industry news
Subscribe Now

Small Boost DC/DC Converter with Avalanche Photodiode Current Monitor

MILPITAS, CA – November 26, 2013 – The LT3905 is a fixed frequency, current-mode step-up DC/DC converter designed to bias avalanche photodiodes (APD) in optical receivers. The LT3905 features high side APD current monitoring with over five decades of dynamic range and better than 2% relative accuracy over the 3µA to 3mA range. The maximum APD current is programmed with a single resistor and a fast current limiter with indicator protects the APD during overload conditions. Adjustable output voltage provides dynamic bias control and a programmable loss-of-signal indicator flags low APD current. The power switch, Schottky diode, APD current monitor, current limit and loss-of-signal indicator are integrated into a single IC that is packaged in a 3mm x 3mm QFN. Operating at 1MHz or 2MHz switching frequency, the LT3905 offers a tiny solution footprint for APD biasing applications.

The LT3905’s internal 65V, 350mA high efficiency switch offers output voltages as high as 60V while its 2.7V to 12V input voltage range accommodates a wide range of input sources. Its switching frequency is user selectable at 1MHz or 2MHz, enabling the designer to optimize efficiency while minimizing the size of the external components. Constant frequency architecture is used to minimize output noise. Other features include soft-start, internal compensation and programmable VIN undervoltage lockout.

The LT3905EUD is available in a 3mm x 3mm QFN-16 and is priced starting at $2.55 each in 1,000-piece quantities. An industrial grade version, the LT3905IUD, is tested and guaranteed to operate from a -40°C to 125°C operating junction temperature and is priced starting at $2.81 each in 1,000-piece quantities. Both versions are available from stock. For more information, visit www.linear.com/product/LT3905.

Summary of Features: LT3905

  • 65V, 350mA Internal DMOS Switch
  • Integrated Schottky Diode
  • 2% Accurate APD Current Monitoring over the 3µA to 3mA Range
  • Single Resistor Programs Maximum APD Current
  • Fast APD Current Limiter with Indicator
  • Programmable Loss-of-Signal Indicator
  • 2.7V to 16V VIN Range
  • CTRL Pin Adjusts Output Voltage
  • Programmable VIN Undervoltage Lockout
  • High Efficiency Step-Up Converter
  • Selectable 1MHz/2MHz Switching Frequency
  • Internally Compensated
  • Internal Soft-Start
  • Low Shutdown Current: <1µA

About Linear Technology

Linear Technology Corporation, a member of the S&P 500, has been designing, manufacturing and marketing a broad line of high performance analog integrated circuits for major companies worldwide for over three decades. The Company’s products provide an essential bridge between our analog world and the digital electronics in communications, networking, industrial, automotive, computer, medical, instrumentation, consumer, and military and aerospace systems. Linear Technology produces power management, data conversion, signal conditioning, RF and interface ICs, µModule® subsystems, and wireless sensor network products. For more information, visitwww.linear.com.

Leave a Reply

featured blogs
Apr 24, 2026
A thought experiment in curiosity, confusion, and cosmic consequences....

featured paper

Quickly and accurately identify inter-domain leakage issues in IC designs

Sponsored by Siemens Digital Industries Software

Power domain leakage is a major IC reliability issue, often missed by traditional tools. This white paper describes challenges of identifying leakage, types of false results, and presents Siemens EDA’s Insight Analyzer. The tool proactively finds true leakage paths, filters out false positives, and helps circuit designers quickly fix risks—enabling more robust, reliable chip designs. With detailed, context-aware analysis, designers save time and improve silicon quality.

Click to read more

featured chalk talk

GaN for Humanoid Robots
Sponsored by Mouser Electronics and Infineon
In this episode of Chalk Talk, Eric Persson and Amelia Dalton explore why power is the key driver for efficient and reliable robot movements and how GaN technologies can help motor control solutions be more compact, integrated and efficient. They also investigate the role of field-oriented control in humanoid robotic applications and why the choice of a GaN power transistor can make all the difference in your next humanoid robot project!
Apr 20, 2026
7,023 views