SC4524FSETRT - 2A 18V Step-Down Switching Regulator | Semtech
MPN: SC4524FSETRT ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.0745 | $2.07 |
| 10 | $2.0745 | $20.75 |
| 100 | $2.0745 | $207.45 |
| 500 | $2.0745 | $1,037.25 |
| 1,000 | $2.0745 | $2,074.50 |
SC4524FSETRT Overview
A switching regulator, commonly called a buck converter, is a DC-DC converter in an electronics power hierarchy. It reduces a higher input voltage to a lower regulated rail by rapidly switching an inductor through energy storage and energy transfer. The SC4524FSETRT uses peak current-mode control to regulate the output while providing a straightforward adjustable-output implementation.
The manufacturer datasheet describes a 2 A output-current capability, a 3 V to 18 V input range, and switching frequency programmable up to 2 MHz. The adjustable output is identified as a single positive output starting at 1 V. High switching frequency permits small inductors and ceramic capacitors, helping reduce board size in distributed power, telecom, notebook-computing, and portable-equipment designs.
The SC4524FSETRT is the F variant of the SC4524 regulator family. Compared with the C variant, the available comparison information identifies a 3 V to 18 V input range for the F part versus 3 V to 28 V for the C part. Because the input-voltage ceilings differ substantially, engineers should not treat those variants as interchangeable unless their complete requirements remain inside 18 V.
Typical applications include 12 V-to-5 V and 5 V-to-3.3 V conversion, communications-equipment rails, portable-device power, industrial control systems, and compact embedded systems. The exposed pad improves heat transfer into the PCB copper, but thermal performance depends strongly on the thermal design and actual dissipation.
For a new design, place the switching node and input loop compactly, use manufacturer-recommended inductor and capacitor values, and provide adequate copper around the exposed pad. Verify output ripple, current-limit behavior, startup transients, efficiency, and junction temperature across the full input, output, and ambient ranges.
This page consolidates distributor sourcing information, verified architecture and voltage specifications, replacement guidance, and practical PCB design considerations. Because the supplied data does not establish certified drop-in equivalents or expose a complete manufacturer pin table, unresolved engineering details are marked explicitly rather than inferred.
Drop-in alternatives for SC4524FSETRT — 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:
SC4524CSETRT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SC4524DSETRT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SC4524FSETRT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.0745 / Unit
View Datasheet →SC4524FSETRT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | Step-Down Switching Regulator |
| Control Architecture | Constant-Frequency Peak Current-Mode |
| Input Voltage Range | 3 V to 18 V |
| Maximum Output Current | 2 A |
| Output Polarity | Positive, Adjustable |
| Minimum Programmable Output Voltage | 1 V |
| Number of Outputs | 1 |
| Maximum Programmable Switching Frequency | 2 MHz |
| Package | 8-SOIC exposed pad, 0.154 in, 3.90 mm width |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Inductor Requirement | Small inductor supported by up-to-2 MHz operation |
| Capacitor Compatibility | Ceramic capacitors supported by the stated switching architecture |
| Conversion Ratio | High input/output conversion ratio |
SC4524FSETRT 8-soic exposed pad, 0.154 in, 3.90 mm width Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for SC4524FSETRT (8-soic exposed pad, 0.154 in, 3.90 mm width 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 SC4524FSETRT.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
SC4524FSETRT is suitable for 6 applications: 12 V to 5 V Industrial Rail Conversion, 5 V to 3.3 V Embedded Computing Rail, Communications Equipment Power Conversion, Portable and Battery-Derived Power, Compact External Storage Power Rail, Low-Profile Instrumentation Supply.
12 V to 5 V Industrial Rail Conversion
The SC4524FSETRT fits 12 V-to-5 V industrial point-of-load conversion where the input stays inside its verified 3 V to 18 V range and load current does not exceed 2 A. Its constant-frequency peak current-mode control regulates the adjustable positive output, while the programmable frequency can reach 2 MHz to reduce inductor size. Place the regulator between the protected 12 V rail and the 5 V load, and use the complete Semtech application guidance for compensation, current limit, soft start, and output capacitance. Verify steady-state dissipation and transient current before selecting the exposed-pad copper area; the 2 A current rating describes capability, not permission to run every 2 A design without thermal and electrical checks.
