LTC3114 devices failing in application according to datasheet

Thanks for your question.  We will review your application and follow up with suggestions.

I have 2 x same problem with same part.

Application 1, a 4V Power Supply

Using component values from 5V regulator circuit in app note

LTC3114 is programmed to 4V output.instead of 5V with feed back resistors

25% of LTC3114 get hot and fail on start up when 12V applied to input

25% of LTC3114 catastrophically fail with burning when 30V is applied to input

Application 2, a 12V Power Supply

Using component values from 12V regulator circuit in app note

25% of LTC3114 get hot and fail on start up when 30V is applied to input. 12V on input no problem.

In both cases the problem happens on start up when the input voltage is higher than output voltage (buck mode).

When input voltage applied is less than the programmed output voltage (boost mode) the failure doesn't happen. 

In both cases if failure on start up does not happen the circuits are reliable.

Advice is appreciated.

I would suggest reviewing the datasheet for layout and design suggestions as well as looking at the demo board design (DC1821B).  The demo board design files are available on www.linear.com.

Since the layout and component placement are critical in these designs the demo board can provide an example of a working design.  It can also be helpful to obtain the demo board and compare the working circuit’s waveforms to your design.

If you continue to experience issues it’s best to contact a local Field Applications Engineer so that operating parameters, waveforms, layout and circuit design can be reviewed. 

Thanks for suggestion. It would be interesting to see if the demo board is different to mine. I'm using 4 layer PCB with ground plane under the LTC3114 and very short tracks. Meantime I have temporarily fixed the problem by clamping the VC pin low at power on time for one second followed by a 1 second turn on time ramp using a FET and RC. No failures at all since then. I dont know if temporary connection of VC to GND is a problem.

Hi, i have the same failure  as joachimbaumm with short from SW1 to ground or from SW2 to ground.

I used exactly the same design as page 28 for 24 V output with a 2 layer PCB.

 I didn't use the optional diode.  However, even at 12V input the device still fails even with no load.

The device i use is LT3114EFE-1