MAXIM MAX17024

19-1040; Rev 0; 10/07
KIT
ATION
EVALU
E
L
B
AVAILA
Single Quick-PWM Step-Down
Controller with Dynamic REFIN
TOP
MARK
MAX17024ETD 14 TDFN-EP* 3mm x 3mm T1433-1 ADO
Note: This device is specified over the -40°C to +85°C operating
temperature range.
+Denotes a lead-free package.
*EP = Exposed paddle.
FB
TOP VIEW
CS
Pin Configuration
REFIN
I/O and Chipset Supplies
PKG
CODE
PIN-PACKAGE
REF
Applications
Notebook Computers
PART
EN
The MAX17024 includes a voltage-controlled soft-start
and soft-shutdown to limit the input surge current, provide a monotonic power-up (even into a precharged
output), and provide a predictable power-up time. The
controller also includes output undervoltage and thermal-fault protection.
The MAX17024 is available in a tiny 14-pin, 3mm x
3mm TDFN package. For space-constrained applications, refer to the MAX17016 single step-down with 26V
internal MOSFETs capable of supporting 10A continuous load. The MAX17016 is available in a small 40-pin,
6mm x 6mm TQFN package.
Ordering Information
VCC
The controller senses the current across the sense
resistor series with the synchronous rectifier to achieve
highly accurate valley current-limit protection.
PGOOD
The MAX17024 pulse-width modulation (PWM) controller provides high efficiency, excellent transient
response, and high DC-output accuracy needed for
stepping down high-voltage batteries to generate lowvoltage core or chipset/RAM bias supplies in notebook
computers. The output voltage can be controlled using
the dynamic REFIN, which supports input voltages
between 0 to 2V. The REFIN adjustability combined
with a resistive voltage-divider on the feedback input
allows the MAX17024 to be configured for any output
voltage between 0 to 0.9 x VIN.
Maxim’s proprietary Quick-PWM™ quick-response, constant-on-time PWM control scheme handles wide
input/output voltage ratios (low-duty-cycle applications)
with ease and provides 100ns “instant-on” response to
load transients while maintaining a relatively constant
switching frequency. Strong drivers allow the MAX17024
to efficiently drive large synchronous-rectifier MOSFETs.
Features
Quick-PWM with Fast Transient Response
Supports Any Output Capacitor
No Compensation Required with
Polymers/Tantalum
Stable with Ceramic Output Capacitors Using
External Compensation
Precision 2V ±10mV Reference
Dynamically Adjustable Output Voltage
(0 to 0.9 x VIN Range)
Feedback Input Regulates to 0 to 2V REFIN
Voltage
0.5% VOUT Accuracy Over Line and Load
26V Maximum Input Voltage Rating
Resistively Programmable Switching Frequency
Undervoltage/Thermal Protection
Voltage Soft-Start and Soft-Shutdown
Monotonic Power-Up with Precharged Output
Power-Good Window Comparator
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
GPU Core Supply
DDR Memory—VDDQ or VTT
Point-of-Load Applications
MAX17024
Step-Down Power Supply
4
5
6
7
DH
BST
TON
DL
3
LX
2
N.C.
1
VDD
GND
TDFN
(3mm x 3mm)
Quick-PWM is a trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
________________________________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct at 1-888-629-4642,
or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.
1
MAX17024
General Description
MAX17024
Single Quick-PWM Step-Down
Controller with Dynamic REFIN
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
TON to GND ...........................................................-0.3V to +28V
VDD to GND ..............................................................-0.3V to +6V
VCC to GND ................................................-0.3V to (VDD + 0.3V)
EN, PGOOD to GND.................................................-0.3V to +6V
REF, REFIN to GND ....................................-0.3V to (VCC + 0.3V)
CS, FB to GND ...........................................-0.3V to (VCC + 0.3V)
DL to GND ..................................................-0.3V to (VDD + 0.3V)
BST to GND .................................................(VDD - 0.3V) to +34V
BST to LX..................................................................-0.3V to +6V
BST to VDD .............................................................-0.3V to +28V
DH to LX ....................................................-0.3V to (VBST + 0.3V)
REF Short Circuit to GND ...........................................Continuous
Continuous Power Dissipation (TA = +70°C)
14-Pin 3mm x 3mm TDFN
(derated 24.4mW/°C above +70°C)....................1951mW
Operating Temperature Range (extended) .........-40°C to +85°C
Junction Temperature ......................................................+150°C
Storage Temperature Range .............................-65°C to +150°C
Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s) .................................+300°C
Stresses beyond those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional
operation of the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the operational sections of the specifications is not implied. Exposure to
absolute maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(Circuit of Figure 1, VIN = 12V, VDD = VCC = VEN = 5V, REFIN = REF. TA = 0°C to +85°C, unless otherwise specified. Typical values
are at TA = +25°C.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER
SYMBOL
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
26
V
PWM CONTROLLER
Input Voltage Range
VIN
2
Quiescent Supply Current (VDD)
IDD + ICC
FB forced above REFIN
0.7
1.2
mA
Shutdown Supply Current (VDD)
I SHDN
EN = GND, TA = +25°C
0.1
2
µA
VDD-to-VCC Resistance
RCC
On-Time
t ON
Minimum Off-Time
t OFF(MIN)
TON Shutdown Supply Current
RTON = 97.5k (600kHz)
118
139
RTON = 200k (300kHz)
RTON = 302.5k
250
278
306
354
417
480
(Note 3)
200
300
ns
EN = GND, VTON = 26V,
VCC = 0V or 5V, TA = +25°C
0.01
1
µA
VIN = 12V,
VFB = 1.0V
(Note 3)
REFIN Voltage Range
VREFIN
(Note 2)
REFIN Input Current
IREFIN
REFIN = 0.5V to 2V, TA = +25°C
(Note 2)
FB Voltage Range
VFB
TA = +25°C
VREFIN = 0.5V,
measured at FB,
VIN = 2V to 26V TA = 0°C to +85°C
FB Voltage Accuracy
VFB
VREFIN = 1.0V
VREFIN = 2.0V
FB Input Bias Current
IFB
20
ns
0
VREF
V
-50
+50
nA
VREF
V
0
0.495
0.5
0.493
TA = +25°C
0.995
TA = 0°C to +85°C
0.993
TA = 0°C to +85°C
1.990
0.5V to 2.0V, TA = +25°C
160
0.505
0.507
1.0
1.005
2.0
2.010
V
1.007
-0.1
+0.1
FB Output Low Voltage
I SINK = 3mA
Load-Regulation Error
VCS = 2mV to 20mV
0.1
%
Line-Regulation Error
VCC = 4.5V to 5.5V, VIN = 4.5V to 26V
0.25
%
Soft-Start/Stop Slew Rate
Dynamic REFIN Slew Rate
2
SSSR
DYNSR
Rising/falling edge on EN
Rising edge on REFIN
0.4
µA
V
0.4
1.2
2.2
mV/µs
3
9.45
18
mV/µs
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Single Quick-PWM Step-Down
Controller with Dynamic REFIN
(Circuit of Figure 1, VIN = 12V, VDD = VCC = VEN = 5V, REFIN = REF. TA = 0°C to +85°C, unless otherwise specified. Typical values
are at TA = +25°C.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER
SYMBOL
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
No load
1.990
2.00
2.010
IREF = -10µA to +50µA
1.98
2.00
2.02
250
300
350
UNITS
REFERENCE
Reference Voltage
VREF
VCC = 4.5V
to 5.5V
V
FAULT DETECTION
With respect to the internal target voltage
(error comparator threshold); rising edge;
hysteresis = 50mV
Upper PGOOD Trip Threshold
VPGOOD_H
VREF +
0.30
