LINER LTC3859EUHF-PBF

LTC3859
Low IQ, Triple Output,
Buck/Buck/Boost
Synchronous Controller
DESCRIPTION
FEATURES
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Dual Buck Plus Single Boost Synchronous Controllers
Outputs Remain in Regulation Through Cold Crank
Down to 2.5V
Low Operating IQ: 55μA (One Channel On)
Wide Bias Input Voltage Range: 4.5V to 38V
Buck Output Voltage Range: 0.8V ≤ VOUT ≤ 24V
Boost Output Voltage Up to 60V
RSENSE or DCR Current Sensing
100% Duty Cycle for Boost Synchronous MOSFET
Phase-Lockable Frequency (75kHz to 850kHz)
Programmable Fixed Frequency (50kHz to 900kHz)
Selectable Continuous, Pulse-Skipping or Low Ripple
Burst Mode® Operation at Light Loads
Very Low Buck Dropout Operation: 99% Duty Cycle
Adjustable Output Voltage Soft-Start or Tracking
Low Shutdown IQ: 14μA
Small 38-Pin 5mm × 7mm QFN and TSSOP Packages
APPLICATIONS
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Automotive Always-On and Start-Stop Systems
Battery Operated Digital Devices
Distributed DC Power Systems
L, LT, LTC, LTM, Burst Mode, OPTI-LOOP and μModule are registered trademarks and
No RSENSE is a trademark of Linear Technology Corporation. All other trademarks are the
property of their respective owners. Protected by U.S. Patents including 5481178, 5705919,
5929620, 6144194, 6177787, 6580258.
The LTC®3859 is a high performance triple output (buck/
buck/boost) synchronous DC/DC switching regulator
controller that drives all N-channel power MOSFET stages.
Constant frequency current mode architecture allows a
phase-lockable switching frequency of up to 850kHz. The
LTC3859 operates from a wide 4.5V to 38V input supply
range. When biased from the output of the boost converter
or another auxiliary supply, the LTC3859 can operate from
an input supply as low as 2.5V after start-up.
The 55μA no-load quiescent current extends operating
runtime in battery powered systems. OPTI-LOOP compensation allows the transient response to be optimized
over a wide range of output capacitance and ESR values.
The LTC3859 features a precision 0.8V reference for the
bucks, 1.2V reference for the boost and a power good
output indicator.
Independent TRACK/SS pins for each controller ramp the
output voltages during start-up. Current foldback limits
MOSFET heat dissipation during short-circuit conditions.
The PLLIN/MODE pin selects among Burst Mode operation, pulse-skipping mode, or continuous inductor current
mode at light loads.
TYPICAL APPLICATION
220μF
1μF
499k
VFB3
VBIAS
Efficiency vs Input Voltage
TG1
68.1k
100
4.9μH
VIN
2.5V TO 38V
(START-UP ABOVE 5V)
2mΩ
TG3
SW3
1.2μH
220μF
LTC3859
6mΩ
SW1
BG1
VOUT1
5V
5A
BG3
SENSE3–
SENSE3+
INTVCC
4.7μF
BOOST1, 2, 3
SW1, 2, 3
SENSE1+
SENSE1–
VFB1
68.1k
357k
220μF
RUN1, 2, 3
EXTVCC
ITH1, 2, 3
90
VOUT1 = 5V
85
80
75
70
65
60
0.1μF
TG2
SW2
BG2
VOUT2 = 8.5V
95
EFFICIENCY (%)
VOUT3
REGULATED AT 10V WHEN VIN < 10V
FOLLOWS VIN WHEN VIN > 10V
6.5μH
8mΩ
VOUT2
8.5V
3A
55 FIGURE 12 CIRCUIT
ILOAD = 2A
50
10 15 20 25 30
5
0
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
35
40
3859 TA01b
0.1μF
SENSE2+
SENSE2–
TRACK/SS1, 2
VFB2
SS3
PGND SGND
68.1k
649k
68μF
3859 TA01
3859f
1
LTC3859
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
(Note 1)
Bias Input Supply Voltage (VBIAS) .............. –0.3V to 40V
Buck Top Side Driver Voltages
(BOOST1, BOOST2) ............................. –0.3V to 46V
Boost Top Side Driver Voltages
(BOOST3) ............................................ –0.3V to 76V
Buck Switch Voltage (SW1, SW2) ................ –5V to 40V
Boost Switch Voltage (SW3) ........................ –5V to 70V
INTVCC, (BOOST1–SW1),
(BOOST2–SW2), (BOOST3–SW3),.......... –0.3V to 6V
RUN1, RUN2, RUN3 .................................... –0.3V to 8V
Maximum Current Sourced Into Pin
from Source >8V...............................................100μA
SENSE1+, SENSE2 +, SENSE1–
SENSE2 – Voltages ..................................... –0.3V to 28V
SENSE3 +, SENSE3– Voltages ..................... –0.3V to 40V
PLLIN/MODE, FREQ Voltages ............... –0.3V to INTVCC
EXTVCC ....................................................... –0.3V to 14V
ITH1, ITH2, ITH3, VFB1, VFB2, VFB3 Voltages .... –0.3V to 6V
PGOOD1, OV3 Voltages .............................. –0.3V to 6V
TRACK/SS1, TRACK/SS2, SS3 Voltages ..... –0.3V to 6V
Operating Junction Temperature Range
(Notes 2, 3)........................................ –40°C to 125°C
Maximum Junction Temperature........................... 125°C
Storage Temperature Range................... –65°C to 150°C
PIN CONFIGURATION
TOP VIEW
4
35 SW1
FREQ
5
34 BOOST1
33 BG1
32 SW3
SS3 3
29 BG1
SENSE3+ 4
28 SW3
SENSE3– 5
27 TG3
SENSE3–
9
30 BOOST3
ITH3 11
39
PGND
29 BG3
28 VBIAS
SGND 12
27 EXTVCC
RUN1 13
26 INTVCC
RUN2 14
25 BG2
RUN3 15
24 BOOST2
SENSE2– 16
23 SW2
SENSE2+ 17
22 TG2
VFB2 18
21 OV3
ITH2 19
20 TRACK/SS2
FE PACKAGE
38-LEAD PLASTIC TSSOP
TJMAX = 125°C, θJA = 25°C/W
EXPOSED PAD (PIN 39) IS PGND, MUST BE SOLDERED TO PCB
VFB3 6
26 BOOST3
39
PGND
ITH3 7
25 BG3
SGND 8
24 VBIAS
RUN1 9
23 EXTVCC
RUN2 10
22 INTVCC
RUN3 11
21 BG2
SENSE2– 12
20 BOOST2
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
SW2
31 TG3
TG2
8
OV3
SENSE3+
ITH2
7
30 BOOST1
TRACK/SS2
SS3
VFB3 10
31 SW1
PLLIN/MODE 2
VFB2
6
38 37 36 35 34 33 32
FREQ 1
SENSE2+
PLLIN/MODE
TG1
36 TG1
SENSE1–
PGOOD1
37 PGOOD1
3
TRACK/SS1
2
ITH1
VFB1
SENSE1+
VFB1
38 TRACK/SS1
SENSE1+
1
SENSE1–
TOP VIEW
ITH1
UHF PACKAGE
38-LEAD (5mm s 7mm) PLASTIC QFN
TJMAX = 125°C, θJA = 34°C/W
EXPOSED PAD (PIN 39) IS PGND, MUST BE SOLDERED TO PCB
3859f
2
LTC3859
ORDER INFORMATION
LEAD FREE FINISH
TAPE AND REEL
PART MARKING*
PACKAGE DESCRIPTION
TEMPERATURE RANGE
LTC3859EFE#PBF
LTC3859EFE#TRPBF
LTC3859FE
38-Lead Plastic TSSOP
–40°C to 125°C
LTC3859IFE#PBF
LTC3859IFE#TRPBF
LTC3859FE
38-Lead Plastic TSSOP
–40°C to 125°C
LTC3859EUHF#PBF
LTC3859EUHF#TRPBF
3859
38-Lead (5mm × 7mm) Plastic QFN
–40°C to 125°C
LTC3859IUHF#PBF
LTC3859IUHF#TRPBF
3859
38-Lead (5mm × 7mm) Plastic QFN
–40°C to 125°C
Consult LTC Marketing for parts specified with wider operating temperature ranges. *The temperature grade is identified by a label on the shipping container.
For more information on lead free part marking, go to: http://www.linear.com/leadfree/
For more information on tape and reel specifications, go to: http://www.linear.com/tapeandreel/
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The l denotes the specifications which apply over the full operating junction
temperature range, otherwise specifications are at TJ ≈ TA = 25°C. VBIAS = 12V, VRUN1,2,3 = 5V, EXTVCC = 0V unless otherwise noted.
SYMBOL
PARAMETER
VBIAS
Bias Input Supply Operating Voltage
Range
Buck Regulated Feedback Voltage
VFB1,2
CONDITIONS
IFB1,2,3
Feedback Current
VREFLNREG
Reference Voltage Line Regulation
(Note 4); VIN = 4V to 38V
VLOADREG
Output Voltage Load Regulation
(Note 4)
Measured in Servo Loop;
ΔITH Voltage = 1.2V to 0.7V
Measured in Servo Loop;
ΔITH Voltage = 1.2V to 2V
(Note 4); ITH1,2,3 = 1.2V;
Sink/Source 5μA
(Note 5)
RUN1 = 5V and RUN2,3 = 0V or
RUN2 = 5V and RUN1,3 = 0V or
RUN3 = 5V and RUN1,2 = 0V
VFB1, 2 ON = 0.83V (No Load)
VFB3 = 1.25V
RUN1,2,3 = 5V,
VFB1,2 = 0.83V (No Load)
VFB3 = 1.25V
RUN1 = 5V and RUN2,3 = 0V or
RUN2 = 5V and RUN1,3 = 0V
VFB,ON = 0.83V (No Load)
RUN3 = 5V and RUN1,2 = 0V
VFB3 = 1.25V
RUN1 = 5V and RUN2 = 0V or
RUN2 = 5V and RUN1 = 0V
RUN3 = 5V
VFB1,2 = 0.83V (No Load)
VFB3 = 1.25V
RUN1,2,3 = 5V,
VFB1,2 = 0.83V (No Load)
VFB3 = 1.25V
RUN1,2,3 = 0V
Boost Regulated Feedback Voltage
gm1,2,3
Transconductance Amplifier gm
IQ
Input DC Supply Current
Pulse-Skipping or
Forced Continuous Mode
(One Channel On)
Pulse-Skipping or
Forced Continuous Mode
(All Channels On)
Sleep Mode
(One Channel On, Buck)
Sleep Mode
(One Channel On, Boost)
Sleep Mode
(Buck and Boost Channel On)
Sleep Mode
(All Three Channels On)
Shutdown
TYP
4.5
(Note 4); ITH1,2 Voltage = 1.2V
–40°C to 125°C
–40°C to 85°C
(Note 4); ITH3 Voltage = 1.2V
–40°C to 125°C
–40°C to 85°C
(Note 4)
VFB3
MIN
MAX
UNITS
38
V
l
0.788
0.792
0.800
0.800
0.812
0.808
V
V
l
1.182
1.188
1.200
1.200
±5
1.218
1.212
±50
V
V
nA
0.002
0.02
%/V
l
0.01
0.1
%
l
–0.01
–0.1
%
2
mmho
2
mA
3
mA
55
80
μA
55
80
μA
65
100
μA
80
120
μA
14
30
μA
3859f
3
LTC3859
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The l denotes the specifications which apply over the full operating junction
temperature range, otherwise specifications are at TJ ≈ TA = 25°C. VBIAS = 12V, VRUN1,2,3 = 5V, EXTVCC = 0V unless otherwise noted.
SYMBOL
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
UVLO
Undervoltage Lockout
VOVL1,2
Buck Feedback Overvoltage Protection
ISENSE1,2+
SENSE+ Pin Current
INTVCC Ramping Up
INTVCC Ramping Down
Measured at VFB1,2 Relative to
Regulated VFB1,2
Bucks (Channels 1 and 2)
ISENSE3+
SENSE+ Pin Current
Boost (Channel 3)
ISENSE1,2–
SENSE– Pin Current
ISENSE3 –
SENSE– Pin Current
DFMAX,TG
Maximum Duty Factor for TG
DFMAX,BG
Maximum Duty Factor for BG
ITRACK/SS1,2
Soft-Start Charge Current
Bucks (Channels 1 and 2)
VOUT1,2 < VINTVCC – 0.5V
VOUT1,2 > VINTVCC + 0.5V
Boost (Channel 3)
VSENSE3+, VSENSE3 – = 12V
Bucks (Channels 1,2) in Dropout, FREQ = 0V
Boost (Channel 3) in Overvoltage
Bucks (Channels 1,2) in Overvoltage
Boost (Channel 3)
VTRACK/SS1,2 = 0V
ISS3
Soft-Start Charge Current
VSS3 = 0V
VRUN1 ON
VRUN2,3 ON
VRUN1,2,3 Hyst
RUN1 Pin Threshold
RUN2,3 Pin Threshold
RUN Pin Hysteresis
VRUN1 Rising
VRUN2,3 Rising
VFB1,2 = 0.7V, VSENSE1,2– = 3.3V
VFB1,2,3 = 1.1V, VSENSE3 + = 12V
VSENSE1,2,3(MAX) Maximum Current Sense Threshold
VSENSE3(CM)
SENSE3 Pins Common Mode Range
(BOOST Converter Input Supply Voltage)
MIN
TYP
MAX
3.5
7
4.15
3.8
10
4.5
4.0
13
V
V
%
±1
μA
l
l
170
UNITS
μA
±2
±1
μA
μA
μA
0.7
99
100
100
96
1.0
1.4
%
%
%
%
μA
0.7
1.0
1.4
μA
l
l
1.19
1.23
1.25
1.28
80
1.31
1.33
V
V
mV
l
43
50
57
mV
38
V
700
98
2.5
Gate Driver
TG1,2
tON(MIN)1,2
Pull-Up On-Resistance
Pull-Down On-Resistance
Pull-Up On-Resistance
Pull-Down On-Resistance
Pull-Up On-Resistance
Pull-Down On-Resistance
Pull-Up On-Resistance
Pull-Down On-Resistance
TG Transition Time:
Rise Time
Fall Time
BG Transition Time:
Rise Time
Fall Time
Top Gate Off to Bottom Gate On Delay
Synchronous Switch-On Delay Time
Bottom Gate Off to Top Gate On Delay
Top Switch-On Delay Time
Buck Minimum On-Time
(Note 6)
CLOAD = 3300pF
CLOAD = 3300pF
(Note 6)
CLOAD = 3300pF
CLOAD = 3300pF
CLOAD = 3300pF Each Driver Bucks (Channels 1, 2)
Boost (Channel 3)
CLOAD = 3300pF Each Driver Bucks (Channels 1, 2)
Boost (Channel 3)
(Note 7)
tON(MIN)3
Boost Minimum On-Time
(Note 7)
BG1,2
TG3
BG3
TG1,2,3 tr
TG1,2,3 tf
BG1,2,3 tr
BG1,2,3 tf
TG/BG t1D
BG/TG t1D
2.5
1.5
2.4
1.1
1.2
1.0
1.2
1.0
Ω
Ω
Ω
Ω
Ω
Ω
Ω
Ω
25
16
ns
ns
28
13
30
70
30
70
95
ns
ns
ns
ns
ns
ns
ns
120
ns
INTVCC Linear Regulator
VINTVCCVBIAS
Internal VCC Voltage
6V < VBIAS < 38V, VEXTVCC = 0V, IINTVCC = 0mA
VLDOVBIAS
INTVCC Load Regulation
ICC = 0mA to 50mA, VEXTVCC = 0V
5.0
5.4
5.6
V
0.7
2
%
3859f
4
LTC3859
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The l denotes the specifications which apply over the full operating junction
temperature range, otherwise specifications are at TJ ≈ TA = 25°C. VBIAS = 12V, VRUN1,2,3 = 5V, EXTVCC = 0V unless otherwise noted.
