LTC4020 - 55V Buck-Boost Multi-Chemistry Battery Charger

LTC4020
55V Buck-Boost
Multi-Chemistry
Battery Charger
Features
Description
Wide Voltage Range: 4.5V to 55V Input, Up to 55V
Output (60V Absolute Maximums)
nn Synchronous Buck-Boost DC/DC Controller
nn Li-Ion and Lead-Acid Charge Algorithms
nn ±0.5% Float Voltage Accuracy
nn ±5% Charge Current Accuracy
nn Instant-On for Heavily Discharged Batteries
nn Ideal Diode Controller Provides Low Loss
PowerPath When Input Power is Limited
nn Input Voltage Regulation for High Impedance Input
Supplies and Solar Panel Peak Power Operation
nn Onboard Timer for Protection and Termination
nn Bad Battery Detection with Auto-Reset
nn NTC Input for Temperature Qualified Charging
nn Binary Coded Open-Collector Status Pins
nn Low Profile (0.75mm) 38-Pin 5mm × 7mm QFN
Package
The LTC®4020 is a high voltage power manager providing PowerPath™ instant-on operation and high efficiency
battery charging over a wide voltage range. An onboard
buck-boost DC/DC controller operates with battery and/or
system voltages above, below, or equal to the input voltage.
nn
Applications
Portable Industrial and Medical Equipment
Solar-Powered Systems
nn Military Communications Equipment
nn 12V to 24V Embedded Automotive Systems
nn
nn
The LTC4020 seamlessly manages power distribution
between battery and converter outputs in response to load
variations, battery charge requirements and input power
supply limitations.
The LTC4020 battery charger can provide a constant-current/
constant-voltage charge algorithm (CC/CV), constantcurrent charging (CC), or charging with an optimized 4-step,
3-stage lead-acid battery charge profile. Maximum converter
and battery charge currents are resistor programmable.
The IC's instant-on operation ensures system load power
even with a fully discharged battery. Additional safety
features include preconditioning for heavily discharged
batteries and an integrated timer for termination and
protection.
L, LT, LTC, LTM, Linear Technology and the Linear logo are registered trademarks and
PowerPath is a trademark of Linear Technology Corporation. All other trademarks are the
property of their respective owners. Protected by U.S. Patents, including 7583113 and 8405362.
Typical Application
Buck-Boost DC/DC Converter Controller with PowerPath Battery Charger Accepts
Inputs from 4.5V to 55V and Produces Output Voltages Up to 55V
RSENSEA
BUCK-BOOST
DC/DC CONVERTER
PowerPath BATTERY CHARGER
100
VOUT
CSP
TG2
BGATE
SENSGND
SENSBOT
BG1
70
90
60
INPUT POWER
50
85
40
30
80
20
10
P(LOSS)
NTC
75
RNTC
TG1
SENSTOP
SENSVIN
80
POWER (W)
CSN
VFB
RSENSEB
90
RCS
LTC4020
BG2
100
VOUT = 14V
EFFICIENCY
95
EFFICIENCY (%)
VIN
5V to 30V 6-Cell Lead-Acid Supply/Charger
Maximum Power Efficiency vs VIN
(Application Circuit on Page 37)
5
10
15
20
VIN (V)
25
0
30
4020 TA01b
VFBMAX
4020 TA01a
4020fd
For more information www.linear.com/LTC4020
1
LTC4020
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Pin Configuration
(Note 1)
SW2
BG2
INTVCC
PGND
PVIN
SW1
BG1
TOP VIEW
PVIN, SENSVIN.............................................. –0.3 to 60V
BST1, BST2................................................... –0.3 to 66V
SW1, SW2.........................................................–2 to 60V
SENSVIN – PVIN............................................ –0.3 to 60V
BST1 – SW1, BST2 – SW2.............................. –0.3 to 6V
SENSVIN – SENSTOP, SENSBOT –
SENSGND.....................................................–0.3 to 0.3V
CSP, CSN...................................................... –0.3 to 60V
CSP – CSN....................................................–0.3 to 0.3V
STAT1, STAT2, SHDN.................................... –0.3 to 60V
VFBMAX, VINREG, VFB, VFBMIN, BAT, FBG........ –0.3 to 60V
MODE.............................................................. –0.3 to 6V
Status Pin Currents:
STAT1, STAT2.......................................................5mA
Operating Junction Temperature
Range (Note 2)........................................ –40°C to 125°C
Storage Temperature Range................... –65°C to 150°C
38 37 36 35 34 33 32
TG1 1
31 TG2
BST1 2
30 BST2
SGND 3
29 SGND
SENSGND 4
28 VC
SENSBOT 5
27 ITH
39
SGND
SENSTOP 6
SENSVIN 7
26 VFBMAX
25 ILIMIT
24 CSOUT
RT 8
SHDN 9
23 CSP
VIN_REG 10
22 CSN
21 BGATE
MODE 11
20 BAT
STAT1 12
VFBMIN
FBG
VFB
NTC
RNG/SS
STAT2
TIMER
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
UHF PACKAGE
38-LEAD PLASTIC QFN (5mm × 7mm)
TJMAX = 125°C, θJA = 34°C/W, θJC = 2°C/W
EXPOSED PAD (PIN 39) IS SGND, MUST BE SOLDERED TO PCB
Order Information
(http://www.linear.com/product/LTC4020#orderinfo)
LEAD FREE FINISH
TAPE AND REEL
PART MARKING*
PACKAGE DESCRIPTION
TEMPERATURE RANGE
LTC4020EUHF#PBF
LTC4020EUHF#TRPBF
4020
38-Lead (5mm × 7mm) Plastic QFN
–40°C to 125°C
LTC4020IUHF#PBF
LTC4020IUHF#TRPBF
4020
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/. Some packages are available in 500 unit reels through
designated sales channels with #TRMPBF suffix.
Electrical Characteristics
The l denotes the specifications which apply over the specified operating
junction temperature range, otherwise specifications are at TA = 25°C (Note 2). PVIN = SENSVIN = CSP = CSN = BAT = 20V, SHDN = 2V,
C(TG1, BG1, TG2, BG2) = 1000pF, VRNG/SS = 2V.
SYMBOL
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
Buck-Boost Switching Converter
VIN
Operating Voltage Range
PVIN; SENSVIN
l
4.5
UVLO
VIN Supply UVLO (Rising)
VIN Supply UVLO Hysteresis
DC/DC Functions Enabled
VIN Falling
l
3.6
SENSVIN Supply UVLO (Rising)
SENSVIN UVLO Hysteresis
INTVCC Enabled
SENSVIN Falling
BST Supplies UVLO (Rising)
BST Supplies UVLO Hysteresis
BST1 – SW1; BST2 – SW2;
SW1, SW2 = 0V
4.0
0.4
55
V
4.4
V
V
3.4
0.3
l
3.0
3.3
0.4
V
V
3.8
V
V
4020fd
2
For more information www.linear.com/LTC4020
LTC4020
Electrical Characteristics
The l denotes the specifications which apply over the specified operating
junction temperature range, otherwise specifications are at TA = 25°C (Note 2). PVIN = SENSVIN = CSP = CSN = BAT = 20V, SHDN = 2V,
C(TG1, BG1, TG2, BG2) = 1000pF, VRNG/SS = 2V.
SYMBOL
INTVCC
IPVIN
ISENSVIN
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
5.15
V
Boost Refresh Supply Short-Circuit Current
Limit
VINTVCC = 0V
l
PVIN Operating Current
Note 3; ITH = 0V
l
Shutdown Current
VSHDN = 0
l
3
6
µA
l
0.25
0.5
mA
25
60
SENSEVIN Operating Current
VSHDN = 0
85
4.46
V
150
mA
1.6
l
SENSETOP Operating Current
3
32.5
VSHDN = 0
DC/DC Converter Reference
Charging Terminated
SHDN
IC Enable Threshold (Rising)
Threshold Hysteresis
µA
µA
0.1
µA
2.7
2.75
2.8
l
1.175
1.225
100
1.275
V
mV
60
mV
10
DC/DC Converter Inductor Current Limit
(Average Value)
VSENSVIN – VSENSTOP;
VSENSGND – VSENSBOT
l
45
50
Reverse Current Inhibit
(Average Value)
VITH Falling (TG2 Disabled)
VITH Rising (TG2 Enabled)
l
0
2
6
Inductor Current Limit Programming
VILIMIT = 0.5V; VILIMIT/VSENS(MAX)
l
47.5
ILIMIT Pin Bias Current
mA
l
SHDN Pin Bias Current
ITH
5.0
ILOAD = 5mA
Shutdown Current
ILIMIT
UNITS
PVIN = 4.5V; IINTVCC = 5mA
VFBMAX
VSENS
MAX
Boost Refresh Supply Voltage
l
4.85
TYP
Boost Refresh Supply Dropout
Shutdown Current
ISENSTOP
MIN
nA
mV
mV
20
50
V
V/V
52.5
µA
Error Amp Current Limit
VFBMAX = 0, VITH = 1.3V
8
µA
Error Amp Transconductance
VFBMAX = 2.75V; VITH = 1.3V
95
umho
High Side Current Sense Transconductance
(VSENSVIN – VSENSETOP) to IVC
VC = 1.8V
200
umho
Low Side Current Sense Transconductance
(VSENSGND – VSENSEBOT) to IVC
VC = 1.8V
200
umho
DCMAX
Maximum Duty Cycle
BG2: tON • fO
l
70
80
fO
Switching Frequency
RRT = 100k
RRT = 50k
RRT = 250k
l
235
250
500
100
265
kHz
kHz
kHz
VC
%
tON
Minimum On Time
BG2
l
150
250
ns
tOFF
Minimum Off Time
TG1
l
300
500
ns
tTR
Gate Drive Transition Time
TG1, BG1, TG2, BG2
5
ns
tNOL
Gate Drive Non-Overlap time
(TG1 – SW1) to BG1,
(TG2 – SW2) to BG2
75
ns
4020fd
For more information www.linear.com/LTC4020
3
LTC4020
Electrical Characteristics
The l denotes the specifications which apply over the specified operating
junction temperature range, otherwise specifications are at TA = 25°C (Note 2). PVIN = SENSVIN = CSP = CSN = BAT = 20V, SHDN = 2V,
C(TG1, BG1, TG2, BG2) = 1000pF, VRNG/SS = 2V.
