MAXIM MAX17515

EVALUATION KIT AVAILABLE
MAX17515
General Description
The MAX17515 is a fixed-frequency, step-down
power module in a thermally efficient systemin-package (SIP) package that operates from a
2.4V to 5.5V input supply voltage and supports
output currents up to 5A. The device includes switchmode power-supply controller, dual n-channel MOSFET
power switches, a fully shielded inductor, as well as
compensation components. The device supports 0.75V
to 3.6V programmable output voltage. The high level of
integration significantly reduces design complexity, manufacturing risks, and offers a true “plug-and-play” powersupply solution, reducing the time to market.
The device operates at a fixed 1MHz that requires smaller
input and output capacitor size. The internal fixed constant gain at the error-amplifier output results in outputvoltage positioning with respect to the load current. The
fixed internal digital soft-start limits the input inrush current at startup. The device also operates in pulse-skipping
mode at light loads to improve the light-load efficiency.
The MAX17515 is available in a thermally enhanced,
compact 28-pin, 10mm x 6.5mm x 2.8mm SIP
package and can operate over the -40°C to +85°C
industrial temperature range.
5A, 2.4V to 5.5V Input,
High-Efficiency Power Module
Benefits and Features
● Complete Switch-Mode Power Supply in One
Package
● 2.4V to 5.5V Input Voltage Range
● 0.75V to 3.6V Programmable Output Voltage
● Auto Switch Light-Load Pulse-Skipping Mode
● Fault Protection
• Output Overvoltage Protection
• Output Undervoltage Protection
• Thermal-Fault Protection
• Peak Current Limit
● Enable Input
● Up to 94% Efficiency
● Power-Good Output
● Voltage-Controlled Internal Soft-Start
● High-Impedance Shutdown
● < 1µA Shutdown Current
● Passes EN55022 (CISPR22) Class B Radiated and
Conducted EMI Standard
Typical Application Circuit
VIN
5V
IN
OUT
IN
OUT
OUT
IN
22µF
MAX17515
IN
OUT
19-6711; Rev 0; 6/13
22µF
220µF
OUT
VCC
For related parts and recommended products to use with this part, refer
to www.maximintegrated.com/MAX17515.related.
VOUT
1.1V, 5A
OUT
VCC
Ordering Information appears at end of data sheet.
PGND
PGND
PGND
PGND
PGND
FPGA and DSP Point-of-Load Regulator
Base Station Point-of-Load Regulator
Industrial Control Equipment
Servers
ATE Equipment
Medical Equipment
PGND
●
●
●
●
●
●
PGND
Applications
OUT
22.1kΩ
OUT
EN
FB
GND
GND
GND
POK
1kΩ
VCC
47.5kΩ
MAX17515
5A, 2.4V to 5.5V Input,
High-Efficiency Power Module
Absolute Maximum Ratings
IN to PGND..............................................................-0.3V to +6V
VCC to GND.............................................................-0.3V to +6V
VCC to IN..................................................................-0.3V to +6V
EN to GND...............................................................-0.3V to +6V
FB, POK to GND....................................... -0.3V to (VCC + 0.3V)
OUT, EP3 to GND.......................................-0.6V to (VIN + 0.3V)
PGND to GND.......................................................-0.3V to +0.3V
EP1 to GND..........................................................-0.3V to +0.3V
EP2 to PGND.......................................... -0.3V to + (VIN + 0.3V)
EP2 to GND............................................ -0.6V to + (VIN + 0.3V)
Continuous Power Dissipation (TA = +70°C)
28-Pin SIP (derate 37mW/°C above +70°C) .............2000mW
Operating Temperature Range............................ -40°C to +85°C
Junction Temperature.......................................................+125°C
Storage Temperature Range............................. -55°C to +150°C
Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s).................................. +245°C
Stresses beyond those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional operation of the device at these
or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the operational sections of the specifications is not implied. Exposure to absolute maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect
device reliability.
Package Thermal Characteristics (Note 1)
SIP
Junction-to-Ambient Thermal Resistance (qJA)...........25°C/W
Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance (qJC)..................6°C/W
Note 1: Package thermal resistances were obtained using the method described in JEDEC specification JESD51-7, using a four-layer
board. For detailed information on package thermal considerations, refer to www.maximintegrated.com/thermal-tutorial.