SYMBOL
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
MIN
VINTVCCEXT
Internal VCC Voltage
6V < VEXTVCC < 13V, IINTVCC = 0mA
5.0
VLDOEXT
INTVCC Load Regulation
ICC = 0mA to 50mA, VEXTVCC = 8.5V
VEXTVCC
EXTVCC Switchover Voltage
EXTVCC Ramping Positive
VLDOHYS
EXTVCC Hysteresis
4.5
TYP
MAX
UNITS
5.4
5.6
V
0.7
2
%
4.7
V
200
mV
Oscillator and Phase-Locked Loop
f25k
Programmable Frequency
RFREQ = 25k; PLLIN/MODE = DC Voltage
f65k
Programmable Frequency
RFREQ = 65k; PLLIN/MODE = DC Voltage
f105k
Programmable Frequency
RFREQ = 105k; PLLIN/MODE = DC Voltage
fLOW
Low Fixed Frequency
VFREQ = 0V PLLIN/MODE = DC Voltage
fHIGH
High Fixed Frequency
VFREQ = INTVCC; PLLIN/MODE = DC Voltage
Synchronizable Frequency
PLLIN/MODE = External Clock
VPGL1
PGOOD1 Voltage Low
IPGOOD1 = 2mA
IPGOOD1
PGOOD1 Leakage Current
VPGOOD1 = 5V
VPG1
PGOOD1 Trip Level
VFB1 with Respect to Set Regulated Voltage
VFB1 Ramping Negative
Hysteresis
VFB1 Ramping Positive
Hysteresis
fSYNC
115
375
440
kHz
505
835
l
kHz
kHz
320
350
380
kHz
485
535
585
kHz
850
kHz
0.4
V
±1
μA
–7
%
%
%
%
μs
75
PGOOD1 Output
TPG1
0.2
–13
7
Delay For Reporting a Fault
–10
2.5
10
2.5
20
13
0.2
0.4
V
±1
μA
13
%
%
OV3 Boost Overvoltage Indicator Output
VOV3L
OV3 Voltage Low
IOV3 = 2mA
IOV3
OV3 Leakage Current
VOV3 = 5V
VOV
OV3 Trip Level
VFB With Respect to Set Regulated Voltage
Hysteresis
6
10
1.5
BOOST3 Charge Pump
IBST3
BOOST3 Charge Pump Available Output
Current
VBOOST3 = 16V; VSW3 = 12V;
Forced Continuous Mode
Note 1: Stresses beyond those listed under Absolute Maximum Ratings
may cause permanent damage to the device. Exposure to any Absolute
Maximum Rating condition for extended periods may affect device
reliability and lifetime.
Note 2: The LTC3859 is tested under pulsed conditions such that TJ ≈ TA.
The LTC3859E is guaranteed to meet performance specifications from
0°C to 125°C. Specifications over the –40°C to 125°C operating junction
temperature range are assured by design, characterization and correlation
with statistical process controls. The LTC3859I is guaranteed over the full
–40°C to 125°C operating junction temperature range.
Note 3: TJ is calculated from the ambient temperature TA and power
dissipation PD according to the following formula:
TJ = TA + (PD • θJA)
where θJA = 34°C/W for the QFN package and θJA = 25°C/W for the TSSOP
package.
65
μA
Note 4: The LTC3859 is tested in a feedback loop that servos VITH1,2,3 to a
specified voltage and measures the resultant VFB1,2,3. The specification at
85°C is not tested in production. This specification is assured by design,
characterization and correlation to production testing at 125°C.
Note 5: Dynamic supply current is higher due to the gate charge being
delivered at the switching frequency. See Applications information.
Note 6: Rise and fall times are measured using 10% and 90% levels. Delay
times are measured using 50% levels.
Note 7: See Minimum On-Time Considerations in the Applications
Information section.
3859f
5
LTC3859
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
Efficiency and Power Loss
vs Output Current (Buck)
100
Efficiency
vs Output Current (Buck)
50
CCM EFFICIENCY
10
PULSE-SKIPPING
30
EFFICIENCY
BURST LOSS
20
BURST EFFICIENCY 1
CCM LOSS
10
PULSE-SKIPPING
LOSS
0.1
0
0.01
1
10
0.0001 0.001
0.1
OUTPUT CURRENT (A)
3859 G01
FIGURE 12 CIRCUIT
VIN = 10V, VOUT = 5V
40
98
70
60
50
40
97
96
95
30
94
20
93
10
FIGURE 12 CIRCUIT
0
0.0001
0.01
1
0.001
0.1
OUTPUT CURRENT (A)
92
10
0
10
15 20 25 30
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
VOUT
100mV/DIV
AC-COUPLED
IL
2A//DIV
IL
2A//DIV
3859 G04
Inductor Current at Light Load
(Buck)
40
Load Step (Buck)
Forced Continuous Mode
VOUT
100mV/DIV
AC-COUPLED
IL
2A//DIV
35
3859 G03
Load Step (Buck)
Pulse-Skipping Mode
VOUT
100mV/DIV
AC-COUPLED
5
3859 G02
Load Step (Buck)
Burst Mode Operation
50μs/DIV
VIN = 12V
VOUT = 5V
FIGURE 12 CIRCUIT
VIN = 20V
EFFICIENCY (%)
100
60
EFFICIENCY (%)
70
FIGURE 12 CIRCUIT
99 VOUT = 5V
ILOAD = 4A
VIN = 10V
80
1000
POWER LOSS (mW)
EFFICIENCY (%)
100
90
90
80
Efficiency vs Input Voltage (Buck)
100
10000
3859 G05
50μs/DIV
VIN = 12V
VOUT = 5V
FIGURE 12 CIRCUIT
3859 G06
50μs/DIV
VIN = 12V
VOUT = 5V
FIGURE 12 CIRCUIT
Buck Regulated Feedback Voltage
vs Temperature
Soft Start-Up
VOUT2
2V/DIV
Burst Mode
OPERATION
1A/DIV
VOUT1
2V/DIV
PULSESKIPPING
MODE
2μs/DIV
VIN = 10V
VOUT = 5V
ILOAD = 1mA
FIGURE 12 CIRCUIT
3859 G07
2ms/DIV
FIGURE 12 CIRCUIT
3859 G08
REGULATED FEEDBACK VOLTAGE (mV)
808
FORCED
CONTINUOUS
MODE
806
804
802
800
798
796
794
792
–45
–20
30
55
80
5
TEMPERATURE (°C)
105
130
3859 G09
3859f
6
LTC3859
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
Efficiency and Power Loss
vs Output Current (Boost)
Efficiency
vs Output Current (Boost)
10000
100
90
90
1000
60
100
50
CCM EFFICIENCY
40
PULSE-SKIPPING 10
EFFICIENCY
30
BURST LOSS
BURST
1
20
EFFICIENCY
CCM LOSS
10
PULSE-SKIPPING
LOSS
0
0.1
0.01
1
10
0.0001 0.001
0.1
OUTPUT CURRENT (A)
3859 G10
FIGURE 12 CIRCUIT
VIN = 5V, VOUT = 10V, VBIAS = VIN
VIN = 8V
VIN = 5V
80
EFFICIENCY (%)
70
POWER LOSS (mW)
EFFICIENCY (%)
80
Efficiency vs Input Voltage (Boost)
100
70
EFFICIENCY (%)
100
60
50
40
FIGURE 12 CIRCUIT
99 VBIAS = VIN
V
= 10V
98 OUT
ILOAD = 2A
97
96
95
94
30
93
20
92
FIGURE 12 CIRCUIT
10 VBIAS = VIN
VOUT = 10V
0
0.01
1
0.0001 0.001
0.1
OUTPUT CURRENT (A)
91
90
10
3
4
6
7
8
5
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
3859 G11
Load Step (Boost)
Burst Mode Operation
Load Step (Boost)
Pulse-Skipping Mode
VOUT
100mV/DIV
AC-COUPLED
IL
5A/DIV
IL
5A/DIV
IL
5A/DIV
200μs/DIV
VOUT = 10V
VIN = 5V
FIGURE 12 CIRCUIT
Inductor Current at Light Load
(Boost)
10
Load Step (Boost)
Forced Continuous Mode
VOUT
100mV/DIV
AC-COUPLED
3859 G13
9
3859 G12
VOUT
100mV/
DIV
ACCOUPLED
200μs/DIV
VOUT = 10V
VIN = 5V
FIGURE 12 CIRCUIT
2
3859 G14
200μs/DIV
VOUT = 10V
VIN = 5V
FIGURE 12 CIRCUIT
3859 G15
Boost Regulated Feedback
Voltage vs Temperature
Soft Start-Up (Boost)
Burst Mode
OPERATION
5A/DIV
VOUT3
2V/DIV
PULSESKIPPING
MODE
GND
2μs/DIV
VOUT = 10V
VIN = 7V
ILOAD = 1mA
FIGURE 12 CIRCUIT
3859 G16
2ms/DIV
VIN = 5V
FIGURE 12 CIRCUIT
3859 G17
REGULATED FEEDBACK VOLTAGE (V)
1.212
FORCED
CONTINUOUS
MODE
1.209
1.206
1.203
1.200
1.197
1.194
1.191
1.188
–45
–20
5
30
55
80
TEMPERATURE (°C)
105
130
3859 G18
3859f
7
LTC3859
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
INTVCC and EXTVCC
vs Load Current
INTVCC Line Regulation
5.5
5.50
EXTVCC Switchover and INTVCC
Voltages vs Temperature
6.0
VBIAS = 12V
5.8
EXTVCC AND INTVCC VOLTAGE (V)
5.45
INTVCC VOLTAGE (V)
INTVCC VOLTAGE (V)
5.4
5.3
5.2
5.40
EXTVCC = 0V
EXTVCC = 8.5V
5.35
5.30
5.25
5.1
5.20
5.0
0
5
10
15 20 25 30
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
35
5.15
40
0
SENSE3 PIN
VOUT = 28V
100
600
500
400
300
60
5
30 35 55 80
TEMPERATURE (°C)
0
–45 –20
105 130
60
BOOST
BUCK
40
30
20
10
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
DUTY CYCLE (%)
3859 G25
SENSE3– PIN
5
30 35 55 80
TEMPERATURE (°C)
Soft-Start Pull-Up Current
vs Temperature
60
1.20
50
1.15
40
1.10
30
20
10
0
1.05
1.00
0.95
0.90
–10
PULSE-SKIPPING
FORCED CONTINUOUS
Burst Mode OPERATION
–20
–30
105 130
3859 G24
SS CURRENT (μA)
MAXIMUM CURRENT SENSE VOLTAGE (mV)
MAXIMUM CURRENT SENSE VOLTAGE (mV)
80
Maximum Current Sense
Threshold vs ITH Voltage
70
0
100
3859 G23
Maximum Current Sense
Threshold vs Duty Cycle
0
120
20
VOUT = 3.3V
3859 G22
50
140
40
0
–45 –20
40
130
160
100
80
105
SENSE3+ PIN
180
200
10 15 20 25 30 35
5
VSENSE COMMON MODE VOLTAGE (V)
5
30
55
80
TEMPERATURE (°C)
–20
Boost SENSE Pin Total Input
Current vs Temperature
SENSE CURRENT (μA)
SENSE CURRENT (μA)
SENSE CURRENT (μA)
300
EXTVCC FALLING
4.4
3859 G21
700
0
4.6
200
800
SENSE1, 2 PINS
400
EXTVCC RISING
4.8
4.0
–45
20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
900
500
0
5.0
Buck SENSE Pins Total Input
Current vs Temperature
800
200
5.2
3859 G20
SENSE Pins Total Input Current
vs VSENSE Voltage
600
INTVCC
5.4
4.2
3859 G19
700
5.6
0
0.2
0.4
0.6 0.8
ITH (V)
1
1.2
1.4
3859 G26
0.85
0.80
–45
–20
5
30
55
80
TEMPERATURE (°C)
105
130
3859 G27
3859f
8
LTC3859
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
Shutdown Current
vs Input Voltage
Shutdown Current vs Temperature
Quiescent Current vs Temperature
25
22
100
18
16
14
12
90
20
QUIESCENT CURRENT (μA)
SHUTDOWN CURRENT (μA)
SHUTDOWN CURRENT (μA)
20
15
10
5
0
–20
5
30
55
80
TEMPERATURE (°C)
105
130
10
5
20
25
30
15
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
35
–20
5
30
55
80
TEMPERATURE (°C)
105
130
3859 G30
Undervoltage Lockout Threshold
vs Temperature
600
4.4
4.3
FREQ = INTVCC
550
RISING
4.2
INTVCC VOLTAGE (V)
FREQUENCY (kHz)
500
450
400
FREQ = GND
4.1
4.0
3.9
FALLING
3.8
3.7
3.6
350
3.5
0
300
–45
100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
FEEDBACK VOLTAGE (mV)
–20
30
55
80
5
TEMPERATURE (°C)
105
3859 G31
100
CHARGE PUMP CHARGING CURRENT (μA)
1.40
RUN2,3 RISING
RUN1 RISING
1.25
1.20
1.15
RUN2,3 FALLING
RUN1 FALLING
1.10
1.05
1.00
–45
–20
5
30
55
80
TEMPERATURE (°C)
105
130
3859 G34
5
30
55
80
TEMPERATURE (°C)
105
90
Charge Pump Charging Current
vs Switch Voltage
100
VBOOST3 = 16V
VSW3 = 12V
80
70
–45°C
25°C
60
50
40
130°C
30
20
10
0
100
200 300 400 500 600 700
OPERATING FREQUENCY (kHz)
130
3859 G33
Charge Pump Charging Current
vs Operating Frequency
1.35
–20
3859 G32
Shutdown (RUN) Threshold
vs Temperature
1.30
3.4
–45
130
CHARGE PUMP CHARGING CURRENT (μA)
MAXIMUM CURRENT SENSE VOLTAGE (mV)
ONE CHANNEL ON
40
–45
40
Oscillator Frequency
vs Temperature
Buck Foldback Current Limit
RUN PIN VOLTAGE (V)
60
3859 G29
3859 G28
70
65
60
55
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
70
50
10
8
–45
ALL CHANNELS ON
80
800
3859 G35
VBOOST3 – VSW3 = 4V
90
FREQ = 0V
80
70
FREQ = INTVCC
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
SWITCH VOLTAGE (V)
35
40
3859 G36
3859f
9
LTC3859
PIN FUNCTIONS
(QFN/TSSOP)
FREQ (Pin 1/Pin 5): The Frequency Control Pin for the
Internal VCO. Connecting the pin to GND forces the VCO
to a fixed low frequency of 350kHz. Connecting the pin
to INTVCC forces the VCO to a fixed high frequency of
535kHz. Other frequencies between 50kHz and 900kHz
can be programmed using a resistor between FREQ and
GND. The resistor and an internal 20μA source current
create a voltage used by the internal oscillator to set the
frequency.