Dynamic transition
Minimum V PGOOD_H threshold
Lower PGOOD Trip Threshold
Output Undervoltage
Fault-Propagation Delay
PGOOD Propagation Delay
With respect to the internal target voltage
VPGOOD_L (error comparator threshold) falling edge;
hysteresis = 50mV
tUVP
t PGOOD
FB forced 25mV below V PGOOD_L
trip threshold
PGOOD Leakage Current
Dynamic REFIN Transition Fault
Blanking Threshold
Thermal-Shutdown Threshold
VCC Undervoltage Lockout
Threshold
-240
-200
-160
mV
100
200
350
µs
5
VPGOOD_H rising edge, 25mV overdrive
5
100
200
I SINK = 3mA
I PGOOD
T SHDN
VUVLO(VCC)
V
0.7
VPGOOD_L falling edge, 25mV overdrive
Startup delay
PGOOD Output Low Voltage
mV
FB = REFIN (PGOOD high impedance),
PGOOD forced to 5V, TA = +25°C
µs
350
0.4
V
1
µA
Fault blanking initiated; REFIN deviation
from the internal target voltage (error
comparator threshold); hysteresis = 10mV
±50
mV
Hysteresis = 15°C
160
°C
Rising edge, PWM disabled below this
level; hysteresis = 100mV
3.95
4.2
4.45
V
18
20
22
mV
CURRENT LIMIT
Current-Limit Threshold
VCS
Current-Limit Threshold
(Negative)
VINEG
Current-Limit Threshold
(Zero Crossing)
VZX
VGND - VCS
CS Input Current
ICS
VCS = ±200mV, TA = +25°C
-1
-24
mV
1
mV
+1
µA
_______________________________________________________________________________________
3
MAX17024
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
MAX17024
Single Quick-PWM Step-Down
Controller with Dynamic REFIN
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
(Circuit of Figure 1, VIN = 12V, VDD = VCC = VEN = 5V, REFIN = REF. TA = 0°C to +85°C, unless otherwise specified. Typical values
are at TA = +25°C.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER
SYMBOL
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
Low state
1.2
3.5
High state (pullup)
1.2
3.5
UNITS
GATE DRIVERS
DH Gate Driver On-Resistance
R ON(DH)
DL Gate Driver On-Resistance
R ON(DL)
DH Gate Driver Source/
Sink Current
DL Gate Driver Source Current
DL Gate Driver Sink Current
IDH
BST - LX forced to 5V
High state (pullup)
1.7
4
Low state (pulldown)
0.9
2
DH forced to 2.5V, BST - LX forced to 5V
1.5
A
1
A
2.4
A
IDL(SOURCE) DL forced to 2.5V
IDL(SINK)
Driver Propagation Delay
DL Transition Time
DL forced to 2.5V
DH low to DL high
10
25
DL low to DH high
15
35
DL falling, CDL = 3nF
20
DL rising, CDL = 3nF
20
ns
ns
DH falling, CDH = 3nF
20
DH rising, CDH = 3nF
20
RBST
IBST = 10mA, VDD = 5V
4
7
EN Logic-Input Threshold
VEN
EN rising edge, hysteresis = 450mV (typ)
1.20
1.7
2.20
V
EN Logic-Input Current
I EN
EN forced to GND or VDD, TA = +25°C
-0.5
+0.5
µA
DH Transition Time
Internal BST Switch On-Resistance
ns
INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(Circuit of Figure 1, VIN = 12V, VDD = VCC = VEN = 5V, REFIN = REF. TA = -40°C to +85°C, unless otherwise specified.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER
SYMBOL
CONDITIONS
MIN
MAX
UNITS
PWM CONTROLLER
Input Voltage Range
Quiescent Supply Current (VDD)
On-Time
Minimum Off-Time
REFIN Voltage Range
FB Voltage Range
FB Voltage Accuracy
FB Output Low Voltage
4
VIN
IDD + ICC
t ON
2
FB forced above REFIN
VIN = 12V,
VFB = 1.0V
(Note 3)
26
V
1.2
mA
RTON = 97.5k (600kHz)
115
RTON = 200k (300kHz)
250
163
306
RTON = 302.5k (200kHz)
348
486
ns
t OFF(MIN)
(Note 3)
350
ns
VREFIN
(Note 2)
0
VREF
V
VFB
(Note 2)
0
VREF
V
0.49
0.51
VFB
VREFIN = 0.5V
Measured at FB,
VREFIN = 1.0V
VIN = 2V to 26V
VREFIN = 2.0V
0.99
1.01
1.985
2.015
I SOURCE = 3mA
_______________________________________________________________________________________
0.4
V
V
Single Quick-PWM Step-Down
Controller with Dynamic REFIN
(Circuit of Figure 1, VIN = 12V, VDD = VCC = VEN = 5V, REFIN = REF. TA = -40°C to +85°C, unless otherwise specified.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER
SYMBOL
CONDITIONS
MIN
MAX
UNITS
1.985
2.015
V
REFERENCE
Reference Voltage
VREF
VDD = 4.5V to 5.5V
FAULT DETECTION
Upper PGOOD Trip Threshold
With respect to the internal target voltage
VPGOOD_H (error comparator threshold) rising edge;
hysteresis = 50mV
250
350
mV
Lower PGOOD Trip Threshold
With respect to the internal target voltage
VPGOOD_L (error comparator threshold)
falling edge; hysteresis = 50mV
-240
-160
mV
80
400
µs
0.4
V
3.95
4.45
V
17
23
mV
Output Undervoltage
Fault-Propagation Delay
tUVP
PGOOD Output Low Voltage
VCC Undervoltage Lockout
Threshold
FB forced 25mV below V PGOOD_L
trip threshold
I SINK = 3mA
VUVLO(VCC)
Rising edge, PWM disabled below this level,
hysteresis = 100mV
CURRENT LIMIT
Current-Limit Threshold
VCS
GATE DRIVERS
DH Gate Driver On-Resistance
R ON(DH)
DL Gate Driver On-Resistance
R ON(DL)
Internal BST Switch On-Resistance
BST - LX forced Low state (pulldown)
to 5V
High state (pullup)
3.5
3.5
High state (pullup)
4
Low state (pulldown)
2
RBST
IBST = 10mA, VDD = 5V
7
VEN
EN rising edge hysteresis = 450mV (typ)
2.20
V
INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
EN Logic-Input Threshold
1.20
Note 1: Limits are 100% production tested at TA = +25°C. Maximum and minimum limits over temperature are guaranteed by
design and characterization.
Note 2: The 0 to 0.5V range is guaranteed by design, not production tested.
Note 3: On-time and off-time specifications are measured from 50% point to 50% point at the DH pin with LX = GND, VBST = 5V,
and a 250pF capacitor connected from DH to LX. Actual in-circuit times can differ due to MOSFET switching speeds.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
5
MAX17024
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
Typical Operating Characteristics
(MAX17024 Circuit of Figure 1, VIN = 12V, VDD = 5V, RTON = 200kΩ, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
85
80
12V
20V
75
1.51
85
80
75
65
65
1.0
10
20V
0.01
0.1
1
0.01
10
0.1
1.0
10
LOAD CURRENT (A)
LOAD CURRENT (A)
LOAD CURRENT (A)
1.05V OUTPUT VOLTAGE
vs. LOAD CURRENT
SWITCHING FREQUENCY
vs. LOAD CURRENT
SWITCHING FREQUENCY
vs. TEMPERATURE
1.054
1.052
250
200
150
100
50
0.01
0.1
1
340
ILOAD = 5A
330
VIN = 12V
VOUT = 1.5V
320
0.01
10
ILOAD = 10A
350
VIN = 12V
VOUT = 1.5V
0
1.050
MAX17024 toc06
MAX17024 toc05
300
360
SWITCHING FREQUENCY (kHz)
1.056
350
SWITCHING FREQUENCY (kHz)
MAX17024 toc04
1.058
0.1
-40
10
1
-20
0
20
40
60
80
LOAD CURRENT (A)
LOAD CURRENT (A)
TEMPERATURE (°C)
MAXIMUM OUTPUT CURRENT
vs. INPUT VOLTAGE
MAXIMUM OUTPUT CURRENT
vs. TEMPERATURE
NO-LOAD SUPPLY CURRENT IBIAS
vs. INPUT VOLTAGE
10.8
10.6
10.4
10.2
10.0
9.8
11.0
12
15
18
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
21
MAX17024 toc09
0.50
0.40
10.5
0.30
VOUT = 1.5V
VOUT = 1.5V
10.0
9
0.70
0.60
VOUT = 1.5V
9.6
24
100
11.5
IBIAS (mA)
11.0
0.80
MAX17024 toc08
11.2
12.0
MAXIMUM OUTPUT CURRENT (A)
MAX17024 toc07
11.4
6
12V
60
1.50
0.1
1.060
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
1.52
70
0.01
7V
90
70
60
6
95
EFFICIENCY (%)
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
EFFICIENCY (%)
90
100
MAX17024 toc02
7V
95
1.53
MAX17024 toc01
100
1.05V OUTPUT EFFICIENCY
vs. LOAD CURRENT
1.5V OUTPUT VOLTAGE
vs. LOAD CURRENT
MAX17024 toc03
1.5V OUTPUT EFFICIENCY
vs. LOAD CURRENT
MAXIMUM OUTPUT CURRENT (A)
MAX17024
Single Quick-PWM Step-Down
Controller with Dynamic REFIN
0.20
-40
-20
0
20
40
60
TEMPERATURE (°C)
80
100
6
8
10
12
14
16
18 20
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