Electrical Characteristics
(VIN = VCC = VEN = 5V, -40°C < TA < +85°C. Typical values are at TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Typical Application Circuit)
(Note 2)
PARAMETER
SYMBOL
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
INPUT SUPPLY (VIN)
IN Input Voltage Range
VIN
IN Undervoltage Threshold
IN Standby Supply Current
IQ
2.4
5.5
VIN = VCC
4.5
5.5
Rising edge (100mV hysteresis)
2.05
VIN = VCC = 4.5V, no load
V
2.19
2.4
V
1
5.5
μA
5.5
V
4.2
4.5
V
VCC SUPPLY
VCC Input Voltage Range
VCC
VCC Undervoltage Threshold
4.5
Rising edge (160mV hysteresis)
3.9
IVCC_SHD
EN = GND, POK unconnected, measured
at VCC, TA = +25°C
0.1
1.0
μA
IVCC
Regulator enabled, no load, no switching
(VFB = 1V)
62
135
μA
VOUT
VIN = VCC = 5.2V, ILOAD = 2A
(see derating curve for VOUT > 2.5V)
0.754
3.6
V
Unity Gain Output-Voltage
Tolerance/FB accuracy
FB = OUT, no load
0.750
0.770
0.786
V
FB Load Regulation Accuracy
(RDROOP)
2A < IOUT < 5A, FB = OUT
-7.5
-4.4
-1
mV/A
FB Line Regulation Accuracy
FB = OUT, no load, 2.4V < VIN < 5.5V
1.253
4.5
mV/V
FB Input Bias Current
TA = -40°C to +85°C (Note 3)
-0.015
+0.1
μA
VCC Shutdown Supply Current
VCC Supply Current
OUTPUT
Output Voltage Programmable
Range
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-0.1
Maxim Integrated │ 2
MAX17515
5A, 2.4V to 5.5V Input,
High-Efficiency Power Module
Electrical Characteristics (continued)
(VIN = VCC = VEN = 5V, -40°C < TA < +85°C. Typical values are at TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Typical Application Circuit)
(Note 2)
PARAMETER
SYMBOL
Average Output Current Limit
CONDITIONS
VIN = 5V
MIN
TYP
5
MAX
UNITS
8
A
EFFICIENCY
Efficiency
VIN = 5V, VOUT = 1.1V, IOUT = 2A
86
VIN = 5V, VOUT = 1.1V, IOUT = 5A
77
%
SWITCHING FREQUENCY
Switching Frequency
fSW
0.9
1
1.1
MHz
SOFT-START
Soft-Start Ramp Time
Soft-Start Fault Blanking Time
tSS
1.79
ms
tSSLT
3
ms
POWER-GOOD OUTPUT (POK)
POK Upper Trip Threshold and
Overvoltage-Fault Threshold
Rising edge, 50mV hysteresis
8.5
12
14
%
POK Lower Trip Threshold
Falling edge, 50mV hysteresis
-14
-12
-6
%
0.1
1
μA
POK Leakage Current
IPOK
TA = +25°C, VPOK = 5.5V
POK Propagation Delay Time
tPOK
FB forced 50mV beyond POK trip threshold
2
μs
POK Output Low Voltage
ISINK = 3mA
100
mV
Overvoltage-Fault Latch-Delay
Time
FB forced 50mV above POK upper trip
threshold
2
μs
Undervoltage-Fault Latch-Delay
Time
FB forced 50mV below POK lower trip
threshold, TUV
1.6
ms
LOGIC INPUTS
EN Input High Threshold
Rising, hysteresis = 215mV (typ)
EN Input Leakage Current
TA = +25°C
1.0
1.4
1.6
V
0.1
1
μA
THERMAL SHUTDOWN
Thermal-Shutdown Threshold
TSHDN
Hysteresis = 15°C
+160
°C
Note 2: Limits are 100% tested at TA = +25°C. Maximum and minimum limits are guaranteed by design and characterization over
temperature.
Note 3: Design guaranteed by ATE characterization. Limits are not production tested.