PLLIN/MODE (Pin 2/Pin 6): External Synchronization
Input to Phase Detector and Forced Continuous Mode
Input. When an external clock is applied to this pin, the
phase-locked loop will force the rising TG1 signal to be
synchronized with the rising edge of the external clock,
and the regulators operate in forced continuous mode.
When not synchronizing to an external clock, this input,
which acts on all three controllers, determines how the
LTC3859 operates at light loads. Pulling this pin to ground
selects Burst Mode operation. An internal 100k resistor to
ground also invokes Burst Mode operation when the pin is
floated. Tying this pin to INTVCC forces continuous inductor
current operation. Tying this pin to a voltage greater than
1.2V and less than INTVCC – 1.3V selects pulse-skipping
operation. This can be done by connecting a 100k resistor
from this pin to INTVCC.
SGND (Pin 8/Pin 12): Small Signal Ground common to
both controllers, must be routed separately from high
current grounds to the common (–) terminals of the CIN
capacitors.
RUN1, RUN2, RUN3 (Pins 9, 10, 11/Pins 13, 14, 15):
Digital Run Control Inputs for Each Controller. Forcing either
of these pins below 1.2V shuts down that controller. Forcing
all of these pins below 0.7V shuts down the entire LTC3859,
reducing quiescent current to approximately 14μA.
OV3 (Pin 17/Pin 21): Overvoltage Open-Drain Logic
Output for the Boost Regulator. OV3 is pulled to ground
when the voltage on the VFB3 pin is under 110% of its set
point, and becomes high impedance when VFB3 goes over
110% of its set point.
INTVCC (Pin 22/Pin 26): Output of the Internal Linear Low
Dropout Regulator. The driver and control circuits are powered from this voltage source. Must be decoupled to PGND
with a minimum of 4.7μF ceramic or tantalum capacitor.
The INTVCC pin should also be connected to the DRVCC
pin, and should not be used for any other purpose.
EXTVCC (Pin 23/Pin 27): External Power Input to an
Internal LDO Connected to INTVCC. This LDO supplies
INTVCC power, bypassing the internal LDO powered from
VIN whenever EXTVCC is higher than 4.7V. See EXTVCC
Connection in the Applications Information section. Do
not exceed 14V on this pin.
VBIAS (Pin 24/Pin 28): Main Bias Input Supply Pin. A
bypass capacitor should be tied between this pin and the
SGND pin.
BG1, BG2, BG3 (Pins 29, 21, 25/Pins 33, 25, 29): High
Current Gate Drives for Bottom (Synchronous) N-Channel
MOSFETs. Voltage swing at these pins is from ground to
INTVCC.
BOOST1, BOOST2, BOOST3 (Pins 30, 20, 26/Pins 34,
24, 30): Bootstrapped Supplies to the Top Side Floating
Drivers. Capacitors are connected between the BOOST and
SW pins and Schottky diodes are tied between the BOOST
and INTVCC pins. Voltage swing at the BOOST pins is from
INTVCC to (VIN + INTVCC).
SW1, SW2, SW3 (Pins 31, 19, 28/Pins 35, 23, 32):
Switch Node Connections to Inductors.
TG1, TG2, TG3 (Pins 32, 18, 27/Pins 36, 22, 31): High
Current Gate Drives for Top N-Channel MOSFETs. These
are the outputs of floating drivers with a voltage swing
equal to INTVCC superimposed on the switch node voltage SW.
PGOOD1 (Pin 33/Pin 37): Open-Drain Logic Output.
PGOOD1 is pulled to ground when the voltage on the VFB1
pin is not within ±10% of its set point.
3859f
10
LTC3859
PIN FUNCTIONS
(QFN/TSSOP)
TRACK/SS1, TRACK/SS2, SS3 (Pins 34, 16, 3/Pins 38,
20, 7): External Tracking and Soft-Start Input. For the buck
channels, the LTC3859 regulates the VFB1,2 voltage to the
smaller of 0.8V, or the voltage on the TRACK/SS1,2 pin. For
the boost channel, the LTC3859 regulates the VFB3 voltage
to the smaller of 1.2V, or the voltage on the SS3 pin. An
internal 1μA pull-up current source is connected to this pin.
A capacitor to ground at this pin sets the ramp time to final
regulated output voltage. Alternatively, a resistor divider on
another voltage supply connected to the TRACK/SS pins
of the buck channels allow the LTC3859 buck outputs to
track the other supply during start-up.
ITH1, ITH2, ITH3 (Pins 35, 15, 7/Pins 1, 19, 11): Error
Amplifier Outputs and Switching Regulator Compensation
Points. Each associated channel’s current comparator trip
point increases.
VFB1, VFB2, VFB3 (Pins 36, 14, 6/Pins 2, 18, 10): Receives
the remotely sensed feedback voltage for each controller
from an external resistive divider across the output.
SENSE1+, SENSE2+, SENSE3+ (Pins 37, 13, 4/Pins 3, 17,
8): The (+) Input to the Differential Current Comparators.
The ITH pin voltage and controlled offsets between the
SENSE– and SENSE+ pins in conjunction with RSENSE set the
current trip threshold. For the boost channel, the SENSE3+
pin supplies current to the current comparator.
SENSE1–, SENSE2–, SENSE3– (Pins 38, 12, 5/Pins 4,
16, 9): The (–) Input to the Differential Current Comparators. When SENSE1,2– for the buck channels is greater
than INTVCC, then SENSE1,2– pin supplies current to the
current comparator.
PGND (Exposed Pad Pin 39): Driver Power Ground. Connects to the sources of bottom (synchronous) N-channel
MOSFETs and the (–) terminal(s) of CIN. The exposed
pad must be soldered to the PCB for rated electrical and
thermal performance.
3859f
11
12
4.7V
EXTVCC
VBIAS
FREQ
+
–
LDO
LDO
EN
5.4V
SGND
SYNC
DET
CLP
VCO
5.4V
EN
100k
20μA
+
–
+
–
CLK1
CLK2
INTVCC
PFD
0.72V
VFB1
0.88V
RUN
11V
SHDN
RST
2(VFB)
6μA CH1
0.5μA CH2
+
–
BOT
FOLDBACK
SLEEP
SHDN
TOPON
+
– –+
SLOPE COMP
2.8V
0.65V
Q
R
ICMP
Q
DROPOUT
DET
S
BUCK CHANNELS 1 AND 2
3mV
–+
PGOOD1
OV
+
–
SHDN
+
–
+
EA –
–
IR
SWITCHING
LOGIC
1μA
0.88V
TRACK/SS
ITH
VFB
SENSE–
+
PGND
BG
SW
TG
SENSE
INTVCC
0.80V
TRACK/SS
BOT
TOP
BOOST
3859 BD
CSS
CB
DB
INTVCC
L
RB
D
CC2
CC
RA
VIN1,2
RC
RSENSE
COUT
CIN
VOUT1,2
LTC3859
FUNCTIONAL DIAGRAM
3859f
OV3
+
–
VFB3
1.32V
PLLIN/MODE
CLK1
RUN3
Q
R
11V
0.5μA
SHDN
+
–
SNSLO
1μA
OV
+
–
2mV
1.32V
+
–
SS3
ITH3
VFB3
SENSE3+
SENSE3–
PGND
BG3
SW3
TG3
BOOST3
INTVCC
1.2V
SS3
BOT
TOP
+
EA –
–
2V
IR
SWITCHING
LOGIC
+
+– –
SLEEP
SHDN
BOTON
SNSLO
+
– –+
ICMP
0.425V
Q
S
SLOPE COMP
2.8V
0.7V
BOOST CHANNEL 3
3859 BD
CSS
CB
DB
INTVCC
L
RB
CC2
CC
RA
VOUT3
RC
RSENSE
CIN
COUT
VIN3
LTC3859
FUNCTIONAL DIAGRAM
3859f
13
LTC3859
OPERATION
(Refer to Functional Diagram)
Main Control Loop
The LTC3859 uses a constant frequency, current mode
step-down architecture. The two buck controllers, channels 1 and 2, operate 180 degrees out of phase with each
other. The boost controller, channel 3, operates in phase
with channel 1. During normal operation, the external
top MOSFET for the buck channels (the external bottom
MOSFET for the boost channel) is turned on when the
clock for that channel sets the RS latch, and is turned off
when the main current comparator, ICMP, resets the RS
latch. The peak inductor current at which ICMP trips and
resets the latch is controlled by the voltage on the ITH pin,
which is the output of the error amplifier EA. The error
amplifier compares the output voltage feedback signal at
the VFB pin, (which is generated with an external resistor
divider connected across the output voltage, VOUT, to
ground) to the internal 0.800V reference voltage for the
bucks (1.2V reference voltage for the boost). When the
load current increases, it causes a slight decrease in VFB
relative to the reference, which causes the EA to increase
the ITH voltage until the average inductor current matches
the new load current.
After the top MOSFET for the bucks (the bottom MOSFET
for the boost) is turned off each cycle, the bottom MOSFET
is turned on (the top MOSFET for the boost) until either
the inductor current starts to reverse, as indicated by the
current comparator IR, or the beginning of the next clock
cycle.
INTVCC/EXTVCC Power
Power for the top and bottom MOSFET drivers and most
other internal circuitry is derived from the INTVCC pin.
When the EXTVCC pin is left open or tied to a voltage less
than 4.7V, the VBIAS LDO (low dropout linear regulator)
supplies 5.4V from VBIAS to INTVCC. If EXTVCC is taken
above 4.7V, the VBIAS LDO is turned off and an EXTVCC
LDO is turned on. Once enabled, the EXTVCC LDO supplies
5.4V from EXTVCC to INTVCC. Using the EXTVCC pin allows
the INTVCC power to be derived from a high efficiency
external source such as one of the LTC3859 switching
regulator outputs.
Each top MOSFET driver is biased from the floating bootstrap capacitor CB, which normally recharges during each
cycle through an external diode when the switch voltage
goes low.
For buck channels 1 and 2, if the buck’s input voltage
decreases to a voltage close to its output, the loop may
enter dropout and attempt to turn on the top MOSFET
continuously. The dropout detector detects this and forces
the top MOSFET off for about one twelfth of the clock
period every tenth cycle to allow CB to recharge.
Shutdown and Start-Up (RUN1, RUN2, RUN3 and
TRACK/SS1, TRACK/SS2, SS3 Pins)
The three channels of the LTC3859 can be independently
shut down using the RUN1, RUN2 and RUN3 pins. Pulling any of these pins below 1.2V shuts down the main
control loop for that channel. Pulling all three pins below
0.7V disables all controllers and most internal circuits,
including the INTVCC LDOs. In this state, the LTC3859
draws only 14μA of quiescent current.
Releasing a RUN pin allows a small internal current to pull
up the pin to enable that controller. The RUN1 pin has a
6μA pull-up current while the RUN2 and RUN3 pins have
a smaller 0.5μA. The 6μA current on RUN1 is designed
to be large enough so that the RUN1 pin can be safely
floated (to always enable the controller) without worry
of condensation or other small board leakage pulling the
pin down. This is ideal for always-on applications where
one or more controllers are enabled continuously and
never shut down.
Each RUN pin may also be externally pulled up or driven
directly by logic. When driving a RUN pin with a low impedance source, do not exceed the absolute maximum
rating of 8V. Each RUN pin has an internal 11V voltage
clamp that allows the RUN pin to be connected through
a resistor to a higher voltage (for example, VBIAS), so
long as the maximum current in the RUN pin does not
exceed 100μA.
The start-up of each channel’s output voltage VOUT is controlled by the voltage on the TRACK/SS pin (TRACK/SS1 for
channel 1, TRACK/SS2 for channel 2, SS3 for channel 3).
When the voltage on the TRACK/SS pin is less than the
3859f
14
LTC3859
OPERATION
0.8V internal reference for the bucks and the 1.2V internal
reference for the boost, the LTC3859 regulates the VFB
voltage to the TRACK/SS pin voltage instead of the corresponding reference voltage. This allows the TRACK/SS
pin to be used to program a soft-start by connecting an
external capacitor from the TRACK/SS pin to SGND. An
internal 1μA pull-up current charges this capacitor creating
a voltage ramp on the TRACK/SS pin. As the TRACK/SS
voltage rises linearly from 0V to 0.8V/1.2V (and beyond
up to INTVCC), the output voltage VOUT rises smoothly
from zero to its final value.
Alternatively the TRACK/SS pins for buck channels 1 and 2
can be used to cause the start-up of VOUT to track that of
another supply. Typically, this requires connecting to the
TRACK/SS pin an external resistor divider from the other supply to ground (see the Applications Information section).
Light Load Current Operation (Burst Mode Operation,
Pulse-Skipping, or Continuous Conduction)
(PLLIN/MODE Pin)
The LTC3859 can be enabled to enter high efficiency Burst
Mode operation, constant frequency pulse-skipping mode
or forced continuous conduction mode at low load currents. To select Burst Mode operation, tie the PLLIN/ MODE
pin to ground. To select forced continuous operation, tie
the PLLIN/MODE pin to INTVCC. To select pulse-skipping
mode, tie the PLLIN/MODE pin to a DC voltage greater
than 1.2V and less than INTVCC – 1.3V.
When a controller is enabled for Burst Mode operation, the
minimum peak current in the inductor is set to approximately 25% of the maximum sense voltage (30% for the
boost) even though the voltage on the ITH pin indicates a
lower value. If the average inductor current is higher than
the load current, the error amplifier EA will decrease the
voltage on the ITH pin. When the ITH voltage drops below
0.425V, the internal sleep signal goes high (enabling sleep
mode) and both external MOSFETs are turned off. The ITH
pin is then disconnected from the output of the EA and
parked at 0.450V.
In sleep mode, much of the internal circuitry is turned off,
reducing the quiescent current that the LTC3859 draws. If
one channel is in sleep mode and the other two are shut
down, the LTC3859 draws only 55μA of quiescent current. If
two channels are in sleep mode and the other shut down, it
draws only 65μA of quiescent current. If all three controllers
are enabled in sleep mode, the LTC3859 draws only 80μA
of quiescent. In sleep mode, the load current is supplied by
the output capacitor. As the output voltage decreases, the
EA’s output begins to rise. When the output voltage drops
enough, the ITH pin is reconnected to the output of the
EA, the sleep signal goes low, and the controller resumes
normal operation by turning on the top external MOSFET
on the next cycle of the internal oscillator.
