LTC1624 High Efficiency SO-8 N-Channel Switching Regulator Controller U DESCRIPTION FEATURES The LTC(R)1624 is a current mode switching regulator controller that drives an external N-channel power MOSFET using a fixed frequency architecture. It can be operated in all standard switching configurations including boost, step-down, inverting and SEPIC. Burst ModeTM operation provides high efficiency at low load currents. A maximum high duty cycle limit of 95% provides low dropout operation which extends operating time in battery-operated systems. N-Channel MOSFET Drive Implements Boost, Step-Down, SEPIC and Inverting Regulators Wide VIN Range: 3.5V to 36V Operation Wide VOUT Range: 1.19V to 30V in Step-Down Configuration 1% 1.19V Reference Low Dropout Operation: 95% Duty Cycle 200kHz Fixed Frequency Low Standby Current Very High Efficiency Remote Output Voltage Sense Logic-Controlled Micropower Shutdown Internal Diode for Bootstrapped Gate Drive Current Mode Operation for Excellent Line and Load Transient Response Available in an 8-Lead SO Package The operating frequency is internally set to 200kHz, allowing small inductor values and minimizing PC board space. The operating current level is user-programmable via an external current sense resistor. Wide input supply range allows operation from 3.5V to 36V (absolute maximum). A multifunction pin (I TH / RUN) allows external compensation for optimum load step response plus shutdown. Soft start can also be implemented with the ITH /RUN pin to properly sequence supplies. U APPLICATIONS Notebook and Palmtop Computers, PDAs Cellular Telephones and Wireless Modems Battery-Operated Digital Devices DC Power Distribution Systems Battery Chargers , LTC and LT are registered trademarks of Linear Technology Corporation. Burst Mode is a trademark of Linear Technology Corporation. U TYPICAL APPLICATION 1000pF SENSE - ITH /RUN CC 470pF RC 6.8k VIN 4.8V TO 28V VIN RSENSE 0.05 BOOST LTC1624 VFB TG GND SW M1 Si4412DY CB 0.1F 100pF + D1 MBRS340T3 L1 10H R2 35.7k R1 20k Figure 1. High Efficiency Step-Down Converter CIN 22F 35V x2 VOUT 3.3V 2A + COUT 100F 10V x2 1624 F01 1 LTC1624 U W W W SYMBOL PARAMETER U ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS W Input Supply Voltage (VIN)......................... 36V to - 0.3V Topside Driver Supply Voltage (BOOST)....42V to - 0.3V Switch Voltage (SW).................................. 36V to - 0.6V Differential Boost Voltage (BOOST to SW) ....................................7.8V to - 0.3V SENSE - Voltage VIN < 15V .................................. (VIN + 0.3V) to - 0.3V VIN 15V .......................... (VIN +0.3V) to (VIN - 15V) ITH/RUN, VFB Voltages ............................ 2.7V to - 0.3V Peak Driver Output Current < 10s (TG) .................... 2A Operating Temperature Range LTC1624CS ............................................ 0C to 70C LTC1624IS ......................................... - 40C to 85C Junction Temperature (Note 1)............................. 125C Storage Temperature Range ................. - 65C to 150C Lead Temperature (Soldering, 10 sec).................. 300C U ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS PACKAGE/ORDER INFORMATION ORDER PART NUMBER TOP VIEW SENSE - 1 8 VIN ITH /RUN 2 7 BOOST VFB 3 6 TG GND 4 5 SW LTC1624CS8 LTC1624IS8 S8 PART MARKING S8 PACKAGE 8-LEAD PLASTIC SO 1624 1624I TJMAX = 125C, JA = 110C/ W Consult factory for Military grade parts. TA = 25C, VIN = 15V, unless otherwise noted. CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS 10 50 nA 1.19 1.2019 V 0.002 0.01 %/V 0.5 - 0.5 0.8 - 0.8 % % 1.28 1.32 V 550 16 900 30 A A Main Control Loop IIN VFB Feedback Current (Note 2) VFB Feedback Voltage (Note 2) VLINE REG Reference Voltage Line Regulation VIN = 3.6V to 20V (Note 2) VLOAD REG Output Voltage Load Regulation (Note 2) ITH Sinking 5A ITH Sourcing 5A VOVL Output Overvoltage Lockout IQ Input DC Supply Current Normal Mode Shutdown VITH/RUN Run Threshold IITH/RUN Run Current Source Run Pullup Current VSENSE(MAX) Maximum Current Sense Threshold 1.24 (Note 3) VITH/RUN = 0V 0.6 0.8 VITH/RUN = 0.3V VITH/RUN = 1V - 0.8 - 50 - 2.5 -160 - 5.0 - 350 A A VFB = 1.0V 145 160 185 mV 50 50 150 150 ns ns 175 200 225 kHz 4.8 5.15 5.5 V 3 5 % TG tr TG tf TG Transition Time Rise Time Fall Time fOSC Oscillator Frequency VBOOST Boost Voltage SW = 0V, IBOOST = 5mA, VIN = 8V VBOOST Boost Load Regulation SW = 0V, IBOOST = 2mA to 20mA CLOAD = 3000pF CLOAD = 3000pF The denotes specifications which apply over the full operating temperature range. LTC1624CS: 0C TA 70C LTC1624IS: - 40C TA 85C Note 1: TJ is calculated from the ambient temperature TA and power dissipation PD according to the following formula: 2 1.1781 V TJ = TA + (PD * 110C/W) Note 2: The LTC1624 is tested in a feedback loop which servos VFB to the midpoint for the error amplifier (VITH = 1.8V). Note 3: Dynamic supply current is higher due to the gate charge being delivered at the switching frequency. See Applications Information. LTC1624 U W TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS Efficiency vs Input Voltage VOUT = 3.3V Efficiency vs Load Current VOUT = 3.3V 100 95 90 VIN = 5V 95 VIN = 10V 90 EFFICIENCY (%) VOUT = 3.3V RSENSE = 0.033 85 80 ILOAD = 1A 85 ILOAD = 0.1A 80 70 70 0.001 0.01 0.1 1 LOAD CURRENT (A) 10 90 85 80 75 0 20 15 10 INPUT VOLTAGE (V) 5 25 1624 G07 70 0.001 30 100 Input Supply Current vs Input Voltage 700 0.7 VOUT = 5V RSENSE = 0.033 RSENSE = 0.033 VOUT DROP OF 5% VFB = 1.21V 600 SUPPLY CURRENT (A) 0.6 ILOAD = 1A 0.5 VIN - VOUT (V) 85 ILOAD = 0.1A 80 10 1624 G08 VIN - VOUT Dropout Voltage vs Load Current 90 0.01 0.1 1 LOAD CURRENT (A) 1624 G09 Efficiency vs Input Voltage VOUT = 5V 95 VOUT = 5V VIN = 10V RSENSE = 0.033 95 75 75 EFFICIENCY (%) 100 VOUT = 3.3V RSENSE = 0.033 EFFICIENCY (%) 100 EFFICIENCY (%) Efficiency vs Load Current VOUT = 5V 0.4 0.3 0.2 SLEEP MODE 500 400 300 200 75 0.1 100 70 0 0 SHUTDOWN 0 5 20 15 10 INPUT VOLTAGE (V) 30 25 0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 LOAD CURRENT (A) 2.5 0 3.0 6 5 5 Boost Voltage vs Temperature ILOAD = 1mA VIN = 5V BOOST VOLTAGE (V) BOOST VOLTAGE (V) BOOST VOLTAGE (V) 35 6.0 VIN = 15V 2 30 1624 G05 Boost Load Regulation Boost Line Regulation 6 3 20 15 25 10 INPUT VOLTAGE (V) 1624 G11 1624 G10 4 5 4 3 2 5.5 5.0 4.5 1 0 1 IBOOST = 1mA VSW = 0V 0 5 20 15 25 10 INPUT VOLTAGE (V) VSW = 0V 30 35 1624 G04 0 0 5 20 15 25 10 BOOST LOAD CURRENT (mA) 30 1624 G06 4.0 -40 -15 60 35 85 10 TEMPERATURE (C) 110 135 1624 G15 3 LTC1624 U W IITH vs VITH 200 2.4 IITH (A) VITH /RUN (V) 150 ACTIVE MODE 50 1.2 ACTIVE MODE 0.8 SHUTDOWN 0 3 0 IOUT(MAX) SHUTDOWN 0 0 0.8 IOUT (a) 1.2 VITH (V) 2.4 (b) 1624 G01 300 250 3 ITH /RUN = 0V 150 2 100 1 50 0 -40 -15 100 0 1.25 0 135 170 150 100 50 50 110 Maximum Current Sense Threshold vs Temperature CURRENT SENSE THRESHOLD (mV) FREQUENCY (kHz) 150 60 35 85 10 TEMPERATURE (C) 1624 G14 200 200 0.75 1.00 0.50 FEEDBACK VOLTAGE ITH /RUN = 1V 1624 G02 VOUT IN REGULATION 0.25 4 200 250 250 0 5 Operating Frequency vs Temperature Frequency vs Feedback Voltage FREQUENCY (kHz) ITH/RUN Pin Source Current vs Temperature ITH/RUN PIN SOURCE CURRENT WITH VITH = 0V (A) VITH vs Output Current ITH/RUN PIN SOURCE CURRENT WITH VITH = 1V (A) TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS 0 -40 -15 VFB = 0V 60 10 85 35 TEMPERATURE (C) 1624 G03 110 135 1448 G12 168 166 164 162 160 158 156 154 152 150 -40 -15 60 35 10 85 TEMPERATURE (C) 110 135 1448 G13 U U U PIN FUNCTIONS SENSE - (Pin 1): Connects to the (-) input for the current comparator. Built-in offsets between the SENSE - and VIN pins in conjunction with RSENSE set the current trip thresholds. Do not pull this pin more than 15V below VIN or more than 0.3V below ground. ITH/RUN (Pin 2): Combination of Error Amplifier Compensation Point and Run Control Inputs. The current comparator threshold increases with this control voltage. Nominal voltage range for this pin is 1.19V to 2.4V. Forcing this pin below 0.8V causes the device to be shut down. In 4 shutdown all functions are disabled and TG pin is held low. VFB (Pin 3): Receives the feedback voltage from an external resistive divider across the output. GND (Pin 4): Ground. Connect to the (-) terminal of COUT, the Schottky diode and the (-) terminal of CIN. SW (Pin 5): Switch Node Connection to Inductor. In stepdown applications the voltage swing at this pin is from a Schottky diode (external) voltage drop below ground to VIN. LTC1624 U U U PIN FUNCTIONS TG (Pin 6): High Current Gate Drive for Top N-Channel MOSFET. This is the output of a floating driver with a voltage swing equal to INTVCC superimposed on the switch node voltage