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Maxim Integrated │ 3
MAX17515
5A, 2.4V to 5.5V Input,
High-Efficiency Power Module
Typical Operating Characteristics
(VCC = 5V, VIN = 3.3V - 5V, VOUT = 0.9V - 3.3V, IOUT = 0–5A, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
VOUT = 1.2V
VOUT = 1.8V
75
VOUT = 0.9V
70
VOUT = 1.2V
VOUT = 1.8V
VOUT = 0.9V
75
1k
100
60
LOAD REGULATION
(VOUT = 1.2V)
VOUT = 1.2V
VCC = 5.0V
1.20
0.735
LOAD REGULATION
(VOUT = 2.5V)
VOUT = 1.8V
VCC = 5.0V
2.52
VIN = 3.3V
1.79
VIN = 5.0V
1.78
1.77
VIN = 3.3V
1.74
1.73
0
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0
0
2.38
0
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0
OUTPUT CURRENT (A)
INPUT-VOLTAGE RIPPLE
(VIN = 5V, VOUT = 1.2V, IOUT = 5A)
MAX17515 toc07
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VIN = 3.3V
2.40
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0
OUTPUT-VOLTAGE RIPPLE
(VIN = 5V, VOUT = 1.2V, IOUT = 5A)
MAX17515 toc08
10mV/div
(AC-COUPLED)
1µs/div
VIN = 5.0V
2.44
OUTPUT CURRENT (A)
OUTPUT CURRENT (A)
VOUT
2.46
2.42
1.75
1.15
VOUT = 2.5V
VCC = 5.0V
2.50
2.48
1.76
1.16
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0
LOAD REGULATION
(VOUT = 1.8V)
VOUT (V)
1.17
0
OUTPUT CURRENT (A)
1.81
VOUT (V)
VIN = 5.0V
VIN = 3.3V
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
1.80
1.18
VIN = 5.0V
0.755
0.740
10k
1.82
1.19
VOUT (V)
1k
100
1.83
MAX17515 toc04
1.21
0.760
0.750
VIN = 5.0V
VCC = 5.0V
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
1.14
0.765
0.745
65
10k
VOUT = 0.75V
VCC = 5.0V
0.770
70
VIN = 3.3V
VCC = 5.0V
65
60
85
80
0.775
MAX17515 toc03
90
LOAD REGULATION
(VOUT = 0.75V)
MAX17515 toc06
85
80
95
VOUT = 3.3V
MAX17515 toc05
EFFICIENCY (%)
90
VOUT = 2.5V
VOUT (V)
95
100
EFFICIENCY (%)
VOUT = 2.5V
MAX17515 toc01
100
EFFICIENCY
vs. OUTPUT CURRENT
MAX17515 toc02
EFFICIENCY
vs. OUTPUT CURRENT
50mV/div
(AC-COUPLED)
VIN
1µs/div
Maxim Integrated │ 4
MAX17515
5A, 2.4V to 5.5V Input,
High-Efficiency Power Module
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(VCC = 5V, VIN = 3.3V - 5V, VOUT = 0.9V - 3.3V, IOUT = 0–5A, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
LOAD CURRENT TRANSIENT RESPONSE
(VIN = 3.3V, VOUT = 1.2V, IOUT = 2.5 TO 5A)
LOAD CURRENT TRANSIENT RESPONSE
(VIN = 5.0V, VOUT = 1.2V, IOUT = 2.5 TO 5A)
MAX17515 toc09
MAX17515 toc10
2A/div
IOUT
50mV/div
(AC-COUPLED)
VOUT
2A/div
IOUT
50mV/div
(AC-COUPLED)
VOUT
2ms/div
2ms/div
LOAD CURRENT TRANSIENT RESPONSE
(VIN = 3.3V, VOUT = 2.5V, IOUT = 2.5 TO 5A)
LOAD CURRENT TRANSIENT RESPONSE
(VIN = 5.0V, VOUT = 2.5V, IOUT = 2.5 TO 5A)
MAX17515 toc11
IOUT
MAX17515 toc12
2A/div
50mV/div
(AC-COUPLED)
VOUT
IOUT
2A/div
50mV/div
(AC-COUPLED)
VOUT
2ms/div
2ms/div
STARTUP WAVEFORM
(VIN = 3.3V, VOUT = 1.2V, IOUT = 0A)
SHUTDOWN WAVEFORM
(VIN = 3.3V, VOUT = 1.2V, IOUT = 30mA)
MAX17515 toc13
MAX17515 toc14
5V/div
VEN
5V/div
VLX
500mV/div
VOUT
2V/div
VPOK
400µs/div
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VEN
5V/div
VLX
5V/div
VOUT
500mV/div
VPOK
2V/div
400µs/div
Maxim Integrated │ 5
MAX17515
5A, 2.4V to 5.5V Input,
High-Efficiency Power Module
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(VCC = 5V, VIN = 3.3V - 5V, VOUT = 0.9V - 3.3V, IOUT = 0–5A, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
STARTUP WAVEFORM
(VIN = 3.3V, VOUT = 1.2V, IOUT = 5A)
SHUTDOWN WAVEFORM
(VIN = 3.3V, VOUT = 1.2V, IOUT = 5A)