Recommended
5 V to 3.3 V Embedded Computing Rail
SC4524FSETRT is appropriate for a compact 5 V-to-3.3 V embedded-computing rail when current demand is at or below the device's 2 A capability and transient requirements fit its control loop. The verified minimum programmable output identifies 1 V, while the family supports adjustable positive output; the actual 3.3 V setting and compensation must follow the complete datasheet. Programmable operation up to 2 MHz enables smaller magnetic and ceramic-capacitor selections, helping reduce board area. Keep the switch node compact, isolate the feedback trace, and test processor rail-droop under sudden load changes. Confirm efficiency and exposed-pad temperature at the highest expected ambient and load conditions.
Communications Equipment Power Conversion
The SC4524FSETRT is suited to communications equipment requiring a regulated rail from a nominal 12 V or 18 V source. Its input rating reaches 18 V, and its 2 A output capability covers many transceiver, controller, and interface power budgets. Constant-frequency peak current-mode control simplifies the power-conversion category, while the programmable frequency up to 2 MHz helps designers obtain compact magnetics. EMI remains the primary concern: minimize the switch-node copper area, keep high-current loops tight, and use a solid return path under the exposed pad. Validate conducted and radiated emissions because changes in switching frequency, inductor selection, layout, and load can shift the spectrum substantially.
Portable and Battery-Derived Power
SC4524FSETRT can serve intermediate conversion in portable or battery-derived equipment when the source is regulated or protected to remain within 3 V to 18 V. The 2 A output rating supports space-constrained power trees, and frequency programming up to 2 MHz allows smaller components than lower-frequency implementations. A battery system still needs careful input-transient control because source peaks and abrupt load steps can exceed nominal conditions. Evaluate light-load efficiency, startup behavior, output ripple, and thermal rise over the complete battery range. Do not infer protection thresholds not stated in the supplied snippets; confirm absolute-maximum, current-limit, and enable specifications from the manufacturer datasheet.
Compact External Storage Power Rail
SC4524FSETRT can support 5 V or 3.3 V conversion for compact storage controllers, interface bridges, and media modules whose combined load remains within 2 A. The 2 MHz programmable operating point can reduce board footprint by allowing a smaller inductor and ceramic-capacitor network. Storage systems often impose strict transient demands, so test sudden data-access load steps and ensure the compensation remains stable with selected output capacitance and ESR. Route high-current input and ground returns directly, and keep feedback and compensation components away from the switch node. Confirm connector, enclosure, and ambient-temperature limits as part of the complete system budget rather than treating the regulator rating as a stand-alone thermal guarantee.
Low-Profile Instrumentation Supply
The SC4524FSETRT is useful for a compact instrumentation rail where available area limits larger inductors and the input lies between 3 V and 18 V. Its surface-mount 8-SOIC exposed-pad construction supports dense layouts, while switching frequency programmability up to 2 MHz enables component miniaturization. The exposed pad should be tied to a carefully designed copper area for heat spreading, and the assembly process must comply with the package's thermal-pad requirements. Measure output ripple, start-up overshoot, and load regulation at the intended setting before production. If very low ripple is mandatory, the regulator may need additional filtering, because the supplied data does not specify noise performance or output ripple.
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for SC4524FSETRT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | SC4524CSETRT | SC4524DSETRT | SC4524FSETRT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Semtech | Semtech | Semtech | Semtech |
Key Differentiators
- Lower verified maximum input rating (vs SC4524CSETRT)
- Matched high-frequency and current capability (vs SC4524CSETRT)
- Explicit 18 V system positioning (vs SC4524DSETRT)
Design Notes
Keep the input-capacitor, regulator, and power-ground return loop compact because the switch node changes current rapidly. Route the switch node away from the feedback divider and compensation components, use a quiet analog ground reference for control signals, and avoid plane splits beneath sensitive feedback traces. Validate the final layout for output ripple, switching-node ringing, and radiated emissions because the datasheet architecture supports frequencies up to 2 MHz.
The 8-SOIC exposed pad is a thermal path, not merely a footprint feature. Follow the manufacturer's land pattern and assembly requirements, provide uninterrupted ground-copper area beneath the pad, and minimize thermal voids. Estimate loss from the actual input current, output voltage, efficiency, and ambient temperature, then verify the assembled board. The supplied 2 A rating does not establish safe dissipation at every VIN and VOUT combination.
Select the inductor and capacitors for the programmed switching frequency rather than using generic high-current parts. Confirm saturation current above the worst-case peak inductor current, verify capacitor DC-bias derating, and ensure the compensation remains stable with the final output-capacitance range. Test startup, maximum load, line drops, and abrupt load steps; these checks are especially important at the family's stated 2 A capability and input range of 3 V to 18 V.
Compliance Information
The supplied verified snippets do not state RoHS, REACH, AEC-Q100, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals status. These fields remain unknown rather than inferred from manufacturer identity.