SW. BOOST (Pin 7): Supply to Topside Floating Driver. The bootstrap capacitor CB is returned to this pin. Voltage U OPERATIO swing at this pin is from INTVCC to VIN + INTVCC in stepdown applications. In non step-down topologies the voltage at this pin is constant and equal to INTVCC if SW = 0V. VIN (Pin 8): Main Supply Pin and the (+) Input to the Current Comparator. Must be closely decoupled to ground. (Refer to Functional Diagram) Main Control Loop The LTC1624 uses a constant frequency, current mode architecture. During normal operation, the top MOSFET is turned on each cycle when the oscillator sets the RS latch and turned off when the main current comparator I1 resets the RS latch. The peak inductor current at which I1 resets the RS latch is controlled by the voltage on the ITH /RUN pin, which is the output of error amplifier EA. The VFB pin, described in the pin functions, allows EA to receive an output feedback voltage from an external resistive divider. When the load current increases, it causes a slight decrease in VFB relative to the 1.19V reference, which in turn causes the ITH /RUN voltage to increase until the average inductor current matches the new load current. While the top MOSFET is off, the internal bottom MOSFET is turned on for approximately 300ns to 400ns to recharge the bootstrap capacitor CB. The top MOSFET driver is biased from the floating bootstrap capacitor CB that is recharged during each off cycle. The dropout detector counts the number of oscillator cycles that the top MOSFET remains on and periodically forces a brief off period to allow CB to recharge. The main control loop is shut down by pulling the ITH /RUN pin below its 1.19V clamp voltage. Releasing ITH /RUN allows an internal 2.5A current source to charge compensation capacitor CC. When the ITH /RUN pin voltage reaches 0.8V the main control loop is enabled with the ITH / RUN voltage pulled up by the error amp. Soft start can be implemented by ramping the voltage on the ITH /RUN pin from 1.19V to its 2.4V maximum (see Applications Information section). Comparator OV guards against transient output overshoots >7.5% by turning off the top MOSFET and keeping it off until the fault is removed. Low Current Operation The LTC1624 is capable of Burst Mode operation in which the external MOSFET operates intermittently based on load demand. The transition to low current operation begins when comparator B detects when the ITH /RUN voltage is below 1.5V. If the voltage across RSENSE does not exceed the offset of I2 (approximately 20mV) for one full cycle, then on following cycles the top and internal bottom drives are disabled. This continues until the ITH voltage exceeds 1.5V, which causes drive to be returned to the TG pin on the next cycle. INTVCC Power/Boost Supply Power for the top and internal bottom MOSFET drivers is derived from VIN. An internal regulator supplies INTVCC power. To power the top driver in step-down applications an internal high voltage diode recharges the bootstrap capacitor CB during each off cycle from the INTVCC supply. A small internal N-channel MOSFET pulls the switch node (SW) to ground each cycle after the top MOSFET has turned off ensuring the bootstrap capacitor is kept fully charged. 5 R1 CC RC R2 VFB ITH /RUN 3 2 VFB 1.28V 30k - + OV EA gm = 1m 180k 1.19V - + - + 1.19V 1.19V REF 1.19V + 8k I1 - S R OSC Q 1.5V ST 4k 200kHz SLOPE COMP + - SLOPE COMP COSC 200kHz 0.8V 3A 8k 4k VIN I2 B RUN 3A + - SENSE - DROPOUT DET - + 1 1-SHOT 400ns SWITCH LOGIC VIN INTVCC 5.6V INTVCC REG N-CHANNEL MOSFET FLOATING DRIVER DB INTVCC 4 5 6 7 GND SW TG BOOST CB D1 L1 N-CHANNEL MOSFET + 1624 FD COUT VOUT U U 6 CIN VIN W FUNCTIONAL DIAGRA 2.5A 8 RSENSE + LTC1624 (Shown in a step-down application) LTC1624 U W U U APPLICATIONS INFORMATION The LTC1624 can be used in a wide variety of switching regulator applications, the most common being the stepdown converter. Other switching regulator architectures include step-up, SEPIC and positive-to-negative converters. The basic LTC1624 step-down application circuit is shown in Figure 1 on the first page. External component selection is driven by the load requirement and begins with the selection of RSENSE. Once RSENSE is known, the inductor can be chosen. Next, the power MOSFET and D1 are selected. Finally, CIN and COUT are selected. The circuit shown in Figure 1 can be configured for operation up to an input voltage of 28V (limited by the external MOSFETs). Step-Down Converter: RSENSE Selection for Output Current RSENSE is chosen based on the required output current. The LTC1624 current comparator has a maximum threshold of 160mV/RSENSE. The current comparator threshold sets the peak of the inductor current, yielding a maximum average output current IMAX equal to the peak value less half the peak-to-peak ripple current, IL. Allowing a margin for variations in the LTC1624 and external component values yields: RSENSE = 100mV IMAX The LTC1624 works well with values of RSENSE from 0.005 to 0.5. Step-Down Converter: Inductor Value Calculation With the operating frequency fixed at 200kHz smaller inductor values are favored. Operating at higher frequencies generally results in lower efficiency because of MOSFET gate charge losses. In addition to this basic trade-off, the effect of inductor value on ripple current and low current operation must also be considered. The inductor value has a direct effect on ripple current. The inductor ripple current IL decreases with higher inductance and increases with higher VIN or VOUT: V +V V -V IL = IN OUT OUT D VIN + VD f L ( )( ) where VD is the output Schottky diode forward drop. Accepting larger values of IL allows the use of low inductances, but results in higher output voltage ripple and greater core losses. A reasonable starting point for setting ripple current is IL = 0.4(IMAX). Remember, the maximum IL occurs at the maximum input voltage. The inductor value also has an effect on low current operation. Lower inductor values (higher IL) will cause Burst Mode operation to begin at higher load currents, which can cause a dip in efficiency in the upper range of low current operation. In Burst Mode operation lower inductance values will cause the burst frequency to decrease. In general, inductor values from 5H to 68H are typical depending on the maximum input voltage and output current. See also Modifying Burst Mode Operation section. Step-Down Converter: Inductor Core Selection Once the value for L is known, the type of inductor must be selected. High efficiency converters generally cannot afford the core loss found in low cost powdered iron cores, forcing the use of more expensive ferrite, molypermalloy or Kool M(R) cores. Actual core loss is independent of core size for a fixed inductor value, but it is very dependent on inductance selected. As inductance increases, core losses go down. Unfortunately, increased inductance requires more turns of wire and, therefore, copper losses will increase. Ferrite designs have very low core loss and are preferred at high switching frequencies, so design goals can concentrate on copper loss and preventing saturation. Ferrite core material saturates "hard," which means that inductance collapses abruptly when the peak design current is exceeded. This results in an abrupt increase in inductor ripple current and consequent output voltage ripple. Do not allow the core to saturate! Molypermalloy (from Magnetics, Inc.) is a very good, low loss core material for toroids, but it is more expensive than ferrite. A reasonable compromise from the same manufacturer is Kool M. Toroids are very space efficient, especially when you can use several layers of wire. Because they generally lack a bobbin, mounting is more difficult. However, designs for surface mount that do not increase the height significantly are available. Kool Mu is a registered trademark of Magnetics, Inc. 7 LTC1624 U W U U APPLICATIONS INFORMATION Step-Down Converter: Power MOSFET Selection One external N-channel power MOSFET must be selected for use with the LTC1624 for the top (main) switch. characteristics. The constant k = 2.5 can be used to estimate the contributions of the two terms in the PMAIN dissipation equation. The peak-to-peak gate drive levels are set by the INTVCC voltage. This voltage is typically 5V. Consequently, logic level threshold MOSFETs must be used in most LTC1624 applications. If low input voltage operation is expected (VIN < 5V) sublogic level threshold MOSFETs should be used. Pay close attention to the BVDSS specification for the MOSFETs as well; many of the logic level MOSFETs are limited to 30V or less. Step-Down Converter: Output