MAX17515 toc15
MAX17515 toc16
VEN
5V/div
VEN
5V/div
VLX
5V/div
VLX
5V/div
500mV/div
VOUT
500mV/div
2V/div
VPOK
2V/div
VOUT
VPOK
400µs/div
400µs/div
STARTUP WAVEFORM
(VIN = 5.0V, VOUT = 1.2V, IOUT = 0A)
SHUTDOWN WAVEFORM
(VIN = 5.0V, VOUT = 1.2V, IOUT = 30mA)
MAX17515 toc17
MAX17515 toc18
VEN
5V/div
VEN
5V/div
VLX
5V/div
VLX
5V/div
500mV/div
VOUT
500mV/div
VPOK
2V/div
VOUT
2V/div
VPOK
400µs/div
400µs/div
STARTUP WAVEFORM
(VIN = 5.0V, VOUT = 1.2V, IOUT = 5A)
SHUTDOWN WAVEFORM
(VIN = 5.0V, VOUT = 1.2V, IOUT = 5A)
MAX17515 toc19
MAX17515 toc20
VEN
5V/div
VEN
5V/div
VLX
5V/div
VLX
5V/div
500mV/div
VOUT
500mV/div
VPOK
2V/div
VOUT
2V/div
VPOK
400µs/div
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400µs/div
Maxim Integrated │ 6
MAX17515
5A, 2.4V to 5.5V Input,
High-Efficiency Power Module
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(VCC = 5V, VIN = 3.3V - 5V, VOUT = 0.9V - 3.3V, IOUT = 0–5A, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
LOAD SHORT-CIRCUIT
(VIN = 5.0V, VOUT = 1.2V, IOUT = 0A)
LOAD SHORT-CIRCUIT
(VIN = 5.0V, VOUT = 1.2V, IOUT = 5A)
MAX17515 toc21
IOUT
MAX17515 toc22
IOUT
5A/div
VLX
VLX
5V/div
VOUT
5A/div
5V/div
VOUT
1V/div
VPOK
1V/div
VPOK
2V/div
2V/div
400µs/div
400µs/div
6
VOUT = 1.1V
5
OUTPUT CURRENT (A)
MAX17515 toc23
OUTPUT CURRENT
vs. AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
(VIN = 5.0V NO AIR FLOW)
4
VOUT = 1.8V
3
2
VOUT = 3.3V
1
0
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE (°C)
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Maxim Integrated │ 7
MAX17515
5A, 2.4V to 5.5V Input,
High-Efficiency Power Module
I N
PGND
PGND
PGND
PGND
PGND
PGND
PGND
OUT
OUT
Pin Configuration
28
27
26
25
24
23
22
21
20
19
MAX17515
IN 1
18 OUT
IN 2
17 OUT
EP 1
IN 3
EP 2
EP 3
16 OUT
POK 4
10
VCC
FB
EN
11
12
13
14
OUT
9
OUT
8
N.C.
7
N.C.
6
GND
GND
5
GND
15 OUT
Pin Description
PIN
NAME
FUNCTION
1–3,
28
IN
Input Supply Connection. Bypass to GND with a 22µF or 2 x 10µF ceramic capacitor. Supply range for this
pin is 4.5V to 5.5V. When VCC can be supplied separately from a 4.5V to 5.5V source, the IN pin can then be
powered from a 2.4V to 5.5V supply.
4
POK
Open-Drain Power-Good Output. POK is pulled low if FB is more than 12% (typ) above or below the nominal
regulation threshold. POK is held low in shutdown. POK becomes high impedance when FB is in regulation
range. Pull this pin up with 10kΩ (typ) resistor value.
5–7
GND
GND. Connect PGND and GND together at a single point.
8
VCC
5V Bias Supply Input for the Internal Switching Regulator Drivers. For IN from 4.5V to 5.5V, VCC can be
connected to the IN supply. For IN supply voltages lower than the above range, VCC should be powered from
a separate 5V ±10% supply and bypassed with a 1µF or greater ceramic capacitor.
9
FB
Feedback Input for the Internal 5A Step-Down Converter. Connect FB to a resistive divider between OUT and
GND to adjust the typical output voltage between 0.765V to 3.6V. Keep equivalent divider resistance lower
than 50kΩ.
10
EN
Regulator Enable Input. When EN is pulled low, the regulator is disabled. When EN is driven high, the
regulator is enabled.
11, 12
N.C.
No Connection
13–20
OUT
Regulator Output Pins. Connect an output capacitor between OUT and PGND with a 220µF (typ) POSCAP
low-ESR capacitor.
21–27
PGND
—
EP1
Exposed Pad 1. Connect this pad to the PGND and GND ground planes of 1in by 1in copper for cooling.