_______________________________________________________________________________________
22
24
Single Quick-PWM Step-Down
Controller with Dynamic REFIN
1.993
8
10
12
14
16
18 20
22
24
-10
0
10
20
30
40
50
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
LOAD CURRENT (µA)
OFFSET VOLTAGE (mV)
CURRENT-LIMIT THRESHOLD
VOLTAGE DISTRIBUTION
SOFT-START WAVEFORM
(HEAVY LOAD)
SOFT-START WAVEFORM
(LIGHT LOAD)
SAMPLE SIZE = 100
+85°C
+25°C
30
MAX17024 toc13
MAX17024 toc14
50
5V
0
5V
5V
A
B
0
5V
B
C
0
6A
C
0
D
0
22.0
21.6
21.2
20.8
20.4
20.0
19.6
19.2
18.8
18.4
18.0
1.5V
D
0
CS THRESHOLD VOLTAGE (mV)
MAX17024 toc12
A
0
1.5V
10
0
MAX17024 toc15
0
20
2.5
0
1.990
6
2.0
VOUT = 1.5V
10
1.5
1.991
1.0
1.992
0.02
20
0
0.04
0
SAMPLE PERCENTAGE (%)
1.994
30
0.5
0.06
1.995
-0.5
0.08
1.996
40
+25°C
-1.0
0.10
1.997
SAMPLE SIZE = 100
+85°C
-1.5
0.12
1.998
50
-2.0
IIN (mA)
0.14
1.999
-2.5
0.16
2.000
MAX17024 toc11
0.18
REF OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
MAX17024 toc10
0.20
40
REFIN-TO-FB OFFSET
VOLTAGE DISTRIBUTION
REF OUTPUT VOLTAGE
vs. LOAD CURRENT
SAMPLE PERCENTAGE (%)
NO-LOAD SUPPLY CURRENT IIN
vs. INPUT VOLTAGE
A. EN, 5V/div
B. PWRGD, 5V/div
IOUT = 6A
200µs/div
C. VOUT, 1V/div
D. INDUCTOR CURRENT,
10A/div
A. EN, 5V/div
B. PWRGD, 5V/div
200µs/div
C. VOUT, 1V/div
D. INDUCTOR CURRENT,
10A/div
IOUT = 1A
_______________________________________________________________________________________
7
MAX17024
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(MAX17024 Circuit of Figure 1, VIN = 12V, VDD = 5V, RTON = 200kΩ, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
MAX17024
Single Quick-PWM Step-Down
Controller with Dynamic REFIN
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(MAX17024 Circuit of Figure 1, VIN = 12V, VDD = 5V, RTON = 200kΩ, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
SHUTDOWN WAVEFORM
LOAD-TRANSIENT RESPONSE
MAX17024 toc17
MAX17024 toc16
8A
5V
A
0
5V
1A
A
1.53V
B
0
5V
C
0
1.5V
B
1.49V
10A
D
0
C
0A
E
0
A. EN, 5V/div
B. PWRGD, 5V/div
C. DL, 5V/div
200µs/div
D. VOUT, 1V/div
E. INDUCTOR CURRENT,
5A/div
A. IOUT 10A/div
B. VOUT, 20mV/div
20µs/div
C. INDUCTOR CURRENT, 5A/div
IOUT = 1A TO 8A TO 1A
IOUT = 6A
DYNAMIC OUTPUT-VOLTAGE TRANSITION
OUTPUT OVERLOAD WAVEFORM
MAX17024 toc19
MAX17024 toc18
1.5V
14A
A
1.05V
0
A
1.5V
1.5V
B
0
5V
B
0
C
1.05V
10A
C
0
12V
5V
D
0
200µs/div
A. INDUCTOR CURRENT,
C. DL, 5V/div
10A/div
D. PGOOD, 5V/div
B. VOUT, 1V/div
D
0
A. REFIN, 500mV/div
B. VOUT, 200mV/div
40µs/div
C. INDUCTOR CURRENT,
10A/div
D. LX, 10V/div
IOUT = 2A
IOUT = 2A TO 14A
8
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Single Quick-PWM Step-Down
Controller with Dynamic REFIN
PIN
NAME
FUNCTION
1
VDD
Supply Voltage Input for the DL Gate Driver. Connect to the system supply voltage (+4.5V to
+5.5V). Bypass VDD to power ground with a 1µF or greater ceramic capacitor.
2
DL
Low-Side Gate Driver. DL swings from GND to VDD. The MAX17024 forces DL low during VCC UVLO
and REFOK lockout conditions.
3
N.C.
4
LX
Inductor Connection. Connect LX to the switched side of the inductor as shown in Figure 1.
5
DH
High-Side Gate Driver. DH swings from LX to BST. The MAX17024 pulls DH low whenever the
controller is disabled.
6
BST
Boost Flying-Capacitor Connection. Connect to an external 0.1µF 6V capacitor as shown in Figure 1.
The MAX17024 contains an internal boost switch/diode (see Figure 2).
Not Connected
Switching Frequency-Setting Input. An external resistor between the input power source and TON
sets the switching period (TSW = 1 / f SW) according to the following equation:
7
TON
⎛ V
⎞
TSW = CTON (RTON + 6.5kΩ)⎜ FB ⎟
⎝ VOUT ⎠
where CTON = 16.26pF and VFB = VREFIN under normal operating conditions. If the TON current
drops below 10µA, the MAX17024 shuts down and enters a high-impedance state. TON is high
impedance in shutdown.
8
FB
Feedback Voltage-Sense Connection. Connect directly to the positive terminal of the output
capacitors for output voltages less than 2V as shown in Figure 1. For fixed-output voltages greater
than 2V, connect REFIN to REF and use a resistive divider to set the output voltage (Figure 4). FB
senses the output voltage to determine the on-time for the high-side switching MOSFET.
9
CS
Current-Sense Input Pin. Connect to low-side MOSFET current-sense resistor. The current-limit
threshold is 20mV (typ).
External Reference Input. REFIN sets the feedback regulation voltage (VFB = VREFIN) of the
MAX17024 using the resistor-divider connected between REF and GND. The MAX17024 includes
an internal window comparator to detect REFIN voltage transitions, allowing the controller to blank
PGOOD and the fault protection.
10
REFIN
11
REF
2V Reference Voltage. Bypass to analog ground using a 470pF to 1nF ceramic capacitor. The
reference can source up to 50µA for external loads.
12
EN
Shutdown Control Input. Connect to VDD for normal operation. Pull EN low to place the controller
into its 2µA shutdown state. When disabled, the MAX17024 slowly ramps down the target/output
voltage to ground and after the target voltage reaches 0.1V, the controller forces both DH and DL
low and enters the low-power shutdown state. Toggle EN to clear the fault-protection latch.
13
VCC
5V Analog Supply Voltage. Internally connected to VDD through an internal 20 resistor. Bypass
VCC to analog ground using a 1µF ceramic capacitor.
14
PGOOD
EP
(15)
GND
Open-Drain Power-Good Output. PGOOD is low when the output voltage is more than 200mV (typ)
below or 300mV (typ) above the target voltage (VREFIN) during soft-start and soft-shutdown. After the
soft-start circuit has terminated, PGOOD becomes high impedance if the output is in regulation.
PGOOD is blanked—forced high-impedance state—when a dynamic REFIN transition is detected.
Ground/Exposed Pad. Internally connected to the controller’s ground plane and substrate.
Connect directly to ground.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
9
MAX17024
Pin Description
MAX17024
Single Quick-PWM Step-Down
Controller with Dynamic REFIN
1
5V BIAS
SUPPLY
C1
4.7µF
C2
1µF
MAX17024 DH
PWR
R4
100kΩ
12
OFF
C3
1nF
AGND
R3
97.6kΩ
11
DL
PGOOD
CS
EN
INPUT
7V TO 24V
6
5
CIN
CBST
0.1µF
PWR
L1
4
2
D1
OUTPUT
1.05V/1.50V
10A (MAX)
COUT
PWR
9
REF
FB
R1
49.9kΩ
10
RTON
200kΩ
RCS
2mΩ
PWR
8
REFIN
R2
54.9kΩ
AGND
LO
VCC
LX
14
ON
TON
BST
13
AGND
VDD
7
GND
(EP)
AGND
PWR
HI
AGND
Figure 1. MAX17024 Standard Application Circuit
Table 1. Component Suppliers
MANUFACTURER
WEBSITE
MANUFACTURER
WEBSITE
AVX
www.avxcorp.com
Panasonic
www.panasonic.com
BI Technologies
www.bitechnologies.com
Pulse
www.pulseeng.com
Central
Semiconductor
www.centralsemi.com
Coiltronics
www.cooperet.com
Fairchild
Semiconductor
www.fairchildsemi.com
International Rectifier
www.irf.com
TDK
www.component.tdk.com
KEMET
www.kemet.com
TOKO
www.tokoam.com
NEC Tokin
www.nec-tokin.com
Toshiba
www.toshiba.com
Wurth
www.we-online.com
Standard Application Circuit
The MAX17024 standard application circuit (Figure 1)
generates a 1.5V or 1.05V output rail for general-purpose
use in a notebook computer. Table 1 lists the component manufacturers.
Detailed Description
The MAX17024 step-down controller is ideal for the
low-duty-cycle (high-input voltage to low-output voltage) applications required by notebook computers.