When a controller is enabled for Burst Mode operation,
the inductor current is not allowed to reverse. The reverse
current comparator (IR) turns off the bottom external
MOSFET (the top external MOSFET for the boost) just
before the inductor current reaches zero, preventing it
from reversing and going negative. Thus, the controller
operates in discontinuous operation.
In forced continuous operation or clocked by an external
clock source to use the phase-locked loop (see the Frequency Selection and Phase-Locked Loop section), the
inductor current is allowed to reverse at light loads or
under large transient conditions. The peak inductor current is determined by the voltage on the ITH pin, just as
in normal operation. In this mode, the efficiency at light
loads is lower than in Burst Mode operation. However,
continuous operation has the advantage of lower output
voltage ripple and less interference to audio circuitry. In
forced continuous mode, the output ripple is independent
of load current.
When the PLLIN/MODE pin is connected for pulse-skipping mode, the LTC3859 operates in PWM pulse-skipping
mode at light loads. In this mode, constant frequency
operation is maintained down to approximately 1% of
designed maximum output current. At very light loads, the
current comparator ICMP may remain tripped for several
cycles and force the external top MOSFET to stay off for
the same number of cycles (i.e., skipping pulses). The
inductor current is not allowed to reverse (discontinuous
operation). This mode, like forced continuous operation,
exhibits low output ripple as well as low audio noise and
reduced RF interference as compared to Burst Mode
operation. It provides higher low current efficiency than
forced continuous mode, but not nearly as high as Burst
Mode operation.
3859f
15
LTC3859
OPERATION
Frequency Selection and Phase-Locked Loop
(FREQ and PLLIN/MODE Pins)
The selection of switching frequency is a tradeoff between
efficiency and component size. Low frequency operation increases efficiency by reducing MOSFET switching
losses, but requires larger inductance and/or capacitance
to maintain low output ripple voltage.
The switching frequency of the LTC3859’s controllers can
be selected using the FREQ pin.
If the PLLIN/MODE pin is not being driven by an external
clock source, the FREQ pin can be tied to SGND, tied to
INTVCC, or programmed through an external resistor. Tying
FREQ to SGND selects 350kHz while tying FREQ to INTVCC
selects 535kHz. Placing a resistor between FREQ and
SGND allows the frequency to be programmed between
50kHz and 900kHz.
A phase-locked loop (PLL) is available on the LTC3859
to synchronize the internal oscillator to an external clock
source that is connected to the PLLIN/MODE pin. The
LTC3859’s phase detector adjusts the voltage (through an
internal lowpass filter) of the VCO input to align the turn-on
of controller 1’s external top MOSFET to the rising edge of
the synchronizing signal. Thus, the turn-on of controller
2’s external top MOSFET is 180 degrees out of phase to
the rising edge of the external clock source.
The VCO input voltage is pre-biased to the operating
frequency set by the FREQ pin before the external clock
is applied. If prebiased near the external clock frequency,
the PLL loop only needs to make slight changes to the
VCO input in order to synchronize the rising edge of the
external clock’s to the rising edge of TG1. The ability to
pre-bias the loop filter allows the PLL to lock in rapidly
without deviating far from the desired frequency.
The typical capture range of the LTC3859’s phase-locked
loop is from approximately 55kHz to 1MHz, with a guarantee over all manufacturing variations to be between
75kHz and 850kHz. In other words, the LTC3859’s PLL
is guaranteed to lock to an external clock source whose
frequency is between 75kHz and 850kHz.
The typical input clock thresholds on the PLLIN/MODE
pin are 1.6V (rising) and 1.2V (falling).
Boost Controller Operation When VIN > VOUT
When the input voltage to the boost channel rises above
its regulated VOUT voltage, the controller can behave
differently depending on the mode, inductor current and
VIN voltage. In forced continuous mode, the loop works
to keep the top MOSFET on continuously once VIN rises
above VOUT. An internal charge pump delivers current
to the boost capacitor from the BST3 pin to maintain a
sufficiently high TG voltage. (The amount of current the
charge pump can deliver is characterized by two curves
in the Typical Performance Characteristics section.)
In pulse-skipping mode, if VIN is between 100% and 110%
of the regulated VOUT voltage, TG turns on if the inductor
current rises above a certain threshold and turns off if the
inductor current falls below this threshold. This threshold
current is set approximately to 3% of the programmed
maximum ILIM current. If the controller is programmed to
Burst Mode operation under this same VIN window, then
TG remains off regardless of the inductor current.
If VIN rises above 110% of the regulated VOUT voltage in
any mode, the controller turns on TG regardless of the
inductor current. In Burst Mode operation, however, the
internal charge pump turns off if the entire chip is asleep
(the two buck channels are asleep or shut down). With
the charge pump off, there would be nothing to prevent
the boost capacitor from discharging, resulting in an
insufficient TG voltage needed to keep the top MOSFET
completely on. To prevent excessive power dissipation
across the body diode of the top MOSFET in this situation,
the chip can be switched over to forced continuous mode
to enable the charge pump, or a Schottky diode can also
be placed in parallel with the top MOSFET.
Boost Controller at Low SENSE Pin Common Voltage
The current comparator of the boost controller is powered
directly from the SENSE3+ pin and can operate to voltages
as low as 2.5V. Since this is lower than the VBIAS UVLO of
the chip, VBIAS can be connected to the output of the boost
controller, as illustrated in the typical application circuit
in Figure 12. This allows the boost controller to handle
input voltage transients down to 2.5V while maintaining
output voltage regulation. If the SENSE3+ rises back
above 2.5V, the SS3 pin will be released initiating a new
soft-start sequence.
3859f
16
LTC3859
OPERATION
Buck Controller Output Overvoltage Protection
Buck Foldback Current
The two buck channels have an overvoltage comparator
that guards against transient overshoots as well as other
more serious conditions that may overvoltage their outputs.
When the VFB1,2 pin rises by more than 10% above its
regulation point of 0.800V, the top MOSFET is turned off
and the bottom MOSFET is turned on until the overvoltage
condition is cleared.
When the buck output voltage falls to less than 70% of
its nominal level, foldback current limiting is activated,
progressively lowering the peak current limit in proportion
to the severity of the overcurrent or short-circuit condition.
Foldback current limiting is disabled during the soft-start
interval (as long as the VFB voltage is keeping up with
the TRACK/SS1,2 voltage). There is no foldback current
limiting for the boost channel.
Channel 1 Power Good (PGOOD1)
Channel 1 has a PGOOD1 pin that is connected to an open
drain of an internal N-channel MOSFET. The MOSFET
turns on and pulls the PGOOD1 pin low when the VFB1 pin
voltage is not within ±10% of the 0.8V reference voltage
for the buck channel. The PGOOD1 pin is also pulled low
when the RUN1 pin is low (shut down). When the VFB1
pin voltage is within the ±10% requirement, the MOSFET
is turned off and the pin is allowed to be pulled up by an
external resistor to a source no greater than 6V.
Boost Overvoltage Indicator (OV3)
The OV3 pin is an overvoltage indicator that signals
whether the output voltage of the channel 3 boost controller goes over its programmed regulated voltage. The pin
is connected to an open drain of an internal N-channel
MOSFET. The MOSFET turns on and pulls the OV3 pin low
when the VFB3 pin voltage is less than 110% of the 1.2V
reference voltage for the boost channel. The OV3 pin is
also pulled low when the RUN3 pin is low (shut down).
When the VFB3 pin voltage goes higher than 110% of the
1.2V reference, the MOSFET is turned off and the pin is
allowed to be pulled up by an external resistor to a source
no greater than 6V.
THEORY AND BENEFITS OF 2-PHASE OPERATION
Why the need for 2-phase operation? Up until the 2-phase
family, constant-frequency dual switching regulators
operated both channels in phase (i.e., single-phase
operation). This means that both switches turned on at
the same time, causing current pulses of up to twice the
amplitude of those for one regulator to be drawn from the
input capacitor and battery. These large amplitude current
pulses increased the total RMS current flowing from the
input capacitor, requiring the use of more expensive input
capacitors and increasing both EMI and losses in the input
capacitor and battery.
With 2-phase operation, the two buck controllers of the
LTC3859 are operated 180 degrees out of phase. This
effectively interleaves the current pulses drawn by the
switches, greatly reducing the overlap time where they add
together. The result is a significant reduction in total RMS
input current, which in turn allows less expensive input
capacitors to be used, reduces shielding requirements for
EMI and improves real world operating efficiency.
3859f
17
LTC3859
OPERATION
5V SWITCH
20V/DIV
3.3V SWITCH
20V/DIV
INPUT CURRENT
5A/DIV
INPUT VOLTAGE
500mV/DIV
IIN(MEAS) = 2.53ARMS
IIN(MEAS) = 1.55ARMS
3859 F01a
(a)
3859 F01b
(b)
Figure 1. Input Waveforms Comparing Single-Phase (a) and 2-Phase (b) Operation for Dual Switching
Regulators Converting 12V to 5V and 3.3V at 3A Each. The Reduced Input Ripple with the 2-Phase Regulator
Allows Less Expensive Input Capacitors, Reduces Shielding Requirements for EMI and Improves Efficiency
Of course, the improvement afforded by 2-phase operation is a function of the dual switching regulator’s relative
duty cycles which, in turn, are dependent upon the input
voltage VIN (Duty Cycle = VOUT/VIN). Figure 2 shows how
the RMS input current varies for single-phase and 2-phase
operation for 3.3V and 5V regulators over a wide input
voltage range.
It can readily be seen that the advantages of 2-phase operation are not just limited to a narrow operating range,
for most applications is that 2-phase operation will reduce
the input capacitor requirement to that for just one channel
operating at maximum current and 50% duty cycle.
The schematic on the first page is a basic LTC3859 application circuit. External component selection is driven
by the load requirement, and begins with the selection of
RSENSE and the inductor value. Next, the power MOSFETs
are selected. Finally, CIN and COUT are selected.
3.0
SINGLE PHASE
DUAL CONTROLLER
2.5
INPUT RMS CURRENT (A)
Figure 1 compares the input waveforms for a representative single-phase dual switching regulator to the 2-phase
dual buck controllers of the LTC3859. An actual measurement of the RMS input current under these conditions
shows that 2-phase operation dropped the input current
from 2.53ARMS to 1.55ARMS. While this is an impressive
reduction in itself, remember that the power losses are
proportional to IRMS2, meaning that the actual power wasted
is reduced by a factor of 2.66. The reduced input ripple
voltage also means less power is lost in the input power
path, which could include batteries, switches, trace/connector resistances and protection circuitry. Improvements
in both conducted and radiated EMI also directly accrue as
a result of the reduced RMS input current and voltage.
2.0
1.5
2-PHASE
DUAL CONTROLLER
1.0
0.5
0
VO1 = 5V/3A
VO2 = 3.3V/3A
0
10
20
30
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
40
3859 F02
Figure 2. RMS Input Current Comparison
3859f
18
LTC3859
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
The Typical Application on the first page is a basic LTC3859
application circuit. LTC3859 can be configured to use
either DCR (inductor resistance) sensing or low value
resistor sensing. The choice between the two current
sensing schemes is largely a design trade-off between
cost, power consumption, and accuracy. DCR sensing
is becoming popular because it saves expensive current
sensing resistors and is more power efficient, especially
in high current applications. However, current sensing
resistors provide the most accurate current limits for the
controller. Other external component selection is driven
by the load requirement, and begins with the selection of
RSENSE (if RSENSE is used) and inductor value. Next, the
power MOSFETs and Schottky diodes are selected. Finally,
input and output capacitors are selected.
on the SENSE3– pin allows the current comparator to be
used in inductor DCR sensing.
Filter components mutual to the sense lines should be
placed close to the LTC3859, and the sense lines should
run close together to a Kelvin connection underneath the
current sense element (shown in Figure 3). Sensing current elsewhere can effectively add parasitic inductance
and capacitance to the current sense element, degrading
the information at the sense terminals and making the
programmed current limit unpredictable. If DCR sensing
is used (Figure 4b), sense resistor R1 should be placed
close to the switching node, to prevent noise from coupling
into sensitive small-signal nodes.
TO SENSE FILTER
NEXT TO THE CONTROLLER
SENSE+ and SENSE– Pins
The SENSE+ and SENSE– pins are the inputs to the current
comparators.
Buck Controllers (SENSE1+/SENSE1–,SENSE2+/SENSE2–):
The common mode voltage range on these pins is 0V to
28V (absolute maximum), enabling the LTC3859 to regulate buck output voltages up to a nominal 24V (allowing
margin for tolerances and transients). The SENSE+ pin
is high impedance over the full common mode range,
drawing at most ±1μA. This high impedance allows the
current comparators to be used in inductor DCR sensing.
The impedance of the SENSE– pin changes depending on
the common mode voltage. When SENSE– is less than
INTVCC –0.5V, a small current of less than 1μA flows out
of the pin. When SENSE– is above INTVCC +0.5V, a higher
current (≈700μA) flows into the pin. Between INTVCC –0.5V
and INTVCC +0.5V, the current transitions from the smaller
current to the higher current.
Boost Controller (SENSE3+/SENSE3–): The common
mode input range for these pins is 2.5V to 38V, allowing
the boost converter to operate from inputs over this full
range. The SENSE3+ pin also provides power to the current comparator and draws about 170μA during normal
operation (when not shut down or asleep in Burst Mode
operation). There is a small bias current of less than 1μA
that flows out of the SENSE3– pin. This high impedance
CURRENT FLOW
3859 F03
INDUCTOR OR RSENSE
Figure 3. Sense Lines Placement with Inductor or Sense Resistor
Low Value Resistor Current Sensing
A typical sensing circuit using a discrete resistor is shown
in Figure 4a. RSENSE is chosen based on the required
output current.
The current comparators have a maximum threshold
VSENSE(MAX) of 50mV. 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, ΔIL. To calculate the
sense resistor value, use the equation:
VSENSE(MAX)
RSENSE =
ΔI
IMAX + L
2
When using the buck controllers in very low dropout
conditions, the maximum output current level will be
reduced due to the internal compensation required to
meet stability criterion for buck regulators operating at
greater than 50% duty factor. A curve is provided in the
Typical Performance Characteristics section to estimate
this reduction in peak output current level depending upon
the operating duty factor.
3859f
19
LTC3859
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
VIN1,2
(VOUT3)
INTVCC
BOOST
TG
LTC3859
RSENSE
SW
VOUT1,2
(VIN3)
BG
SENSE1,2+
(SENSE3–)
SENSE1, 2–
(SENSE3+)
CAP
PLACED NEAR SENSE PINS
SGND
3859 F04a
4a. Using a Resistor to Sense Current
VIN1,2
(VOUT3)
INTVCC
BOOST
INDUCTOR
TG
LTC3859
L
DCR
SW
VOUT1,2
(VIN3)
BG
R1
SENSE1, 2+
(SENSE3–)
SENSE1, 2–
(SENSE3+)
C1*
R2
SGND
3859 F04b
*PLACE C1 NEAR SENSE PINS
(R1||R2) • C1 = L/DCR
RSENSE(EQ) = DCR(R2/(R1+R2))
4b. Using the Inductor DCR to Sense Current
Figure 4. Current Sensing Methods
Inductor DCR Sensing
For applications requiring the highest possible efficiency at
high load currents, the LTC3859 is capable of sensing the
voltage drop across the inductor DCR, as shown in Figure 4b.