Diode Selection (D1) The Schottky diode D1 shown in Figure 1 conducts during the off-time. It is important to adequately specify the diode peak current and average power dissipation so as not to exceed the diode ratings. Selection criteria for the power MOSFET include the "ON" resistance RDS(ON), reverse transfer capacitance CRSS, input voltage and maximum output current. When the LTC1624 is operating in continuous mode the duty cycle for the top MOSFET is given by: +V V Main Switch Duty Cycle = OUT D VIN + VD The MOSFET power dissipation at maximum output current is given by: ( )( ) ( ) 1.85 k(VIN) (IMAX)(CRSS)(f) 2 V + VD PMAIN = OUT IMAX 1 + RDS ON + VIN + VD where is the temperature dependency of RDS(ON) and k is a constant inversely related to the gate drive current. MOSFETs have I2R losses, plus the PMAIN equation includes an additional term for transition losses that are highest at high output voltages. For VIN < 20V the high current efficiency generally improves with larger MOSFETs, while for VIN > 20V the transition losses rapidly increase to the point that the use of a higher RDS(ON) device with lower CRSS actual provides higher efficiency. The diode losses are greatest at high input voltage or during a short circuit when the diode duty cycle is nearly 100%. The term (1+ ) is generally given for a MOSFET in the form of a normalized RDS(ON) vs Temperature curve, but = 0.005/C can be used as an approximation for low voltage MOSFETs. CRSS is usually specified in the MOSFET 8 The most stressful condition for the output diode is under short circuit (VOUT = 0V). Under this condition, the diode must safely handle ISC(PK) at close to 100% duty cycle. Under normal load conditions, the average current conducted by the diode is simply: IDIODE AVG = ILOAD AVG VIN - VOUT V +V IN D ( ) ( ) Remember to keep lead lengths short and observe proper grounding (see Board Layout Checklist) to avoid ringing and increased dissipation. The forward voltage drop allowable in the diode is calculated from the maximum short-circuit current as: VD VIN + VD ISC AVG VIN PD ( ) where PD is the allowable diode power dissipation and will be determined by efficiency and/or thermal requirements (see Efficiency Considerations). Step-Down Converter: CIN and COUT Selection In continuous mode the source current of the top N-channel MOSFET is a square wave of approximate duty cycle VOUT/VIN. To prevent large voltage transients, a low ESR input capacitor sized for the maximum RMS current must be used. The maximum RMS capacitor current is given by: CIN Required IRMS IMAX [V ( V OUT IN - VOUT )] 1/ 2 VIN This formula has a maximum at VIN = 2VOUT, where IRMS = IOUT/2. This simple worst-case condition is com- LTC1624 U W U U APPLICATIONS INFORMATION monly used for design because even significant deviations do not offer much relief. Note that capacitor manufacturer's ripple current ratings are often based on only 2000 hours of life. This makes it advisable to further derate the capacitor, or to choose a capacitor rated at a higher temperature than required. Several capacitors may also be paralleled to meet size or height requirements in the design. Always consult the manufacturer if there is any question. The selection of COUT is driven by the required effective series resistance (ESR). Typically, once the ESR requirement is satisfied the capacitance is adequate for filtering. The output ripple (VOUT) is determined by: 1 VOUT IL ESR + 4 fCOUT where f = operating frequency, COUT = output capacitance and IL = ripple current in the inductor. The output ripple is highest at maximum input voltage since IL increases with input voltage. With IL = 0.4IOUT(MAX) the output ripple will be less than 100mV at maximum VIN, assuming: COUT Required ESR < 2RSENSE Manufacturers such as Nichicon, United Chemicon and SANYO should be considered for high performance through-hole capacitors. The OS-CON semiconductor dielectric capacitor available from SANYO has the lowest ESR(size) product of any aluminum electrolytic at a somewhat higher price. Once the ESR requirement for COUT has been met, the RMS current rating generally far exceeds the IRIPPLE(P-P) requirement. In surface mount applications multiple capacitors may have to be paralleled to meet the ESR or RMS current handling requirements of the application. Aluminum electrolytic and dry tantalum capacitors are both available in surface mount configurations. In the case of tantalum it is critical that the capacitors are surge tested for use in switching power supplies. An excellent choice is the AVX TPS series of surface mount tantalums, available in case heights ranging from 2mm to 4mm. Other capacitor types include SANYO OS-CON, Nichicon WF series and Sprague 595D series and the new ceramics. Ceramic capacitors are now available in extremely low ESR and high ripple current ratings that are ideal for input capacitor applications. Consult the manufacturer for other specific recommendations. INTVCC Regulator An internal regulator produces the 5V supply that powers the drivers and internal circuitry within the LTC1624. Good VIN bypassing is necessary to supply the high transient currents required by the MOSFET gate drivers. High input voltage applications in which large MOSFETs are being driven at high frequencies may cause the maximum junction temperature rating for the LTC1624 to be exceeded. The supply current is dominated by the gate charge supply current as discussed in the Efficiency Considerations section. The junction temperature can be estimated by using the equations given in Note 1 of the Electrical Characteristics table. For example, the LTC1624 is limited to less than 17mA from a 30V supply: TJ = 70C + (17mA)(30V)(110C/W) = 126C To prevent maximum junction temperature from being exceeded, the input supply current must be checked operating in continuous mode at maximum VIN. Step-Down Converter: Topside MOSFET Driver Supply (CB, DB) An external bootstrap capacitor CB connected to the BOOST pin supplies the gate drive voltage for the topside MOSFET. Capacitor CB in the functional diagram is charged through internal diode DB from INTVCC when the SW pin is low. When the topside MOSFET is to be turned on, the driver places the CB voltage across the gate to source of the MOSFET. This enhances the MOSFET and turns on the topside switch. The switch node voltage SW rises to VIN and the BOOST pin rises to VIN + INTVCC. The value of the boost capacitor CB needs to be 50 times greater than the total input capacitance of the topside MOSFET. In most applications 0.1F is adequate. Significant efficiency gains can be realized by supplying topside driver operating voltage from the output, since the VIN current resulting from the driver and control currents will be scaled by a factor of (Duty Cycle)/(Efficiency). For 5V regulators this simply means connecting the BOOST 9 LTC1624 U U W U APPLICATIONS INFORMATION pin through a small Schottky diode (like a Central CMDSH-3) to VOUT as shown in Figure 10. However, for 3.3V and other lower voltage regulators, additional circuitry is required to derive boost supply power from the output. For low input voltage operation (VIN < 7V), a Schottky diode can be connected from VIN to BOOST to increase the external MOSFET gate drive voltage. Be careful not to exceed the maximum voltage on BOOST to SW pins of 7.8V. Output Voltage Programming The output voltage is set by a resistive divider according to the following formula: ITH /RUN ITH /RUN D1 CC CC RC RC (a) (b) ITH /RUN R1 D1 CC C1 RC (c) R2 VOUT = 1.19V 1 + R1 1624 F03 Figure 3. ITH / RUN Pin Interfacing The external resistive divider is connected to the output as shown in Figure 2, allowing remote voltage sensing. When using remote sensing, a local 100 resistor should be connected from L1 to R2 to prevent VOUT from running away if the sense lead is disconnected. VOUT L1 R2 100pF Soft start can be implemented by ramping the voltage on ITH /RUN during start-up as shown in Figure 3(c). As the voltage on ITH/RUN ramps from 1.19V to 2.4V the internal peak current limit is also ramped at a proportional linear rate. The peak current limit begins at approximately 10mV/RSENSE (at VITH/RUN = 1.4V) and ends at: 160mV/RSENSE (VITH/RUN = 2.4V) The output current thus ramps up slowly, charging the output capacitor. The peak inductor current and maximum output current are as follows: VFB LTC1624 3.3V OR 5V R1 GND 1624 F02 IL(PEAK) = (VITH/RUN - 1.3V)/(6.8RSENSE) Figure 2. Setting the LTC1624 Output Voltage IOUT(MAX) = ILPEAK - IL / 2 ITH /RUN Function with IL = ripple current in the inductor. The ITH /RUN pin is a dual purpose pin that provides