC Power Management, Programmable Power-Supply and Reconfigurable ATE.
Telecom and Datacom Point-of-Load
The LTC3884IRHE-1 is engineered for 12V-to-POL conversion in telecom and datacom line cards where multiple tightly-regulated sub-rails feed ASICs, FPGAs, and network processors. Its 4.5V-to-38V input tolerates 12V nominal with transients and the 1 MHz switching frequency minimizes inductor and capacitor size for compact PoL footprints. The PMBus interface allows the system controller to monitor VIN/IOUT/Temperature per rail in real time and to record faults into the 14-event black box, enabling predictive maintenance. Unlike discrete analog controllers, the LTC3884IRHE-1's 16-bit ADC telemetry and VOUT margining support automated production-board-test and field-retrievable diagnostics.
Recommended
Intermediate Bus Conversion for FPGA and ASIC Evaluation Platforms
FPGA and ASIC evaluation platforms need multiple high-current rails (VCCINT, VCCAUX, MGTAVCC) at precisely controlled voltages with sequencing and margining. The LTC3884IRHE-1's two PolyPhase outputs can be configured in single-output high-current mode (two phases paralleled) for VCCINT-class loads, while the second output delivers a separate auxiliary rail. The wide 4.5V-to-38V input allows the board to be powered from a bench supply, USB-PD, or 24V industrial source without rework. PMBus output-voltage margin commands (±5% typical) simplify ASIC characterization across PVT corners.
Recommended
Industrial Test and Measurement Equipment
Industrial automated test equipment and oscilloscopes require low-noise, programmable rails with documented fault behavior for IEC 61010 and EN 61000 compliance. The LTC3884IRHE-1 supports PMBus telemetry over I2C to the test MCU, logging per-rail VIN, IOUT, and temperature into non-volatile EEPROM, which is invaluable for IEC 61010-1 traceability and factory calibration records. The two independent outputs can power a signal-conditioning rail and a digital-processing rail, with sequencing to ensure analog rails settle before digital logic powers up.
Recommended
Avionics 28V Intermediate Bus Conversion
Avionics platforms operate from a 28V nominal bus with transients to 38V, well within the LTC3884IRHE-1's 4.5V-to-38V input range. The wide input range accommodates MIL-STD-704 and DO-160 power-quality transients when paired with upstream EMI filtering. PMBus sequencing and fault logging match DO-160G and ED-12C requirements for fault-tolerant power. The -WPBF AEC-Q100 variant is preferred for flight-control and avionics-software partitions where the standard I-temp grade is not enough.
Recommended
Server and Storage BLOS/BMC Power Management
In server motherboards and storage enclosures, the LTC3884IRHE-1's PMBus interface is monitored by the baseboard management controller (BMC) to log rail health, predict cooling-fan workload, and isolate faulty VR phases. The two outputs can power a CPU socket VCC rail (single-output mode with two phases paralleled) and a memory VTT rail in parallel, saving board area versus two single-output controllers. Built-in EEPROM stores configuration so that the BMC can quickly restore rail setpoints after firmware reset.
Recommended
Programmable Power-Supply and Reconfigurable ATE
Modular automatic test equipment and programmable bench power supplies use the LTC3884IRHE-1 as the digital-control core because VOUT margining, sequencing, and telemetry over PMBus eliminate discrete analog control loops. Each controller drives two isolated or coupled outputs that can be reconfigured for serial/parallel operation via PMBus commands. Sub-milliohm DCR sensing eliminates the need for series sense resistors, improving efficiency and reducing the cooling burden of the output stage.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for LTC3884IRHE-1 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | LTC3884IRHE | LTC3884IRHE-1#WPBF | LTC3884EUHE-1#PBF | LTC3884ERHE-1#PBF | LTC3884IUK-1#PBF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | GQFN-48 (RHE) 5x6 mm | GQFN-48 (RHE) 5x6 mm - same footprint | GQFN-48 (RHE) 5x6 mm - same footprint, AEC-Q100 | GQFN-48 (RHE) 5x6 mm - same footprint, E-temp | GQFN-48 (RHE) 5x6 mm - same footprint, E-temp | QFN-48 (UK) - alternate outline |
| Brand | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices |
| Input Voltage Range | 4.5 V to 38 V | 4.5 V to 38 V | 4.5 V to 38 V | 4.5 V to 38 V | 4.5 V to 38 V | 4.5 V to 38 V |
| Switching Frequency | Up to 1 MHz | Up to 1 MHz | Up to 1 MHz | Up to 1 MHz | Up to 1 MHz | Up to 1 MHz |
| PWM Output Type | Three-state (PWM/EN/Hi-Z) | Discrete MOSFET drive (not three-state) | Three-state (same as this product) | Three-state (same as this product) | Three-state (same as this product) | Three-state (same as this product) |
| Temperature Grade | I (-40 C to +125 C) | I (-40 C to +125 C) | I-grade with AEC-Q100 | E (0 C to +85 C) | E (0 C to +85 C) | I (-40 C to +125 C) |
| AEC-Q100 Qualified | No | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Digital Interface | I2C / PMBus | I2C / PMBus | I2C / PMBus | I2C / PMBus | I2C / PMBus | I2C / PMBus |
| PMBus Telemetry | 16-bit ADC + fault log | 16-bit ADC + fault log | 16-bit ADC + fault log | 16-bit ADC + fault log | 16-bit ADC + fault log | 16-bit ADC + fault log |
Key Differentiators
- Three-state PWM outputs for power-block and DrMOS compatibility (vs LTC3884IRHE)
- Sub-milliohm DCR sensing eliminates sense-resistor dissipation (vs LTC3850EUFD#TRPBF)
- Integrated PMBus telemetry and 14-event fault black box (vs LTC3850EUFD#TRPBF)
Design Notes
Decouple VIN with 1µF and 0.1µF X7R ceramic capacitors placed within 5 mm of the IC VIN pins, and connect the GQFN-EP exposed pad to a PCB thermal pad with at least 25 thermal vias to the inner ground plane. Per ADI datasheet layout guidelines, the exposed pad is the primary heat path and must be soldered for rated thermal performance; an unsoldered pad will exceed junction temperature under heavy load.
DCR current sensing requires a matched RC filter (typically 1 nF X7R and 1 kohm) placed within 5 mm of the inductor sense points. Estimated: at 1 MHz switching and 10 µH inductor with 1 mOhm DCR, the RC time constant should match tau = L/DCR = 10e-6/0.001 = 10 µs, which corresponds to 1 nF and ~10 kohm in practice. Place the filter far from switching nodes to avoid noise coupling.
Do not exceed the 38V absolute-maximum VIN rating; transient protection (TVS or RC snubber) is required on inputs above 28V nominal. Avoid routing the I2C/PMBus SCL and SDA lines parallel to switching nodes for more than 5 mm; route them over a ground island or use a guard trace. Always write the MFR_FAULT_LOG after power-up to clear stale fault flags before the first telemetry read.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per ADI product page. Standard LTC3884IRHE-1 (I-temp) is not AEC-Q100 qualified; choose -WPBF (W suffix) per Arrow.com for AEC-Q100 automotive. Halogen-free status not explicitly listed in data - set to unknown.