10
Renesas
www.renesas.com
SANYO
www.edc.sanyo.com
Siliconix (Vishay)
www.vishay.com
Sumida
www.sumida.com
Taiyo Yuden
www.t-yuden.com
Maxim’s proprietary Quick-PWM pulse-width modulator
in the MAX17024 is specifically designed for handling
fast load steps while maintaining a relatively constant
operating frequency and inductor operating point over
a wide range of input voltages. The Quick-PWM architecture circumvents the poor load-transient timing
problems of fixed-frequency, current-mode PWMs while
also avoiding the problems caused by widely varying
switching frequencies in conventional constant-on-time
(regardless of input voltage) PFM control schemes.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Single Quick-PWM Step-Down
Controller with Dynamic REFIN
TON
ON-TIME
COMPUTE
IBIAS = IQ + fSWQG = 2mA to 20mA (typ)
The MAX17024 includes a 20Ω resistor between VDD
and VCC, simplifying the PCB layout request.
Free-Running Constant-On-Time PWM
Controller with Input Feed-Forward
The Quick-PWM control architecture is a pseudo-fixedfrequency, constant on-time, current-mode regulator
with voltage feed-forward (Figure 2). This architecture
relies on the output filter capacitor’s ESR to act as a current-sense resistor, so the output ripple voltage provides
the PWM ramp signal. The control algorithm is simple:
the high-side switch on-time is determined solely by a
tOFF(MIN)
IN
OUT
ONE-SHOT
S
tON
TRIG
BST
TRIG
Q
Q
DH
Q
LX
R
ONE-SHOT
INTEGRATOR
(CCV)
ERROR
AMPLIFIER
VDD
DL
S
Q
R
FB
GND
EA + 0.3V
ZERO CROSSING
CS
PGOOD
AND FAULT
PROTECTION
VALLEY CURRENT LIMIT
REF
EA - 0.2V
EN
SOFTSTART/STOP
PGOOD
2V
REF
VCC
REFIN
EA
BLANK
MAX17024
DYNAMIC OUTPUT
TRANSITION DETECTION
Figure 2. MAX17024 Functional Block Diagram
______________________________________________________________________________________
11
MAX17024
+5V Bias Supply (VCC/VDD)
The MAX17024 requires an external 5V bias supply in
addition to the battery. Typically, this 5V bias supply is
the notebook’s main 95% efficient 5V system supply.
Keeping the bias supply external to the IC improves
efficiency and eliminates the cost associated with the
5V linear regulator that would otherwise be needed to
supply the PWM circuit and gate drivers. If stand-alone
capability is needed, the 5V supply can be generated
with an external linear regulator, such as the MAX1615.
The 5V bias supply powers both the PWM controller
and internal gate drive, so the maximum current drawn
is determined by:
MAX17024
Single Quick-PWM Step-Down
Controller with Dynamic REFIN
one-shot whose pulse width that is inversely proportional to input voltage and directly proportional to output
voltage. Another one-shot sets a minimum off-time
(200ns typ). The on-time one-shot is triggered if the
error comparator is low, the low-side switch current is
below the valley current-limit threshold, and the minimum off-time one-shot has timed out.
On-Time One-Shot
The heart of the PWM core is the one-shot that sets the
high-side switch on-time. This fast, low-jitter, adjustable
one-shot includes circuitry that varies the on-time in
response to input and output voltage. The high-side
switch on-time is inversely proportional to the input voltage as sensed by the TON input, and proportional to
the feedback voltage as sensed by the FB input:
On-Time (tON) = TSW (VFB / VIN)
where TSW (switching period) is set by the resistance
(RTON) between TON and VIN. This algorithm results in
a nearly constant switching frequency despite the lack
of a fixed-frequency clock generator. Connect a resistor (RTON) between TON and VIN to set the switching
period TSW = 1 / fSW:
⎛ V
⎞
TSW = CTON (RTON + 6.5kΩ)⎜ FB ⎟
⎝ VOUT ⎠
where CTON = 16.26pF. When used with unity-gain feedback (VOUT = VFB), a 96.75kΩ to 303.25kΩ corresponds
to switching periods of 167ns (600kHz) to 500ns
(200kHz), respectively. High-frequency (600kHz) operation optimizes the application for the smallest component size, trading off efficiency due to higher switching
losses. This may be acceptable in ultra-portable devices
where the load currents are lower and the controller is
powered from a lower voltage supply. Low-frequency
(200kHz) operation offers the best overall efficiency at
the expense of component size and board space.
For continuous conduction operation, the actual switching
frequency can be estimated by:
fSW =
VFB + VDIS
t ON (VIN − VCHG +VDIS)
where VDIS is the sum of the parasitic voltage drops in
the inductor discharge path, including synchronous rectifier, inductor, and PCB resistances; VCHG is the sum of
the resistances in the charging path, including the highside switch, inductor, and PCB resistances; and tON is
the on-time calculated by the MAX17024.
12
Power-Up Sequence (POR, UVLO)
The MAX17024 is enabled when EN is driven high, and
the 5V bias supply (V DD) is present. The reference
powers up first. Once the reference exceeds its UVLO
threshold, the internal analog blocks are turned on and
masked by a 50µs one-shot delay to allow the bias circuitry and analog blocks enough time to settle to their
proper states. With the control circuitry reliably powered up, the PWM controller may begin switching.
Power-on reset (POR) occurs when VCC rises above
approximately 3V, resetting the fault latch and preparing the controller for operation. The VCC UVLO circuitry
inhibits switching until VCC rises above 4.25V. The controller powers up the reference once the system
enables the controller, VCC exceeds 4.25V, and EN is
driven high. With the reference in regulation, the controller ramps the output voltage to the target REFIN voltage with a 1.2mV/µs slew rate:
t START =
VFB
VFB
=
1.2mV / µs 1.2V / ms
The soft-start circuitry does not use a variable current
limit, so full output current is available immediately.
PGOOD becomes high impedance approximately
200µs after the target REFIN voltage has been reached.
The MAX17024 automatically uses pulse-skipping mode
during soft-start and uses forced-PWM mode during
soft-shutdown.
For automatic startup, the battery voltage should be
present before VCC. If the controller attempts to bring
the output into regulation without the battery voltage
present, the fault latch trips. The controller remains shut
down until the fault latch is cleared by toggling EN or
cycling the VCC power supply below 0.5V.
If the VCC voltage drops below 4.25V, the controller
assumes that there is not enough supply voltage to
make valid decisions. To protect the output from overvoltage faults, the controller shuts down immediately
and forces a high-impedance output (DL and DH
pulled low).
Shutdown
When the system pulls EN low, the MAX17024 enters
low-power shutdown mode. PGOOD is pulled low
immediately, and the output voltage ramps down with a
1.2mV/µs slew rate:
t SHDN =
VFB
VFB
=
1.2mV / µs 1.2V / ms
______________________________________________________________________________________
Single Quick-PWM Step-Down
Controller with Dynamic REFIN
When a fault condition—output UVP or thermal shutdown—activates the shutdown sequence, the protection
circuitry sets the fault latch to prevent the controller from
restarting. To clear the fault latch and reactivate the
controller, toggle EN or cycle VCC power below 0.5V.
The MAX17024 automatically uses pulse-skipping
mode during soft-start and uses forced-PWM mode
during soft-shutdown.
Automatic Pulse-Skipping
The MAX17024 permanently operates in automatic skip
mode. An inherent automatic switchover to PFM takes
place at light loads. This switchover is affected by a
comparator that truncates the low-side switch on-time
at the inductor current’s zero crossing. The zero-crossing comparator threshold is set by the differential
across the low-side MOSFET sense resistor.
The controller automatically transitions to fixed-frequency
PWM operation when the load reaches the same critical
condition point (ILOAD(SKIP)) that occurs at the skip and
the PWM boundary.
DC output-accuracy specifications refer to the threshold of the error comparator. When the inductor is in
continuous conduction, the MAX17024 regulates the
valley of the output ripple, so the actual DC output voltage is higher than the trip level by 50% of the output
ripple voltage. In discontinuous conduction (IOUT <
ILOAD(SKIP)), the output voltage has a DC regulation
level higher than the error-comparator threshold by
approximately 1.5% due to slope compensation.
Since the output is not able to sink current, the timing for
negative dynamic output-voltage transitions depends on
the load current and output capacitance. Letting the
output voltage drift down is typically recommended to
reduce the potential for audible noise since this eliminates the input current surge during negative outputvoltage transitions.
Valley Current-Limit Protection
The current-limit circuit employs a unique “valley” current-sensing algorithm that senses the inductor current
through the low-side MOSFET sense resistor. If the current through the low-side MOSFET exceeds the valley
current-limit threshold, the PWM controller is not
allowed to initiate a new cycle. The actual peak current
is greater than the valley current-limit threshold by an
amount equal to the inductor ripple current. Therefore,
the exact current-limit characteristic and maximum load
capability are a function of the inductor value and input
voltage. When combined with the undervoltage protection circuit, this current-limit method is effective in
almost every circumstance.
Integrated Output Voltage
The MAX17024 regulates the valley of the output ripple,
so the actual DC output voltage is higher than the slopecompensated target by 50% of the output ripple voltage.