the loop compensation and a means to shut down the LTC1624. Soft start can also be implemented with this pin. Soft start reduces surge currents from VIN by gradually increasing the internal current limit. Power supply sequencing can also be accomplished using this pin. During normal operation the voltage on the ITH /RUN pin will vary from 1.19V to 2.4V depending on the load current. Pulling the ITH /RUN pin below 0.8V puts the LTC1624 into a low quiescent current shutdown (IQ < 30A). This pin can be driven directly from logic as shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b). An internal 2.5A current source charges up the external capacitor CC. When the voltage on ITH /RUN reaches 0.8V the LTC1624 begins operating. At this point the error amplifier pulls up the ITH /RUN pin to its maximum of 2.4V (assuming VOUT is starting low). Efficiency Considerations The percent efficiency of a switching regulator is equal to the output power divided by the input power times 100%. It is often useful to analyze individual losses to determine 10 LTC1624 U W U U APPLICATIONS INFORMATION what is limiting the efficiency and which change would produce the most improvement. Percent efficiency can be expressed as: %Efficiency = 100% - (L1 + L2 + L3 + ...) where L1, L2, etc. are the individual losses as a percentage of input power. Although all dissipative elements in the circuit produce losses, four main sources usually account for most of the losses in LTC1624 circuits: 1. LTC1624 VIN current 2. I2R losses 3. Topside MOSFET transition losses 4. Voltage drop of the Schottky diode 1. The VIN current is the sum of the DC supply current IQ, given in the Electrical Characteristics table, and the MOSFET driver and control currents. The MOSFET driver current results from switching the gate capacitance of the power MOSFET. Each time a MOSFET gate is switched from low to high to low again, a packet of charge dQ moves from INTVCC to ground. The resulting dQ/dt is a current out of VIN which is typically much larger than the control circuit current. In continuous mode, IGATECHG = f (QT + QB), where QT and QB are the gate charges of the topside and internal bottom side MOSFETs. By powering BOOST from an output-derived source (Figure 10 application), the additional VIN current resulting from the topside driver will be scaled by a factor of (Duty Cycle)/(Efficiency). For example, in a 20V to 5V application, 5mA of INTVCC current results in approximately 1.5mA of VIN current. This reduces the midcurrent loss from 5% or more (if the driver was powered directly from VIN) to only a few percent. 2. I2R losses are predicted from the DC resistances of the MOSFET, inductor and current shunt. In continuous mode the average output current flows through L but is "chopped" between the topside main MOSFET/current shunt and the Schottky diode. The resistances of the topside MOSFET and RSENSE multiplied by the duty cycle can simply be summed with the resistance of L to obtain I2R losses. (Power is dissipated in the sense resistor only when the topside MOSFET is on. The I2R loss is thus reduced by the duty cycle.) For example, at 50% DC, if RDS(ON) = 0.05, RL = 0.15 and RSENSE = 0.05, then the effective total resistance is 0.2. This results in losses ranging from 2% to 8% for VOUT = 5V as the output current increases from 0.5A to 2A. I2R losses cause the efficiency to drop at high output currents. 3. Transition losses apply only to the topside MOSFET(s), and only when operating at high input voltages (typically 20V or greater). Transition losses can be estimated from: Transition Loss = 2.5(VIN)1.85 (IMAX)(CRSS)(f) 4. The Schottky diode is a major source of power loss at high currents and gets worse at high input voltages. The diode loss is calculated by multiplying the forward voltage drop times the diode duty cycle multiplied by the load current. For example, assuming a duty cycle of 50% with a Schottky diode forward voltage drop of 0.5V, the loss is a relatively constant 5%. As expected, the I2R losses and Schottky diode loss dominate at high load currents. Other losses including CIN and COUT ESR dissipative losses and inductor core losses generally account for less than 2% total additional loss. Checking Transient Response The regulator loop response can be checked by looking at the load transient response. Switching regulators take several cycles to respond to a step in DC (resistive) load current. When a load step occurs, VOUT immediately shifts by an amount equal to (ILOAD * ESR), where ESR is the effective series resistance of COUT. ILOAD also begins to charge or discharge COUT which generates a feedback error signal. The regulator loop then acts to return VOUT to its steady-state value. During this recovery time VOUT can be monitored for overshoot or ringing that would indicate a stability problem. The ITH external components shown in the Figure 1 circuit will provide adequate compensation for most applications. A second, more severe transient, is caused by switching in loads with large (>1F) supply bypass capacitors. The discharged bypass capacitors are effectively put in parallel 11 LTC1624 U W U U APPLICATIONS INFORMATION with COUT, causing a rapid drop in VOUT. No regulator can deliver enough current to prevent this problem if the load switch resistance is low and it is driven quickly. The only solution is to limit the rise time of the switch drive so that the load rise time is limited to approximately (25 * CLOAD). Thus a 10F capacitor would require a 250s rise time, limiting the charging current to about 200mA. Automotive Considerations: Plugging into the Cigarette Lighter As battery-powered devices go mobile there is a natural interest in plugging into the cigarette lighter in order to conserve or even recharge battery packs during operation. But before you connect, be advised: you are plugging into the supply from hell. The main battery line in an automobile is the source of a number of nasty potential transients, including load dump, reverse battery and double battery. Load dump is the result of a loose battery cable. When the cable breaks connection, the field collapse in the alternator can cause a positive spike as high as 60V which takes several hundred milliseconds to decay. Reverse battery is just what it says, while double battery is a consequence of tow-truck operators finding that a 24V jump start cranks cold engines faster than 12V. The network shown in Figure 4 is the most straightforward approach to protect a DC/DC converter from the ravages of an automotive battery line. The series diode prevents current from flowing during reverse battery, while the transient suppressor clamps the input voltage during load dump. Note that the transient suppressor should not conduct during double battery operation, but must still clamp the input voltage below breakdown of the converter. Although the LTC1624 has a maximum input voltage of 36V, most applications will be limited to 30V by the MOSFET BVDSS. Modifying Burst Mode Operation The LTC1624 automatically enters Burst Mode operation at low output currents to boost efficiency. The point when continuous mode operation changes to Burst Mode operation scales as a function of maximum output current. The output current when Burst Mode operation commences is approximately 8mV/RSENSE (8% of maximum output current). With the additional circuitry shown in Figure 5 the LTC1624 can be forced to stay in continuous mode longer at low output currents. Since the LTC1624 is not a fully synchronous architecture, it will eventually start to skip cycles as the load current drops low enough. The point when the minimum on-time (450ns) is reached determines the load current when cycle skipping begins at approximately 1% of maximum output current. Using the circuit in Figure 5 the LTC1624 will begin to skip cycles but stays in regulation when IOUT is less than IOUT(MIN): 2 t f ON MIN VIN + VD - IOUT MIN = V V IN OUT V 2L OUT + VD ( ) ( ) The transistor Q1 in the circuit of Figure 5 operates as a current source developing an 18mV offset across the VIN + 1000pF SENSE - 50A IPK RATING TRANSIENT VOLTAGE SUPPRESSOR GENERAL INSTRUMENT 1.5KA24A LTC1624 + TG LTC1624 R* L1 SW 1624 F04 Figure 4. Plugging into the Cigarette Lighter 12 - CIN RSENSE 100 18mV Q1 2N2222 VIN ) where tON(MIN) = 450ns, f = 200kHz. VIN 12V ( *R = (VOUT - 0.7V) 180A D1 MBRS340T3 + Figure 5. Modifying Burst Mode Operation VOUT COUT 1624 F05 LTC1624 U W U U APPLICATIONS INFORMATION 100 resistor in series with the SENSE - pin. This offset cancels the internal offset in current comparator I2 (refer to Functional Diagram). This comparator in