—
EP2
Exposed Pad 2. Do not connect this pad to any other node on the PCB. Minimize area of copper island.
—
EP3
Exposed Pad 3. Connect this pad to copper area of 1in by 1in. Electrically can be connected to the OUT pins.
Power GND Return. Connect to GND.
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Maxim Integrated │ 8
MAX17515
5A, 2.4V to 5.5V Input,
High-Efficiency Power Module
Functional Diagram
MAX17515
UVLO
UVLO
VCC
IN
0.1µF
2.2µF
BST
POR
EN
1µH
PWM
CONTROLLER
OUT
VCC
THERMAL FAULT
+160°C
2.2µF
OSC
POK
PGND
ZX
-
ILIM_VALLEY
ILIM_PEAK
ISKIP
GND
+
+
+
PWM
COMP
+
+
-
OV
COMP
+
VREF
FB
1.12 x VREF
-
UV
COMP
+
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0.88 x VREF
Maxim Integrated │ 9
MAX17515
5A, 2.4V to 5.5V Input,
High-Efficiency Power Module
Design Procedure
The minimum input capacitor required can be calculated
by the following equation:
Adjusting Output Voltage
The MAX17515 produces an adjustable 0.75V to 3.6V
output voltage from a 2.4V to 5.5V input voltage range by
using a resistive feedback divider from OUT to FB. The
device can deliver up to 5A output current up to an output
voltage of 2.5V at +70°C. The output current derates for
output voltages above 2.5V.
Adjusting the output voltage of the device requires a resistive divider network from OUT to FB, according to the
equation below. From the initial output voltage, the loadline regulation reduces the effective feedback voltage by
a typical 5mV/A as the output current increases.
V

R U =×
R B  OUT − 1 kΩ, where RB is in kΩ.
 0.765

Input Voltage Range
The maximum value (VIN(MAX)) and minimum value
(VIN(MIN)) must accommodate the worst-case conditions
accounting for the input voltage soars and drops. If there
is a choice at all, lower input voltages result in better
efficiency. With a maximum duty cycle of 87.5%, VOUT is
limited to 0.875 x VIN.
Input Capacitor Selection
The input capacitor must meet the ripple-current requirement (IRMS) imposed by the switching currents. The IRMS
requirements of the regulator can be determined by the
following equation:
IRMS
= I OUT × D × (1 − D)
The worst-case RMS current requirement occurs when
operating with D = 0.5. At this point, the above equation
simplifies to IRMS = 0.5 x IOUT.
VOUT
OUT
RU
MAX17515
FB
RB
Figure 1. Adjusting Output Voltage
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C IN =
(IIN_ AVG ) × (1 − D)
(∆VIN ) × f SW
where:
IIN_AVG is the average input current given by:
IIN_ Avg =
POUT
η × VIN
D is the operating duty cycle, which is approximately
equal to VOUT/VIN where:
∆ VIN is the required input-voltage ripple,
fSW is the operating switching frequency,
POUT is the output power, which is equal to VOUT x
IOUT,
η is the efficiency.
For the device’s system (IN) supply, ceramic capacitors are preferred due to their resilience to inrush surge
currents typical of systems, and due to their low parasitic
inductance, which helps reduce the high-frequency ringing on the IN supply when the internal MOSFETs are
turned off. Choose an input capacitor that exhibits less
than +10°C temperature rise at the RMS input current for
optimal circuit longevity.
Output Capacitor Selection
The output capacitor selection requires careful evaluation of several different design requirements (e.g., stability, transient response, and output ripple voltage) that
place limits on the output capacitance and the effective
series resistance (ESR). Based on these requirements,
a combination of low-ESR polymer capacitors (lower cost
but higher output ripple voltage) and ceramic capacitors
(higher cost but low output ripple voltage) should be used
to achieve stability with low output ripple.
Loop Compensation
The gain portion of the loop gain is a result of erroramplifier gain, current-sensing gain, and load with an
overall typical value at 1kHz of 36dB at VIN = 5V, and
46dB at VIN = 3V, with a typical limit to the gain-bandwidth
(GBW) product of 120,000. The crossover should occur
before this error-amplifier bandwidth limit of 120kHz
(gain = 1). The output capacitor and load introduces a
pole with the worst case at the maximum load (5A). If
the load pole location is further than a frequency where
Maxim Integrated │ 10
MAX17515
5A, 2.4V to 5.5V Input,
High-Efficiency Power Module
the gain exceeds the GBW, the gain drop starts earlier at
the location where the loop gain is limited. This situation
applies typically to an output voltage less than 1.8V, so
zero frequency from the ESR is needed to increase the
phase margin at the crossover frequency.