Under steady-state conditions, the MAX17024’s internal
integrator corrects for this 50% output ripple-voltage
error, resulting in an output voltage accuracy that is
dependent only on the offset voltage of the integrator
amplifier provided in the Electrical Characteristics table.
Dynamic Output Voltages
The MAX17024 regulates FB to the voltage set at REFIN.
By changing the voltage at REFIN (Figure 1), the
MAX17024 can be used in applications that require
dynamic output-voltage changes between two set
points. For a step-voltage change at REFIN, the rate of
change of the output voltage is limited either by the
internal 9.45mV/µs slew-rate circuit or by the component
selection—inductor current ramp, the total output
capacitance, the current limit, and the load during the
transition—whichever is slower. The total output capacitance determines how much current is needed to
change the output voltage, while the inductor limits the
current ramp rate. Additional load current may slow
down the output voltage change during a positive REFIN
voltage change, and may speed up the output voltage
change during a negative REFIN voltage change.
______________________________________________________________________________________
13
MAX17024
Slowly discharging the output capacitors by slewing
the output over a long period of time (typically 0.5ms to
2ms) keeps the average negative inductor current low
(damped response), thereby preventing the negative
output-voltage excursion that occurs when the controller discharges the output quickly by permanently
turning on the low-side MOSFET (underdamped
response). This eliminates the need for the Schottky
diode normally connected between the output and
ground to clamp the negative output-voltage excursion.
After the controller reaches the zero target, the
MAX17024 shuts down completely—the drivers are disabled (DL and DH pulled low)—the reference turns off,
activates 10Ω pulldown on FB, and the supply currents
drop to about 0.1µA (typ).
MAX17024
Single Quick-PWM Step-Down
Controller with Dynamic REFIN
1
5V BIAS
SUPPLY
C1
4.7µF
VDD
TON
7
RTON
332kΩ
INPUT
7V TO 24V
CIN
BST
6
PWR
C2
1µF
CBST
0.1µF
MAX17024
13
DH
VCC
PWR
5
AGND
R4
100kΩ
LX
14
ON
12
OFF
C3
1nF
PGOOD
DL
EN
CS
L1
4
OUTPUT
3.3V
COUT
R6
13.0kΩ
2
PWR
9
RCS
11
REF
AGND
FB
10
8
PWR
REFIN
GND
(EP)
R7
20.0kΩ
AGND
AGND
PWR
Figure 3. High Output-Voltage Application Using a Feedback Divider
Output Voltages Greater than 2V
Although REFIN is limited to a 0 to 2V range, the output-voltage range is unlimited since the MAX17024 utilizes a high-impedance feedback input (FB). By adding
a resistive voltage-divider from the output to FB to analog ground (Figure 3), the MAX17024 supports output
voltages above 2V. However, the controller also uses
FB to determine the on-time, so the voltage-divider
influences the actual switching frequency, as detailed
in the On-Time One-Shot section.
14
Internal Integration
An integrator amplifier forces the DC average of the FB
voltage to equal the target voltage. This internal amplifier integrates the feedback voltage and provides a fine
adjustment to the regulation voltage (Figure 2), allowing
accurate DC output-voltage regulation regardless of the
compensated feedback ripple voltage and internal
slope-compensation variation. The integrator amplifier
has the ability to shift the output voltage by ±55mV (typ).
The MAX17024 disables the integrator by connecting the
amplifier inputs together at the beginning of all downward
REFIN transitions done in pulse-skipping mode. The integrator remains disabled until 20µs after the transition is
completed (the internal target settles) and the output is in
regulation (edge detected on the error comparator).
______________________________________________________________________________________
Single Quick-PWM Step-Down
Controller with Dynamic REFIN
PGOOD is the open-drain output that continuously
monitors the output voltage for undervoltage and overvoltage conditions. PGOOD is actively held low in shutdown (EN = GND) during soft-start and soft-shutdown.
Approximately 200µs (typ) after the soft-start terminates, PGOOD becomes high impedance as long as
the feedback voltage is above the PGOOD_L threshold
(REFIN - 200mV) and below the PGOOD_H threshold
(REFIN + 300mV). PGOOD goes low if the feedback
voltage drops 200mV below the target voltage (REFIN)
or rises 300mV above the target voltage (REFIN), or the
SMPS controller is shut down. For a logic-level PGOOD
output voltage, connect an external pullup resistor
between PGOOD and VDD. A 100kΩ pullup resistor
works well in most applications. Figure 4 shows the
power-good and fault-protection circuitry.
PGOOD
When the feedback voltage drops 200mV below the
target voltage (REFIN), the controller immediately pulls
PGOOD low and triggers a 200µs one-shot timer. If the
feedback voltage remains below the VPGOOD_L threshold for the entire 200µs, the undervoltage fault latch is
set and the SMPS begins the shutdown sequence.
When the internal target voltage drops below 0.1V, the
MAX17024 forces DL low. Toggle EN or cycle V CC
power below V CC POR to clear the fault latch and
restart the controller.
POWER-GOOD AND FAULT PROTECTION
Thermal-Fault Protection (TSHDN)
The MAX17024 features a thermal fault-protection circuit. When the junction temperature rises above
+160°C, a thermal sensor activates the fault latch, pulls
PGOOD low, and shuts down the controller. Both DL
and DH are pulled low. Toggle EN or cycle VCC power
below VCC POR to reactivate the controller after the
junction temperature cools by 15°C.
MOSFET Gate Drivers
The DH and DL drivers are optimized for driving moderate-sized high-side and larger low-side power
MOSFETs. This is consistent with the low duty factor
seen in notebook applications, where a large V IN VOUT differential exists. The high-side gate driver (DH)
sources and sinks 1.5A, and the low-side gate driver
(DL) sources 1.0A and sinks 2.4A. This ensures robust
gate drive for high-current applications. The DH floating
high-side MOSFET driver is powered by internal boost
switch charge pumps at BST, while the DL synchronous-rectifier driver is powered directly by the 5V bias
supply (VDD).
Adaptive dead-time circuits monitor the DL and DH drivers and prevent either FET from turning on until the
other is fully off. The adaptive driver dead time allows
operation without shoot-through with a wide range of
MOSFETs, minimizing delays and maintaining efficiency.
TARGET
- 200mV
TARGET
+ 300mV
FB
EN
VPGOOD_H
SOFT-START
COMPLETE
VPGOOD_L
ONESHOT
200µs
UV FAULT
LATCH
UV FAULT
POWER-GOOD
IN
OUT
CLK
Figure 4. Power-Good and Fault Protection
______________________________________________________________________________________
15
MAX17024
Power-Good Outputs (PGOOD)
and Fault Protection
MAX17024
Single Quick-PWM Step-Down
Controller with Dynamic REFIN
There must be a low-resistance, low-inductance path
from the DL and DH drivers to the MOSFET gates for
the adaptive dead-time circuits to work properly; otherwise, the sense circuitry in the MAX17024 interprets the
MOSFET gates as “off” while charge actually remains.
Use very short, wide traces (50 mils to 100 mils wide if
the MOSFET is 1in from the driver).
DH
VDD
•
16
Input voltage range: The maximum value
(VIN(MAX)) must accommodate the worst-case input
supply voltage allowed by the notebook’s AC
L
CBYP
DL
NL
(CNL)*
PGND
(RBST)* OPTIONAL—THE RESISTOR LOWERS EMI BY DECREASING
THE SWITCHING NODE RISE TIME.
(CNL)* OPTIONAL—THE CAPACITOR REDUCES LX TO DL CAPACITIVE
COUPLING THAT CAN CAUSE SHOOT-THROUGH CURRENTS.
Figure 5. Gate Drive Circuit
adapter voltage. The minimum value (V IN(MIN) )
must account for the lowest input voltage after
drops due to connectors, fuses, and battery selector switches. If there is a choice at all, lower input
voltages result in better efficiency.
•
Maximum load current: There are two values to
consider. The peak load current (I LOAD(MAX) )
determines the instantaneous component stresses
and filtering requirements, and thus drives output
capacitor selection, inductor saturation rating, and
the design of the current-limit circuit. The continuous load current (ILOAD) determines the thermal
stresses and thus drives the selection of input
capacitors, MOSFETs, and other critical heat-contributing components. Most notebook loads generally exhibit ILOAD = ILOAD(MAX) x 80%.
•
Switching frequency: This choice determines the
basic trade-off between size and efficiency. The
optimal frequency is largely a function of maximum
input voltage due to MOSFET switching losses that
are proportional to frequency and VIN2. The optimum frequency is also a moving target, due to
rapid improvements in MOSFET technology that are
making higher frequencies more practical.