conjunction with the voltage on the ITH /RUN pin determines when to enter into Burst Mode operation (refer to Low Current Operation in Operation section). With the additional external offset present, the drive to the topside MOSFET is always enabled every cycle and constant frequency operation occurs for IOUT > IOUT(MIN). Step-Down Converter: Design Example As a design example, assume VIN = 12V(nominal), VIN = 22V(max), VOUT = 3.3V and IMAX = 2A. RSENSE can immediately be calculated: RSENSE = 100mV/2A = 0.05 Assume a 10H inductor. To check the actual value of the ripple current the following equation is used: V +V V -V IL = IN OUT OUT D f L VIN + VD ( )( ) The highest value of the ripple current occurs at the maximum input voltage: IL = 22V - 3.3V 3.3V + 0.5V = 1.58AP-P 200kHz 10H 22V + 0.5V ( ) The power dissipation on the topside MOSFET can be easily estimated. Choosing a Siliconix Si4412DY results in: RDS(ON) = 0.042, CRSS = 100pF. At maximum input voltage with T(estimated) = 50C: PMAIN = 2 3.3V + 0.5V 2A 1 + 0.005 50C - 25C 0.042 22V + 0.5V ( ) [ ( )( )]( 1.85 + 2.5 (22V) (2A)(100pF)(200kHz) = 62mW ( )( ) VORIPPLE = RESR(IL) = 0.03 (1.58AP-P) = 47mVP-P Step-Down Converter: Duty Cycle Limitations At high input to output differential voltages the on-time gets very small. Due to internal gate delays and response times of the internal circuitry the minimum recommended on-time is 450ns. Since the LTC1624's frequency is internally set to 200kHz a potential duty cycle limitation exists. When the duty cycle is less than 9%, cycle skipping may occur which increases the inductor ripple current but does not cause VOUT to lose regulation. Avoiding cycle skipping imposes a limit on the input voltage for a given output voltage only when VOUT < 2.2V using 30V MOSFETs. (Remember not to exceed the absolute maximum voltage of 36V.) VIN(MAX) = 11.1VOUT + 5V For DC > 9% Boost Converter Applications The LTC1624 is also well-suited to boost converter applications. A boost converter steps up the input voltage to a higher voltage as shown in Figure 6. VIN RSENSE ) The most stringent requirement for the Schottky diode occurs when VOUT = 0V (i.e. short circuit) at maximum VIN. In this case the worst-case dissipation rises to: VIN PD = ISC AVG VD VIN + VD With the 0.05 sense resistor ISC(AVG) = 2A will result, increasing the 0.5V Schottky diode dissipation to 0.98W. CIN is chosen for an RMS current rating of at least 1.0A at temperature. COUT is chosen with an ESR of 0.03 for low output ripple. The output ripple in continuous mode will be highest at the maximum input voltage. The output voltage ripple due to ESR is approximately: + CIN VIN SENSE - L1 BOOST D1 VOUT LTC1624 M1 TG R2 CB GND SW VFB + COUT R1 1624 F06 Figure 6. Boost Converter 13 LTC1624 U U W U APPLICATIONS INFORMATION Boost Converters: Power MOSFET Selection One external N-channel power MOSFET must be selected for use with the LTC1624 for the switch. In boost applications the source of the power MOSFET is grounded along with the SW pin. The peak-to-peak gate drive levels are set by the INTVCC voltage. The gate drive voltage is equal to approximately 5V for VIN > 5.6V and a logic level MOSFET can be used. At VIN voltages below 5V the gate drive voltage is equal to VIN - 0.6V and a sublogic level MOSFET should be used. Selection criteria for the power MOSFET include the "ON" resistance RDS(ON), reverse transfer capacitance CRSS, input voltage and maximum output current. When the LTC1624 is operating in continuous mode the duty cycle for the MOSFET is given by: Main Switch Duty Cycle = 1- VIN VOUT + VD The MOSFET power dissipation at maximum output current is given by: ( ) VIN MIN 2 1 + RDS ON + PMAIN = IIN MAX 1 - V + V OUT D ( ) ( k VOUT ) 1.85 ( )( ( ) ( ) )( ) C I 200kHz IN MAX RSS VOUT + VD where IIN MAX = IOUT MAX VIN MIN ( ) ( ) ( ) is the temperature dependency of RDS(ON) and k is a constant inversely related to the gate drive current. MOSFETs have I2R losses, plus the PMAIN equation includes an additional term for transition losses that are highest at high output voltages. For VOUT < 20V the high current efficiency generally improves with larger MOSFETs, while for VOUT > 20V the transition losses rapidly increase to the point that the use of a higher RDS(ON) device with lower CRSS actual provides higher efficiency. For additional information refer to Step-Down Converter: Power MOSFET Selection in the Applications Information section. 14 Boost Converter: Inductor Selection For most applications the inductor will fall in the range of 10H to 100H. Higher values reduce the input ripple voltage and reduce core loss. Lower inductor values are chosen to reduce physical size. The input current of the boost converter is calculated at full load current. Peak inductor current can be significantly higher than output current, especially with smaller inductors and lighter loads. The following formula assumes continuous mode operation and calculates maximum peak inductor current at minimum VIN: ( ) IL MAX V IL PEAK = IOUT MAX OUT + 2 VIN MIN ( ) ( ) ( ) The ripple current in the inductor (IL) is typically 20% to 30% of the peak inductor current occuring at VIN(MIN) and IOUT(MAX). ( ) IL P-P = ( ) VIN VOUT + VD - VIN (200kHz)(L)(VOUT + VD) with IL(MAX) = IL(P-P) at VIN = VIN(MIN). Remember boost converters are not short-circuit protected, and that under output short conditions, inductor current is limited only by the available current of the input supply, IOUT(OVERLOAD). Specify the maximum inductor current to safely handle the greater of IL(PEAK) or IOUT(OVERLOAD). Make sure the inductor's saturation current rating (current when inductance begins to fall) exceeds the maximum current rating set by RSENSE. Boost Converter: RSENSE Selection for Maximum Output Current RSENSE is chosen based on the required output current. Remember the LTC1624 current comparator has a maximum threshold of 160mV/RSENSE. The current comparator threshold sets the peak of the inductor current, yielding a maximum average output current IOUT(MAX) equal to IL(PEAK) less half the peak-to-peak ripple current (IL), divided by the output-input voltage ratio (see equation for IL(PEAK)). LTC1624 U U W U APPLICATIONS INFORMATION Allowing a margin for variations in the LTC1624 (without considering variation in RSENSE), assuming 30% ripple current in the inductor, yields: ( ) VIN MIN RSENSE = IOUT MAX VOUT + VD 100mV ( ) Boost Converter: Output Diode The output diode conducts current only during the switch off-time. Peak reverse voltage for boost converters is equal to the regulator output voltage. Average forward current in normal operation is equal to output current. Remember boost converters are not short-circuit protected. Check to be sure the diode's current rating exceeds the maximum current set by RSENSE. Schottky diodes such as Motorola MBR130LT3 are recommended. Boost Converter: Output Capacitors The output capacitor is normally chosen by its effective series resistance (ESR), because this is what determines output ripple voltage. Since the output capacitor's ESR affects efficiency, use low ESR capacitors for best performance. Boost regulators have large RMS ripple current in the output capacitor that must be rated to handle the current. The output capacitor ripple current (RMS) is: ( ) COUT IRIPPLE RMS IOUT VOUT - VIN VIN CIN IRIPPLE ( )( ) (200kHz)(L)(VOUT) 0.3 VIN VOUT - VIN The input capacitor can see a very high surge current when a battery is suddenly connected and solid tantalum capacitors can fail under this condition. Be sure to specify surge tested capacitors. Boost Converter: Duty Cycle Limitations The minimum on-time of 450ns sets a limit on how close VIN can approach VOUT without the output voltage overshooting and tripping the overvoltage comparator. Unless very low values of inductances are used, this should never be a problem. The maximum input voltage in continuous mode is: VIN(MAX) = 0.91VOUT + 0.5V For DC = 9% SEPIC Converter Applications The LTC1624 is also well-suited to SEPIC (Single Ended Primary Inductance Converter) converter applications. The SEPIC converter shown in Figure 7 uses two inductors. The advantage of the SEPIC converter is the input voltage may be higher or lower than the output voltage. The first inductor L1 together with the main N-channel MOSFET switch resemble a boost converter. The second inductor L2 and output diode D1 resemble a flyback or buck-boost converter. The two inductors L1 and L2 can be independent but also can be wound on the same core since VIN Output ripple is then simply: VOUT = RESR (IL(RMS)). Boost Converter: Input Capacitors The input capacitor