The DCR of the inductor represents the small amount of
DC winding resistance of the copper, which can be less
than 1mΩ for today’s low value, high current inductors.
In a high current application requiring such an inductor,
conduction loss through a sense resistor would cost several
points of efficiency compared to DCR sensing.
20
If the external R1||R2 • C1 time constant is chosen to be
exactly equal to the L/DCR time constant, the voltage drop
across the external capacitor is equal to the drop across
the inductor DCR multiplied by R2/(R1 + R2). R2 scales the
voltage across the sense terminals for applications where
the DCR is greater than the target sense resistor value.
To properly dimension the external filter components, the
DCR of the inductor must be known. It can be measured
using a good RLC meter, but the DCR tolerance is not
always the same and varies with temperature; consult the
manufacturers’ data sheets for detailed information.
Using the inductor ripple current value from the Inductor
Value Calculation section, the target sense resistor value
is:
VSENSE(MAX)
RSENSE(EQUIV) =
ΔI
IMAX + L
2
To ensure that the application will deliver full load current over the full operating temperature range, determine
RSENSE(EQUIV), keeping in mind that the maximum current
sense threshold (VSENSE(MAX)) for the LTC3859 is fixed
at 50mV.
Next, determine the DCR of the inductor. Where provided,
use the manufacturer’s maximum value, usually given at
20°C. Increase this value to account for the temperature
coefficient of resistance, which is approximately 0.4%/°C.
A conservative value for TL(MAX) is 100°C.
To scale the maximum inductor DCR to the desired sense
resistor value, use the divider ratio:
RSENSE(EQUIV)
RD =
DCRMAX at TL(MAX)
C1 is usually selected to be in the range of 0.1μF to 0.47μF.
This forces R1||R2 to around 2k, reducing error that might
have been caused by the SENSE+ pin’s ±1μA current.
The equivalent resistance R1||R2 is scaled to the room
temperature inductance and maximum DCR:
L
R1PR2 =
(DCR at 20°C) • C1
The sense resistor values are:
R1=
R1• RD
R1PR2
; R2 =
RD
1− RD
3859f
LTC3859
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
The maximum power loss in R1 is related to duty cycle. For
the buck controllers, the maximum power loss will occur
in continuous mode at the maximum input voltage:
PLOSS R1=
(VIN(MAX) − VOUT ) • VOUT
R1
For the boost controller, the maximum power loss in R1
will occur in continuous mode at VIN = 1/2•VOUT :
PLOSS R1=
(VOUT(MAX) − VIN ) • VIN
R1
Ensure that R1 has a power rating higher than this value.
If high efficiency is necessary at light loads, consider this
power loss when deciding whether to use DCR sensing or
sense resistors. Light load power loss can be modestly
higher with a DCR network than with a sense resistor, due
to the extra switching losses incurred through R1. However,
DCR sensing eliminates a sense resistor, reduces conduction losses and provides higher efficiency at heavy loads.
Peak efficiency is about the same with either method.
Inductor Value Calculation
The operating frequency and inductor selection are interrelated in that higher operating frequencies allow the use
of smaller inductor and capacitor values. So why would
anyone ever choose to operate at lower frequencies with
larger components? The answer is efficiency. A higher
frequency 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 ΔIL decreases with higher
inductance or frequency. For the buck controllers, ΔIL
increases with higher VIN:
⎛ V ⎞
1
ΔIL =
VOUT ⎜ 1− OUT ⎟
(f)(L)
VIN ⎠
⎝
For the boost controller, the inductor ripple current ΔIL
increases with higher VOUT:
ΔIL =
⎛
V ⎞
1
VIN ⎜ 1− IN ⎟
(f)(L) ⎝ VOUT ⎠
Accepting larger values of ΔIL 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 ΔIL = 0.3(IMAX). The maximum
ΔIL occurs at the maximum input voltage for the bucks
and VIN = 1/2•VOUT for the boost.
The inductor value also has secondary effects. The transition to Burst Mode operation begins when the average
inductor current required results in a peak current below
25% of the current limit (30% for the boost) determined
by RSENSE. Lower inductor values (higher ΔIL) will cause
this to occur at lower 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.
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 or molypermalloy
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!
Power MOSFET and Schottky Diode
(Optional) Selection
Two external power MOSFETs must be selected for each
controller in the LTC3859: one N-channel MOSFET for the
top switch (main switch for the buck, synchronous for the
boost), and one N-channel MOSFET for the bottom switch
(main switch for the boost, synchronous for the buck).
3859f
21
LTC3859
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
The peak-to-peak drive levels are set by the INTVCC voltage.
This voltage is typically 5.4V during start-up (see EXTVCC
Pin Connection). Consequently, logic-level threshold
MOSFETs must be used in most applications. Pay close
attention to the BVDSS specification for the MOSFETs as
well; many of the logic level MOSFETs are limited to 30V
or less.
Selection criteria for the power MOSFETs include the
on-resistance RDS(ON), Miller capacitance CMILLER, input
voltage and maximum output current. Miller capacitance,
CMILLER, can be approximated from the gate charge curve
usually provided on the MOSFET manufacturers’ data
sheet. CMILLER is equal to the increase in gate charge
along the horizontal axis while the curve is approximately
flat divided by the specified change in VDS. This result is
then multiplied by the ratio of the application applied VDS
to the gate charge curve specified VDS. When the IC is
operating in continuous mode the duty cycles for the top
and bottom MOSFETs are given by:
V
Buck Main Switch Duty Cycle = OUT
VIN
V −V
Buck Sync Switch Duty Cycle = IN OUT
VIN
V −V
Boost Main Switch Duty Cycle = OUT IN
VOUT
Boost Sync Switch Duty Cycle =
VIN
VOUT
The MOSFET power dissipations at maximum output
current are given by:
PMAIN _ BUCK =
(
VOUT
I
VIN OUT(MAX)
) (1+ δ )R
2
DS(ON) +
⎛ IOUT(MAX) ⎞
(VIN )2 ⎜
⎟ (RDR )(CMILLER ) •
2
⎝
⎠
⎡
1
1 ⎤
+
⎢
⎥ (f)
⎣ VINTVCC − VTHMIN VTHMIN ⎦
V −V
PSYNC _ BUCK = IN OUT IOUT(MAX)
VIN
(
) (1+ δ )R
2
DS(ON)
PMAIN _ BOOST =
( VOUT − VIN ) VOUT
VIN
⎛ V2
(1+ δ )RDS(ON) + ⎜
OUT
⎝ VIN
2
(IOUT(MAX) )
2
•
⎞ ⎛ IOUT(MAX) ⎞
⎟⎜
⎟⎠ •
2
⎠⎝
1
1 ⎤
+
⎥ (f)
−
V
V
THMIN
THMIN ⎦
⎣ INTVCC
2
VIN
PSYNC _ BOOST =
I
(1+ δ )RDS(ON)
VOUT OUT(MAX)
⎡
(RDR )(CMILLER ) • ⎢ V
(
)
where ζ is the temperature dependency of RDS(ON) and
RDR (approximately 2Ω) is the effective driver resistance
at the MOSFET’s Miller threshold voltage. VTHMIN is the
typical MOSFET minimum threshold voltage.
Both MOSFETs have I2R losses while the main N-channel
equations for the buck and boost controllers include an
additional term for transition losses, which are highest at
high input voltages for the bucks and low input voltages for
the boost. For VIN < 20V (high VIN for the boost) the high
current efficiency generally improves with larger MOSFETs,
while for VIN > 20V (low VIN for the boost) the transition
losses rapidly increase to the point that the use of a higher
RDS(ON) device with lower CMILLER actually provides higher
efficiency. The synchronous MOSFET losses for the buck
controllers are greatest at high input voltage when the top
switch duty factor is low or during a short-circuit when the
synchronous switch is on close to 100% of the period. The
synchronous MOSFET losses for the boost controller are
greatest when the input voltage approaches the output voltage or during an overvoltage event when the synchronous
switch is on 100% of the period.
The term (1+ ζ) is generally given for a MOSFET in the
form of a normalized RDS(ON) vs Temperature curve, but
ζ = 0.005/°C can be used as an approximation for low
voltage MOSFETs.
The optional Schottky diodes D4, D5, and D6 shown in
Figure 13 conduct during the dead-time between the
conduction of the two power MOSFETs. This prevents
the body diode of the synchronous MOSFET from turning
on, storing charge during the dead-time and requiring a
reverse recovery period that could cost as much as 3%
in efficiency at high VIN. A 1A to 3A Schottky is generally
3859f
22
LTC3859
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
a good compromise for both regions of operation due to
the relatively small average current. Larger diodes result
in additional transition losses due to their larger junction
capacitance.
Boost CIN, COUT Selection
The input ripple current in a boost converter is relatively
low (compared with the output ripple current), because
this current is continuous. The boost input capacitor CIN
voltage rating should comfortably exceed the maximum
input voltage. Although ceramic capacitors can be relatively
tolerant of overvoltage conditions, aluminum electrolytic
capacitors are not. Be sure to characterize the input voltage
for any possible overvoltage transients that could apply
excess stress to the input capacitors.
The value of CIN is a function of the source impedance, and
in general, the higher the source impedance, the higher the
required input capacitance. The required amount of input
capacitance is also greatly affected by the duty cycle. High
output current applications that also experience high duty
cycles can place great demands on the input supply, both
in terms of DC current and ripple current.
In a boost converter, the output has a discontinuous current,
so COUT must be capable of reducing the output voltage
ripple. The effects of ESR (equivalent series resistance) and
the bulk capacitance must be considered when choosing
the right capacitor for a given output ripple voltage. The
steady ripple due to charging and discharging the bulk
capacitance is given by:
Ripple =
(
IOUT(MAX) • VOUT − VIN(MIN)
)V
COUT • VOUT • f
where COUT is the output filter capacitor.
The steady ripple due to the voltage drop across the ESR
is given by:
ΔVESR = IL(MAX) • ESR
Multiple capacitors placed in parallel may be needed to
meet the ESR and RMS current handling requirements.
Dry tantalum, special polymer, aluminum electrolytic and
ceramic capacitors are all available in surface mount
packages. Ceramic capacitors have excellent low ESR
characteristics but can have a high voltage coefficient.
Capacitors are now available with low ESR and high ripple
current ratings such as OS-CON and POSCAP.
Buck CIN, COUT Selection
The selection of CIN for the two buck controllers is simplified
by the 2-phase architecture and its impact on the worstcase RMS current drawn through the input network (battery/fuse/capacitor). It can be shown that the worst-case
capacitor RMS current occurs when only one controller
is operating. The controller with the highest (VOUT)(IOUT)
product needs to be used in the formula shown in Equation (1) to determine the maximum RMS capacitor current
requirement. Increasing the output current drawn from
the other controller will actually decrease the input RMS
ripple current from its maximum value. The out-of-phase
technique typically reduces the input capacitor’s RMS
ripple current by a factor of 30% to 70% when compared
to a single phase power supply solution.
In continuous mode, the source current of the top MOSFET
is a square wave of duty cycle (VOUT)/(VIN). To prevent
large voltage transients, a low ESR capacitor sized for the
maximum RMS current of one channel must be used. The
maximum RMS capacitor current is given by:
CIN Required IRMS ≈
1/ 2
IMAX
⎡⎣( VOUT ) ( VIN − VOUT ) ⎤⎦
(1)
VIN
This formula has a maximum at VIN = 2VOUT, where IRMS
= IOUT/2. This simple worst-case condition is commonly
used for design because even significant deviations do not
offer much relief. Note that capacitor manufacturers’ 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 be paralleled to meet
size or height requirements in the design. Due to the high
operating frequency of the LTC3859, ceramic capacitors
can also be used for CIN. Always consult the manufacturer
if there is any question.
The benefit of the LTC3859 2-phase operation can be calculated by using Equation (1) for the higher power controller
and then calculating the loss that would have resulted if
both controller channels switched on at the same time.
3859f
23
LTC3859
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
The total RMS power lost is lower when both controllers
are operating due to the reduced overlap of current pulses
required through the input capacitor’s ESR. This is why
the input capacitor’s requirement calculated above for the
worst-case controller is adequate for the dual controller
design. Also, the input protection fuse resistance, battery
resistance, and PC board trace resistance losses are also
reduced due to the reduced peak currents in a 2-phase
system. The overall benefit of a multiphase design will
only be fully realized when the source impedance of the
power supply/battery is included in the efficiency testing.
The drains of the top MOSFETs should be placed within
1cm of each other and share a common CIN (s). Separating the drains and CIN may produce undesirable voltage
and current resonances at VIN.
A small (0.1μF to 1μF) bypass capacitor between the chip
VIN pin and ground, placed close to the LTC3859, is also
suggested. A small (1Ω to 10Ω) resistor placed between
CIN (C1) and the VIN pin provides further isolation between
the two channels.
The selection of COUT is driven by the effective series
resistance (ESR). Typically, once the ESR requirement
is satisfied, the capacitance is adequate for filtering. The
output ripple (ΔVOUT) is approximated by:
⎛
1 ⎞
ΔVOUT ≈ ΔIL ⎜ ESR +
8fCOUT ⎟⎠
⎝
where f is the operating frequency, COUT is the output
capacitance and ΔIL is the ripple current in the inductor.
The output ripple is highest at maximum input voltage
since ΔIL increases with input voltage.
Setting Output Voltage
The LTC3859 output voltages are each set by an external
feedback resistor divider carefully placed across the output,
as shown in Figure 5. The regulated output voltages are
determined by:
⎛ R ⎞
VOUT, BUCK = 0.8V ⎜ 1+ B ⎟
⎝ RA ⎠
⎛ R ⎞
VOUT, BOOST = 1.2V ⎜ 1+ B ⎟
⎝ RA ⎠
VOUT
RB
1/3 LTC3859
CFF
VFB
RA
3859 F05
Figure 5. Setting Output Voltage
To improve the frequency response, a feedforward capacitor, CFF, may be used. Great care should be taken to
route the VFB line away from noise sources, such as the
inductor or the SW line.
Tracking and Soft-Start
(TRACK/SS1, TRACK/SS2, SS3 Pins)
The start-up of each VOUT is controlled by the voltage on
the respective TRACK/SS pin (TRACK/SS1 for channel 1,
TRACK/SS2 for channel 2, SS3 for channel 3). When the
voltage on the TRACK/SS pin is less than the internal
0.8V reference (1.2V reference for the boost channel), the
LTC3859 regulates the VFB pin voltage to the voltage on the
TRACK/SS pin instead of the internal reference. Likewise,
the TRACK/SS pin for the buck channels can be used to
program an external soft-start function or to allow VOUT
to track another supply during start-up.
1/3 LTC3859
TRACK/SS
CSS
SGND
3859 F06
Figure 6. Using the TRACK/SS Pin to Program Soft-Start
Soft-start is enabled by simply connecting a capacitor
from the TRACK/SS pin to ground, as shown in Figure 6.
An internal 1μA current source charges the capacitor,
providing a linear ramping voltage at the TRACK/SS pin.