SYMBOL
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
Battery Charger
VBAT
Charger Output Voltage Range
VFB
Float Reference
55
l
CC/CV Charging (MODE = 0V)
Auto Recharge Voltage
Precondition Threshold (Rising)
Precondition Hysteresis
% of Float Reference
% of Float Reference
Absorption Reference
Lead-Acid Charging (MODE = INTVCC)
% of Absorption Reference
% of Absorption Reference
% of Absorption Reference
Float Reference
Bulk Charge Threshold (Falling)
Precondition Threshold (Rising)
Precondition Hysteresis
Voltage Reference
l
l
l
2.4875
2.475
96.5
68
l
l
l
l
2.4875
2.475
91.5
86
68
l
2.4875
2.475
CC Charging (MODE = - NC -)
2.5
V
2.5125
2.525
98.5
72
V
V
%
%
mV
2.5125
2.525
93.5
89
72
V
V
%
%
%
mV
2.5
2.5125
2.525
V
V
97.5
70
85
2.5
92.5
87.5
70
85
VIN_REG
Input Regulation Reference
% of Float (CC/CV), Safety (CC), or
Absorption (LA) Reference
l
98
100
102
%
VFBMIN
Instant-On Reference
% of Float (CC/CV) or Absorption (LA)
Reference
l
84
85
86
%
C/10 Detection Enable (Rising)
Hysteresis (Falling)
2.175
20
V
mV
Instant-On Charge Current Reduction
Threshold
VCSN – VBAT; Note 4
0.45
V
C/10 Detection Enable
C/10 Detection Hysteresis
VCSN – VBAT Falling
VCSN – VBAT Rising
1.05
150
V
mV
Charge Current Reduction Gain
ΔVCS(MAX)/Δ(VCSN – VBAT);Note 4
–33
mV/V
IBATQ
Battery Bias Currents with PowerPath
Switcher Disabled
ICSP + ICSN + IBAT
CSN, CSP
Charger Current Sense Pin Operating Bias
Currents
ICSP = ICSN; Charging Enabled
Charger Current Sense Limit Voltage
VCSP – VCSN
l
47.5
50
52.5
mV
Charger Current Sense Termination Voltage
(C/10)
VCSP – VCSN; MODE = 0V
l
3
5
7
mV
Charger Current Sense Precondition Voltage
VCSP – VCSN; VFB = 1.5
l
1.5
3
4.5
mV
Sense Input UVLO
UVLO Hysteresis
VCSP Rising (Charging Enabled)
VCSP Falling (Charging Disabled)
l
1.6
1.75
100
1.9
V
mV
9
l
18
40
µA
µA
Offset
VCSP = VCSN
l
0.225
0.25
0.290
Gain
ΔVCSOUT / Δ(VCSP – VCSN)
l
19
20
21
V/V
RNG/SS
Current Limit Programming
VRNG/SS = 0.5V; VRNG/SS/VCS(MAX)
l
18
20
22
V/V
NTC
NTC Range Limit (High)
NTC Range Limit (Low)
NTC Range Hysteresis
VNTC Rising
VNTC Falling
% of VNTC(H,L)
l
l
1.30
0.27
1.35
0.3
20
1.40
0.33
V
V
%
INTC
NTC Pin Bias Current
VNTC = 0.8V
l
47.5
50
52.5
µA
NTC Disable Current
INTC Pin Current (Falling)
CSOUT
NTC Disable Current Hysteresis
VBGATE
Gate Clamp Voltage
VCSN – VBGATE
C/10 Detection Enable (Falling)
C/10 Detection Enable Hysteresis
VCSN < 7V
l
7
V
3.5
µA
2
µA
9.5
0.425
0.125
12
V
V
V
4020fd
4
For more information www.linear.com/LTC4020
LTC4020
Electrical Characteristics
The l denotes the specifications which apply over the specified operating
junction temperature range, otherwise specifications are at TA = 25°C (Note 2). PVIN = SENSVIN = CSP = CSN = BAT = 20V, SHDN = 2V,
C(TG1, BG1, TG2, BG2) = 1000pF, VRNG/SS = 2V.
SYMBOL
BGATE
TIMER
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
BGATE Pull-Down Current
Charging Enabled
15
µA
BGATE Pull-Up Current
Charging Disabled; VCSN – VBGATE = 2V
15
µA
BGATE Standby Pull-Down Current
VSHDN = 0V
120
µA
Ideal Diode Pull-Down Current
Charging Disabled; VBAT – VCSN = 0.5V
Ideal Diode Forward Voltage
VBAT – VCSN; VCSN Measured Through
100Ω Series Resistor
500
l
5
Timer High Threshold
Timer Low Threshold
C/10 Mode Threshold (Rising)
l
0.4
C/10 Mode Hysteresis
14
µA
20
1.5
V
1.0
V
0.5
0.6
225
Timer Source/Sink Current
VTIMER = 1.25V
l
VSTAT(L)
Status Pins Enabled Voltage
ISTAT1 = 1mA; ISTAT2 = 1mA
ISTAT1 = 5mA; ISTAT2 = 5mA
l
l
8.5
mV
V
mV
10
11.5
µA
0.15
0.75
0.4
2.5
V
V
IVFBMIN
Instant-On Feedback Bias Current
10
nA
IVFB
Feedback Pin Bias Current
10
nA
IVIN_REG
Input Regulation Bias Current
10
nA
IFBG
Pin Current (Disabled)
10
nA
RNTC
NTC Minimum Disable Resistance
400
kΩ
RFBG
FBG Resistance to SGND
VSHDN = 0V; VFBG = 55V
l
IFBG = 1mA
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 LTC4020 is tested under pulsed load conditions such that
TJ ≈ TA. The LTC4020E is guaranteed to meet specifications from
0°C to 85°C junction temperature. Specifications over the –40°C to
125°C operating junction temperature range are assured by design,
characterization, and correlation with statistical process controls. The
LTC4020I is guaranteed over the full –40°C to 125°C operating junction
temperature range. The junction temperature (TJ) is calculated from
the ambient temperature (TA) and power dissipation (PD) according
l
250
20
50
Ω
to the formula TJ = TA + (PD • θJA). Note that the maximum ambient
temperature consistent with these specifications is determined by specific
operating conditions in conjunction with board layout, the rated package
thermal resistance and other environmental factors. This IC includes
overtemperature protection that is intended to protect the device during
momentary overload. Junction temperature will exceed 125°C when
overtemperature protection is active. Continuous operation above the
specified maximum operating junction temperature may impair device
reliability.
Note 3: ICC does not include switching currents. VBST1 = VBST2 = VINTVCC
and VSW1 = VSW2 = 0V for testing.
Note 4: See Typical Performance Characteristics
4020fd
For more information www.linear.com/LTC4020
5
LTC4020
Typical Performance Characteristics
VFLOAT(CC/CV) or, VABSORB(Lead-Acid)
Reference vs Temperature
VFLOAT(Lead-Acid) Reference vs
Temperature
VFBMAX Reference vs Temperature
2.525
2.36
2.80
2.520
2.35
2.79
2.515
2.34
2.78
2.33
2.505
2.500
2.495
2.77
2.32
VOLTAGE (V)
VOLTAGE (V)
2.510
VOLTAGE (V)
TA = 25°C, unless otherwise noted.
2.31
2.30
2.29
2.76
2.75
2.74
2.490
2.28
2.73
2.485
2.27
2.72
2.480
2.26
2.71
2.475
–40 –25 –10 5 20 35 50 65 80 95 110 125
TEMPERATURE (°C)
2.25
–40 –25 –10 5 20 35 50 65 80 95 110 125
TEMPERATURE (°C)
2.70
–40 –25 –10 5 20 35 50 65 80 95 110 125
TEMPERATURE (°C)
4020 G02
4020 G01
Shutdown Current vs Temperature
(IPVIN + ISENSVIN + ISENSTOP)
INTVCC Short-Circuit Current
Limit vs Temperature
35
30
25
20
155
100
154
90
MAXIMUM CHARGE CURRENT (%)
45
INTVCC CURRENT LIMIT (mA)
STANDBY MODE CURRENT (µA)
50
40
153
152
151
150
149
148
147
146
15
–40–30–20–10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
TEMPERATURE (°C)
10.0
70
9.5
60
9.0
30
20
10
0
0.2
20
7.0
10
6.5
6.0
0.6
0.4
0.8
RNG/SS VOLTAGE (V)
1.2
1.0
IBATQ (IBAT + ICSN + ICSP) vs
Temperature PowerPath Switcher
Disabled
VBAT = 20V
10.5
10.0
8.0
7.5
4020 G07
40
11.0
8.5
30
0.25 0.5 0.75 1 1.25 1.5 1.75 2 2.25 2.5
VCSN–BAT (V)
50
4020 G06
IBATQ (µA)
80
IBATQ (µA)
10.5
MAXIMUM CHARGE CURRENT (%)
11.0
90
0
60
IBATQ (IBAT + ICSN + ICSP) vs VBAT
PowerPath Switcher Disabled
100
40
70
4020 G05
Instant-On: Maximum Charge
Current (Percent of ICSMAX) vs
VCSN–BAT
50
80
0
145
–40 –25 –10 5 20 35 50 65 80 95 110 125
TEMPERATURE (°C)
4020 G04
0
4020 G03
Maximum Charge Current
(Percent of Programmed ICSMAX)
vs RNG/SS Voltage
9.5
9.0
8.5
0
5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55
VBAT (V)
4020 G08
8.0
–40–30–20–10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
TEMPERATURE (°C)
4020 G09
4020fd
6
For more information www.linear.com/LTC4020
LTC4020
Typical Performance Characteristics
Ideal Diode VF vs Temperature
Ideal Diode VF vs Battery Voltage
16.0
24
15.5
14.5
14.0
13.5
13.0
4.4
25°C
18
16
0
125°C
Feedback References vs Input
Voltage
CSOUT vs CSP-CSN
2.80
1.2
2.75
1.1
2.70
FEEDBACK REFERENCES (V)
1.3
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
20
30
V(CSP-CSN) (mV)
40
2.55
255
2.45
5.02
5.00
4.98
4.96
2.40
2.35
4.94
VFLOAT(LEAD-ACID)
4.92
5
4.90
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55
VIN (V)
4020 G14
255
254
SWITCHING FREQUENCY (kHz)
253
252
251
250
249
248
247
5
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55
VIN (V)
4020 G15
Switching Frequency vs
Temperature
RRT = 100kΩ
254
SWITCHING FREQUENCY (kHz)
VFLOAT(CC/CV;ABSORB)
2.50
Switching Frequency vs Input
Voltage
4020 G12
5.04
2.60
4020 G13
50
40
5.06
2.65
2.25
50
20
30
IINTVCC (mA)
IINTVCC = 5mA
5.08
VFBMAX
2.30
10
10
INTVCC vs VIN
5.10
IRNG/SS, ILIMIT, INTC, vs
Temperature
52.5
VIN = 20V
RRT = 100kΩ
52.0
51.5
253
IRNG/SS, ILIMIT, INTC (µA)
VCSOUT (V)
1.0
0
0
4020 G11
4020 G10
0.2
4.0
10
–40 –25 –10 5 20 35 50 65 80 95 110 125
TEMPERATURE (°C)
5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55
VBAT (V)
4.2
4.1
VINTVCC (V)
12.0
4.3
14
12
12.5
PVIN = 4.5V
20
VINTVCC (V)
15.0
BST Refresh Regulator Dropout
INTVCC vs IINTVCC
4.5
VBAT = 20V
22
IDEAL DIODE VF (mV)
IDEAL DIODE VF (mV)
TA = 25°C, unless otherwise noted.