of a boost converter is less critical due to the fact that the input current waveform is triangular, and does not contain large square wave currents as found in the output capacitor. The input voltage source impedance determines the size of the capacitor that is typically 10F to 100F. A low ESR is recommended although not as critical as the output capacitor and can be on the order of 0.3. Input capacitor ripple current for the LTC1624 used as a boost converter is: RSENSE + CIN VIN SENSE - L1 C1 BOOST D1 VOUT + LTC1624 M1 TG L2 CB GND SW R2 + COUT VFB R1 1624 F07 Figure 7. SEPIC Converter 15 LTC1624 U U W U APPLICATIONS INFORMATION identical voltages are applied to L1 and L2 throughout the switching cycle. By making L1 = L2 and wound on the same core the input ripple is reduced along with cost and size. All SEPIC applications information that follows assumes L1 = L2 = L. SEPIC Converter: Power MOSFET Selection One external N-channel power MOSFET must be selected for use with the LTC1624 for the switch. As in boost applications the source of the power MOSFET is grounded along with the SW pin. The peak-to-peak gate drive levels are set by the INTVCC voltage. This voltage is equal to approximately 5V for VIN > 5.6V and a logic level MOSFET can be used. At VIN voltages below 5V the INTVCC voltage is equal to VIN - 0.6V and a sublogic level MOSFET should be used. Selection criteria for the power MOSFET include the "ON" resistance RDS(ON), reverse transfer capacitance CRSS, input voltage and maximum output current. When the LTC1624 is operating in continuous mode the duty cycle for the MOSFET is given by: Main Switch Duty Cycle = VOUT + VD VIN + VOUT + VD The MOSFET power dissipation and maximum switch current at maximum output current are given by: PMAIN = 2 VOUT + VD I 1 + RDS ON + SW MAX V + VOUT + VD IN MIN ( ) 1.85 k VIN MIN + VOUT ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )( )( ) I C 200kHz SW MAX RSS +V V where ISW MAX = IOUT MAX OUT D + 1 VIN MIN ( ) ( ) ( ) is the temperature dependency of RDS(ON) and k is a constant inversely related to the gate drive current. The peak switch current is ISW(MAX) + IL. MOSFETs have I2R losses plus the PMAIN equation includes an additional term for transition losses that are 16 highest at high total input plus output voltages. For (VIN + VOUT) < 20V the high current efficiency generally improves with larger MOSFETs, while for (VIN + VOUT) > 20V the transition losses rapidly increase to the point that the use of a higher RDS(ON) device with lower CRSS actual provides higher efficiency. For additional information refer to the Step-Down Converter: Power MOSFET Selection in the Applications Information section. SEPIC Converter: Inductor Selection For most applications the equal inductor values will fall in the range of 10H to 100H. Higher values reduce the input ripple voltage and reduce core loss. Lower inductor values are chosen to reduce physical size and improve transient response. Like the boost converter the input current of the SEPIC converter is calculated at full load current. Peak inductor current can be significantly higher than output current, especially with smaller inductors and lighter loads. The following formula assumes continuous mode operation and calculates maximum peak inductor current at minimum VIN: I VOUT + L1 IL1 PEAK = IOUT MAX 2 VIN MIN VIN MIN + VD I + L2 IL2 PEAK = IOUT MAX 2 VIN MIN ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) The ripple current in the inductor (IL) is typically 20% to 30% of the peak current occuring at VIN(MIN) and IOUT(MAX), and IL1 = IL2. Maximum IL occurs at maximum VIN. (VIN)(VOUT + VD) ( ) (200kHz)(L)(VIN + VOUT + VD) IL P-P = By making L1 = L2 and wound on the same core the value of inductance in all the above equations are replaced by 2L due to their mutual inductance. Doing this maintains the same ripple current and inductive energy storage in the inductors. For example a Coiltronix CTX10-4 is a 10H inductor with two windings. With the windings in parallel LTC1624 U U W U APPLICATIONS INFORMATION 10H inductance is obtained with a current rating of 4A. Splitting the two windings creates two 10H inductors with a current rating of 2A each. Therefore substitute (2)(10H) = 20H for L in the equations. Specify the maximum inductor current to safely handle IL(PEAK). Make sure the inductor's saturation current rating (current when inductance begins to fall) exceeds the maximum current rating set by RSENSE. SEPIC Converter: RSENSE Selection for Maximum Output Current RSENSE is chosen based on the required output current. Remember the LTC1624 current comparator has a maximum threshold of 160mV/RSENSE. The current comparator threshold sets the peak of the inductor current, yielding a maximum average output current IOUT(MAX) equal to IL1(PEAK) less half the peak-to-peak ripple current, IL, divided by the output-input voltage ratio (see equation for IL1(PEAK)). Allowing a margin for variations in the LTC1624 (without considering variation in RSENSE), assuming 30% ripple current in the inductor, yields: ( ) VIN MIN RSENSE = IOUT MAX VOUT + VD 100mV ( ) SEPIC Converter: Output Diode The output diode conducts current only during the switch off-time. Peak reverse voltage for SEPIC converters is equal to VOUT + VIN. Average forward current in normal operation is equal to output current. Peak current is: VOUT + VD ID1 PEAK = I OUT MAX + 1 + IL VIN MIN ( ) ( ) ( ) Schottky diodes such as MBR130LT3 are recommended. SEPIC Converter: Input and Output Capacitors The output capacitor is normally chosen by its effective series resistance (ESR), because this is what determines output ripple voltage. The input capacitor needs to be sized to handle the ripple current safely. Since the output capacitor's ESR affects efficiency, use low ESR capacitors for best performance. SEPIC regulators, like step-down regulators, have a triangular current waveform but have maximum ripple at VIN(MAX). The input capacitor ripple current is: ( ) IRIPPLE RMS = IL 12 The output capacitor ripple current is: ( ) IRIPPLE RMS = IOUT VOUT VIN The output capacitor ripple voltage (RMS) is: VOUT(RIPPLE) = 2(IL)(ESR) The input capacitor can see a very high surge current when a battery is suddenly connected, and solid tantalum capacitors can fail under this condition. Be sure to specify surge tested capacitors. SEPIC Converter: Coupling Capacitor (C1) The coupling capacitor C1 in Figure 7 sees a nearly rectangular current waveform. During the off-time the current through C1 is IOUT(VOUT/VIN) while approximately - IOUT flows though C1 during the on-time. This current waveform creates a triangular ripple voltage on C1: VOUT IOUT VC1 = 200kHz C1 VIN + VOUT + VD ( )( ) The maximum voltage on C1 is then: VC1(MAX) = VIN + VC1 /2 (typically close to VIN(MAX)). The ripple current though C1 is: ( ) IRIPPLE C1 = IOUT VOUT VIN The maximum ripple current occurs at IOUT(MAX) and VIN(MIN). The capacitance of C1 should be large enough so 17 LTC1624 U U W U APPLICATIONS INFORMATION that the voltage across C1 is constant such that VC1 = VIN at full load over the entire VIN range. Assuming the enegry storage in the coupling capacitor C1 must be equal to the enegry stored in L1, the minimum capacitance of C1 is: ( ) C1 MIN = ( ) (VOUT) L1 IOUT 2 2 4 ( ) VIN MIN SEPIC Converter: Duty Cycle Limitations The minimum on-time of 450ns sets a limit on how high an input-to-output ratio can be tolerated while not skipping cycles. This only impacts designs when very low output voltages (VOUT < 2.5V) are needed. Note that a SEPIC converter would not be appropriate at these low output voltages. The maximum input voltage is (remember not to exceed the absolute maximum limit of 36V): VIN(MAX) = 10.1VOUT + 5V For DC > 9% Positive-to-Negative Converter Applications The LTC1624 can also be used as a positive-to-negative converter with a grounded inductor shown in Figure 8. Since the LTC1624 requires a positive feedback signal relative to device ground, Pin 4 must be tied to the regulated negative output. A resistive divider from the negative output to ground sets the output voltage. Remember not to exceed maximum VIN ratings VIN + VOUT 36V. 1000pF 1 RC SENSE - VIN 3 BOOST ITH /RUN LTC1624 VFB TG 4 GND SW RSENSE 7 6 5 The external resistive divider is connected to the output as shown in Figure 8. Positive-to-Negative Converter: Power MOSFET Selection One external N-channel power MOSFET must be selected for use with the LTC1624 for the switch. As in step-down applications the source of the power MOSFET is connected to the Schottky diode and inductor. The peak-topeak gate drive levels are set