LTM8049EY: Technical Guide to Analog Devices' Isolated μModule DC-DC Converter

Introduction

The LTM8049EY is an isolated DC-DC converter μModule (micromodule) manufactured by Analog Devices (Linear Technology), integrating transformer, switching regulator, and compensation components in compact 9mm × 15mm BGA package, delivering 5.7W isolated output from 5.5V-36V input with 1500VDC isolation for industrial, automotive, and isolated power applications.

This complete power solution simplifies isolated power design by embedding inductor, transformer, power switches, and control circuitry in a single surface-mount module, reducing development time, PCB area, and EMI concerns compared to discrete isolated converter implementations.

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Technical Overview

Core Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Input Voltage	5.5V to 36V
Output Voltage	5V (±3% accuracy)
Output Power	5.7W (1.14A @ 5V)
Isolation	1500VDC
Efficiency	Up to 75% typical
Switching Frequency	450kHz
Package	BGA-32 (9×15mm)
Operating Temp	-40°C to +125°C

Part Number Decoder

LTM8049EY:

• LTM = Linear Technology μModule
• 8049 = Product series (isolated DC-DC)
• E = Extended temperature range
• Y = Package variant (BGA)

Key Features

Complete Isolation:

• 1500VDC isolation voltage
• Meets reinforced isolation standards
• Safety barrier for sensitive circuits
• Ground loop elimination

Integrated Solution:

• Transformer embedded
• No external inductor required
• Internal compensation
• Minimal external components

Wide Input Range:

• 5.5V to 36V input
• Automotive (12V/24V) compatible
• Industrial (24V) compatible
• Battery input capable

Compact Package:

• 9mm × 15mm BGA-32
• 70% smaller than discrete solution
• Low profile (2.82mm height)
• High power density

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Complete Specifications

Electrical Specifications

Parameter	Min	Typ	Max	Unit
Input Voltage	5.5	-	36	V
Output Voltage	4.85	5.0	5.15	V
Output Current	-	-	1.14	A
Output Power	-	5.7	-	W
Efficiency (Vin=12V)	-	75	-	%
Switching Frequency	-	450	-	kHz
Isolation Voltage	1500	-	-	VDC

Protection Features

• Output Short-Circuit Protection: Hiccup mode
• Input Undervoltage Lockout (UVLO): 5.0V typical
• Overtemperature Shutdown: 165°C junction temp
• Input Overvoltage Protection: Built-in

Thermal Specifications

Parameter	Value
Junction-to-Case (θJC)	8.5°C/W
Operating Temperature	-40°C to +125°C
Storage Temperature	-55°C to +150°C

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Applications

Industrial Automation

Isolated Sensor Interfaces:

• 4-20mA loop sensors
• Thermocouples and RTDs
• Isolated analog inputs
• Field device power

Advantages:

• 1500V isolation breaks ground loops
• Wide 24V industrial input range
• Robust protection features

Automotive Systems

Isolated Gate Drivers:

• IGBT/MOSFET gate supplies
• Motor control isolated power
• Battery management systems
• Hybrid/EV power electronics

12V/24V Compatibility:

• Input range covers automotive voltages
• -40°C to +125°C operation
• Load dump protection

RS-485/CAN Bus Isolation

Isolated Communication:

MCU (System GND) ──► LTM8049EY ──► Isolated 5V
                                    │
                                    └──► RS-485/CAN
                                         Transceiver
                                         (Isolated GND)

Benefits:

• Protects MCU from bus faults
• Eliminates ground loops
• Meets industrial standards

Instrumentation

Isolated Measurement:

• Precision ADC power
• Isolated DAC supplies
• Test equipment isolation
• Medical device isolation

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Design Guide

Minimal External Components

Basic Application:

Input:
VIN (5.5-36V) ──┬── 10μF ──┬── LTM8049EY (VIN)
                │          │
               GND        GNDI

Output:
LTM8049EY (VOUT) ──┬── 10μF ──┬── Load (5V, 1.14A max)
                   │          │
                 GNDO        GNDO

Required External:
- Input capacitor: 10μF ceramic (25V+)
- Output capacitor: 10μF ceramic (10V+)

Enable Control:

• RUN pin: Pull high to enable (>1.4V)
• Pull low or float to disable
• Can connect directly to VIN for always-on

PCB Layout Guidelines

Critical Considerations:

1. Input Capacitor Placement:

   • Place 10μF cap within 5mm of VIN pin
   • Low ESR ceramic (X5R/X7R)
   • Keep trace loop area minimal

2. Output Capacitor:

   • Place near VOUT pin
   • 10μF minimum (can use larger)
   • Low ESR for stability

3. Thermal Management:

   • Use thermal vias under module
   • Connect exposed pad to ground plane
   • Ensure adequate airflow if needed

4. Isolation Barrier:

   • Maintain clearance between input/output
   • Follow safety standards (IPC-2221)
   • 4mm minimum creepage for 1500V

Efficiency Optimization

Load Current vs Efficiency:

• Light load (<100mA): 50-60% efficiency
• Medium load (500mA): 70-75% efficiency
• Full load (1.14A): 75% typical

Input Voltage Impact:

• VIN = 12V: 75% efficiency (optimal)
• VIN = 24V: 72% efficiency
• VIN = 5.5V: 65% efficiency

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Comparison and Selection

LTM804x Family

Part	Input (V)	Output	Power	Isolation	Key Feature
LTM8049EY	5.5-36	5V/1.14A	5.7W	1500V	Wide input
LTM8047	3.1-32	3.3V/1.5A	5W	1500V	3.3V output
LTM8067	5.5-36	12V/0.5A	6W	1500V	12V output

μModule vs Discrete

Feature	LTM8049EY	Discrete Flyback
Design Time	<1 hour	Days-weeks
PCB Area	135mm²	300-500mm²
Component Count	2 (just caps)	15-20+
Transformer	Integrated	External sourcing
EMI	Optimized layout	Requires careful design
Certification	Pre-certified	DIY testing

When to Choose LTM8049EY:

• ✅ Fast time-to-market
• ✅ Limited PCB space
• ✅ Simplified design
• ✅ Lower engineering cost

Conclusion

The LTM8049EY delivers complete isolated power solution in compact μModule, providing 5.7W (5V/1.14A) with 1500VDC isolation from 5.5-36V input. With integrated transformer, minimal external components, and simplified design, it enables fast development of isolated power supplies for industrial, automotive, and communication applications.

Key Advantages:

✅ Complete Integration: Transformer, switches, control in one module
✅ Fast Design: <1 hour vs days for discrete
✅ 1500V Isolation: Safety barrier and ground loop elimination
✅ Wide Input: 5.5-36V covers industrial and automotive
✅ Compact: 9×15mm BGA package
✅ Robust: -40°C to +125°C operation

Designing isolated power? Visit AiChipLink.com for technical resources and power design consultation.

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Written by Jack Elliott from AIChipLink.

 

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