252
251
250
249
248
51.0
50.5
50.0
49.5
49.0
247
48.5
246
246
48.0
245
245
–40 –25 –10 5 20 35 50 65 80 95 110 125
TEMPERATURE (°C)
47.5
–40 –25 –10 5 20 35 50 65 80 95 110 125
TEMPERATURE (°C)
0
10
20
30
VIN (V)
40
50
60
4020 G16
4020 G17
4020 G18
4020fd
For more information www.linear.com/LTC4020
7
LTC4020
Pin Functions
TG1 (Pin 1): VIN side (step-down) primary switch FET
gate driver output.
BST1 (Pin 2): Boosted supply rail for VIN side (step-down)
switch FETs. Connect 1µF capacitor from this pin to SW1.
Connect 1A Schottky diode cathode to this pin, anode to
INTVCC pin.
SENSGND (Pin 4): Kelvin connection for PGND used for
SENSBOT current sense reference.
SENSBOT (Pin 5): Ground Referred Current Sense Amplifier
Input. Inductor current is monitored via a PGND referenced
current sense resistor (RSENSEB), typically in series with
the source of the VIN side synchronous switch FET. Kelvin
connect this pin to the associated sense resistor. Inductor
current is limited to a maximum average value (ILMAX), and
corresponds to 50mV across this sense resistor during
normal operation.
RSENSEB = 0.05/ILMAX
Set RSENSEB = RSENSEA, as described in SENSTOP pin
description. A filter capacitor (CSENSB) is typically connected from SENSBOT to SENSGND for noise reduction.
CSENSB ~ 1nS/RSENSEB
See Applications Information section.
SENSTOP (Pin 6): VIN Referred Current Sense Amplifier
Input. Inductor current is monitored via a VIN referenced
current sense resistor (RSENSEA), typically in series with
the drain of the VIN side primary switch FET. Kelvin connect this pin to the associated sense resistor. Inductor
current is limited to a maximum average value (ILMAX),
and corresponds to 50mV across this sense resistor during normal operation.
RSENSEA = 0.05/ILMAX
Set RSENSEA = RSENSEB, as described in SENSBOT pin
description.
SENSVIN (Pin 7): Kelvin connection for input supply (VIN)
used for SENSTOP current sense reference. Input power
supply pin for most internal low current functions. Typical
pin bias current is 0.25mA.
RT (Pin 8): System Oscillator Frequency Control Pin.
Connect resistor (RRT) from this pin to ground. Resistor
value can range from 50kΩ (500khz) to 500kΩ (50khz).
RRT = 100kΩ yields 250kHz operating frequency. See
Applications Information.
SHDN (Pin 9): Precision Threshold Shutdown Pin. Enable threshold is 1.225V (rising), with 100mV of input
hysteresis. When in shutdown, all charging functions are
disabled and input supply current is reduced to 27.5µA.
Typical SHDN pin input bias current is 10nA.
VIN_REG (Pin 10): Input Voltage Regulation Reference.
Battery charge current is reduced when the voltage on
this pin falls below 2.5V. Connecting a resistor divider
from VIN to this pin enables programming of minimum
operational VIN voltage for the battery charging function.
This is used to program the peak power voltage for a
solar panel, or to help maintain a minimum voltage on
a poorly regulated input supply. This pin should not be
used to program minimum operational VIN voltage with
low impedance supplies. Should the input supply begin to
collapse, the LTC4020 reduces the DC/DC converter input
power such that programmed minimum VIN operational
voltage is maintained. If the voltage regulation feature is
not used, connect the VIN_REG pin to VIN or INTVCC. Typical
VIN_REG pin input bias current is 10nA. See Applications
Information.
MODE (Pin 11): Charger Mode Control Pin. Short this pin
to ground to enable a constant-current/constant-voltage
(CC/CV) charging algorithm. Connect this pin to pin INTVCC
to enable a 4-step, 3-stage lead-acid charging algorithm.
Float this pin to force a constant-current (CC) charging
function. See Applications Information section.
STAT1 (Pin 12): Open-collector status output, typically
pulled up through a resistor to a supply voltage. This status
pin can be pulled up to voltages as high as 55V when the
pin is disabled, and can sink currents up to 1mA when logic
low (<0.4V). Pull down currents as high as 5mA (absolute
maximum) are supported for higher current applications,
such as lighting LEDs.
If the LTC4020 is configured for a CC/CV charging algorithm, the STAT1 pin is pulled low while battery charge
currents exceed 10% of the programmed maximum (C/10).
The STAT1 pin is also pulled low during NTC faults. The
STAT1 pin becomes high impedance when a charge cycle
4020fd
8
For more information www.linear.com/LTC4020
LTC4020
Pin Functions
is terminated or when charge current is below the C/10
threshold.
If the LTC4020 is configured for a CC charging algorithm,
the STAT1 pin is pulled low during the entire charging
cycle. The STAT1 pin becomes high impedance when the
charge cycle is terminated.
If the LTC4020 is configured for a lead-acid charging
algorithm, the STAT1 pin is used as a charge cycle stage
indicator pin, and pulled low during the bulk and absorption charging stages. The pin is high impedance during the
float charging period and during NTC or bad battery faults.
See Applications Information section.
STAT2 (Pin 13): Open-collector status output, typically
pulled up through a resistor to a supply voltage. This status pin can be pulled up to voltages as high as 55V when
disabled, and can sink currents up to 1mA when enabled
(<0.4V). Pull down currents as high as 5mA (absolute
maximum) are supported for higher current applications,
such as lighting LEDs.
During CC/CV or lead-acid charging algorithms, a bad battery fault is generated if the battery voltage does not reach
the precondition threshold voltage within 1/8 of TEOC, or:
TPRE = CTIMER • 1.82 x 106.
A 0.2µF capacitor is typically used for CC/CV charging,
which generates a 2.9 hour timer TEOC, and a precondition
limit time of 22 minutes. A 0.47µF capacitor is typically
used for a lead-acid charger, which generates a 6.8 hour
absorption stage safety timeout.
RNG/SS (Pin 15): Battery Charge Current Programming
Pin. This pin allows dynamic adjustment of maximum
charge current, and can be used to employ a soft-start
function.
Setting the voltage on the RNG/SS pin reduces maximum
charge current from the value programmed. The maximum
charge current is reduced to the fraction of programmed
current (as per the sense resistor, RCS) corresponding
to the voltage set on the pin (in volts). This pin has an
effective range from 0 to 1V.
If the LTC4020 is configured for a CC/CV charging algorithms, the STAT2 pin is pulled low during NTC faults or
after a bad battery fault occurs.
For example, with 0.5V RNG/SS on the pin, the maximum
charge current will be reduced to 50% of the programmed
value set by the sense resistor values.
If the LTC4020 is configured for a CC charging algorithms,
the STAT2 pin is pulled low during NTC faults.
50µA is sourced from the RNG/SS pin, so maximum
charge current can be programmed by connecting a single
resistor (RRNG/SS) from RNG/SS to ground, such that the
voltage dropped across the resistor is equivalent to the
desired pin voltage:
If the LTC4020 is configured for a lead-acid charging
algorithm, the STAT2 pin is used as a charge cycle stage
indicator pin, and pulled low during the bulk and float
charging stages. The pin is high impedance during the
absorption charging stage and during NTC or bad battery faults.
See Applications Information section.
TIMER (Pin 14): End-Of-Cycle Timer Programming Pin.
If a timer based charging algorithm is desired, connect
a capacitor (CTIMER) from this pin to ground. If no timer
functions are desired, connect this pin to ground.
VRNG/SS = 50µA • RRNG/SS
Soft-start functionality can be implemented by connecting
a capacitor (CRNG/SS) from RNG/SS to ground, such that
the time required to charge the capacitor is the desired
soft-start interval (TSS1). The voltage that corresponds to
full programmed inductor current on the RNG/SS pin is
1V, so the relation for this capacitor reduces to:
CRNG/SS = 50µA • TSS1
End-of-cycle time (in hours) is programmed with the value
of CTIMER following the equation:
TEOC = CTIMER • 1.46 x 107;
4020fd
For more information www.linear.com/LTC4020
9
LTC4020
Pin Functions
The RNG/SS pin is pulled low during periods when charging is disabled, including NTC faults, bad battery faults,
and normal charge cycle termination. This allows for a
graceful start after faults and when initiating new charge
cycles, should soft-start functionality be implemented.
Both a soft-start capacitor and a programming resistor
can be implemented in parallel.