The LTC3859 will regulate the VFB pin (and hence VOUT)
according to the voltage on the TRACK/SS pin, allowing
VOUT to rise smoothly from 0V to its final regulated value.
The total soft-start time will be approximately:
0.8V
t SS _ BUCK = CSS •
1µA
1.2V
t SS _ BOOST = CSS •
1µA
3859f
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LTC3859
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
VX(MASTER)
VOUT(SLAVE)
TIME
OUTPUT (VOUT)
OUTPUT (VOUT)
VX(MASTER)
VOUT(SLAVE)
TIME
3859 F07a
7a. Coincident Tracking
3859 F07b
7b. Radiometric Tracking
Figure 7. Two Different Modes of Output Voltage Tracking
VOUT
RB
LTC3859
VFB1,2
RA
VX
RTRACKB
TRACK/SS1,2
RTRACKA
3859 F08
Figure 8. Using the TRACK/SS Pin for Tracking
Alternatively, the TRACK/SS1 and TRACK/SS2 pins for the
two buck controllers can be used to track two (or more) supplies during start-up, as shown qualitatively in Figures 7a
and 7b. To do this, a resistor divider should be connected
from the master supply (VX) to the TRACK/SS pin of the
slave supply (VOUT), as shown in Figure 8. During start-up
VOUT will track VX according to the ratio set by the resistor divider:
R
+ R TRACKB
VX
RA
=
• TRACKA
VOUT R TRACKA
R A + RB
For coincident tracking (VOUT = VX during start-up),
RA = RTRACKA
RB = RTRACKB
INTVCC Regulators
The LTC3859 features two separate internal P-channel
low dropout linear regulators (LDO) that supply power
at the INTVCC pin from either the VBIAS supply pin or the
EXTVCC pin depending on the connection of the EXTVCC
pin. INTVCC powers the gate drivers and much of the
LTC3859’s internal circuitry. The VBIAS LDO and the EXTVCC
LDO regulate INTVCC to 5.4V. Each of these can supply a
peak current of 50mA and must be bypassed to ground
with a minimum of 4.7μF ceramic capacitor. No matter
what type of bulk capacitor is used, an additional 1μF
ceramic capacitor placed directly adjacent to the INTVCC
and PGND IC pins is highly recommended. Good bypassing
is needed to supply the high transient currents required
by the MOSFET gate drivers and to prevent interaction
between the channels.
High input voltage applications in which large MOSFETs
are being driven at high frequencies may cause the maximum junction temperature rating for the LTC3859 to be
exceeded. The INTVCC current, which is dominated by the
gate charge current, may be supplied by either the VBIAS
LDO or the EXTVCC LDO. When the voltage on the EXTVCC
pin is less than 4.7V, the VBIAS LDO is enabled. Power
dissipation for the IC in this case is highest and is equal
to VBIAS • IINTVCC. The gate charge current is dependent
on operating frequency as discussed in the Efficiency
Considerations section. The junction temperature can be
estimated by using the equations given in Note 3 of the
Electrical Characteristics. For example, the LTC3859 INTVCC
current is limited to less than 40mA from a 40V supply
when not using the EXTVCC supply at a 70°C ambient
temperature in the QFN package:
TJ = 70°C + (40mA)(40V)(34°C/W) = 125°C
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LTC3859
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
To prevent the maximum junction temperature from being
exceeded, the input supply current must be checked while
operating in continuous conduction mode (PLLIN/MODE
= INTVCC) at maximum VIN.
2. EXTVCC connected directly to the output voltage of one
of the buck regulators. This is the normal connection
for a 5V to 14V regulator and provides the highest efficiency.
When the voltage applied to EXTVCC rises above 4.7V, the
VBIAS LDO is turned off and the EXTVCC LDO is enabled.
The EXTVCC LDO remains on as long as the voltage applied
to EXTVCC remains above 4.5V. The EXTVCC LDO attempts
to regulate the INTVCC voltage to 5.4V, so while EXTVCC
is less than 5.4V, the LDO is in dropout and the INTVCC
voltage is approximately equal to EXTVCC. When EXTVCC
is greater than 5.4V, up to an absolute maximum of 14V,
INTVCC is regulated to 5.4V.
3. EXTVCC connected to an external supply. If an external
supply is available in the 5V to 14V range, it may be
used to power EXTVCC providing it is compatible with the
MOSFET gate drive requirements. Ensure that EXTVCC
< VIN.
Using the EXTVCC LDO allows the MOSFET driver and
control power to be derived from one of the LTC3859’s
switching regulator outputs (4.7V ≤ VOUT ≤ 14V) during normal operation and from the VBIAS LDO when the
output is out of regulation (e.g., startup, short-circuit). If
more current is required through the EXTVCC LDO than
is specified, an external Schottky diode can be added
between the EXTVCC and INTVCC pins. In this case, do
not apply more than 6V to the EXTVCC pin and make sure
than EXTVCC ≤ VBIAS.
Significant efficiency and thermal gains can be realized
by powering INTVCC from the buck output, since the VIN
current resulting from the driver and control currents will
be scaled by a factor of (Duty Cycle)/(Switcher Efficiency).
For 5V to 14V regulator outputs, this means connecting
the EXTVCC pin directly to VOUT. Tying the EXTVCC pin to
a 8.5V supply reduces the junction temperature in the
previous example from 125°C to:
TJ = 70°C + (40mA)(8.5V)(34°C/W) = 82°C
However, for 3.3V and other low voltage outputs, additional circuitry is required to derive INTVCC power from
the output.
The following list summarizes the four possible connections for EXTVCC:
1. EXTVCC left open (or grounded). This will cause INTVCC
to be powered from the internal 5.4V regulator resulting in an efficiency penalty of up to 10% at high input
voltages.
4. EXTVCC connected to an output-derived boost network
off one of the buck regulators. For 3.3V and other low
voltage buck regulators, efficiency gains can still be
realized by connecting EXTVCC to an output-derived
voltage that has been boosted to greater than 4.7V. This
can be done with the capacitive charge pump shown in
Figure 9. Ensure that EXTVCC < VIN.
VIN1,2
C1
LTC3859
BAT85
BAT85
MTOP
BAT85
TG
EXTVCC
L
RSENSE
VOUT1,2
SW
MBOT
BG
PGND
3859 F09
Figure 9. Capacitive Charge Pump for EXTVCC
Topside MOSFET Driver Supply (CB, DB)
External bootstrap capacitors CB connected to the BOOST
pins supply the gate drive voltages for the topside MOSFETs.
Capacitor CB in the Functional Diagram is charged though
external diode DB from INTVCC when the SW pin is low.
When one of the topside MOSFETs is to be turned on, the
driver places the CB voltage across the gate-source of the
desired MOSFET. This enhances the MOSFET and turns
on the topside switch. The switch node voltage, SW, rises
to VIN for the buck channels (VOUT for the boost channel)
and the BOOST pin follows. With the topside MOSFET
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LTC3859
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
on, the boost voltage is above the input supply: VBOOST
= VIN + VINTVCC (VBOOST = VOUT + VINTVCC for the boost
controller). The value of the boost capacitor CB needs to
be 100 times that of the total input capacitance of the
topside MOSFET(s). The reverse breakdown of the external
Schottky diode must be greater than VIN(MAX) for the buck
channels and VOUT(MAX) for the boost channel.
When adjusting the gate drive level, the final arbiter is the
total input current for the regulator. If a change is made
and the input current decreases, then the efficiency has
improved. If there is no change in input current, then there
is no change in efficiency.
The topside MOSFET driver for the boost channel includes
an internal charge pump that delivers current to the bootstrap capacitor from the BOOST3 pin. This charge current
maintains the bias voltage required to keep the top MOSFET
on continuously during dropout/overvoltage conditions.
The Schottky diode selected for the boost topside driver
should have a reverse leakage less than the available output
current the charge pump can supply under all operating
conditions. Curves displaying the available charge pump
current under different operating conditions can be found
in the Typical Performance Characteristics section.
Fault Conditions: Buck Current Limit and Current
Foldback
The LTC3859 includes current foldback for the buck
channels to help limit load current when the output is
shorted to ground. If the buck output falls below 70% of
its nominal output level, then the maximum sense voltage is progressively lowered from 100% to 40% of its
maximum selected value. Under short-circuit conditions
with very low duty cycles, the buck channel will begin
cycle skipping in order to limit the short-circuit current.
In this situation the bottom MOSFET will be dissipating
most of the power but less than in normal operation. The
short-circuit ripple current is determined by the minimum
on-time tON(MIN) of the LTC3859 (≈95ns), the input voltage
and inductor value:
ΔIL(SC) = tON(MIN) (VIN/L)
The resulting average short-circuit current is:
1
ISC = 40% •ILIM(MAX) − ΔIL(SC)
2
Fault Conditions: Buck Overvoltage Protection
(Crowbar)
The overvoltage crowbar is designed to blow a system
input fuse when the output voltage of the one of the buck
regulators rises much higher than nominal levels. The
crowbar causes huge currents to flow, that blow the fuse
to protect against a shorted top MOSFET if the short occurs while the controller is operating.
A comparator monitors the buck output for overvoltage
conditions. The comparator detects faults greater than
10% above the nominal output voltage. When this condition is sensed, the top MOSFET of the buck controller is
turned off and the bottom MOSFET is turned on until the
overvoltage condition is cleared. The bottom MOSFET
remains on continuously for as long as the overvoltage
condition persists; if VOUT returns to a safe level, normal
operation automatically resumes.
A shorted top MOSFET for the buck channel will result in
a high current condition which will open the system fuse.
The switching regulator will regulate properly with a leaky
top MOSFET by altering the duty cycle to accommodate
the leakage.
Fault Conditions: Over Temperature Protection
At higher temperatures, or in cases where the internal
power dissipation causes excessive self heating on chip
(such as INTVCC short to ground), the over temperature
shutdown circuitry will shut down the LTC3859. When the
junction temperature exceeds approximately 170°C, the
over temperature circuitry disables the INTVCC LDO, causing the INTVCC supply to collapse and effectively shutting
down the entire LTC3859 chip. Once the junction temperature drops back to approximately 155°C, the INTVCC LDO
turns back on. Long term overstress (TJ > 125°C) should
be avoided as it can degrade the performance or shorten
the life of the part.
Phase-Locked Loop and Frequency Synchronization
The LTC3859 has an internal phase-locked loop (PLL)
comprised of a phase frequency detector, a lowpass filter,
and a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO). This allows the
turn-on of the top MOSFET of controller 1 to be locked to
the rising edge of an external clock signal applied to the
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LTC3859
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
at a frequency correspond to the frequency set by the
FREQ pin. Once prebiased, the PLL only needs to adjust
the frequency slightly to achieve phase-lock and synchronization. Although it is not required that the free-running
frequency be near external clock frequency, doing so will
prevent the operating frequency from passing through a
large range of frequencies as the PLL locks.
1000
900
FREQUENCY (kHz)
800
700
600
500
400
300
Table 1 summarizes the different states in which the FREQ
pin can be used.
200
100
0
15 25 35 45 55 65 75 85 95 105 115 125
FREQ PIN RESISTOR (kΩ)
3859 F10
Figure 10. Relationship Between Oscillator
Frequency and Resistor Value at the FREQ Pin
PLLIN/MODE pin. The turn-on of controller 2’s top MOSFET
is thus 180 degrees out of phase with the external clock.
The phase detector is an edge sensitive digital type that
provides zero degrees phase shift between the external
and internal oscillators. This type of phase detector does
not exhibit false lock to harmonics of the external clock.
If the external clock frequency is greater than the internal
oscillator’s frequency, fOSC, then current is sourced continuously from the phase detector output, pulling up the VCO
input. When the external clock frequency is less than fOSC,
current is sunk continuously, pulling down the VCO input.
If the external and internal frequencies are the same but
exhibit a phase difference, the current sources turn on for
an amount of time corresponding to the phase difference.
The voltage at the VCO input is adjusted until the phase
and frequency of the internal and external oscillators are
identical. At the stable operating point, the phase detector
output is high impedance and the internal filter capacitor,
CLP, holds the voltage at the VCO input.
Note that the LTC3859 can only be synchronized to an
external clock whose frequency is within range of the
LTC3859’s internal VCO, which is nominally 55kHz to 1MHz.
This is guaranteed to be between 75kHz and 850kHz.
Typically, the external clock (on PLLIN/MODE pin) input high
threshold is 1.6V, while the input low threshold is 1.2V.
Rapid phase-locking can be achieved by using the FREQ pin
to set a free-running frequency near the desired synchronization frequency. The VCO’s input voltage is prebiased
Table 1
FREQ PIN
PLLIN/MODE PIN
FREQUENCY
0V
DC Voltage
350kHz
INTVCC
DC Voltage
535kHz
Resistor to SGND
DC Voltage
50kHz to 900kHz
Any of the Above
External Clock
Phase-Locked to
External Clock
Minimum On-Time Considerations
Minimum on-time tON(MIN) is the smallest time duration
that the LTC3859 is capable of turning on the top MOSFET
(bottom MOSFET for the boost controller). It is determined
by internal timing delays and the gate charge required to
turn on the top MOSFET. Low duty cycle applications may
approach this minimum on-time limit and care should be
taken to ensure that
V
tON(MIN)_ BUCK < OUT
VIN (f)
V −V
tON(MIN)_ BOOST < OUT IN
VOUT (f)
If the duty cycle falls below what can be accommodated
by the minimum on-time, the controller will begin to skip
cycles. The output voltage will continue to be regulated,
but the ripple voltage and current will increase.
The minimum on-time for the LTC3859 is approximately
95ns for the bucks and 120ns for the boost. However, as
the peak sense voltage decreases the minimum on-time
gradually increases up to about 130ns. This is of particular concern in forced continuous applications with low
ripple current at light loads. If the duty cycle drops below
the minimum on-time limit in this situation, a significant
amount of cycle skipping can occur with correspondingly
larger current and voltage ripple.
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APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
Efficiency Considerations
Although all dissipative elements in the circuit produce
losses, four main sources usually account for most of the
losses in LTC3859 circuits: 1) IC VIN current, 2) INTVCC
regulator current, 3) I2R losses, 4) Topside MOSFET
transition losses.
RSENSE, but is “chopped” between the topside MOSFET
and the synchronous MOSFET. If the two MOSFETs have
approximately the same RDS(ON), then the resistance
of one MOSFET can simply be summed with the resistances of L, RSENSE and ESR to obtain I2R losses. For
example, if each RDS(ON) = 30mΩ, RL = 50mΩ, RSENSE
= 10mΩ and RESR = 40mΩ (sum of both input and
output capacitance losses), then the total resistance
is 130mΩ. This results in losses ranging from 3% to
13% as the output current increases from 1A to 5A for
a 5V output, or a 4% to 20% loss for a 3.3V output.
Efficiency varies as the inverse square of VOUT for the
same external components and output power level. The
combined effects of increasingly lower output voltages
and higher currents required by high performance digital
systems is not doubling but quadrupling the importance
of loss terms in the switching regulator system!
1. The VIN current is the DC supply current given in the
Electrical Characteristics table, which excludes MOSFET
driver and control currents. VIN current typically results
in a small (<0.1%) loss.