by the INTVCC voltage. The gate drive voltage is equal to approximately 5V for VIN > 5.6V and a logic level MOSFET can be used. At VIN voltages below 5V the INTVCC voltage is equal to VIN - 0.6V and a sublogic level MOSFET should be used. Selection criteria for the power MOSFET include the "ON" resistance RDS(ON), reverse transfer capacitance CRSS, input voltage and maximum output current. When the LTC1624 is operating in continuous mode the duty cycle for the MOSFET is given by: CIN VOUT + VD VIN + VOUT + VD with VOUT being the absolute value of VOUT. M1 CB L1 D1 R1 The MOSFET power dissipation and maximum switch current are given by: + COUT R2 -VOUT 1624 F08 Figure 8. Positive-to-Negative Converter 18 R1 DC VOUT = 1.19V 1 + - VIN R2 1 - DC Main Switch Duty Cycle = + 100pF Setting the output voltage for a positive-to-negative converter is different from other architectures since the feedback voltage is referenced to the LTC1624 ground pin and the ground pin is referenced to - VOUT. The output voltage is set by a resistive divider according to the following formula: VIN 8 CC 2 Positive-to-Negative Converter: Output Voltage Programming PMAIN = ISW(MAX) x {I ( )( ( ) ) ( ) OUT MAX I + RDS ON + k V IN MAX + VOUT 1.85 CRSS 200kHz ( ) ( )( ){ LTC1624 U W U U APPLICATIONS INFORMATION V + V IN OUT + VD where: ISW MAX = IOUT MAX V IN ( ) ( ) is the temperature dependency of RDS(ON) and k is a constant inversely related to the gate drive current. The maximum switch current occurs at VIN(MIN) and the peak switch current is ISW(MAX) + IL /2. The maximum voltage across the switch is VIN(MAX) + VOUT. MOSFETs have I2R losses plus the PMAIN equation includes an additional term for transition losses that are highest at high total input plus output voltages. For (VOUT+ VIN) < 20V the high current efficiency generally improves with larger MOSFETs, while for (VOUT+ VIN) > 20V the transition losses rapidly increase to the point that the use of a higher RDS(ON) device with lower CRSS actual provides higher efficiency. For additional information refer to the Step-Down Converter: Power MOSFET Selection in the Applications Information section. Positive-to-Negative Converter: Inductor Selection For most applications the inductor will fall in the range of 10H to 100H. Higher values reduce the input and output ripple voltage (although not as much as step-down converters) and also reduce core loss. Lower inductor values are chosen to reduce physical size and improve transient response but do increase output ripple. Like the boost converter, the input current of the positiveto-negative converter is calculated at full load current. Peak inductor current can be significantly higher than output current, especially with smaller inductors (with high IL values). The following formula assumes continuous mode operation and calculates maximum peak inductor current at minimum VIN: V + V I IN OUT + VD IL PEAK = IOUT MAX + L VIN 2 ( ) ( ) The ripple current in the inductor (IL) is typically 20% to 50% of the peak inductor current occuring at VIN(MIN) and IOUT(MAX) to minimize output ripple. Maximum IL occurs at minimum VIN. (VIN)( VOUT + VD) ( ) (200kHz)(L) V + V + V ( IN OUT D) IL P-P = Specify the maximum inductor current to safely handle IL(PEAK). Make sure the inductor's saturation current rating (current when inductance begins to fall) exceeds the maximum current rating set by RSENSE. Positive-to-Negative Converter: RSENSE Selection for Maximum Output Current RSENSE is chosen based on the required output current. Remember the LTC1624 current comparator has a maximum threshold of 160mV/RSENSE. The current comparator threshold sets the peak of the inductor current, yielding a maximum average output current IOUT(MAX) equal to IL(PEAK) less half the peak-to-peak ripple current with the remainder divided by the duty cycle. Allowing a margin for variations in the LTC1624 (without considering variation in RSENSE) and assuming 30% ripple current in the inductor, yields: VIN MIN 100mV RSENSE = IOUT MAX VIN MIN + VOUT + VD ( ) ( ) ( ) Positive-to-Negative Converter: Output Diode The output diode conducts current only during the switch off-time. Peak reverse voltage for positive-to-negative converters is equal to VOUT+ VIN. Average forward current in normal operation is equal to ID(PEAK) - IL /2. Peak diode current (occurring at VIN(MIN)) is: ( ) V OUT + VD I ID PEAK = IOUT MAX + 1 + L VIN 2 ( ) ( ) Positive-to-Negative Converter: Input and Output Capacitors The output capacitor is normally chosen by its effective series resistance (ESR), because this is what determines output ripple voltage. Both input and output capacitors need to be sized to handle the ripple current safely. 19 LTC1624 U W U U APPLICATIONS INFORMATION Positive-to-negative converters have high ripple current in both the input and output capacitors. For long capacitor lifetime, the RMS value of this current must be less than the high frequency ripple rating of the capacitor. The following formula gives an approximate value for RMS ripple current. This formula assumes continuous mode and low current ripple. Small inductors will give somewhat higher ripple current, especially in discontinuous mode. For the exact formulas refer to Application Note 44, pages 28 to 30. The input and output capacitor ripple current (occurring at VIN(MIN)) is: ( )( ) Capacitor IRMS = ff IOUT VOUT VIN ff = Fudge factor (1.2 to 2.0) The output peak-to-peak ripple voltage is: VOUT(P-P) = RESR (ID(MAX)) ITH /RUN pin below 0.8V relative to the LTC1624 ground pin. With the LTC1624 ground pin referenced to - VOUT, the nonimal range on the ITH /RUN pin is - VOUT (in shutdown) to (- VOUT + 2.4V)(at Max IOUT). Referring to Figure 15, M2, M3 and R3 provide a level shift from typical TTL levels to the LTC1624 operating as positive-to-negative converter. MOSFET M3 supplies gate drive to M2 during shutdown, while M2 pulls the ITH/RUN pin voltage to - VOUT, shutting down the LTC1624. Step-Down Converters: PC Board Layout Checklist When laying out the printed circuit board, the following checklist should be used to ensure proper operation of the LTC1624. These items are also illustrated graphically in the layout diagram of Figure 9. Check the following in your layout: 1. Are the signal and power grounds segregated? The LTC1624 ground (Pin 4) must return to the (-) plate of COUT. The input capacitor can also see a very high surge current when a battery is suddenly connected, and solid tantalum capacitors can fail under this condition. Be sure to specify surge tested capacitors. 2. Does the VFB (Pin 3) connect directly to the feedback resistors? The resistive divider R1, R2 must be connected between the (+) plate of COUT and signal ground. The 100pF capacitor should be as close as possible to the LTC1624. Positive-to-Negative Converter: Duty Cycle Limitations The minimum on-time of 450ns sets a limit on how high of input-to-output ratio can be tolerated while not skipping cycles. This only impacts designs when very low output voltages (VOUT< 2.5V) are needed. The maximum input voltage is: 3. Does the VIN lead connect to the input voltage at the same point as RSENSE and are the SENSE - and VIN leads routed together with minimum PC trace spacing? The filter capacitor between VIN and SENSE - should be as close as possible to the LTC1624. VIN(MAX) < 10.1VOUT + 5V For DC > 9% VIN(MAX) < 36V -VOUTFor absolute maximum ratings Positive-to-Negative Converter: Shutdown Considerations Since the ground pin on the LTC1624 is referenced to - VOUT, additional circuitry is needed to put the LTC1624 into shutdown. Shutdown is enabled by pulling the 20 4. Does the (+) plate of CIN connect to RSENSE as closely as possible? This capacitor provides the AC current to the MOSFET(s). Also, does CIN connect as close as possible to the VIN and ground pin of the LTC1624? This capacitor also supplies the energy required to recharge the bootstrap capacitor. Adequate input decoupling is critical for proper operation. 5. Keep the switch node SW away from sensitive smallsignal nodes. Ideally, M1, L1 and D1 should be connected as closely as possible at the switch node. LTC1624 U TYPICAL APPLICATIONS 1000pF + 1 RC SENSE - VIN 8 + CC 2 3 BOOST ITH /RUN LTC1624 TG VFB - 6 M1 SW GND L1 CB 0.1F 100pF 4 VIN CIN RSENSE 7 5 + R2 D1 + COUT VOUT R1 - BOLD LINES INDICATE HIGH CURRENT PATHS 1624 F09 Figure 9. LTC1624 Layout Diagram (See Board Layout Checklist) VIN 5.3V TO 28V 1 2 CC 560pF RC 4.7k SENSE - VIN ITH /RUN BOOST LTC1624 3 VFB TG GND SW 8 7 5 RSENSE 0.033 0.1F 6 100pF 4 1000pF CB 0.1F D1 MBRS340T3 M1 Si4412DY + CIN 22F 35V x2 D2 CMDSH-3 L1* 10H *COILTRONICS CTX10-4 R2 35.7k 1% R1 11k 1% VOUT 5V 3A + COUT 100F 10V x2 1624 F10 Figure 10. 