RNG/SS voltage can also be manipulated using an active
device, such as employing a pull-down transistor to disable charge current or to dynamically servo maximum
charging current. Because this pin is internally pulled to
ground during fault conditions, active devices with lowimpedance pull up capability cannot be used.
See Applications Information section.
NTC (Pin 16): Battery Temperature Monitor Pin. Connect
a 10kΩ, β = 3380 NTC thermistor from this pin to ground.
The NTC pin is the input to the negative temperature coefficient temperature monitoring circuit. This pin sources
50µA, and monitors the voltage created across the 10kΩ
thermistor. When the voltage on this pin is above 1.35V
(0°C) or below 0.3V (40°C), charging is disabled and an
NTC fault is signaled at the STAT1 and STAT2 status pins.
If the internal timer is being used, the timer is paused,
suspending the charging cycle until the NTC fault condition is relieved. There is approximately 5°C of temperature
hysteresis associated with each of the temperature thresholds. The NTC function remains enabled while thermistor
resistance to ground is less than 250kΩ. If this function
is not desired, leave the NTC pin unconnected or connect
a 10k resistor from the NTC pin to ground. The NTC pin
contains an internal clamp that prevents excursions above
2V, so the pin must not be pulled high with a low impedance source. A low impedance element can be used to
pull the pin to ground.
VFB (Pin 17): Battery Voltage Feedback Pin. Battery voltages are programmed through a feedback resistor divider
placed from the BAT pin to FBG.
During CC/CV charging, the battery voltage references are:
Float Voltage (VFLOAT) = 2.5V
Trickle Charge Voltage (VTRK) = 1.75V
Auto-Restart Voltage (VRESTART) = 2.4375
During lead-acid charging, the battery voltage references
are:
Absorption Voltage (VABSOR) = 2.5V
Float Charge Voltage (VFLT) = 2.3125V
Trickle Charge Voltage (VTRK) = 1.75V
Bulk Recharge Voltage (VBULK) = 2.1875V
With RFB1 connected from BAT to VFB and RFB2 connected
from VFB to FBG, the ratio of (RFB1/RFB2) for the desired
programmed battery float voltage (CC/CV charging) or
absorption voltage (lead-acid charging) follows the relation:
RFB1/RFB2 = (VFLOAT/ABSORB)/2.5 – 1(V)
FBG (Pin 18): Voltage Feedback Divider Return. This pin
contains a low impedance path to signal ground, used
as the ground reference for voltage monitoring feedback
resistor dividers. When VIN is not present or the LTC4020
is in shutdown, this pin becomes high impedance, eliminating current drain from the battery associated with the
feedback resistor dividers.
VFBMIN (Pin 19): Minimum voltage feedback pin for instanton operation. Minimum DC/DC converter output voltage
(VOUTMIN) is programmed using this pin for instant-on
functionality. VOUTMIN is programmed through a feedback
resistor divider placed from the CSP pin to FBG.
If the battery voltage is below the voltage level programmed
using this pin, the LTC4020 controls the external PowerPath FET as a linear pass element, allowing the DC/DC
converter output to achieve the minimum programmed
voltage. Maximum battery charge current is reduced as
the voltage across the PowerPath FET increases to control
power dissipation.
The internal VFBMIN voltage reference is 2.125V. With a
resistor (RMIN1) connected from CSP to VFBMIN, and a
resistor (RMIN2) connected from VFBMIN to FBG, the ratio
of these resistors for the desired minimum converter
output voltage follows the relation:
RMIN1/RMIN2 = (VOUT(MIN)/2.125) – 1
4020fd
10
For more information www.linear.com/LTC4020
LTC4020
Pin Functions
Using the same resistor values for battery voltage programming, or RFB1 = RMIN1 and RFB2 = RMIN2, yields an
instant-on voltage that is 85% of VFLOAT (CC/CV charging)
or VABSORB (lead-acid charging):
VOUT(MIN) = 0.85 • VFLOAT/ABSORB
BAT (Pin 20): Battery Voltage Monitor Pin. This pin serves as
the positive reference for the LTC4020 ideal diode function.
If a system load occurs that is large enough to collapse
the DC/DC converter output while charging is terminated
or disabled, and the battery is disconnected (PowerPath
FET is high impedance), the ideal diode function engages
the PowerPath. This function powers the system load from
the battery, and modulates the PowerPath FET gate such
that the system output voltage is maintained with 14mV
across the PowerPath FET, provided the voltage drop due
to RDS(ON) < 14mV. This allows large loads to be accommodated without excessive power dissipation in the body
diode of the PowerPath FET.
When the DC/DC converter is enabled, but the battery
charge cycle has terminated, BGATE is pulled high to
disconnect the battery from the converter output. The
battery is also disconnected in the same manner during
NTC faults. The ideal diode function is active during these
periods, however, so if a system load occurs that is larger
than what the DC/DC converter can accommodate, the
battery can supply the required current, and the BGATE
pin will be servo controlled to force a voltage drop of only
14mV across the PowerPath FET. The ideal diode function
is disabled during bad battery faults.
If a PowerPath FET is not being used, such as with a leadacid charging application, connect a 0.1nF capacitor from
BGATE to CSN.
BGATE (Pin 21): PowerPath FET Gate Driver Output.
CSN (Pin 22): Battery Charger Current Sense Negative
Input. Connect this pin to the negative terminal of the
battery charge current sense resistor (RCS) through a
100Ω resistor. Connect a filter capacitor between this
pin and the CSP pin for ripple reduction. See Applications
Information section.
This pin is controls the multiple functions of the PowerPath FET.
The value of the sense resistor is related to the maximum
battery charge current (ICSMAX):
This pin is pulled low during a normal charging cycle,
minimizing the FET series impedance between the DC/
DC converter output and the battery.
RCS = 0.05/ICSMAX
The BGATE pin is also forced low when the DC/DC converter
is disabled, maintaining a low impedance connection to
power the system from the battery.
When BGATE is pulled low, CSP BGATE is limited internally to 9.5V, so if CSP > 9.5V, BGATE is maintained by
an internal clamp at CSP – BGATE = 9.5V. The BGATE
pin must be near ground or at the clamp voltage for C/10
detection to occur.
If the battery voltage is lower than the instant-on threshold
(see VFBMIN), BGATE servos the PowerPath FET impedance such that a voltage drop between the CSN pin and
the BAT pin is created while battery charging continues. If
the VCSN – VBAT voltage exceeds 0.4V, maximum charge
current is reduced to decrease power dissipation in the
PowerPath FET.
This pin also serves as the negative reference for the
LTC4020 ideal diode function (see BAT).
CSP (Pin 23): Battery Charger Current Sense Positive
Input. Connect this pin to the positive terminal of the
battery charge current sense resistor (RCS) through a
100Ω resistor. Connect a filter capacitor between this
pin and the CSN pin for ripple reduction. See Applications
Information section.
The value of the sense resistor is related to the maximum
battery charge current (ICSMAX) such that:
RCS = 0.05/ICSMAX
CSOUT (Pin 24): Current Sense Amplifier Output and
Charge Current Monitor. Connect 100pF capacitor to
ground.
4020fd
For more information www.linear.com/LTC4020
11
LTC4020
Pin Functions
Pin output impedance is 100kΩ, so any loading for monitors must be high impedance. The sense output voltage
follows the relation:
ground during portions of the converter power-up cycle,
active devices with low impedance pull-up capability cannot be used.
VCSOUT = 0.25 + 20 • (VCSP – VCSN)
VFBMAX (Pin 26): DC/DC Converter Output Feedback Pin.
Maximum DC/DC converter output voltage (VOUTMAX) is
programmed using this pin. When a battery charge cycle
is terminated or disabled, and the battery is disconnected
(PowerPath FET is high impedance), the converter output
will servo to this maximum voltage.
CSOUT is only active while battery charger functions are
operating. CSOUT pin voltage is pulled to 0V after charge
cycle termination or during fault conditions.
ILIMIT (Pin 25): Switched Inductor Maximum Current
Programming Pin. This pin allows dynamic adjustment
of DC/DC converter maximum average inductor current,
and can be used to employ a soft-start function.
Setting the voltage on the ILIMIT pin reduces maximum
average inductor current from the value programmed.
The inductor current limit is reduced to the fraction of
programmed current (as per the sense resistors) corresponding to the voltage set on the pin (in volts). This pin
has an effective range from 0 to 1V.
For example, with 0.5V on the pin, the maximum inductor
current will be reduced to 50% of the programmed value
set by the sense resistor values.
50µA is sourced from this pin, so maximum inductor current can be programmed by connecting a single resistor
(RILIMIT) from ILIMIT to ground, such that the voltage
dropped across the resistor is equivalent to the desired
pin voltage:
VILIMIT = 50µA • RILIMIT
Soft-start functionality can be implemented by connecting
a capacitor (CILIMIT) from ILIMIT to ground, such that the
time required to charge the capacitor is the desired softstart interval (TSS2). The voltage that corresponds to full
inductor current on the ILIMIT pin is 1V, so the relation for
this capacitor reduces to:
CILIMIT = 50µA • TSS2
ILIMIT voltage can also be manipulated using an active
device, such as employing a pull-down transistor to disable DC/DC converter current or to dynamically servo
maximum current. Because this pin is internally pulled to
The internal VFBMAX voltage reference is 2.75V. With a
resistor (RMAX1) connected from CSP to VFBMAX and a
resistor (RMAX2) connected from VFBMAX to FBG, the ratio
of RMAX1/RMAX2 for the desired maximum DC/DC converter
output voltage follows the relation:
RMAX1/RMAX2 = (VOUTMAX/2.75) – 1
Using the same resistor values for battery voltage programming, or RFB1 = RMAX1 and RFB2 = RMAX2, yields an
instant-on voltage that is 110% of VFLOAT (CC/CV charging)
or VABSORB (lead-acid charging):
VOUTMAX = 1.1 • VFLOAT/ABSORB
ITH (Pin 27): DC/DC Converter Voltage Loop Compensation
Pin. See Applications Information section for compensation component selection details.
VC (Pin 28): DC/DC Converter Current Loop Compensation
Pin. See Applications Information section for compensation component selection details.