Quick-PWM Design Procedure
Firmly establish the input voltage range and maximum
load current before choosing a switching frequency and
inductor operating point (ripple-current ratio). The primary design trade-off lies in choosing a good switching frequency and inductor operating point, and the following
four factors dictate the rest of the design:
NH
LX
⎛C
⎞
VGS(TH) > VIN ⎜ RSS ⎟
⎝ CISS ⎠
Alternatively, shoot-through currents can be caused by
a combination of fast high-side MOSFETs and slow lowside MOSFETs. If the turn-off delay time of the low-side
MOSFET is too long, the high-side MOSFETs can turn
on before the low-side MOSFETs have actually turned
off. Adding a resistor less than 5Ω in series with BST
slows down the high-side MOSFET turn-on time, eliminating the shoot-through currents without degrading
the turn-off time (RBST in Figure 5). Slowing down the
high-side MOSFET also reduces the LX node rise time,
thereby reducing EMI and high-frequency coupling
responsible for switching noise.
INPUT (VIN)
CBST
The internal pulldown transistor that drives DL low is
robust, with a 0.9Ω (typ) on-resistance. This helps prevent DL from being pulled up due to capacitive coupling
from the drain to the gate of the low-side MOSFETs
when the inductor node (LX) quickly switches from
ground to VIN. Applications with high-input voltages and
long inductive driver traces must ensure rising LX edges
do not pull up the low-side MOSFETs’ gate, causing
shoot-through currents. The capacitive coupling
between LX and DL created by the MOSFET’s gate-todrain capacitance (CRSS), gate-to-source capacitance
(CISS - CRSS), and additional board parasitics should
not exceed the following minimum threshold:
Typically, adding a 4700pF between DL and power
ground (C NL in Figure 5), close to the low-side
MOSFETs, greatly reduces coupling. Do not exceed
22nF of total gate capacitance to prevent excessive
turn-off delays.
(RBST)*
BST
______________________________________________________________________________________
Single Quick-PWM Step-Down
Controller with Dynamic REFIN
Inductor operating point: This choice provides
trade-offs between size vs. efficiency and transient
response vs. output noise. Low inductor values provide better transient response and smaller physical
size, but also result in lower efficiency and higher
output noise due to increased ripple current. The
minimum practical inductor value is one that causes
the circuit to operate at the edge of critical conduction (where the inductor current just touches zero
with every cycle at maximum load). Inductor values
lower than this grant no further size-reduction benefit. The optimum operating point is usually found
between 20% and 50% ripple current.
Inductor Selection
The switching frequency and operating point (% ripple
current or LIR) determine the inductor value as follows:
⎛
⎞ ⎛ VOUT ⎞
VIN − VOUT
L=⎜
⎟
⎟⎜
⎝ fSWILOAD(MAX)LIR ⎠ ⎝ VIN ⎠
Find a low-loss inductor having the lowest possible DC
resistance that fits in the allotted dimensions. Ferrite
cores are often the best choice, although powdered
iron is inexpensive and can work well at 200kHz. The
core must be large enough not to saturate at the peak
inductor current (IPEAK):
IPEAK = ILOAD(MAX) +
∆IL
2
Transient Response
The inductor ripple current impacts transient-response
performance, especially at low VIN - VOUT differentials.
Low inductor values allow the inductor current to slew
faster, replenishing charge removed from the output filter capacitors by a sudden load step. The amount of
output sag is also a function of the maximum duty factor,
which can be calculated from the on-time and minimum
off-time. The worst-case output sag voltage can be
determined by:
⎤
T ⎞
2 ⎡⎛ V
L( ∆ILOAD(MAX) ) ⎢⎜ OUT SW ⎟ + t OFF(MIN) ⎥
⎝
⎠
V
IN
⎣
⎦
VSAG =
⎡⎛ (VIN − VOUT )TSW ⎞
⎤
− t OFF(MIN) ⎥
2COUT VOUT ⎢⎜
⎟
VIN
⎢⎣⎝
⎥⎦
⎠
where tOFF(MIN) is the minimum off-time (see the Electrical
Characteristics table).
The amount of overshoot due to stored inductor energy
when the load is removed can be calculated as:
VSOAR
2
∆ILOAD(MAX) ) L
(
≈
2COUT VOUT
Setting the Valley Current Limit
The minimum current-limit threshold must be high
enough to support the maximum load current when the
current limit is at the minimum tolerance value. The valley of the inductor current occurs at ILOAD(MAX) minus
half the inductor ripple current (∆IL), therefore:
ILIMIT(LOW) > ILOAD(MAX) −
∆IL
2
where ILIMIT(LOW) equals the minimum current-sense
threshold voltage (see the Electrical Characteristics
table) divided by the low-side MOSFET sense resistance RCS.
Output Capacitor Selection
The output filter capacitor must have low-enough effective series resistance (ESR) to meet output ripple and
load-transient requirements. Additionally, the ESR
impacts stability requirements. Capacitors with a high
ESR value (polymers/tantalums) do not need additional
external compensation components.
In core and chipset converters and other applications
where the output is subject to large-load transients, the
output capacitor’s size typically depends on how much
ESR is needed to prevent the output from dipping too
low under a load transient. Ignoring the sag due to
finite capacitance:
(RESR + RPCB ) ≤ ∆I
VSTEP
LOAD(MAX)
In low-voltage applications, the output capacitor’s size
often depends on how much ESR is needed to maintain
an acceptable level of output ripple voltage. The output
ripple voltage of a step-down controller equals the total
inductor ripple current multiplied by the output capacitor’s ESR. The maximum ESR to meet ripple requirements is:
⎡
⎤
VIN fSW L
RESR ≤ ⎢
⎥VRIPPLE
⎢⎣ (VIN − VOUT )VOUT ⎥⎦
where fSW is the switching frequency.
______________________________________________________________________________________
17
MAX17024
•
MAX17024
Single Quick-PWM Step-Down
Controller with Dynamic REFIN
With most chemistries (polymer, tantalum, aluminum
electrolytic), the actual capacitance value required
relates to the physical size needed to achieve low ESR
and the chemistry limits of the selected capacitor technology. Ceramic capacitors provide low ESR, but the
capacitance and voltage rating (after derating) are
determined by the capacity needed to prevent VSAG
and VSOAR from causing problems during load transients. Generally, once enough capacitance is added to
meet the overshoot requirement, undershoot at the rising load edge is no longer a problem (see the VSAG and
VSOAR equations in the Transient Response section).
Thus, the output capacitor selection requires carefully
balancing capacitor chemistry limitations (capacitance
vs. ESR vs. voltage rating) and cost. See Figure 6.
For a standard 300kHz application, the effective zero
frequency must be well below 95kHz, preferably below
50kHz. With these frequency requirements, standard
tantalum and polymer capacitors already commonly
used have typical ESR zero frequencies below 50kHz,
allowing the stability requirements to be achieved without any additional current-sense compensation. In the
standard application circuit (Figure 1), the ESR needed
to support a 15mVP-P ripple is 15mV / (10A x 0.3) =
5mΩ. Two 330µF, 9mΩ polymer capacitors in parallel
provide 4.5mΩ (max) ESR and 1 / (2π x 330µF x 9mΩ)
= 53kHz ESR zero frequency. See Figure 7.
TON
BST
Output Capacitor Stability Considerations
For Quick-PWM controllers, stability is determined by
the in-phase feedback ripple relative to the switching
frequency, which is typically dominated by the output
ESR. The boundary of instability is given by the folowing equation:
fSW
1
≥
π
2πREFFCOUT
REFF = RESR + RPCB + RCOMP
L1
LX
OUTPUT
COUT
MAX17024 DL
PWR
CS
RCS
FB
GND
AGND
STABILITY REQUIREMENT
1
RESRCOUT ≥
2fSW
PWR
PWR
Figure 6. Standard Application with Output Polymer or Tantalum
INPUT
PCB PARASITIC RESISTANCE
SENSE RESISTANCE FOR EVALUATION
CIN
BST
PWR
DH
where COUT is the total output capacitance, RESR is the
total equivalent-series resistance of the output capacitors, RPCB is the parasitic board resistance between
the output capacitors and feedback sense point, and
RCOMP is the effective resistance of the DC- or AC-coupled current-sense compensation (see Figure 8).
TON
INPUT
CIN
PWR
DH
L1
OUTPUT
MAX17024 LX
COUT
DL
CCOMP
0.1µF
CS
CLOAD
PWR
PWR
RCOMP
100Ω
OUTPUT VOLTAGE REMOTELY
SENSED NEAR POINT OF LOAD
FB
PWR
GND
AGND
PWR
STABILITY REQUIREMENT
1
1
RESRCOUT ≥
AND RCOMPCCOMP ≥
2fSW
fSW
FEEDBACK RIPPLE IN PHASE WITH INDUCTOR CURRENT
Figure 7. Remote-Sense Compensation for Stability and Noise Immunity
18
______________________________________________________________________________________
Single Quick-PWM Step-Down
Controller with Dynamic REFIN
The DC-coupling requires fewer external compensation
capacitors, but this also creates an output load line that
depends on the inductor’s DCR (parasitic resistance).
Alternatively, the current-sense information may be ACcoupled, allowing stability to be dependent only on the
inductance value and compensation components and
eliminating the DC load line.