5V/3A Converter with Output Derived Boost Voltage 21 LTC1624 U TYPICAL APPLICATIONS 1 SENSE - 2 CC 470pF VIN BOOST ITH /RUN LTC1624 3 TG VFB RC 6.8k 1000pF 8 6 SW GND M1 Si6436DY CB 0.1F 100pF 4 RSENSE 0.068 0.1F 7 5 VIN 4.8V TO 22V CIN 22F 35V x2 + L1* 10H D1 MBRS340T3 R2 35.7k 1% VOUT 1.8V 1.5A + R1 69.8k 1% *SUMIDA CDR105B-100 1624 F11 Figure 11. Wide Input Range 1.8V/1.5A Converter 1 2 CC 470pF SENSE - BOOST ITH /RUN LTC1624 3 RC 6.8k VIN TG VFB 1000pF 8 7 4 SW GND VIN 12.3V TO 28V 6 5 + RSENSE 0.068 0.1F 100pF M1 Si4412DY CB 0.1F CIN 22F 35V x2 L1* 47H D1 MBRS140T3 R2 35.7k 1% VOUT 12V 1A + R1 3.92k 1% *SUMIDA CDRH125-470 Figure 12. 12V/1A Low Dropout Converter 1 2 CC 330pF RC 3.3k SENSE - ITH /RUN VIN BOOST LTC1624 3 VFB TG GND SW 8 7 0.1F 1624 F12 VIN 5.2V TO 11V + RSENSE 0.04 L1* 22H 5 CB 0.1F CIN 22F D1 35V x 2 MBRS130LT3 VOUT 12V 0.75A M1 Si4412DY R2 35.7k 1% R1 3.92k 1% *SUMIDA CDRH125-220 Figure 13. 12V/0.75A Boost Converter 22 COUT 100F 16V x2 6 100pF 4 1000pF COUT 100F 10V x2 + COUT 100F 16V x2 1624 F13 LTC1624 U TYPICAL APPLICATIONS VIN 5V TO 15V 1 2 CC 330pF RC 4.7k SENSE - VIN ITH /RUN BOOST LTC1624 3 TG VFB 1000pF 8 7 SW GND RSENSE 0.068 0.1F CIN 22F 22F 35V 35V L1a* D1 MBRS130LT3 + 6 M1 Si4412DY CB 0.1F 100pF 4 + 5 VOUT 12V 0.5A L1b* R2 35.7k 1% COUT 100F 16V x2 + R1 3.92k 1% *COILTRONICS CTX20-4 Figure 14. 12V/0.4A SEPIC Converter 1624 F14 VIN 5V TO 22V VCC VCC SHUTDOWN 1 CC RC 1000pF 3.3k 2 SENSE - BOOST ITH /RUN LTC1624 3 M3 TP0610L VIN VFB TG GND SW 8 4 6 5 + RSENSE 0.025 0.1F 7 100pF M2 VN2222 1000pF M1 Si4410DY L1* 33H CB 0.1F R2 78.7k 1% D1 MBRS340T3 R3 100k R1 24.9k 1% *COILCRAFT DO5022P-333 CIN 22F 35V x2 D2 CMDSH-3 + COUT 100F 10V x2 VOUT -5V 2A 1624 F15 Figure 15. Inverting - 5V/2A Converter 1 2 CC 470pF RC 6.8k SENSE - ITH /RUN VIN BOOST LTC1624 3 VFB TG GND SW 8 7 0.1F 6 100pF 4 1000pF 5 CB 0.1F VIN 3.5V TO 18V RSENSE 0.068 + CIN 22F 35V x2 M1 Si6426DQ L1* 20H D1 MBRS340T3 *COILTRONICS CTX20-4 Figure 16. Low Dropout 3.3V/1.5A Converter R2 35.7k 1% R1 20k 1% VOUT 3.3V 1.5A + COUT 100F 10V x2 1624 F16 23 LTC1624 U TYPICAL APPLICATIONS VIN 3.6V TO 18V 1 2 CC 330pF RC 6.8k SENSE - VIN BOOST ITH /RUN LTC1624 3 VFB TG GND SW 8 7 4 D2 CMDSH-3 5 RSENSE 0.05 0.1F L1a* VOUT 6 100pF + 1000pF CIN 22F 35V x 2 22F 35V + M1 Si6426DQ CB 0.1F D1 MBRS130LT3 VOUT 5V 1A L1b* R2 35.7k 1% + R1 11k 1% * COILTRONICS CTX20-4 1624 F17 Figure 17. 5V/1A SEPIC Converter with Output Derived Boost Voltage VIN 13V TO 28V + CIN1, CIN2 1000F 35V x2 COUT 100F 16V x2 RSENSE1, 0.015 RSENSE2, 0.015 C4, 0.1F LTC1624 CC 100pF 1 2 SENSE - VIN ITH /RUN BOOST 3 RC 20k R1 11k 1% 4 VFB TG GND SW 8 C5 3.3F 50V C7 3.3F 50V 7 6 5 CB 0.1F M1* VOUT 12V 10A L1 D1* + COUT 2700F 16V R5 220 D2 MBR0540 Z1 IN 755 C9 0.1F R2 100k 1% C10 220pF 1624 F18 CIN1, CIN2 = SANYO 35MV1000GX C5, C7 = WIMA MKS2 COUT = SANYO 16MV2700GX D1 = MOTOROLA MBR2535CT L1 = PULSE ENGINEERING PO472 M1 = INTERNATIONAL RECTIFIER IRL3803 RSENSE1, RSENSE2 = IRC LR2010-01-R015-F * BOTH D1 AND M1 MOUNTED TO SAME THERMALLOY #6399B HEAT SINK Figure 18. 24V to 12V/10A Buck Converter with Output-Derived Boost Voltage 24 LTC1624 U TYPICAL APPLICATIONS VIN 20V TO 32V + RSENSE 0.025 CIN 22F 35V L1 47H C5 0.1F D1 VOUT 90V 0.5A LTC1624 1 CC 820pF 2 SENSE - VIN ITH /RUN BOOST 3 C3 100pF R1 13.3k RC 6.8k 4 VFB TG GND SW 8 7 6 + CB 0.1F M1 COUT 100F 100V 5 R2, 1M, 1% 1624 F19 L1 = COILCRAFT D05022P-473 M1 = INTERNATIONAL RECTIFIER IRL 540NS RSENSE = IRC LR2010-01-R025-F CIN = KEMET T495X226M035AS COUT = SANYO 100MV100GX D1 = MOTOROLA MBRS1100 Figure 19. 24V to 90V at 0.5A Boost Converter VIN 9V TO 15V + RSENSE 0.005, 5% CIN 100F 16V L1 10H C5 0.1F D1* VOUT 24V 5A LTC1624 1 CC 4700pF 2 SENSE - VIN ITH /RUN BOOST 3 RC 27k R1 52.3k C3 100pF C4 1500pF 4 VFB TG GND SW R5 750 0.5W 8 7 6 CB 0.1F M1* + 5 COUT1 1000F 35V + COUT2 1000F 35V Z1 IN755 7.5V R2, 1M, 1% CIN = KEMET T495X107M016AS COUT1, COUT2 = SANYO 35MV 1000GX D1 = MOTOROLA MBR2535CT L1 = MAGNETICS CORE #55930AZ WINDING = 8T#14BIF M1 = INTERNATIONAL RECTIFIER IRL 3803 RSENSE = IRC OAR-3, 0.005, 5% *BOTH D1 AND Q1 MOUNTED ON THERMALLOY MODEL 6399 HEAT SINK 1624 F20 Figure 20. 12V to 24V/5A Boost Converter 25 LTC1624 U TYPICAL APPLICATIONS VIN 13V TO 28V + +VIN CIN1, CIN2 22F 35V x2 RSENSE 0.033 C5, 0.1F LTC1624 1 CC 330pF 2 SENSE - VIN ITH /RUN BOOST 3 VFB RC 10k R1 3.92k C4 100pF 4 GND TG SW 8 7 6 CB 0.1F M1 L1 27H 5 D1 MBRS340 Q2 C10 0.1F 1 8 2 3 4 SENSE AVE IOUT PROG LTC1620 GND VCC -IN +IN C11 0.1F + R6 10k 6 R7 56k 5 CURRENT ADJ COUT 100F 16V x2 1 C12 1F 7 C14, 0.01F R4 0.025 2 OUT R2 35.7k C9 100pF IN 8 VOUT 12V 3A +VIN 7 3 NC/ADJ NC LT1121-5 6 GND NC 4 5 NC SHDN C13 0.1F R8 1M 1624 F21 CIN1, CIN2 = KEMET T495X226M035AS L1 = SUMIDA CDRH127-270 RSENSE = IRC LR2010-01-R033-F R4 = IRC LR2010-01-R025-F M1 = SILICONIX Si4412DY Q2 = MOTOROLA MMBT A14 Figure 21. 12V/3A Adjustable Current Power Supply for Battery Charger or Current Source Applications 26 LTC1624 U TYPICAL APPLICATIONS 1 2 CC 680pF SENSE - VIN BOOST ITH /RUN LTC1624 3 TG VFB RC 3.3k 8 7 SW GND 1000pF 5 CIN 22F 35V x3 + RSENSE 0.015 0.1F 6 100pF 4 VIN 4.8V TO 28V M1** L1* 8H CB 0.1F D1 MBRD835L VOUT 3.3V 6.5A R2 35.7k 1% COUT 100F 10V x3 + R1 20k 1% * PANASONIC 12TS-7ROLB ** SILICONIX SUD50N03-10 1624 F22 Figure 22. High Current 3.3V/6.5A Converter U PACKAGE DESCRIPTION Dimensions in inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted. S8 Package 8-Lead Plastic Small Outline (Narrow 0.150) (LTC DWG # 05-08-1610) 0.189 - 0.197* (4.801 - 5.004) 8 7 6 5 0.150 - 0.157** (3.810 - 3.988) 0.228 - 0.244 (5.791 - 6.197) 1 0.010 - 0.020 x 45 (0.254 - 0.508) 0.008 - 0.010 (0.203 - 0.254) 0.053 - 0.069 (1.346 - 1.752) 0- 8 TYP 0.016 - 0.050 0.406 - 1.270 0.014 - 0.019 (0.355 - 0.483) 2 3 4 0.004 - 0.010 (0.101 - 0.254) 0.050 (1.270) TYP *DIMENSION DOES NOT INCLUDE MOLD FLASH. MOLD FLASH SHALL NOT EXCEED 0.006" (0.152mm) PER SIDE **DIMENSION DOES NOT INCLUDE INTERLEAD FLASH. INTERLEAD FLASH SHALL NOT EXCEED 0.010" (0.254mm) PER SIDE Information furnished by Linear Technology Corporation is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed for its use. Linear Technology Corporation makes no representation that the interconnection of its circuits as described herein will not infringe on existing patent rights. SO8 0996 27 LTC1624 U TYPICAL APPLICATION R3, 10 RSENSE 0.0082 C3, 0.033F + C4, 0.1F +VIN 4.5V TO 5.5V CIN 100F 10V x4 LTC1624 1 CC 820pF 2 SENSE - VIN ITH /RUN BOOST 3 TG VFB RC 6.8k R1 20k C2 100pF 4 SW GND 8 7 6 D2 CB 0.1F M1 5 L1 1.68H D1 COUT 470F 6.3V x2 +VOUT 3.3V 10A R2 35.7k + C8 100pF VOUT RTN Q2 10k 1624 F23 CIN (x 4) = KEMET T495D107M010AS COUT (x 2) = AVX TPSV477M006R0055 D1 = MOTOROLA MBRB2515L D2 = MOTOROLA MBR0520 L1 = PULSE ENGINEERING PE53691 M1 = INTERNATIONAL RECTIFIER IRL3803S Q2 = MOTOROLA MMBTA14LT1 RSENSE = IRC OAR3-R0082 Figure 23. 5V to 3.3V/10A Converter (Surface Mount) RELATED PARTS PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION COMMENTS LTC1147 High Efficiency Step-Down Controller 100% DC, Burst Mode Operation, 8-Pin SO and PDIP LTC1148HV/LTC1148 High Efficiency Synchronous Step-Down Controllers 100% DC, Burst Mode Operation, VIN < 20V LTC1149 High Efficiency Synchronous Step-Down Controller LTC1159 High Efficiency Synchronous Step-Down Controller 100% DC,Std Threshold MOSFETs, VIN < 48V 100% DC, Logic Level MOSFETs, VIN < 40V LTC1174 Monolithic 0.6A Step-Down Switching Regulator 100% DC, Burst Mode Operation, 8-Pin SO LTC1265 1.2A Monolithic High Efficiency Step-Down Switching Regulator 100% DC, Burst Mode Operation, 14-Pin SO LTC1266 High Efficiency Synchronous Step-Down Controller, N-Channel Drive 100% DC, Burst Mode Operation, VIN < 20V LT (R)1375/LT1376 1.5A, 500kHz Step-Down Switching Regulators High Frequency LTC1433/LTC1434 Monolithic 0.45A Low Noise Current Mode Step-Down Switching Regulators 16- and 20-Pin Narrow SSOP LTC1435 High Efficiency Low Noise Synchronous Step-Down Controller, N-Channel Drive Burst Mode Operation, 16-Pin Narrow SO LTC1436/LTC1436-PLL High Efficiency Low Noise Synchronous Step-Down Controllers, N-Channel Drive Adaptive PowerTM Mode, 20- and 24-Pin SSOP LTC1474/LTC1475 Ultralow Quiesent Current Step-Down Monolithic Switching Regulators 100% DC, 8-Pin MSOP, VIN < 20V Adaptive Power is a trademark of Linear Technology Corporation. 28 Linear Technology Corporation 1630 McCarthy Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035-7417 (408)432-1900 FAX: (408) 434-0507 TELEX: 499-3977 www.linear-tech.com 1624f LT/TP 0198 4K * PRINTED IN USA LINEAR TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 1997