BST2 (Pin 30): Boosted supply rail for VOUT side (stepup) switch FETs. Connect a 1µF capacitor from this pin
to SW2. Connect a 1A Schottky diode cathode to this pin,
anode to INTVCC pin.
TG2 (Pin 31): VOUT side (step-up) synchronous switch
FET gate driver output.
SW2 (Pin 32): Switched node for step-up switches.
Connect the switched inductor to this pin. Connect the
primary switch FET drain and synchronous switch FET
source to this pin.
4020fd
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For more information www.linear.com/LTC4020
LTC4020
Pin Functions
BG2 (Pin 33): VOUT side (step-up) primary switch FET
gate driver output.
BG1 (Pin 37): VIN side (step-down) synchronous switch
FET gate driver output.
INTVCC (Pin 34): Boosted Driver Refresh Supply. This
supply is regulated to 5V and is current limited to 150mA.
Connect a 2.2µF ceramic capacitor from this pin to PGND.
Boosted supply refresh diode anodes are connected to
this pin. Using this pin to power external 5V circuitry is
not recommended.
SW1 (Pin 38): Switched node for step-down switches.
Connect the switched inductor to this pin. Connect the
primary switch FET source and synchronous switch FET
drain to this pin.
PGND (Pin 35): Switch high current return path for step-up
primary and step-down synchronous switches.
PVIN (Pin 36): High Current Input Supply Pin. Connect
10µF decoupling capacitor from this pin to PGND. The PVIN
pin provides input supply current for the INTVCC internal
5V linear regulator.
SGND (Pins 3, 29, Exposed Pad 39): Signal Ground Reference. Connect to the output decoupling capacitor negative
terminal and battery negative terminal. The exposed pad
(39) must be soldered to PCB ground (SGND) for electrical
connection and rated thermal performance.
4020fd
For more information www.linear.com/LTC4020
13
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SENSGND
SENSBOT
ILIMIT
VFBMAX
SENSTOP
SENSVIN
RT
SHDN
–
+
1V
+
+
–
2.75V
VOLTAGE/CURRENT SENSE
FREQUENCY
SET
OSCILLATOR
1.225V
5k
+
95µ
EA-V
–
5k
ITH
+
200µ
EA-CB
–
gm = 10µ
+
200µ
EA-CA
–
VC
×2
–
+
INTERNAL
ENABLE
VCBOOST
VCBUCK
PWM CONTROL
–
+
–
+
DC/DC Controller Block Diagram
1V CLAMP/
DETECT
2mV
(VSENS)
SHUTDOWN/REFERENCES
×2.04
FEEDBACK
REFERENCE
(2.5V)
Ω
Ω
14
Ω
PVIN
R
S
R
S
RESET
CLK
128
COUNTER
(128 CYCLES)
Q
Q
D
NOL
C
B
NOL
A
SWITCH
DRIVERS
4020 BDa
SGND
SW2
TG2
BST2
PGND
BG2
INTVCC
PGND
BG1
INTVCC
SW1
TG1
BST1
INTVCC
LTC4020
Block Diagram
4020fd
LTC4020
Block Diagram
50µA
240µ
Ω
100k 0.7µA
–
–
+
RNG/SS
CSP
+
A(V) = 20
CSOUT
9.3µA
+
INSTANT-ON
FOLDBACK
+
DISABLE
CHARGER
–
0.45V
14mV
–
CSN
+
BGATE
IDEAL
TRICKLE
1.75V
–
+
0.1V
–
+
VFB
–
2.075V
270µ
Ω
VFLOAT
2.5V
+
C/10
2.125V
BULK
+
INSTANT
ON
–
VFBMIN
–
2.4375V
–
+
BAT
RESTART
ITH
Ω
+
50µA
NTC
+
V_40C
VREF
V_0C
C/10
CC/CV
TRICKLE
BULK
RESTART
–
STAT1
–
TIMER
CHARGER
ENABLED
270µ
VIN_REG
2V
+
–DIODE
+
–
1.75V
+
+
TERMINATION
AND CONTROL
LOGIC
STAT2
MODE
FBG
TIMER/
OSCILLATOR
IC
ACTIVE
4020 BDb
Battery Charger Block Diagram
4020fd
For more information www.linear.com/LTC4020
15
LTC4020
Operation
Functional Overview
The LTC4020 is an advanced high voltage power manager
and multi-chemistry battery charger designed to efficiently
transfer power from a variety of sources to a system power
supply rail and a battery.
The LTC4020 contains a step-up/step-down DC/DC
controller that allows operation with battery and system
voltages that are above, below, or equal to the input voltage (VIN). A precision threshold shutdown feature allows
incorporation of input voltage UVLO functionality using
a simple resistor divider. When in low current shutdown
mode, the IC input supply bias is reduced to only 27.5µA.
The LTC4020 charger is programmable to produce optimized charging profiles for a variety of battery chemistries.
The LTC4020 can provide a constant-current/constantvoltage charge characteristic with either C/10 or timed
termination for use with lithium based battery systems,
a constant-current characteristic with timed termination,
or an optimized 4-step, 3-stage lead-acid charge profile.
Maximum battery charge current is programmable using
a sense resistor, and a charge current range adjust pin
allows dynamic adjustment of maximum charge current. A
switcher core current limit adjust pin also allows dynamic
limiting of power available to the system by virtue of limiting maximum current in the DC/DC converter inductor.
The LTC4020 preconditions heavily discharged batteries
by reducing charge current to one-fifteenth of the programmed maximum. Once the battery voltage climbs above
an internally set threshold, the IC automatically increases
maximum charging current to the full programmed value. A
bad battery detection function signals a fault and suspends
charging should a battery not respond to preconditioning.
Battery temperature is monitored using a thermistor
measurement system. This feature monitors battery
temperature during the charging cycle, suspending the
charge cycle and signaling a fault condition if the battery
temperature moves outside a safe charging range of 0°C
to 40°C. The charge cycle automatically resumes when
the temperature returns to that safe charging range.
Instant-on PowerPath architecture ensures that an application is powered immediately after an external voltage is
applied, even with a completely dead battery, by prioritizing power to the application. Since the controller output
(VOUT) and the battery (BAT) are sometimes decoupled,
the LTC4020 includes an ideal diode controller, which
guarantees that ample power is always available to VOUT
if there is insufficient power available from the DC/DC
converter. Should there be no input power available (VIN),
the LTC4020 makes a low impedance connection from the
battery to VOUT though the PowerPath FET. Battery life
is maximized during periods of input supply disconnect
by reducing the LTC4020 battery standby current to less
than 10µA.
The LTC4020 contains two digital open-collector outputs
that provide charger status and signal fault conditions.
These binary coded pins signal battery charging, standby
or shutdown modes, battery temperature faults, and bad
battery faults.
DC/DC Converter Operation
(See Block Diagrams)
The LTC4020 uses a proprietary average current mode
DC/DC converter architecture.
As shown in Figure 1, when VIN is higher than VOUT during step-down (buck) operation, switches A (driven by
pin TG1) and B (driven by pin BG1) perform the PWM
required for accommodating power conversion. Ideally,
switch D (driven by pin TG2) would conduct continuously
and switch C (driven by pin BG2) would stay off, making
PWM switching action much like that in a synchronous buck
topology. Switch D uses a bootstrapped driver, however,
so switch C conducts for a minimum on time of 150nS
each cycle to refresh the driver and switch D is disabled
to accommodate this refresh time. A 75ns non-overlap
period, separates the conduction of the two switches,
preventing shoot-through currents.
When VIN is lower than VOUT during step-up (boost) operation, switches C and D perform the PWM required for
accommodating power conversion. Ideally, switch A would
conduct continuously and switch B would stay off, making
4020fd
16
For more information www.linear.com/LTC4020
LTC4020
Operation
PWM switching action much like that in a synchronous
boost topology. Since switch A also uses a bootstrapped
drive, however, the B switch conducts for 100nS during
this refresh period. A 75ns non-overlap period, separates
the conduction of the two switches, preventing shootthrough currents.
If VIN is close to VOUT, the controller operates in 4-switch
(buck-boost) mode, where both switch pairs PWM simultaneously to accommodate conversion requirements.
The LTC4020 senses the DC/DC converter output voltage
using a resistor divider feedback network that drives the
VFBMAX pin. The difference between the voltage on the
VFBMAX pin and an internal 2.75V reference is converted
into an error current by the voltage loop transconductance
amplifier (EA-V). This error current is integrated by a
compensation network to produce a voltage on pin ITH.
The ITH compensation network is designed to optimize
the response of the converter to changes in load current
while the converter is in regulation. At regulation, the ITH
pin will servo to a value that corresponds to the average
inductor current of the DC/DC converter.
Inductor current is monitored through two like value
sense resistors, placed in series with each of the VIN side
converter switches, A and B. The sum of these sensed
currents yields a reasonably accurate continuous representation of inductor current.
The voltage produced on the ITH pin is translated into
an offset at the input of the two current sense amplifiers.
The difference between this offset voltage and the sum
of the voltages is sensed on the SENSTOP and SENSBOT
pins, then is converted to error currents by the current
sense transconductance amplifiers (EA-CA and EA-CB).
These error currents are summed and integrated by a
compensation network to produce a voltage on the pin VC.
This compensation network is designed to optimize the
response of the converter duty cycle to required changes
in inductor current.
Figure 1 shows a simplified diagram of the four power
switches and their connections to the IC, inductor, VIN,
VOUT, ground, and current sense elements.
VIN
RSENSEA
VOUT
SENSETOP
DD* D
A
TG1
SW1
BG1
TG2
SW2
B
DB*
BG2
C
SENSEBOT
RSENSEB
*OPTIONAL
4020 F01
Figure 1. Converter Switch Diagram
DC MAX
(BOOST)
C/D PWM – A MIN OFF, B MIN ON
DC MAX
(BUCK)
DC MIN
(BOOST)
4-SWITCH PWM
A/B PWM – C MIN ON, D MIN OFF
DC MIN
(BUCK)
4020 F02
Figure 2. Operating Regions vs Duty Cycle (DC)
Reverse current protection is accomplished through disabling the VOUT side synchronous switch (D) during initial
power-up, when the converter is in step-up duty cycle
limit, and when ITH falls to a voltage that corresponds
to <1/25 of programmed ILMAX. Once these conditions
subside, the D switch remains disabled for an additional
128 clock cycles.