The actual capacitance value required relates to the
physical case size needed to achieve the ESR requirement, as well as to the capacitor chemistry. Thus, polymer
capacitor selection is usually limited by ESR and voltage
rating rather than by capacitance value.
The recommended relationship between ESR and total
output capacitance values are shown in Table 1. When
a low-ESR type capacitor is used with a ceramic capacitor, a recommended value of 44µF to 100µF ceramic
capacitor should be used to make up the total capacitance value with the relationship between ESR and total
output capacitance value, such that the zero frequency is
between 32kHz and 40kHz. When only a low-ESR type
capacitor is used, the zero frequency should be between
62kHz and 80kHz.
With ceramic capacitors, the ripple voltage due to capacitance dominates the output ripple voltage. Therefore,
the minimum capacitance needed with ceramic output
capacitors is:
 ∆IL 
1
=
C OUT 
×
×
8
f
V
SW


RIPPLE
Optionally, for an output greater than or equal to 1.8V,
an all-ceramic capacitor solution can be used with a
minimum capacitance value that locates the pole location
below 1kHz with resistive load (5A), and with a simplified
equation given by COUTMIN (µF) = 900/VOUT.
Load-Transient Response
Output Ripple Voltage
With polymer capacitors, the ESR dominates and determines the output ripple voltage. The step-down regulator’s
output ripple voltage (VRIPPLE) equals the total inductor
ripple current (ΔIL) multiplied by the output capacitor’s
ESR. Therefore, the maximum ESR to meet the output
ripple-voltage requirement is:
R ESR ≤
VRIPPLE
∆I L
where:
1
 V − VOUT   VOUT 
=
∆IL  IN
×
× V
L
f

  IN  SW
where fSW is the switching frequency and L is the inductor (1µH).
Alternatively, combining ceramics (for the low ESR) and
polymers (for the bulk capacitance) helps balance the output capacitance vs. output ripple-voltage requirements.
The load-transient response depends on the overall output impedance over frequency, and the overall amplitude
and slew rate of the load step. In applications with large,
fast-load transients (load step > 80% of full load and slew
rate > 10A/μs), the output capacitor’s high-frequency
response (ESL and ESR) needs to be considered. To
prevent the output voltage from spiking too low under a
load-transient event, the ESR is limited by the following
equation (ignoring the sag due to finite capacitance):
R ESR ≤
VRIPPLESTEP
∆I OUTSTEP
where VRIPPLESTEP is the allowed voltage drop during
load current transient, and IOUTSTEP is the maximum
load current step.
The capacitance value dominates the mid-frequency
output impedance and continues to dominate the loadtransient response as long as the load transient’s slew
rate is fewer than two switching cycles. Under these
Table 1. Output Capacitor Selection vs. ESR
TOTAL COUT (µF)
LOW-ESR TYPE WITH CERAMIC-TYPE
ESR (mΩ)
LOW-ESR TYPE WITHOUT CERAMIC-TYPE
ESR (mΩ)
250
16–20
8–10
300
13–17
7–9
350
11–14
6, 7
400
10–12
5, 6
450
9–11
4–6
500
8–10
4, 5
550
7–9
4, 5
600
7, 8
3, 4
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Maxim Integrated │ 11
MAX17515
5A, 2.4V to 5.5V Input,
High-Efficiency Power Module
conditions, the sag and soar voltages depend on the
output capacitance, inductance value, and delays in the
transient response. Low inductor values allow the inductor
current to slew faster, replenishing charge removed from
or added to the output filter capacitors by a sudden load
step, especially with low differential voltages across the
inductor. The minimum capacitance needed to handle the
sag voltage (VSAG) that occurs after applying the load
current can be estimated by the following equation:
1
C OUT_SAG
=
×
VSAG
2
 1  L × ∆IOUT


STEP
 
 + (∆IOUTSTEP × (t sw − ∆T))
 2  ( VIN × D MAX ) − VOUT 



where:
DMAX is the maximum duty factor (87.5%),
tSW is the switching period (1/fSW),
ΔT equals VOUT/VIN x tSW when in PWM mode, or
L x IIDLE/(VIN - VOUT) when in Idle Mode (1.5A).
The minimum capacitance needed to handle the overshoot voltage (VSOAR) that occurs after load removal
(due to stored inductor energy) can be calculated as:
C OUT ≈
(∆IOUTSTEP ) 2 L
2VOUT VSOAR
When the device is operating under low duty cycle,
the output capacitor size is usually determined by the
COUT_SOAR.
