The LTC3730 is a PolyPhase®synchronous step-down switching regulator controller that drives all N-channel external power MOSFET stages in a phase-lockable fixed frequency architecture. The 3-phase controller drives its output stages with 120° phase separation at frequencies of up to 600kHz per phase to minimize the RMS losses in both the input and output filter capacitors. The 3-phase technique effectively triples the fundamental frequency, improving transient response while operating each controller at an optimal frequency for efficiency and ease of thermal design. Light load efficiency is optimized by using a choice of output Stage Shedding or Burst Mode technology.An internal operational amplifier provides mode selectable output voltage programming in conjunction with the internal VID voltage control DAC.Soft-start and a defeatable, timed short-circuit shutdown protect the MOSFETs and the load. Current foldback provides protection for the external MOSFETs under short-circuit or overload conditions.ApplicationsTablet ComputersHigh Performance Notebook ComputersHigh Output Current DC/DC Power Supplies