The VC pin voltage is compared to an internally generated
ramp, and the output of this comparison controls the duty
cycle of the charger’s switches.
4020fd
For more information www.linear.com/LTC4020
17
LTC4020
Operation
Battery Charger Operation
(See Block Diagrams)
During the majority of a normal battery charge cycle, the
LTC4020 makes a low impedance connection between
the battery and the DC/DC converter output through the
PowerPath FET, as in Figure 3. This PFET is controlled by
the LTC4020 through modulation of the BGATE pin, which
is connected to the FET gate. When charging is disabled,
the FET is disabled, disconnecting the battery from the
converter output by pulling the gate of the PowerPath FET
high via the BGATE pin. The converter output is regulated
by VFBMAX while the FET is disabled. When normal charger
operation resumes, the gate is pulled low. As the BGATE pin
is a slow-moving node, C/10 detection is disabled until the
BGATE pin approaches its normal operating voltage, which
prevents premature C/10 detection during reconnection of
the battery. The slow movement of BGATE can also cause
the converter output to regulate to VFBMAX for a short time
during start-up until the FET is enabled. This FET is also
linearly controlled during low battery conditions to enable
the instant-on function, where the converter output can be
separated from a heavily discharged battery to power the
rest of the system before the battery voltage responds to
charging. C/10 detection is also disabled when the charger
is operating in instant-on mode. This FET is also automatically configured as a 14mV ideal diode, which provides a
low loss path from the battery to the output when system
loads require power from the battery while the battery is
disconnected from the converter output.
VOUT
CSP
RCS
CSN
BGATE
BAT
SYSTEM
BATTERY
VFB
VFBMIN
4020 F03
Figure 3. Battery Charger PowerPath Diagram
The battery charger takes control of the DC/DC converter
operation by modulating the ITH pin voltage in response to
sensed battery charge current, battery voltage, and input
voltage. The converter thus provides exactly the amount
of power required to satisfy both the system load and
battery charger requirements.
Battery charge current is monitored via an external sense
resistor connected to the pins CSP and CSN. The voltage
across this resistor is amplified internally by a factor of
20, which is output onto pin CSOUT. This output voltage
rides on top of a constant 250mV offset. The CSOUT pin
voltage drives an internal transconductance amplifier that
servos the DC/DC converter’s ITH pin voltage in response
to the current requirements of a charging battery. CSOUT
voltage is also used internally as a charge current monitor
to detect <C/10 current thresholds.
Battery voltage is monitored via the VFB pin. This voltage
drives a transconductance amplifier that servos the DC/DC
converter ITH pin voltage in response to voltage developed
on a charging battery. The transition from constant-current
(CC) to constant-voltage (CV) charging modes is also
detected using this transconductance amplifier. The VFB
voltage is used for all battery voltage monitor thresholds,
each being defined as a percentage of the internal 2.5V
reference voltage.
Input voltage regulation is implemented via the VIN_REG pin
for use with poorly regulated or high impedance supplies.
This pin drives a transconductance amplifier that reduces
the ITH pin voltage in response to voltage sensed on the
VIN_REG pin falling through 2.5V. This transconductance
amplifier remains active even while battery charging is
disabled, so the input regulation feature continues to
operate regardless of the state of a charge cycle.
The LTC4020 contains an internal charge cycle timer that
is used for time based control of a charge cycle. This function is enabled by connecting a capacitor to the TIMER
pin. Grounding this pin disables all timer functions. The
timer is used to terminate a successful CC or CC/CV charge
cycle after a programmed end-of-cycle (TEOC) time. This
timer is also used to transition a lead-acid charger to float
charging if charge current does not fall adequately during the absorption phase of the charge cycle within the
programmed TEOC time.
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LTC4020
Operation
Use of the timer function also enables bad battery detection
during CC/CV or lead-acid charging. This fault condition is
achieved if the battery does not respond to preconditioning
(VFB < 1.75V), such that the charger remains in (or enters)
precondition mode after one-eighth of the programmed
TEOC time. A bad battery fault halts the charging cycle, and
the fault condition is reported on the status pins.
CC/CV Charging Overview (MODE = 0V)
To program the LTC4020 for CC/CV charging, connect the
MODE pin to ground. This mode is commonly used for
Li-Ion, Li-Polymer, and LiFePO4 battery charging.
If the voltage on the VFB pin is below 1.75V, the LTC4020 engages precondition mode, which provides low level charge
currents to gently increase voltage on heavily discharged
batteries. During preconditioning, the maximum charge
current is reduced to one-fifteenth of the programmed
value as set by RCS, the battery charge current programming resistor. Full charge current capability is restored
once the voltage on VFB rises above 1.75V. Full charge
current capability remains until the VFB pin approaches
the 2.5V float voltage. This is the constant-current (CC)
portion of the charge cycle.
When the voltage on the VFB pin approaches the 2.5V
float voltage, the charger transitions into constant-voltage
(CV) mode, and charge current is reduced from the maximum programmed value. If timer termination is used, the
safety timer period starts when CV mode is initiated, and
the charge cycle will terminate when the timer achieves
end-of-cycle (TEOC). This timer is typically programmed
to achieve TEOC in three hours, but can be configured
for any amount of time by setting an appropriate timing
capacitor value (CTIMER).
During CV mode, the required charge current is steadily
reduced as the battery voltage is maintained such that the
voltage on the VFB pin remains close to 2.5V. If the charger is configured for C/10 termination, when the battery
charge current falls below one-tenth of the programmed
maximum current (<C/10), the charge cycle will terminate
and the charger indicates not charging on the status pins.
When timer termination is used, the charger continues to
operate with charging current less than one-tenth of the
programmed maximum current. The STAT1 status pin,
however, responds to the <C/10 current level regardless
of termination scheme, so the IC will indicate a not charging status when the charging current is below the C/10
current level. The charge cycle will continue, however,
and the charger will source <C/10 current into the battery. Programmed float voltage is maintained while the
charger tops-off the battery with low currents until the
programmed TEOC time has elapsed, at which time the
charge cycle will terminate, charge current flow into the
battery will be disabled, and the battery will be disconnected from the converter output.
After termination, if the battery discharges such that
the voltage on the VFB pin drops to 2.4375V, or 97.5%
of the programmed float voltage, a new charge cycle is
automatically initiated.
TYPICAL CC/CV CHARGE CYCLE VOLTAGES
(PER CELL)
Precondition
Li-Ion
LiFePO4
2.94V
2.52V
Float
4.2V
3.6V
Recharge
4.095V
3.51V
Lead-Acid Charging Overview (MODE = INT_VCC)
To program the LTC4020 for lead-acid charging, connect
the MODE pin to the INTVCC pin. The LTC4020 supports
a 4-step, 3-stage lead-acid charging profile.
The first step of the charging profile provides low level
charge current to gently increase voltage on heavily discharged batteries. If the voltage on VFB is below 1.75V,
which corresponds to just over 10V for a 6-cell (12V)
battery, the maximum charge current is reduced to onefifteenth of the programmed value as set by RCS. Once
the VFB voltage rises above 1.75V, full charge current
capability is restored, and the bulk charging stage begins.
The bulk charging stage of the charge profile, which is
the first stage of 3-stage battery charging, is a constantcurrent charging stage, with the maximum programmed
charge current forced into the battery. This continues until
the battery voltage rises such that the VFB pin approaches
the 2.5V absorption reference voltage.
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LTC4020
Operation
As the bulk charging stage completes and the voltage on
the VFB pin rises to approach 2.5V, the charger transitions into the absorption stage, which is the 2nd stage of
3-stage battery charging. During the absorption stage,
the required charge current is steadily reduced as the
battery voltage approaches the absorption voltage. This is
a constant-voltage charging stage, as the battery voltage
is maintained such that the VFB pin remains close to the
2.5V absorption reference voltage. It is during this stage
that the battery stored charge increases to 100% capacity. The 2.5V absorption reference typically corresponds
to 14.4V for a 6-cell battery.
When the absorption stage charge current is reduced
to one-tenth of the programmed maximum current, the
charger will initiate the third stage in the charge profile,
the float charging stage. The safety timer can be used with
a lead-acid charger to limit the duration of the absorption
stage of the charging profile. The timer is initiated at the
start of the absorption stage, and forces the charger into
float if the charge current does not fall to the required
one-tenth of the programmed maximum current during
the absorption stage before the timer reaches TEOC. A
0.47µF capacitor on the TIMER pin is typically used, which
generates a 6.8 hour absorption stage safety timeout.
Once the float charging stage is initiated, the battery
reference voltage is reduced to 92.5% of the absorption
voltage, or 2.3125V. The battery voltage is maintained at
a voltage corresponding to this reference voltage, and
maximum charge current is reduced to one-fifteenth of
the programmed maximum. This level corresponds to
13.3V for a 6-cell battery.
Once float charging is achieved, the LTC4020 charger remains active and will attempt to maintain the float voltage
on the battery indefinitely. During float charging, if a load
on the battery exceeds the maintenance charge current
of one-fifteenth of the programmed maximum, the battery voltage will begin to discharge. If a load discharges
the battery such that the voltage on VFB falls to 2.1875V,
corresponding to 12.6V for a 6-cell battery, the LTC4020
restarts the full 3-stage charging cycle by reinitiating the
bulk charging stage. Bulk charging is engaged by resetting
the internal VFB reference to the 2.5V absorption voltage
reference and increasing the charge current capability to
the programmed maximum.
TYPICAL LEAD-ACID CHARGE CYCLE
VOLTAGES (12V System)
Precondition
10.1V
Absorption
14.4V
Float
13.3V
Bulk Restart
12.6V
CC Charging Overview (MODE = NC)
To program the LTC4020 for CC charging, leave the MODE
pin unconnected. This mode can be used for charging
NiCd and NiMH batteries, supercap charging, or in any
other application where a timed current source is desired.
CC mode can also be used when the voltage dependent
precondition mode is not desired.
