Hello, i'm concerned about LT3966 SW pin max current specs. Basically i've used all 4 channels, 31V 1.8A each, should be good with a 4 layer pcb design and active cooling underneath or is it over-specs?
LT3966
Recommended for New Designs
The LT3966 is an I2C programmable monolithic boost LED driver with four independent channels. Each channel provides a 60V current mode boost converter...
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LT3966 on Analog.com
Hello, i'm concerned about LT3966 SW pin max current specs. Basically i've used all 4 channels, 31V 1.8A each, should be good with a 4 layer pcb design and active cooling underneath or is it over-specs?
Hello Zefram,
this won't work. The switch in a boost regulator does 'see' the input current. To obtain 31V and 1,8A as output load you demand for 56W/channel(!!)
To deliver 56W with 12V input…
Yes, the LT8391 is a part which can deliver the desired power. Maybe the LT8391A is ok as well and saves some space as higher switching frequency allows smaller inductor.
For sure a much bigger design…
Hello Zefram,
this won't work. The switch in a boost regulator does 'see' the input current. To obtain 31V and 1,8A as output load you demand for 56W/channel(!!)
To deliver 56W with 12V input you end up at 4.65A input current. And this simplified calculation does not take <100% efficiency or ripple current into account. But your app is far beyond the capabilities of the LT3966.
If I take the 12V Vin and 31VLED as fixed I think a LED current of 400mA is achievable with careful design and good thermals
The examples in the ds show 25W/channel. Take this values as guidance what is possible with our parts.
kind regards
Markus
Thanks for the answer,
do you have any advice on which driver i can use for such application? May be LT8391 a good alternative (I'd be using 4 of them to control the strips, each one with 43.5v, 800mA (totalling at 34W per Channel))?
Thank you again
Yes, the LT8391 is a part which can deliver the desired power. Maybe the LT8391A is ok as well and saves some space as higher switching frequency allows smaller inductor.
For sure a much bigger design than one LT3966, but your power level does not allow for a simpler solution.
kind regards
Markus