OPTION A: DC-COUPLED CURRENT-SENSE COMPENSATION
TON
DC COMPENSATION
<> FEWER COMPENSATION COMPONENTS
<> CREATES OUTPUT LOAD LINE
<> LESS OUTPUT CAPACITANCE REQUIRED
FOR TRANSIENT RESPONSE
INPUT
CIN
BST
PWR
DH
L
LX
OUTPUT
DL
MAX17024
COUT
RSENA
RSENB
PWR
CS
CSEN
FB
PWR
GND
STABILITY REQUIREMENT
AGND
(
)
R
R
1
L
C
≥
AND LOAD LINE = SENB DCR
(RSENA || RSENB) CSEN OUT 2fSW
RSENA + RSENB
PWR
FEEDBACK RIPPLE IN-PHASE WITH INDUCTOR CURRENT
OPTION B: AC-COUPLED CURRENT-SENSE COMPENSATION
TON
AC COMPENSATION
<> NOT DEPENDENT ON ACTUAL DCR VALUE
<> NO OUTPUT LOAD LINE
INPUT
CIN
BST
PWR
DH
L
LX
OUTPUT
DL
MAX17024
COUT
RSEN
CSEN
PWR
CS
CCOMP
FB
RCOMP
PWR
GND
STABILITY REQUIREMENT
AGND
PWR
(
)
L
1
1
C
≥
AND RCOMPCCOMP ≥
RSENCSEN OUT 2fSW
fSW
FEEDBACK RIPPLE IN PHASE WITH INDUCTOR CURRENT
Figure 8. Feedback Compensation for Ceramic Output Capacitors
______________________________________________________________________________________
19
MAX17024
Ceramic capacitors have a high-ESR zero frequency,
but applications with sufficient current-sense compensation can still take advantage of the small size, low
ESR, and high reliability of the ceramic chemistry. Using
the inductor DCR, applications using ceramic output
capacitors can be compensated using either a DCcompensation or AC-compensation method (Figure 8).
MAX17024
Single Quick-PWM Step-Down
Controller with Dynamic REFIN
When only using ceramic output capacitors, output
overshoot (VSOAR) typically determines the minimum
output capacitance requirement. Their relatively low
capacitance value may allow significant output overshoot when stepping from full-load to no-load conditions, unless designed with a small inductance value
and high switching frequency to minimize the energy
transferred from the inductor to the capacitor during
load-step recovery.
Unstable operation manifests itself in two related but
distinctly different ways: double pulsing and feedbackloop instability. Double pulsing occurs due to noise on
the output or because the ESR is so low that there is
not enough voltage ramp in the output voltage signal.
This “fools” the error comparator into triggering a new
cycle immediately after the minimum off-time period
has expired. Double pulsing is more annoying than
harmful, resulting in nothing worse than increased output ripple. However, it can indicate the possible presence of loop instability due to insufficient ESR. Loop
instability can result in oscillations at the output after
line or load steps. Such perturbations are usually
damped, but can cause the output voltage to rise
above or fall below the tolerance limits.
The easiest method for checking stability is to apply a
very fast zero-to-max load transient and carefully
observe the output voltage-ripple envelope for overshoot and ringing. It can help to simultaneously monitor
the inductor current with an AC current probe. Do not
allow more than one cycle of ringing after the initial
step-response under/overshoot.
Input Capacitor Selection
The input capacitor must meet the ripple current
requirement (IRMS) imposed by the switching currents.
The IRMS requirements can be determined by the following equation:
⎛I
⎞
IRMS = ⎜ LOAD ⎟ VOUT (VIN − VOUT )
⎝ VIN ⎠
The worst-case RMS current requirement occurs when
operating with VIN = 2VOUT. At this point, the above
equation simplifies to IRMS = 0.5 x ILOAD.
For most applications, nontantalum chemistries (ceramic,
aluminum, or OS-CON) are preferred due to their resistance to inrush surge currents typical of systems with a
mechanical switch or connector in series with the input.
If the Quick-PWM controller is operated as the second
stage of a two-stage power-conversion system, tantalum input capacitors are acceptable. In either configuration, choose an input capacitor that exhibits less than
+10°C temperature rise at the RMS input current for
optimal circuit longevity.
20
Power-MOSFET Selection
Most of the following MOSFET guidelines focus on the
challenge of obtaining high load-current capability
when using high-voltage (> 20V) AC adapters. Lowcurrent applications usually require less attention.
The high-side MOSFET (NH) must be able to dissipate
the resistive losses plus the switching losses at both
V IN(MIN) and V IN(MAX) . Calculate both these sums.
Ideally, the losses at VIN(MIN) should be roughly equal to
losses at VIN(MAX), with lower losses in between. If the
losses at VIN(MIN) are significantly higher than the losses
at VIN(MAX), consider increasing the size of NH (reducing
RDS(ON) but with higher CGATE). Conversely, if the losses
at VIN(MAX) are significantly higher than the losses at
VIN(MIN), consider reducing the size of NH (increasing
RDS(ON) to lower CGATE). If VIN does not vary over a
wide range, the maximum efficiency occurs where the
resistive losses equal the switching losses.
Choose a low-side MOSFET that has the lowest possible
on-resistance (RDS(ON)), comes in a moderate-sized
package (i.e., one or two 8-pin SOs, DPAK, or D2PAK),
and is reasonably priced. Make sure that the DL gate
driver can supply sufficient current to support the gate
charge and the current injected into the parasitic gateto-drain capacitor caused by the high-side MOSFET
turning on; otherwise, cross-conduction problems may
occur (see the MOSFET Gate Drivers section).
MOSFET Power Dissipation
Worst-case conduction losses occur at the duty factor
extremes. For the high-side MOSFET (NH), the worstcase power dissipation due to resistance occurs at the
minimum input voltage:
⎛V
⎞
PD (NH Re sistive) = ⎜ OUT ⎟ (ILOAD )2RDS(ON)
⎝ VIN ⎠
Generally, a small high-side MOSFET is desired to
reduce switching losses at high-input voltages.
However, the RDS(ON) required to stay within packagepower dissipation often limits how small the MOSFET
can be. Again, the optimum occurs when the switching
losses equal the conduction (RDS(ON)) losses. Highside switching losses do not usually become an issue
until the input is greater than approximately 15V.
Calculating the power dissipation in the high-side MOSFET (NH) due to switching losses is difficult since it must
allow for difficult quantifying factors that influence the
turn-on and turn-off times. These factors include the
internal gate resistance, gate charge, threshold voltage,
source inductance, and PCB layout characteristics. The
following switching-loss calculation provides only a very
______________________________________________________________________________________
Single Quick-PWM Step-Down
Controller with Dynamic REFIN
⎛ QG(SW) ⎞
PD (NH Switching) = VIN(MAX)ILOAD fSW ⎜
⎟+
⎝ IGATE ⎠
COSS VIN(MAX)2 fSW
2
where COSS is the NH MOSFET’s output capacitance,
QG(SW) is the charge needed to turn on the NH MOSFET, and IGATE is the peak gate-drive source/sink current (2.4A typ).
Switching losses in the high-side MOSFET can become
an insidious heat problem when maximum AC adapter
voltages are applied, due to the squared term in the C
x VIN2 x fSW switching-loss equation. If the high-side
MOSFET chosen for adequate RDS(ON) at low battery
voltages becomes extraordinarily hot when biased from
V IN(MAX) , consider choosing another MOSFET with
lower parasitic capacitance.
For the low-side MOSFET (NL), the worst-case power
dissipation always occurs at maximum input voltage:
⎡ ⎛ V
⎞⎤
2
PD (NL Re sistive) = ⎢1− ⎜ OUT ⎟ ⎥(ILOAD ) RDS(ON)
V
⎢⎣ ⎝ IN(MAX) ⎠ ⎥⎦
The worst case for MOSFET power dissipation occurs
under heavy overloads that are greater than
ILOAD(MAX), but are not quite high enough to exceed
the current limit and cause the fault latch to trip. To protect against this possibility, you can “overdesign” the
circuit to tolerate:
∆I
ILOAD = IVALLEY(MAX) + L
2
⎛ ILOAD(MAX)LIR ⎞
= IVALLEY(MAX) + ⎜
⎟
2
⎝
⎠
where I VALLEY(MAX) is the maximum valley current
allowed by the current-limit circuit, including threshold
tolerance and on-resistance variation. The MOSFETs
must have a good size heatsink to handle the overload
power dissipation.
Choose a Schottky diode (DL) with a forward voltage
low enough to prevent the low-side MOSFET body
diode from turning on during the dead time. Select a
diode that can handle the load current during the dead
times. This diode is optional and can be removed if efficiency is not critical.