4. Transition losses apply only to the top MOSFET(s) (bottom MOSFET for the boost), and become significant only
when operating at high input voltages (typically 15V or
greater). Transition losses can be estimated from:
2. INTVCC current is the sum of the MOSFET driver and
control currents. The MOSFET driver current results
from switching the gate capacitance of the power
MOSFETs. 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 INTVCC that 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 bottom side MOSFETs.
Transition Loss = (1.7)VIN2 • IO(MAX) • CRSS • f
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
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.
Supplying INTVCC from an output-derived source power
through EXTVCC will scale the VIN current required
for the driver and control circuits by a factor of (Duty
Cycle)/(Efficiency). For example, in a 20V to 5V application, 10mA of INTVCC current results in approximately
2.5mA of VIN current. This reduces the mid-current loss
from 10% or more (if the driver was powered directly
from VIN) to only a few percent.
3.
I2R losses are predicted from the DC resistances of the
fuse (if used), MOSFET, inductor, current sense resistor, and input and output capacitor ESR. In continuous
mode the average output current flows through L and
Other hidden losses such as copper trace and internal
battery resistances can account for an additional 5%
to 10% efficiency degradation in portable systems. It is
very important to include these “system” level losses
during the design phase. The internal battery and fuse
resistance losses can be minimized by making sure that
CIN has adequate charge storage and very low ESR at
the switching frequency. A 25W supply will typically
require a minimum of 20μF to 40μF of capacitance
having a maximum of 20mΩ to 50mΩ of ESR. The
LTC3859 2-phase architecture typically halves this input
capacitance requirement over competing solutions.
Other losses including Schottky conduction losses
during dead-time 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 current transient response. Switching regulators
take several cycles to respond to a step in DC (resistive)
load current. When a load step occurs, VOUT shifts by an
3859f
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LTC3859
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
amount equal to ΔILOAD(ESR), where ESR is the effective
series resistance of COUT. ΔILOAD also begins to charge or
discharge COUT generating the feedback error signal that
forces the regulator to adapt to the current change and
return VOUT to its steady-state value. During this recovery
time VOUT can be monitored for excessive overshoot or
ringing, which would indicate a stability problem. OPTILOOP compensation allows the transient response to be
optimized over a wide range of output capacitance and
ESR values. The availability of the ITH pin not only allows
optimization of control loop behavior, but it also provides
a DC coupled and AC filtered closed loop response test
point. The DC step, rise time and settling at this test point
truly reflects the closed loop response. Assuming a predominantly second order system, phase margin and/or
damping factor can be estimated using the percentage
of overshoot seen at this pin. The bandwidth can also be
estimated by examining the rise time at the pin. The ITH
external components shown in Figure 16 will provide an
adequate starting point for most applications.
The ITH series RC-CC filter sets the dominant pole-zero
loop compensation. The values can be modified slightly
(from 0.5 to 2 times their suggested values) to optimize
transient response once the final PC layout is done and
the particular output capacitor type and value have been
determined. The output capacitors need to be selected
because the various types and values determine the loop
gain and phase. An output current pulse of 20% to 80%
of full-load current having a rise time of 1μs to 10μs will
produce output voltage and ITH pin waveforms that will
give a sense of the overall loop stability without breaking
the feedback loop.
Placing a power MOSFET directly across the output
capacitor and driving the gate with an appropriate signal
generator is a practical way to produce a realistic load step
condition. The initial output voltage step resulting from
the step change in output current may not be within the
bandwidth of the feedback loop, so this signal cannot be
used to determine phase margin. This is why it is better to
look at the ITH pin signal which is in the feedback loop and
is the filtered and compensated control loop response.
The gain of the loop will be increased by increasing RC
and the bandwidth of the loop will be increased by decreasing CC. If RC is increased by the same factor that
CC is decreased, the zero frequency will be kept the same,
thereby keeping the phase shift the same in the most
critical frequency range of the feedback loop. The output
voltage settling behavior is related to the stability of the
closed-loop system and will demonstrate the actual overall
supply performance.
A second, more severe transient is caused by switching
in loads with large (>1μF) supply bypass capacitors. The
discharged bypass capacitors are effectively put in parallel
with COUT, causing a rapid drop in VOUT. No regulator can
alter its delivery of current quickly enough to prevent this
sudden step change in output voltage if the load switch
resistance is low and it is driven quickly. If the ratio of
CLOAD to COUT is greater than 1:50, the switch rise time
should be controlled so that the load rise time is limited
to approximately 25 • CLOAD. Thus a 10μF capacitor would
require a 250μs rise time, limiting the charging current
to about 200mA.
Buck Design Example
As a design example for one of the buck channels channel,
assume VIN = 12V(NOMINAL), VIN = 22V(MAX), VOUT = 3.3V,
IMAX = 6A, VSENSE(MAX) = 50mV, and f = 350kHz.
The inductance value is chosen first based on a 30% ripple
current assumption. The highest value of ripple current
occurs at the maximum input voltage. Tie the FREQ pin
to GND, generating 350kHz operation. The minimum
inductance for 30% ripple current is:
ΔIL =
⎞
VOUT ⎛
VOUT
1−
⎜
⎟
(f)(L) ⎝ VIN(NOMINAL) ⎠
A 3.9μH inductor will produce 29% ripple current. The
peak inductor current will be the maximum DC value plus
one half the ripple current, or 6.88A. Increasing the ripple
current will also help ensure that the minimum on-time
of 95ns is not violated. The minimum on-time occurs at
maximum VIN:
VOUT
3.3V
tON(MIN) =
=
= 429ns
VIN(MAX)(f) 22V(350kHz)
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LTC3859
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
The RSENSE resistor value can be calculated by using the
minimum value for the maximum current sense threshold
(43mV):
RSENSE ≤
43mV
= 0.006Ω
6.88A
Choosing 1% resistors: RA = 25k and RB = 80.6k yields
an output voltage of 3.33V.
The power dissipation on the top side MOSFET can be easily
estimated. Choosing a Fairchild FDS6982S dual MOSFET
results in: RDS(ON) = 0.035Ω/0.022Ω, CMILLER = 215pF. At
maximum input voltage with T(estimated) = 50°C:
3.3V
PMAIN =
(6A)2 {1+ (0.005)(50° C − 25° C)}
22V
5A
(0.035Ω) + (22V)2 6 (2.5Ω)(215pF) •
2
1
1 ⎫
⎧
+
⎨
⎬ (350kHz) = 433mW
⎩ 5V − 2.3V 2.3V ⎭
A short-circuit to ground will result in a folded back current of:
20 mV 1 ⎧ 95ns(22V) ⎫
ISC =
− ⎨
⎬ = 3.07A
0.006Ω 2 ⎩ 3.9µH ⎭
with a typical value of RDS(ON) and ζ = (0.005/°C)(25°C)
= 0.125. The resulting power dissipated in the bottom
MOSFET is:
PSYNC = (2.23A)2 (1.125)(0.022Ω) = 233mW
which is less than under full-load conditions.
The input capacitor to the buck regulator CIN is chosen
for an RMS current rating of at least 3A at temperature
assuming only this channel is on. COUT is chosen with an
ESR of 0.02Ω 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:
VORIPPLE = RESR (ΔIL) = 0.02Ω(1.75A) = 35mVP-P
PC Board Layout Checklist
When laying out the printed circuit board, the following
checklist should be used to ensure proper operation of
the IC. These items are also illustrated graphically in the
layout diagram of Figure 11. Figure 12 illustrates the current
waveforms present in the various branches of the 2-phase
synchronous buck regulators operating in the continuous
mode. Check the following in your layout:
1. Are the top N-channel MOSFETs MTOP1 and MTOP2
located within 1cm of each other with a common drain
connection at CIN? Do not attempt to split the input
decoupling for the two channels as it can cause a large
resonant loop.
2. Are the signal and power grounds kept separate? The
combined IC signal ground pin and the ground return
of CINTVCC must return to the combined COUT (–) terminals. The path formed by the top N-channel MOSFET,
Schottky diode and the CIN capacitor should have short
leads and PC trace lengths. The output capacitor (–)
terminals should be connected as close as possible
to the (–) terminals of the input capacitor by placing
the capacitors next to each other and away from the
Schottky loop described above.
3. Do the LTC3859 VFB pins’ resistive dividers connect to
the (+) terminals of COUT? The resistive divider must be
connected between the (+) terminal of COUT and signal
ground. The feedback resistor connections should not
be along the high current input feeds from the input
capacitor(s).
4. Are the SENSE– and SENSE+ leads routed together with
minimum PC trace spacing? The filter capacitor between
SENSE+ and SENSE– should be as close as possible
to the IC. Ensure accurate current sensing with Kelvin
connections at the sense resistor.
5. Is the INTVCC decoupling capacitor connected close
to the IC, between the INTVCC and the power ground
pins? This capacitor carries the MOSFET drivers’ current peaks. An additional 1μF ceramic capacitor placed
immediately next to the INTVCC and PGND pins can help
improve noise performance substantially.
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LTC3859
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
6. Keep the switching nodes (SW1, SW2, SW3), top gate
nodes (TG1, TG2, TG3), and boost nodes (BOOST1,
BOOST2, BOOST3) away from sensitive small-signal
nodes, especially from the opposites channel’s voltage
and current sensing feedback pins. All of these nodes
have very large and fast moving signals and therefore
should be kept on the output side of the LTC3859 and
occupy minimum PC trace area.
7. Use a modified star ground technique: a low impedance,
large copper area central grounding point on the same
side of the PC board as the input and output capacitors
with tie-ins for the bottom of the INTVCC decoupling
capacitor, the bottom of the voltage feedback resistive
divider and the SGND pin of the IC.
PC Board Layout Debugging
Start with one controller on at a time. It is helpful to use
a DC-50MHz current probe to monitor the current in the
inductor while testing the circuit. Monitor the output
switching node (SW pin) to synchronize the oscilloscope
to the internal oscillator and probe the actual output voltage
as well. Check for proper performance over the operating
voltage and current range expected in the application. The
frequency of operation should be maintained over the input
voltage range down to dropout and until the output load
drops below the low current operation threshold—typically 25% of the maximum designed current level in Burst
Mode operation.
The duty cycle percentage should be maintained from cycle
to cycle in a well-designed, low noise PCB implementation.
Variation in the duty cycle at a subharmonic rate can suggest noise pickup at the current or voltage sensing inputs
or inadequate loop compensation. Overcompensation of
the loop can be used to tame a poor PC layout if regulator bandwidth optimization is not required. Only after
each controller is checked for its individual performance
should both controllers be turned on at the same time.
A particularly difficult region of operation is when one
controller channel is nearing its current comparator trip
point when the other channel is turning on its top MOSFET.
This occurs around 50% duty cycle on either channel due
to the phasing of the internal clocks and may cause minor
duty cycle jitter.
Reduce VIN from its nominal level to verify operation
of the regulator in dropout. Check the operation of the
undervoltage lockout circuit by further lowering VIN while
monitoring the outputs to verify operation.
Investigate whether any problems exist only at higher output currents or only at higher input voltages. If problems
coincide with high input voltages and low output currents,
look for capacitive coupling between the BOOST, SW, TG,
and possibly BG connections and the sensitive voltage
and current pins. The capacitor placed across the current
sensing pins needs to be placed immediately adjacent to
the pins of the IC. This capacitor helps to minimize the
effects of differential noise injection due to high frequency
capacitive coupling. If problems are encountered with
high current output loading at lower input voltages, look
for inductive coupling between CIN, Schottky and the top
MOSFET components to the sensitive current and voltage
sensing traces. In addition, investigate common ground
path voltage pickup between these components and the
SGND pin of the IC.
An embarrassing problem, which can be missed in an
otherwise properly working switching regulator, results
when the current sensing leads are hooked up backwards.
The output voltage under this improper hookup will still
be maintained but the advantages of current mode control
will not be realized. Compensation of the voltage loop will
be much more sensitive to component selection. This
behavior can be investigated by temporarily shorting out
the current sensing resistor—don’t worry, the regulator
will still maintain control of the output voltage.
3859f
32
LTC3859
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
SW1
L1
D1
RSENSE1
VOUT1
COUT1
RL1
VIN
RIN
CIN
SW2
BOLD LINES INDICATE
HIGH SWITCHING
CURRENT. KEEP LINES
TO A MINIMUM LENGTH.