Detailed Description
The MAX17515 is a complete step-down switch-mode
power-supply solution that can deliver up to 5A output
current and up to 3.6V output voltage from a 2.4V to 5.5V
input voltage range. The device includes switch-mode
power-supply controller, dual n-channel MOSFET power
switches, and an inductor. The device uses a fixed-frequency current-mode control scheme.
The device provides peak current-limit protection, output
undervoltage protection, output overvoltage protection,
and thermal protection. The device operates in skip
mode at light loads to improve the light-load efficiency.
Independent enable and an open-drain power-good output allow flexible system power sequencing. The fixed
voltage soft-start reduces the inrush current by gradually
ramping up the internal reference voltage.
Fixed-Frequency Current-Mode Controller
The heart of the current-mode PWM controller is a
multistage, open-loop comparator that compares the
output voltage-error signal with respect to the reference
voltage, the current-sense signal, and the slope-compensation ramp (see the Functional Diagram). The device
uses a direct summing configuration, approaching ideal
cycle-to-cycle control over the output voltage without a
traditional error amplifier and the phase shift associated
with it.
Light-Load Operation
The device features an inherent automatic switchover
to pulse skipping (PFM operation) at light loads. This
switchover is affected by a comparator that truncates
the low-side switch on-time at the inductor current’s
zero crossing. The zero-crossing comparator senses the
inductor current during the off-time. Once the current
through the low-side MOSFET drops below the zerocrossing trip level, it turns off the low-side MOSFET. This
prevents the inductor from discharging the output capacitors and forces the switching regulator to skip pulses
under light-load conditions to avoid overcharging the
output. Therefore, the controller regulates the valley of the
output ripple under light-load conditions. The switching
waveforms can appear noisy and asynchronous at lightload pulse-skipping operation, but this is a normal operating condition that results in high light-load efficiency.
Idle Mode™ Current-Sense Threshold
In Idle Mode, the on-time of the step-down controller terminates when both the output voltage exceeds the feedback threshold, and the internal current-sense voltage
falls below the Idle Mode current-sense threshold (IIDLE =
1.5A). Another on-time cannot be initiated until the output
voltage drops below the feedback threshold. In this mode,
the behavior appears like PWM operation with occasional
pulse skipping, where inductor current does not need to
reach the light-load level.
Power-On Reset (POR) and UVLO
Power-on reset (POR) occurs when VCC rises above
approximately 2.1V, resetting the undervoltage, overvoltage, and thermal-shutdown fault latches. The VCC
input undervoltage-lockout (UVLO) circuitry prevents the
switching regulators from operating if the 5V bias supply
(VCC) is below its 4V UVLO threshold.
Idle Mode is a trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc
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Maxim Integrated │ 12
MAX17515
Soft-Start
The internal step-down controller starts switching and
the output voltage ramps up using soft-start. If the VCC
bias supply voltage drops below the UVLO threshold, the
controller stops switching and disables the drivers (LX
becomes high impedance) until the bias supply voltage
recovers.
Once the 5V VCC bias supply and VIN rise above their
respective input UVLO thresholds, and EN is pulled high,
the internal step-down controller becomes enabled and
begins switching. The internal voltage soft-starts gradually increment the feedback voltage by approximately
25mV every 61 switching cycles, making the output voltage reach its nominal regulation voltage 1.79ms after the
regulator is enabled (see the Soft-Start Waveforms in the
Typical Operating Characteristics section).
Power-Good Output (POK)
POK is the open-drain output of the window comparator
that continuously monitors the output for undervoltage
and overvoltage conditions. POK is actively held low in
shutdown (EN = GND). POK becomes high impedance
after the device is enabled and the output remains within
±10% of the nominal regulation voltage set by FB. POK
goes low once the output drops 12% (typ) below or rises
12% (typ) above its nominal regulation point, or the output
shuts down. For a logic-level POK output voltage, connect an external pullup resistor between POK and VCC. A
10kΩ pullup resistor works well in most applications.
Output Overvoltage Protection (OVP)
If the output voltage rises to 112% (typ) of its nominal
regulation voltage, the controller sets the fault latch, pulls
POK low, shuts down the regulator, and immediately
pulls the output to ground through its low-side MOSFET.
Turning on the low-side MOSFET with 100% duty cycle
rapidly discharges the output capacitors and clamps the
output to ground. However, this commonly undamped
response causes negative output voltages due to the
energy stored in the output LC at the instant of 0V fault. If
the load cannot tolerate a negative voltage, place a power
Schottky diode across the output to act as a reversepolarity clamp. If the condition that caused the overvoltage persists (such as a shorted high-side MOSFET),
the input source also fails (short-circuit fault). Cycle VCC
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5A, 2.4V to 5.5V Input,
High-Efficiency Power Module
below 1V or toggle the enable input to clear the fault latch
and restart the regulator.
