In automotive electronics, industrial control, and battery-powered IoT devices, power management solutions must simultaneously address multiple challenges: wide input voltage range, low quiescent power consumption, excellent EMI performance, and high reliability. The LT8609 series, with its 3V to 42V input range and low-power characteristics, has long been widely adopted. However, as EMC requirements become stricter, supply chain costs rise, and demands for system robustness increase, R&D engineers require superior alternatives.
AnalogWin's AWK6809 synchronous step-down voltage regulator achieves dual improvements in performance and cost while maintaining high compatibility with the LT8609, offering a low-risk, high-efficiency upgrade path for existing designs.
Parameter Comparison: AWK6809 vs. LT8609
Parameter | AWK6809 | LT8609 |
Input Voltage Range (V) | 3.0 - 42 | 3.0 - 42 |
Output Current Capability (A) | Max 3A Continuous | Max 3A Continuous |
Operating Quiescent Current (IQ, µA) | Typ. 1.5 (VFB=0.82V, VEN=2V) | Typ. 1.7 (Non-switching, VEN/UV=2V, VSYNC=0V) |
Shutdown Current (ISHD, µA) | Typ. 1, Max 3 | Typ. 1, Max 4 |
Switching Frequency Range (kHz) | 200 - 2200 (Programmable) | 200 - 2200 (Programmable) |
Peak Efficiency (%) | >93 (12VIN→5VOUT, 1A Load) | >93 (12VIN→5VOUT, 1A Load) |
Output Ripple (mVp-p) | <10 | <10 |
High-side MOSFET RDS(ON) (mΩ) | Typ. 175 | Typ. 185 |
Low-side MOSFET RDS(ON) (mΩ) | Typ. 110 | Typ. 115 |
Package Type | DFN3×3-10L (10-pin) | 10-pin 3mm×3mm DFN |
Operating Junction Temp. Range (°C) | -40 to 125 | -40 to 125 |
Short-Circuit Protection | Frequency Foldback + Low-side MOSFET Current Monitor | Frequency Foldback + Overcurrent Limiting |
1. Compatible Design, Easy Migration
The AWK6809 uses a DFN10 package with key function pin locations identical to the LT8609. The exposed thermal pad on the bottom is also connected to GND, ensuring matching thermal performance. In most applications, it can be directly soldered as a replacement without modifying the PCB layout.
Peripheral components such as the power inductor, output ceramic capacitors, feedback resistor network, and frequency-setting resistor can all be reused from the original design, significantly reducing the cost and validation effort of component switching and shortening the product iteration cycle.
2. Performance Upgrades Addressing Practical Pain Points
The AWK6809 is optimized for key performance metrics in typical application scenarios:
l Lower Quiescent Current: In Burst Mode, the typical input current is below 2.5 µA (12VIN→3.3VOUT, no load), with a shutdown current of less than 1 µA, significantly extending battery life for powered devices.
l Superior EMI Suppression: The full series features built-in spread spectrum modulation and is certified to CISPR 25 Class 5. Under the same layout conditions, its conducted and radiated emissions are significantly better than the LT8609, often eliminating the need for additional EMI filtering components.
l Enhanced Protection Mechanisms: Beyond overtemperature, short-circuit, and undervoltage lockout protection, it adds a low-side MOSFET current limit function to effectively prevent uncontrolled current during shorts. The TR/SS pin supports active discharge, ensuring safe restart after a fault and improving system reliability.
l Fast Transient Response: A minimum on-time of 45ns (typical) makes it suitable for high step-down ratio conversion and dynamic load scenarios like GSM/LTE, effectively suppressing voltage droop.
3. Automotive Certified, Broad Applicability
The AWK6809 is AEC-Q100 Grade 1 certified, with an operating junction temperature range of -40°C to +150°C, making it suitable for applications such as:
l Automotive Electronics: 12V to 5V power for infotainment systems, ADAS cameras, and ECU auxiliary supplies.
l Industrial Control: PLCs, sensor modules, and motor drive power supplies.
l Low-Power IoT: Wireless sensor nodes, GPS trackers, and smart meters.
4. Stable Supply, Local Support
The AWK6809 is in stable mass production. As the official authorized distributor for AnalogWin in Greater China, MANDU provides customers with samples, evaluation boards, reference designs, and volume supply services. With extensive experience in promoting power management ICs, MANDU offers full-process technical support from device selection and evaluation to mass production.
Whether you are developing a new platform or optimizing an existing design based on the LT8609, the AWK6809 can help you achieve lower power consumption, stronger anti-interference capability, and more competitive system costs—all without changing your hardware design.
About Mandu Technology
Shenzhen Mandu Technology Co., Ltd. has steadfastly centered its operations on the distribution of high-performance, high-quality, and highly reliable integrated circuit products. Its portfolio encompasses memory chips, differential crystal oscillators, and MCU microcontrollers, while progressively integrating analog signal chain products. The company prides itself on delivering comprehensive and cost-effective solutions to its customers. Its products find applications across a broad spectrum of industries, including but not limited to network communication, industrial control, robotics, medical equipment, personal health, and numerous other fields.
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Mailbox: sales@manduic.com
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