Boost Capacitors
The boost capacitors (CBST) must be selected large
enough to handle the gate-charging requirements of
the high-side MOSFETs. Typically, 0.1µF ceramic
capacitors work well for low-power applications driving
medium-sized MOSFETs. However, high-current applications driving large, high-side, MOSFETs require
boost capacitors larger than 0.1µF. For these applications, select the boost capacitors to avoid discharging
the capacitor more than 200mV while charging the
high-side MOSFETs’ gates:
CBST =
N × QGATE
200mV
where N is the number of high-side MOSFETs used for
one regulator, and QGATE is the gate charge specified
in the MOSFET’s data sheet. For example, assume (2)
IRF7811W n-channel MOSFETs are used on the high
side. According to the manufacturer’s data sheet, a single IRF7811W has a maximum gate charge of 24nC
(VGS = 5V). Using the above equation, the required
boost capacitance would be:
CBST =
2 × 24nC
= 0.24µF
200mV
Selecting the closest standard value, this example
requires a 0.22µF ceramic capacitor.
Minimum Input-Voltage Requirements
and Dropout Performance
The output voltage-adjustable range for continuousconduction operation is restricted by the nonadjustable
minimum off-time one-shot. For best dropout performance, use the slower (200kHz) on-time settings. When
working with low-input voltages, the duty-factor limit
must be calculated using worst-case values for on- and
off-times. Manufacturing tolerances and internal propagation delays introduce an error to the on-times. This
error is greater at higher frequencies. Also, keep in
mind that transient response performance of buck regulators operated too close to dropout is poor, and bulk
output capacitance must often be added (see the VSAG
equation in the Transient Response section).
The absolute point of dropout is when the inductor current ramps down during the minimum off-time (∆IDOWN)
as much as it ramps up during the on-time (∆IUP). The
ratio h = ∆IUP / ∆IDOWN is an indicator of the ability to
slew the inductor current higher in response to
increased load, and must always be greater than 1. As
h approaches 1, the absolute minimum dropout point,
the inductor current cannot increase as much during
each switching cycle and V SAG greatly increases
unless additional output capacitance is used.
______________________________________________________________________________________
21
MAX17024
rough estimate and is no substitute for breadboard
evaluation, preferably including verification using a
thermocouple mounted on NH:
MAX17024
Single Quick-PWM Step-Down
Controller with Dynamic REFIN
A reasonable minimum value for h is 1.5, but adjusting
this up or down allows trade-offs between VSAG, output
capacitance, and minimum operating voltage. For a
given value of h, the minimum operating voltage can be
calculated as:
⎛
⎞
V − VDROOP + VCHG
⎟
VIN(MIN) = ⎜ FB
⎜ 1 − h × t OFF(MIN)fSW ⎟
⎝
⎠
(
)
where VFB is the voltage-positioning droop, VCHG, is the
parasitic voltage drop in the charge path, and tOFF(MIN)
is from the Electrical Characteristics table. The absolute
minimum input voltage is calculated with h = 1.
If the calculated VIN(MIN) is greater than the required
minimum input voltage, then reduce the operating frequency or add output capacitance to obtain an acceptable VSAG. If operation near dropout is anticipated,
calculate V SAG to be sure of adequate transient
response.
Dropout design example:
VFB = 1.5V
fSW = 300kHz
Applications Information
PCB Layout Guidelines
Careful PCB layout is critical to achieve low switching
losses and clean, stable operation. The switching
power stage requires particular attention. If possible,
mount all the power components on the top side of the
board with their ground terminals flush against one
another. Follow these guidelines for good PCB layout:
• Keep the high-current paths short, especially at the
ground terminals. This is essential for stable, jitterfree operation.
•
Connect all analog grounds to a separate solid
copper plane, which connects to the GND pin of
the Quick-PWM controller. This includes the VCC
bypass capacitor, REF bypass capacitors, REFIN
components, and feedback compensation/dividers.
•
Keep the power traces and load connections short.
This is essential for high efficiency. The use of thick
copper PCBs (2oz vs. 1oz) can enhance full-load efficiency by 1% or more. Correctly routing PCB traces
is a difficult task that must be approached in terms of
fractions of centimeters, where a single mΩ of excess
trace resistance causes a measurable efficiency
penalty.
•
Keep the high-current, gate-driver traces (DL, DH,
LX, and BST) short and wide to minimize trace
resistance and inductance. This is essential for
high-power MOSFETs that require low-impedance
gate drivers to avoid shoot-through currents.
•
When trade-offs in trace lengths must be made, it is
preferable to allow the inductor charging path to be
made longer than the discharge path. For example,
it is better to allow some extra distance between the
input capacitors and the high-side MOSFET than to
allow distance between the inductor and the lowside MOSFET or between the inductor and the output filter capacitor.
•
Route high-speed switching nodes away from sensitive analog areas (REF, REFIN, FB).
tOFF(MIN) = 350ns
No droop/load line (VDROOP = 0)
VDROPCHG = 150mV (10A load)
h = 1.5:
⎡
⎤
1.5V − 0V + 150mV
VIN(MIN) = ⎢
⎥ = 1.96V
⎣ 1− (1.5 × 350ns × 300kHz) ⎦
Calculating again with h = 1 gives the absolute limit of
dropout:
⎡
⎤
1.5V − 0V + 150mV
VIN(MIN) = ⎢
⎥ = 1.84V
⎣ 1− (1.0 × 350ns × 300kHz) ⎦
Therefore, VIN must be greater than 1.84V, even with
very large output capacitance, and a practical input voltage with reasonable output capacitance would be 2.0V.
22
______________________________________________________________________________________
Single Quick-PWM Step-Down
Controller with Dynamic REFIN
2) Mount the controller IC adjacent to the low-side
MOSFET. The DL gate traces must be short and
wide (50 mils to 100 mils wide if the MOSFET is 1in
from the controller IC).
3) Group the gate-drive components (BST capacitors,
VDD bypass capacitor) together near the controller IC.
4) Make the DC-DC controller ground connections as
shown in Figure 1. This diagram can be viewed as
having 4 separate ground planes: input/output
ground, where all the high-power components go;
the power ground plane, where the GND pin and
VDD bypass capacitor go; the controller’s analog
ground plane where sensitive analog components,
the controller’s GND pin, and VCC bypass capacitor
go. The controller’s ground plane must meet the
power ground plane only at a single point directly
beneath the IC (this si done automatically inside the
MAX17024 through the back pad). These ground
planes should connect to the high-power output
ground with a short metal trace from GND (back
pad) to the source of the low-side MOSFET (the middle of the star ground). This point must also be very
close to the output capacitor ground terminal.
5) Connect the output power planes (VCORE and system ground planes) directly to the output filter
capacitor positive and negative terminals with multiple vias. Place the entire DC-DC converter circuit
as close to the load as is practical.
Chip Information
TRANSISTOR COUNT: 7169
PROCESS: BiCMOS
______________________________________________________________________________________
23
MAX17024
Layout Procedure
1) Place the power components first, with ground terminals adjacent (low-side MOSFET source, CIN,
COUT, and D1 anode). If possible, make all these
connections on the top layer with wide, copperfilled areas.
Package Information
(The package drawing(s) in this data sheet may not reflect the most current specifications. For the latest package outline information
go to www.maxim-ic.com/packages.)
6, 8, &10L, DFN THIN.EPS
MAX17024
Single Quick-PWM Step-Down
Controller with Dynamic REFIN
24
______________________________________________________________________________________
Single Quick-PWM Step-Down
Controller with Dynamic REFIN
COMMON DIMENSIONS
PACKAGE VARIATIONS
SYMBOL
MIN.
MAX.
PKG. CODE
N
D2
E2
e
JEDEC SPEC
b
[(N/2)-1] x e
A
0.70
0.80
T633-2
6
1.50±0.10
2.30±0.10
0.95 BSC
MO229 / WEEA
0.40±0.05
1.90 REF
D
2.90
3.10
T833-2
8
1.50±0.10
2.30±0.10
0.65 BSC
MO229 / WEEC
0.30±0.05
1.95 REF
E
2.90
3.10
T833-3
8
1.50±0.10
2.30±0.10
0.65 BSC
MO229 / WEEC
0.30±0.05
1.95 REF
A1
0.00
0.05
T1033-1
10
1.50±0.10
2.30±0.10
0.50 BSC
MO229 / WEED-3
0.25±0.05
2.00 REF
L
0.20
0.40
T1033-2
10
1.50±0.10
2.30±0.10
0.50 BSC
MO229 / WEED-3
0.25±0.05
2.00 REF
k
0.25 MIN.
T1433-1
14
1.70±0.10
2.30±0.10
0.40 BSC
----
0.20±0.05
2.40 REF
A2
0.20 REF.
T1433-2
14
1.70±0.10
2.30±0.10
0.40 BSC
----
0.20±0.05
2.40 REF
Note: MAX17024ETD+ Package Code = T1433-1
Maxim cannot assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Maxim product. No circuit patent licenses are
implied. Maxim reserves the right to change the circuitry and specifications without notice at any time.
Maxim Integrated Products, 120 San Gabriel Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 408-737-7600 ____________________ 25
© 2007 Maxim Integrated Products
is a registered trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
MAX17024
Package Information (continued)
(The package drawing(s) in this data sheet may not reflect the most current specifications. For the latest package outline information
go to www.maxim-ic.com/packages.)