Output Undervoltage Protection (UVP)
The device includes an output undervoltage-protection
(UVP) circuit that begins to monitor the output once the
startup blanking period has ended. If the output voltage
drops below 88% (typ) of its nominal regulation voltage,
the regulator pulls the POK output low and begins the
UVP fault timer. Once the timer expires after 1.6ms, the
regulator shuts down, forcing the high-side MOSFET
off and disabling the low-side MOSFET once the zerocrossing threshold has been reached. Cycle VCC below
1V, or toggle the enable input to clear the fault latch and
restart the regulator.
Thermal-Fault Protection
The device features a thermal-fault protection circuit.
When the junction temperature rises above +160°C (typ),
a thermal sensor activates the fault latch, pulls down the
POK output, and shuts down the regulator. Toggle EN to
clear the fault latch, and restart the controllers after the
junction temperature cools by 15°C (typ).
Power Dissipation
The device output current needs to be derated if the output voltage is above 2.5V or if the device needs to operate in high ambient temperature. The amount of current
derating depends upon the input voltage, output voltage,
and ambient temperature. The derating curves given in
the Typical Operating Characteristics section can be used
as a guide.
The maximum allowable power losses can be calculated
using the following equation:
T
− TA
PD MAX = JMAX
q JA
where:
PDMAX is the maximum allowed power losses with
maximum allowed junction temperature,
TJMAX is the maximum allowed junction temperature,
TA is operating ambient temperature,
qJA is the junction-to-ambient thermal resistance.
Maxim Integrated │ 13
MAX17515
5A, 2.4V to 5.5V Input,
High-Efficiency Power Module
PCB Layout Guidelines
PGND
Careful PCB layout is critical to achieving low switching
losses and clean, stable operation. Use the following
guidelines for good PCB layout:
28
● Keep the input capacitors as close as possible to the
IN and PGND pins.
27
VIN
● Connect all the PGND connections to as large a copper plane area as possible on the top layer.
26
25 24
23
EP 1
1
● Keep the output capacitors as close as possible to the
OUT and PGND pins.
22
21 20
EP 2
19
EP 3
18
2
17
3
16
4
15
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
13
12
14
GND
● Connect EP1 to the PGND and GND planes on the top
layer.
● Use multiple vias to connect internal PGND planes to
the top-layer PGND plane.
VOUT
PGND
VOUT
● Do not keep any solder mask on EP1–EP3 on bottom
layer. Keeping solder mask on exposed pads decreases the heat-dissipating capability.
● Keep the power traces and load connections short.
This practice is essential for high efficiency. Using
thick copper PCBs (2oz vs. 1oz) can enhance full-load
efficiency. Correctly routing PCB traces is a difficult
task that must be approached in terms of fractions of
centimeters, where a single milliohm of excess trace
resistance causes a measurable efficiency penalty.
Ordering Information
PART
MAX17515ELI+
Package Information
TEMP RANGE
PIN-PACKAGE
-40°C to +85°C
28 SIP
+Denotes a lead(Pb)-free/RoHS-compliant package.
Chip Information
PROCESS: BiCMOS
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Figure 2. Layout Recommendation
For the latest package outline information and land patterns
(footprints), go to www.maximintegrated.com/packages. Note
that a “+”, “#”, or “-” in the package code indicates RoHS status
only. Package drawings may show a different suffix character, but
the drawing pertains to the package regardless of RoHS status.
PACKAGE
TYPE
28 SIP
PACKAGE
CODE
L286510+1
OUTLINE
NO.
LAND
PATTERN NO.
21-0701
90-0445
Maxim Integrated │ 14
MAX17515
5A, 2.4V to 5.5V Input,
High-Efficiency Power Module
Revision History
REVISION
NUMBER
REVISION
DATE
0
6/13
DESCRIPTION
Initial release
PAGES
CHANGED
—
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct at 1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim Integrated’s website at www.maximintegrated.com.
Maxim Integrated cannot assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Maxim Integrated product. No circuit patent licenses
are implied. Maxim Integrated reserves the right to change the circuitry and specifications without notice at any time. The parametric values (min and max limits)
shown in the Electrical Characteristics table are guaranteed. Other parametric values quoted in this data sheet are provided for guidance.
Maxim Integrated and the Maxim Integrated logo are trademarks of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
© 2013 Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. │ 15