In CC mode, the LTC4020 will maintain full programmed
charge current capability for the duration of the timer
period. The trickle charge function is disabled, although
maximum charge current will be reduced during lower deck
operation if there is excessive voltage (>0.3V) imposed
across the PowerPath FET. The charger will terminate the
charge cycle and the PowerPath FET will become highimpedance once timer EOC is reached.
While the charge cycle is designed to be voltage independent, a maximum VBAT voltage can be programmed
corresponding to VFB = 2.5V, allowing constant-voltage
functionality at that level if desired.
Once the timer reaches TEOC and the charge cycle terminates, input power or SHDN must be cycled to initiate
another charge cycle. If the timer function is disabled
(TIMER = 0V), the current source function remains active
indefinitely.
Note: For nickel-chemistry batteries (e.g. NiCd or NiMH),
the possibility of overcharging must be considered. A
typical method is to charge with low currents for a long
period of time. NiCd and NiMH batteries can absorb a
C/300 charge rate indefinitely. Shorter duration charging
is possible using a timed current source charge algorithm.
It is recommended to ensure a depleted battery before
charging, then subsequently charge the battery to no more
than 125% capacity. For example, a depleted 2000mAh
NiMH battery is charged with 2.5A for one hour.
4020fd
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LTC4020
Applications Information
DC/DC CONVERTER SECTION
PGND. Both nodes on the sense resistor must be Kelvin
connected to the IC, via the pins SENSBOT and SENSGND.
Output Voltage Programming
The LTC4020 DC/DC converter maximum output voltage, or voltage safety limit, is set by an external feedback
resistive divider, providing feedback to the VFBMAX pin.
This divider sets the output voltage that the converter
will servo to when the PowerPath FET is high impedance,
which occurs after charge cycle termination or during a
charge cycle fault.
VOUT
LTC4020
RMAX1
VFBMAX
Both of these sense resistors must be of equal value, and
that value programs the switched inductor maximum
average current in the DC/DC converter inductor (ILMAX)
such that:
RSENSEA =RSENSEB =
4020 F04
The resultant feedback signal is compared with the internal
2.75V voltage reference by the converter error amplifier.
The output voltage is given by the equation:
 R

VOUT = 2.75V • 1+ MAX1
 R MAX2 
The values for RMAX1 and RMAX2 are typically the same as
those used for the divider that programs battery voltage
(to the VFB pin; see Battery Charger section), to yield a
DC/DC converter maximum regulation voltage, or safety
limit, that is 10% higher than the battery charge voltage.
RSENSEA, RSENSEB: DC/DC Converter Current
Programming
The LTC4020 performs inductor current sensing via two
resistors connected in series with the VIN side switches
(see Figure 1). The high side sense resistor (RSENSEA) is
connected between VIN and the drain of the top side switch
FET (A). Both nodes on the sense resistor must be Kelvin
connected to the IC via the pins SENSVIN and SENSTOP.
Likewise, the low side sense resistor (RSENSEB) is connected
between the source of the bottom side switch FET (B) and
IL ~IIN •
 VIN 
 VOUT
When the converter is stepping up, or operating in boost
mode, the inductor current will be roughly equivalent to
the converter input current. Inductor current (IL) will be
greater than output current (IOUT), such that:
where RMAX1 and RMAX2 are defined as in Figure 4.
ILMAX
When the converter is stepping down, or operating in buck
mode, the inductor current will be roughly equivalent to
the converter output current. Input supply current (IIN) will
be less than the inductor current (IL), such that:
RMAX2
Figure 4. VOUT Safety Limit Programming
0.05
IL ~IOUT •
 VOUT 
 VIN 
Overcurrent Detection
The LTC4020 also contains an overcurrent detection
circuit that monitors the low side current sense resistor,
or SENSBOT–SENSGND input. Should that circuit detect
a voltage on that input that is less than –150mV or greater
than 100mV, or roughly 3x the maximum average current,
all of the switches are disabled for four (4) clock cycles.
Parasitic inductances on non-ideal layouts and or bodydiode commutation charge can cause voltage spikes
across the sense resistor at the beginning of synchronous
FET conduction. The LTC4020 overcurrent circuitry is
somewhat resistant to these leading edge spikes but, in
some cases, the overcurrent circuit can be prematurely
triggered. This is identified by the repeated 4-cycle
switch off-time that occurs should premature triggering
occur. Placing a ceramic capacitor across the SENSBOT–
SENSGND input pins near the IC will generally eliminate
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LTC4020
Applications Information
premature triggering by high pass filtering the current sense
signal. Setting the τ of the effective filter in the range of
1ns is generally sufficient to shunt errant signals, such that:
C SENSB ~
1ns
RSENSEB
Programming Switching Frequency
The RT frequency adjust pin allows the user to program
the LTC4020 DC/DC converter operating frequency from
50KHz to 500KHz.
Higher frequency operation is desirable for smaller external inductor and capacitor values, but at the expense
of increased switching losses and higher gate drive currents. Higher frequencies may also not allow sufficiently
high or low duty cycle operation due to minimum on/off
time constraints. Lower operating frequencies require
larger external component values, but result in reduced
switching losses yielding higher conversion efficiencies.
Operating frequency (fO) is set by choosing an appropriate
frequency setting resistor (RRT), connected from the RT
pin to ground. This resistor is required for operation; do
not leave this pin open. For a desired operating frequency,
RRT follows the relation:
fO  – 1.0695
R RT = 100kΩ • 
 250kHz
OPERATING FREQUENCY (kHz)
The LTC4020 is typically biased directly from the charger
input supply through the PVIN and SENSVIN pins. This
supply provides large switched currents, so a high quality,
low ESR decoupling capacitor is recommended to minimize voltage glitches on the VIN supply. Placing a smaller
ceramic capacitor (0.1µF to 10µF) close to the IC in parallel
with the input decoupling capacitor is also recommended
for high frequency noise reduction. The SENSVIN pin is a
Kelvin connection from the VIN supply at the primary VIN
side switch FET (A); separate decoupling for that pin is
not recommended. The charger input supply decoupling
capacitor (CVIN) absorbs all input switching ripple current
in the charger, so it must have an adequate ripple current
rating. RMS ripple current (ICVIN(RMS)) is highest during
step down operation, and follows the relation:
1
–1 ,
DC
which has a maximum at DC = 0.5, or VIN = 2 • VOUT, where:
ICVIN(RMS) ~IMAX •DC •
I
ICVIN(RMS) = MAX
2
The simple worst-case of ½ • IMAX is commonly used for
design, where IMAX is the programmed inductor current
limit.
Bulk capacitance (CIN(BULK)) is a function of desired input
ripple voltage (ΔVIN). For step-down operation, CIN(BULK)
follows the relation:
V
1
CIN(BULK) ≥IMAX • OUT(MAX) •
,
VIN(MIN) ΔVIN • fO
600
500
where fO is the operating frequency, VOUT(MAX) is the DC/
DC converter maximum output voltage and VIN(MIN) is
the regulation voltage corresponding to 2.5V on VIN_REG.
If the input regulation feature is not being used, use the
minimum expected input operating voltage.
400
300
200
100
0
Input Supply Decoupling
50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500
RT (kΩ)
4020 F05
Figure 5. RT vs Operating Frequency
If an application does not require step-down operation,
during step-up operation, input ripple current is equivalent
to inductor ripple current (ΔIMAX), so CIN(BULK) follows
the relation:
22
CIN(BULK) =
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ΔIMAX
ΔVIN • fO
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LTC4020
Applications Information
ILIMIT Pin
Maximum average inductor current can be dynamically adjusted using the ILIMIT pin as described in the Pin
Description section. Active servos can also be used to
impose voltages on the ILIMIT pin, provided they can only
sink current. Active circuits that source current cannot be
used to drive the ILIMIT pin.
LTC4020
using whichever relation yields the largest inductor value
for LMIN:
If VIN > VOUT (step-down conversion):
LMIN =
fO • ∆IMAX •IMAX
If VIN < VOUT (step-up conversion):
LMIN =
ILIMIT
10k
LOGIC HIGH = HALF CURRENT
4020 F06
Figure 6. Using the ILIMIT Pin for Digital Control
of Maximum Average Inductor Current
LTC4020
ILIMIT
+
–
SERVO
REFERENCE
4020 F06
Figure 7. Driving the ILIMIT Pin with a Current Sink
Active Servo Amplifier
Inductor Selection
The primary criterion for inductor value selection in an
LTC4020 charger is the ripple current created in that inductor. Once the inductance value is determined, an inductor
must also have a saturation current equal to or exceeding
the maximum peak current in the inductor.
An inductor value (L) is calculated given the maximum
desired amount of ripple current (ΔIMAX). Maximum
inductor ripple current should generally be in the range
of 0.2 to 0.5 (as a fraction of maximum average inductor
current, IMAX). When stepping down, ripple current gets
larger with increased VIN, and is maximized when VOUT =
VIN/2. When stepping up, ripple current gets larger with
increased VOUT, and is maximized when VIN = VOUT/2. The
inductor value must be chosen using the greatest expected
operational difference between these values.
A minimum inductor value for a given maximum ripple
current and operating frequency (fO) can be determined
(
VOUT • 1– VOUT / VIN(MAX)
(
VIN • 1– VIN / VOUT(MAX) 
fO • ∆IMAX •IMAX
)
)
For step-down conversion, use the maximum expected
operating voltage for VIN(MAX). If the expected VOUT
operating range (typically from VFBMIN = 2.125V to VFBMAX
= 2.75V) includes VIN(MAX)/2, use that value for VOUT. If the
entire operating range is below VIN(MAX)/2, use the value
corresponding to VFBMAX = 2.75V. If the entire operating
range is above VIN(MAX)/2, use the value corresponding
to VFBMIN = 2.125V.
For step-up conversion, use the maximum output voltage (typically corresponding to pin VFBMAX = 2.75V) for
VOUT(MAX). If the expected VIN operating range includes
VOUT(MAX)/2, use that value for VIN. If the entire input
operating range is below VOUT(MAX)/2, use the maximum
operating voltage for VIN. If the entire input operating range
is above VOUT(MAX)/2, use the minimum input operating
voltage for VIN.