D2
L2
RSENSE2
VOUT2
COUT2
RL2
3859 F11
Figure 11. Branch Current Waveforms for Bucks
3859f
33
LTC3859
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
VOUT1
RB1
357k
OPT
RA1
68.1k
VFB1
LTC3859
SENSE1–
C1
1nF
CITH1A
100pF
SENSE1+
RITH1
15k
CITH1
1500pF
100k
ITH1
CSS1
0.1μF
MTOP1
TG1
TRACK/SS1
FREQ
PLLIN/MODE
SW1
RUN1
RB2
649k
10pF
RUN3
VFB2
CITH2
2.2nF
CBIAS
10μF
PGND
EXTVCC
CINT2
4.7μF
C2
10μF
INTVCC
D2
TG2
CSS2
0.1μF
TRACK/SS2
MTOP2
CB2
0.1μF
BOOST2
L2
6.5μH
RSENSE2
8mΩ
SW2
VOUT3
RA3
68.1k
COUT1
220μF
D1
CINT1
1μF
CITH2A
68pF
VOUT1
5V
5A
VBIAS
RITH2
15k
ITH2
RSENSE1
6mΩ
MBOT1
BG1
RUN2
RA2
68.1k
L1
4.9μH
CB1
0.1μF
BOOST1
SGND
VOUT2
C1
10μF
PGOOD1
RB3
499k
OPT
COUT2
68μF
MBOT2
BG2
VOUT2
8.5V
3A
VFB3
CITH3
0.01μF
RITH3
3.6k
CITH3A
820pF
CSS3
0.1μF
SENSE2+
C2
1nF
ITH3
SENSE2–
SS3
MTOP3
TG3
SW3
MTOP1, MTOP2: BSZ097NO4LS
MBOT1, MBOT2: BSZ097NO4LS
MTOP3: BSC027NO4LS
MBOT3: BSCO1BN04LS
L1: WÜRTH 744314490
L2: WÜRTH 744314650
L3: WÜRTH 744325120
COUT1: SANYO 6TPB220ML
COUT2: SANYO 10TPC68M
CIN, COUT3: SANYO 50CE220LX
D1, D2: CMDH-4E
D3: BAS140W
VOUT3
10V*
D3
BOOST3
L3
1.2μH
COUT3
220μF
RSENSE2
2mΩ
VIN
2.5V TO 38V
(START-UP ABOVE 5V)
CB3
0.1μF
BG3
MBOT3
CIN
220μF
SENSE3–
C3
1nF
SENSE3+
3859 F12
* VOUT3 IS 10V WHEN VIN < 10V,
FOLLOWS VIN WHEN VIN > 10V
Figure 12. High Efficiency Wide Input Range Dual 5V/8.5V Converter
3859f
34
LTC3859
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
VOUT1
RB1
475k
33pF
RA1
34k
VFB1
LTC3859
SENSE1–
C1
1nF
CITH1A
100pF
SENSE1+
RITH1
10k
CITH1
680pF
100k
CSS1
0.1μF
ITH1
FREQ
PLLIN/MODE
SW1
RUN1
RB2
215k
15pF
RUN3
VFB2
CITH2
820pF
COUT1
47μF
D1
CBIAS
10μF
PGND
EXTVCC
CINT1
1μF
CITH2A
150pF
VOUT1
12V
3A
VBIAS
RITH2
15k
ITH2
RSENSE1
9mΩ
MBOT1
BG1
RUN2
VOUT2
L1
8.8μH
CB1
0.1μF
BOOST1
SGND
CINT2
4.7μF
C2
10μF
INTVCC
D2
TG2
CSS2
0.1μF
TRACK/SS2
MTOP2
CB2
0.1μF
BOOST2
L2
3.2μH
RSENSE2
6mΩ
SW2
VOUT3
RA3
68.1k
MTOP1
TG1
TRACK/SS1
RA2
68.1k
C1
10μF
PGOOD1
RB3
787k
OPT
COUT2
150μF
MBOT2
BG2
VOUT2
3.3V
5A
VFB3
CITH3
0.01μF
RITH3
3.6k
CITH3A
820pF
CSS3
0.1μF
SENSE2+
C2
1nF
ITH3
SENSE2–
SS3
MTOP3
TG3
SW3
MTOP1, MTOP2: VISHAY Si7848DP
MBOT1, MBOT2: VISHAY Si7848DP
MTOP3: BSC027NO4LS
MBOT3: BSCO1BN04LS
L1: SUMIDA CDEP105-8R8M
L2: SUMIDA CDEP105-3R2M
L3: WÜRTH 744325120
COUT1: KEMET T525D476MO16E035
COUT2: SANYO 4TPE150M
CIN, COUT3: SANYO 50CE220LX
D1, D2: CMDH-4E
D3: BAS140W
VOUT3
15V*
D3
BOOST3
L3
1.2μH
COUT3
220μF
RSENSE2
2mΩ
VIN
2.5V TO 38V
(START-UP ABOVE 5V)
CB3
0.1μF
BG3
MBOT3
CIN
220μF
SENSE3–
C3
1nF
SENSE3+
3859 F13
* VOUT3 IS 15V WHEN VIN < 15V,
FOLLOWS VIN WHEN VIN > 15V
Figure 13. High Efficiency Wide Input Range Dual 12V/3.3V Converter
3859f
35
LTC3859
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
VOUT1
RA1
115k
RB1
28.7k
56pF
VFB1
CITH1A
200pF
LTC3859
SENSE1–
C1
1nF
SENSE1+
RITH1
3.93k
CITH1
1000pF
100k
ITH1
CSS1
0.01μF
FREQ
PLLIN/MODE
SW1
RUN1
RB2
57.6k
56pF
RUN3
VFB2
CITH2
1000pF
VBIAS
CBIAS
10μF
PGND
EXTVCC
CINT1
1μF
CITH2A
200pF
CINT2
4.7μF
C2
10μF
INTVCC
D2
TG2
CSS2
0.01μF
TRACK/SS2
MTOP2
CB2
0.1μF
BOOST2
L2
0.47μH
RSENSE2
3.5mΩ
VOUT2
1.2V
8A
SW2
VOUT3
RA3
12.1k
D1
RITH2
3.93k
ITH2
VOUT1
1V
8A
COUT1
220μF
s2
MBOT1
BG1
RUN2
VOUT2
RSENSE1
3.5mΩ
CB1
0.1μF
BOOST1
SGND
L1
0.47μH
MTOP1
TG1
TRACK/SS1
RA2
115k
C1
10μF
PGOOD1
RB3
232k
OPT
COUT2
220μF
s2
MBOT2
BG2
VFB3
CITH3
15nF
RITH3
8.66k
SENSE2+
C2
1nF
ITH3
CITH3A
220pF
SENSE2–
CSS3
0.01μF
D3
SS3
TG3
SW3
MTOP1, MTOP2: RENESAS RJK0305
MBOT1, MBOT2: RENESAS RJK0328
MTOP3, MBOT3: RENESAS HAT2169H
L1, L2: SUMIDA CDEP105-0R4
L3: PULSE PA1494.362NL
COUT1, COUT2: SANYO 2R5TPE220M
CIN, COUT3: SANYO 50CE220AX
D1, D2: CMDH-4E
D3: BAS140W
MTOP3
BOOST3
RSENSE2
4mΩ
CB3
0.1μF
BG3
SENSE3
L3
3.3μH
MBOT3
COUT3
220μF
VOUT3
24V
5A
VIN
12V
CIN
220μF
–
C3
1nF
SENSE3+
3859 F14
Figure 14. High Efficiency Triple 24V/1V/1.2V Converter from 12V VIN
3859f
36
LTC3859
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
VOUT1
RB1
57.6k
RA1
115k
VFB1
CITH1A
100pF
LTC3859
SENSE1–
C1
1nF
SENSE1+
RITH1
5.6k
CITH1
2.2nF
100k
ITH1
CSS1
0.1μF
C1
10μF
PGOOD1
MTOP1
TG1
TRACK/SS1
FREQ
PLLIN/MODE
SW1
RUN1
RB2
357k
RA2
115k
RUN3
VFB2
CITH2
3.3nF
D1
VBIAS
CBIAS
10μF
PGND
EXTVCC
CINT1
1μF
RITH2
9.1k
ITH2
CITH2A
100pF
VOUT1
1.2V
3A
COUT1
220μF
MBOT1
BG1
RUN2
VOUT2
RSENSE1
9mΩ
CB1
0.1μF
BOOST1
SGND
L1
2.2μH
CINT2
4.7μF
C2
10μF
INTVCC
D2
TG2
CSS2
0.1μF
TRACK/SS2
MTOP2
CB2
0.1μF
BOOST2
L2
6.5μH
RSENSE2
9mΩ
VOUT2
3.3V
3A
SW2
VOUT3
RB3
887k
RA3
115k
COUT2
220μF
MBOT2
BG2
VFB3
CITH3
100nF
RITH3
13k
SENSE2+
C2
1nF
ITH3
CITH3A
10pF
SENSE2–
CSS3
0.1μF
SS3
D3
COUT3
270μF
TG3
•
C3
10μF
50V
SW3
•
MTOP1, MTOP2: BSZ097NO4LS
MBOT1, MBOT2: BSZ097NO4LS
MBOT3: BSZ097NO4L
L1: WURTH 744311220
L2: WURTH 744314650
L3: COOPER BUSSMANN DRQ125-100
COUT1: SANYO 2R5TPE220MAFB
COUT2: SANYO 4TPE220MAZB
COUT3: SANYO SVPC270M
CIN: SANYO 50CE220LX
D1, D2: CMDH-4E
D3: DIODES INC B360A-13-F
RSENSE2
9mΩ
BOOST3
BG3
MBOT3
L3
10μH
VOUT3
10.5V
1.2A
VIN
5.8V TO 34V
CIN
220μF
SENSE3–
C3
1nF
SENSE3+
3859 F15
Figure 15. High Efficiency 1.2V/3.3V Step-Down Converter with 10.5V SEPIC Converter
3859f
37
LTC3859
PACKAGE DESCRIPTION
FE Package
38-Lead Plastic TSSOP (4.4mm)
(Reference LTC DWG # 05-08-1772 Rev A)
Exposed Pad Variation AA
4.75 REF
38
9.60 – 9.80*
(.378 – .386)
4.75 REF
(.187)
20
6.60 ±0.10
4.50 REF
2.74 REF
SEE NOTE 4
6.40
2.74
REF (.252)
(.108)
BSC
0.315 ±0.05
1.05 ±0.10
0.50 BSC
RECOMMENDED SOLDER PAD LAYOUT
4.30 – 4.50*
(.169 – .177)
0.09 – 0.20
(.0035 – .0079)
0.50 – 0.75
(.020 – .030)
NOTE:
1. CONTROLLING DIMENSION: MILLIMETERS
2. DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS
(INCHES)
3. DRAWING NOT TO SCALE
1
0.25
REF
19
1.20
(.047)
MAX
0o – 8o
0.50
(.0196)
BSC
0.17 – 0.27
(.0067 – .0106)
TYP
0.05 – 0.15
(.002 – .006)
FE38 (AA) TSSOP 0608 REV A
4. RECOMMENDED MINIMUM PCB METAL SIZE
FOR EXPOSED PAD ATTACHMENT
*DIMENSIONS DO NOT INCLUDE MOLD FLASH. MOLD FLASH
SHALL NOT EXCEED 0.150mm (.006") PER SIDE
3859f
38
LTC3859
PACKAGE DESCRIPTION
UHF Package
38-Lead Plastic QFN (5mm × 7mm)
(Reference LTC DWG # 05-08-1701 Rev C)
0.70 p 0.05
5.50 p 0.05
5.15 ± 0.05
4.10 p 0.05
3.00 REF
3.15 ± 0.05
PACKAGE
OUTLINE
0.25 p 0.05
0.50 BSC
5.5 REF
6.10 p 0.05
7.50 p 0.05
RECOMMENDED SOLDER PAD LAYOUT
APPLY SOLDER MASK TO AREAS THAT ARE NOT SOLDERED
5.00 p 0.10
0.75 p 0.05
PIN 1 NOTCH
R = 0.30 TYP OR
0.35 s 45o CHAMFER
3.00 REF
37
0.00 – 0.05
38
0.40 p0.10
PIN 1
TOP MARK
(SEE NOTE 6)
1
2
5.15 ± 0.10
7.00 p 0.10
5.50 REF
3.15 ± 0.10
(UH) QFN REF C 1107
0.200 REF 0.25 p 0.05
0.50 BSC
R = 0.125
TYP
R = 0.10
TYP
BOTTOM VIEW—EXPOSED PAD
NOTE:
1. DRAWING CONFORMS TO JEDEC PACKAGE
OUTLINE M0-220 VARIATION WHKD
2. DRAWING NOT TO SCALE
3. ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS
4. DIMENSIONS OF EXPOSED PAD ON BOTTOM OF PACKAGE DO NOT INCLUDE
MOLD FLASH. MOLD FLASH, IF PRESENT, SHALL NOT EXCEED 0.20mm ON ANY SIDE
5. EXPOSED PAD SHALL BE SOLDER PLATED
6. SHADED AREA IS ONLY A REFERENCE FOR PIN 1 LOCATION
ON THE TOP AND BOTTOM OF PACKAGE
3859f
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.
39
LTC3859
TYPICAL APPLICATION
High Efficiency Wide Input Range Dual 3.3V/8.5V Converter
VOUT1
RB1
215k
15pF
RA1
68.1k
VFB1
LTC3859
SENSE1–
C1
1nF
CITH1A
150pF
SENSE1+
RITH1
15k
CITH1
820pF
100k
ITH1
CSS1
0.1μF
MTOP1
TG1
TRACK/SS1
FREQ
SW1
RUN1
RB2
649k
10pF
CITH2
2.2nF
RUN3
CBIAS
10μF
PGND
VFB2
EXTVCC
ITH2
INTVCC
CINT1
1μF
CINT2
4.7μF
C2
10μF
D2
TG2
CSS2
0.1μF
TRACK/SS2
MTOP2
CB2
0.1μF
BOOST2
L2
6.5μH
RSENSE2
8mΩ
SW2
VOUT3
RA3
68.1k
COUT1
150μF
D1
RITH2
15k
CITH2A
68pF
VOUT1
3.3V
5A
VBIAS
RUN2
VOUT2
RSENSE1
6mΩ
MBOT1
BG1
SGND
L1
3.2μH
CB1
0.1μF
BOOST1
PLLIN/MODE
RA2
68.1k
C1
10μF
PGOOD1
RB3
499k
OPT
COUT2
68μF
MBOT2
BG2
VOUT2
8.5V
3A
VFB3
CITH3
0.01μF
RITH3
3.6k
SENSE2+
C2
1nF
ITH3
CITH3A
820pF
SENSE2–
CSS3
0.1μF
VOUT3
10V*
D3
SS3
MTOP1, MTOP2: VISHAY Si7848DP
MBOT1, MBOT2: BSZ097NO4LS
MTOP3: BSC027NO4LS
MBOT3: BSCO1BN04LS
L1: SUMIDA CDEP105-3R2M
L2: WÜRTH 744314650
L3: WÜRTH 744325120
COUT1: SANYO 6TPB220ML
COUT2: SANYO 4TPE150M
CIN, COUT3: SANYO 50CE220LX
D1, D2: CMDH-4E
D3: BAS140W
MTOP3
TG3
SW3
L3
1.2μH
CB3
0.1μF
BOOST3
BG3
MBOT3
RSENSE2
2mΩ
COUT3
220μF
VIN
2.5V TO 38V
(START-UP ABOVE 5V)
CIN
220μF
SENSE3–
C3
1nF
SENSE3+
* VOUT3 IS 10V WHEN VIN < 10V,
FOLLOWS VIN WHEN VIN > 10V
3859 TA02
RELATED PARTS
PART NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
COMMENTS
LTC3857/LTC3857-1
LTC3858/LTC3858-1
Low IQ, Dual Output 2-Phase Synchronous Step-Down
DC/DC Controllers with 99% Duty Cycle
Phase-Lockable Fixed Frequency 50kHz to 900kHz,
4V ≤ VIN ≤ 38V, 0.8V ≤ VOUT ≤ 24V, IQ = 50μA/170μA,
LTC3890
60V, Low IQ, Dual 2-Phase Synchronous Step-Down
DC/DC Controller
Phase-Lockable Fixed Frequency 50kHz to 900kHz,
4V ≤ VIN ≤ 60V, 0.8V ≤ VOUT ≤ 24V, IQ = 50μA
LTC3780
4-Switch High Efficiency Buck-Boost Controller
4V ≤ VIN ≤ 36V, 0.8V ≤ VOUT ≤ 30V, SSOP-24, 5mm × 5mm QFN-32
LTC3834/LTC3834-1/ Low IQ, Synchronous Step-Down DC/DC Controller with
LTC3835/LTC3835-1 99% Duty Cycle
Phase-Lockable Fixed Frequency 140kHz to 650kHz,
4V ≤ VIN ≤ 36V, 0.8V ≤ VOUT ≤ 10V, IQ = 30μA/80μA
LT3845
Low IQ, High Voltage Synchronous Step-Down DC/DC
Controller
Adjustable Fixed Frequency 100kHz to 500kHz, 4V ≤ VIN ≤ 60V,
1.23V ≤ VOUT ≤ 36V, IQ = 120μA, TSSOP-16
LTC3824
Low IQ, High Voltage DC/DC Controller, 100% Duty Cycle
Selectable Fixed 200kHz to 600kHz Operating Frequency,
4V ≤ VIN ≤ 60V, 0.8V ≤ VOUT ≤ VIN , IQ = 40μA, MSOP-10E
3859f
40 Linear Technology Corporation
LT 0310 • PRINTED IN USA
1630 McCarthy Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035-7417
(408) 432-1900 ● FAX: (408) 434-0507
●
www.linear.com
© LINEAR TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 2010