High Current DC-DC Converter – 12V/6A Output from 16V to 38V DC Input

The project presented here is a low quiescent current, synchronous buck converter featuring the LTC3807. This DC-DC converts a 16V to 38V input voltage to a 12V at 6A output. The main features of this board include an internal LDO for gate drive power from V_IN or EXTVCC, RUN pins, a mode selector jumper CN1 that allows the converter to run in constant current mode (CCM), pulse-skipping or Burst Mode operation, and selectable current limit. Output is fixed and provides 12V DC but it supports an adjustable output voltage. Refer to the datasheet below to learn more about the adjustable output. The circuit has also soft-start and tracking. The wide input voltage range of 16V to 38V is suitable for automotive and distributed DC power systems where the low quiescent current is essential. The operating frequency is set to 120Khz using resistor R6. MOSFETs are mounted under the PCB for easy heatsink mounting, it is important to use a heatsink for a full current load.