Magnetics vendors typically specify inductors with
maximum RMS and saturation current ratings. Select an
inductor that has a saturation current rating at or above
1.25 • IMAX, and an RMS rating above IMAX.
Output Decoupling
During periods when the LTC4020 DC/DC converter output
is not connected to the battery through the PowerPath
FET, the system load is driven directly by the converter.
The converter creates large switched currents, so a high
quality, low ESR decoupling capacitor is recommended
to minimize voltage glitches on the VOUT supply. Placing
a smaller ceramic decoupling capacitor (0.1µF to 10µF)
in parallel with the output decoupling capacitor is also
recommended for high frequency noise reduction. The
VOUT decoupling capacitor (CVOUT) absorbs the majority of
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LTC4020
Applications Information
the converter ripple current, so it must have an adequate
ripple current rating. RMS ripple current (IΔRMS) is highest
during step up operation, and follows the relation:
I ΔRMS ~IMAX •DC •
1
–1 ,
DC
PTR(A, B) ≈ (k)(VIN)2 (ILMAX)(CRSS)(fO)
having a maximum at DC = 0.5, or VOUT = 2 • VIN, where:
I
ICVOUT(RMS) = MAX .
2
The simple worst-case of ½ • IMAX is commonly used for
design, where IMAX is the programmed inductor current
limit.
Bulk capacitance is a function of desired output ripple
voltage (ΔVOUT), and follows the relations:
For step-up operation:
Transition Losses (PTR): During maximum power operation, all 4 switches change state once per oscillator cycle,
so the maximum switching transient power losses (PTR)
remain constant over condition.
V
–V
1
C OUT(BULK) ≥IMAX • OUT(MAX) IN(MIN) •
,
VOUT(MAX)
ΔVOUT • fO
PTR(C, D) ≈ (k)(VOUT)2 (ILMAX)(CRSS)(fO)
PTR(A, B) is the transition loss for the VIN side switch FETs
A and B, and PTR(C,D) is the transition loss for VOUT side
switch FETs C and D, with the switch FETs designated as
in Figure 1. The constant k, which accounts for the loss
caused by reverse recovery current, is inversely proportional to the gate drive current and has a empirical value
approximated by k = 1 in LTC4020 applications. ILMAX is
the converter maximum inductor current as programmed
by the two sense resistors.
Conductive Losses (PON): Conductive losses are proportional to switch duty cycle. The average conductive losses
in a switch at maximum inductor current (ILMAX)is:
PON = ILMAX2 • ρT • RDS(ON) • (TON • fO)
where VOUT(MAX) is the DC/DC converter safety limit, and
VIN(MIN) is the VIN regulation threshold. If the VIN regulation feature is not being used, use the minimum expected
operating voltage.
where ρT is a normalization factor (unity at 25°C) accounting for the significant variation in on-resistance
with temperature. For a maximum junction temperature
of 125°C, using a value of ρT = 1.5 is reasonable.
For step-down operation, output ripple current is equivalent
to inductor ripple current (∆IMAX), so COUT(BULK) follows
the relation:
If VIN > VOUT (step-down conversion):
C OUT(BULK) ≥
ΔIMAX
,
ΔVOUT • fO
PON(A) = ILMAX2 • ρT • RDS(ON(A)) • (VOUT/VIN)
PON(B) = ILMAX2 • ρT • RDS(ON(B)) • (1 – VOUT/VIN)
PON(C+D) = ILMAX2 • ρT • RDS(ON(C, D))
If VIN < VOUT (step-up conversion):
Switch FET Selection
PON(A+B) = ILMAX2 • ρT • RDS(ON(A, B))
The LTC4020 requires four external N-channel power
MOSFETs, as shown in Figure 1.
PON(C) = ILMAX2 • ρT • RDS(ON(C)) • (1 – VIN/VOUT)
Specified parameters used for power MOSFET selection
are: breakdown voltage (VBR(DSS)), threshold voltage
(VGS(TH)), on-resistance (RDS(ON)), reverse transfer capacitance (CRSS), and maximum inductor current (ILMAX).
The drive voltage is set by the INTVCC supply pin, which is
typically 5V. Consequently, logic-level threshold MOSFETs
must be used in LTC4020 applications.
PON(D) = ILMAX2 • ρT • RDS(ON(D)) • (VIN/VOUT)
Optional Schottky Diode (Db, Dd) Selection
Schottky diodes can be placed in parallel with the synchronous FETs B and D, as shown in Figure 1 as Db and
Dd. These diodes conduct during the dead time between
the conduction of the power MOSFET switches and are
intended to prevent the body diode of synchronous switches
from storing charge.
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LTC4020
Applications Information
To maximize effectiveness of the diodes, the inductance
between the switches and the synchronous switches must
be minimized, so the diodes should be placed adjacent to
their corresponding FET switch.
The Dd diode also reduces power dissipation in the D switch
during periods of reverse current inhibit operation, during
which time the D switch is disabled. Load currents are low
during reverse inhibit, and diode Db only conducts during
switch dead times, so both can have current ratings well
below the DC/DC converter inductor current maximum.
Typically, a diode with an average current rating at or above
one-tenth of ILMAX is adequate, provided the diode has an
instantaneous current rating that exceeds the maximum
inductor current, or ILMAX + ½ ΔIMAX.
Db reverse voltage rating must exceed VIN. Dd reverse
voltage rating must exceed VOUT.
INTVCC LDO Output, and BST1 and BST2 Supplies
Power for the top and bottom MOSFET drivers and most
other internal circuitry is derived from the INTVCC pin. An
internal 5V low dropout regulator (LDO) supplies INTVCC
power from the PVIN pin. INTVCC is decoupled to PGND
using a 2.2µF ceramic capacitor.
The BST1 and BST2 bootstrapped supply pins power
internal high side FET gate drivers, which output to pins
TG1 and TG2. BST1 provides switch gate drive above the
input power supply voltage for switch FET A, and BST2
provides switch gate drive above the output power supply
voltage for switch FET D, as designated in Figure 1. These
boosted supply pins allows the use of NFET switches for
increased conversion efficiency. These bootstrapped supplies are regenerated through external Schottky diodes
from the INTVCC pin.
Connect two low leakage 1A Schottky diode anodes to the
INTVCC pin. Connect one Schottky cathode to the BST1
pin. This diode must be rated for reverse voltage standoff
exceeding the maximum input supply voltage. Connect the
other diode cathode to the BST2 pin. This diode must be
rated for reverse voltage standoff exceeding the converter
safety limit output, VOUT(MAX).
Connect a ceramic capacitor from the BST1 pin to the
SW1 pin and another from BST2 pin to the SW2 pin.
The value of these two capacitors should be at least 50
times greater than the equivalent total gate capacitance
of the corresponding switch FET. Total FET gate charge
(QG(TOT)) is typically specified at a specific gate-source
voltage (VGS(Q)). Using those parameters, the required
boost capacitor values (CBST) follow the relation:
CBST > 50 • QG(TOT)/VGS(Q)
CBST = 1µF is typically adequate for most applications.
During low load operation, start-up, and nonoverlap
periods, inductor current is conducted by the silicon
body diode of the synchronous FET. This diode stores a
significant amount of charge, so when the primary switch
turns on for the next switch cycle, reverse recovery current
is conducted by the main switch to discharge this diode.
The resultant short-duration current spike can be orders of
magnitude greater than the inductor current itself, resulting
in an extremely fast dV/dt on the switched node. Consequently, parasitic inductance associated with the switch
FET packaging and/or less-than-ideal layout can induce a
voltage spike of 10 or more volts at the leading edge of a
switching cycle. This can be particularly problematic on
the step-up side of the inductor, as these voltage spikes
are negative, and can cause a build-up of voltage on the
BST2-SW2 capacitor. This would generally occur when
the step-up synchronous switch (D) is disabled, such as
during low load operation and during start-up. If voltage
build-up on the boosted supply proves excessive, it could
potentially violate absolute maximum voltage ratings of the
IC and cause damage. This effect can be greatly reduced
by implementing a Schottky diode across the step-up
synchronous FET, shown as DD in Figure 1, which reduces
reverse recovery charge in the synchronous FET body
diode. A low current 6V Zener (0.1A) in parallel with the
BST2-SW2 capacitor will also effectively shunt any errant
charge and prevent excessive voltage build-up.
External Power for BST1 and BST2 Supplies
Power for the top and bottom MOSFET drivers can be
supplied by an external supply, provided that a precision
5V supply is available (±5%).
The INTVCC internal supply is a linear regulator, which
transfers current from the VIN pin. As such, power dissipation can be excessive with high VIN pin voltages and/
4020fd
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LTC4020
Applications Information
or large gate drive requirements. The power dissipation
in the linear pass element (PINTVCC) is:
VIN
(4.5V TO 5.5V)
VIN
PINTVCC = (VIN – 5V) • QG(TOT)ABCD • fO,
SENSVIN
where QG(TOT)ABCD is the sum of all four switch total gate
charges, and fO is the LTC4020 switching frequency.
4020 F10
Figure 10. Connection of Low-Voltage Input Supply
60
In this configuration, the INTVCC pin cannot collapse
when the LTC4020 is in shutdown. As a result of the pin
bias being maintained during shutdown, current will flow
into the INTVCC pin, increasing input supply current. The
total shutdown current flowing into the INTVCC pin in this
configuration is approximately 150µA.
50
VIN (V)
40
30
20
SOA
10
0
INTVCC
LTC4020
0
10
20
BATTERY CHARGER SECTION
30 40 50 60 70
QG(TOT)ABCD • fO (mA)
80
90
Battery Charge Voltage Programming
4020 F08
Figure 8. INTVCC Pass Element SOA (Safe Operating Area)
If desired operation places the internal 5V regulator out
of the allowable SOA region, deriving gate drive power
externally is required.
For driving the LTC4020 with an external 5V regulator,
connect the PVIN and INTVCC pins to that regulator output
as shown in Figure 9. The SENSVIN pin remains connected
to the input supply.
The LTC4020 uses an external feedback resistive divider
from the BAT pin to ground to program battery voltages.
This divider provides feedback to the VFB pin, and sets
the final voltage that the battery charger will achieve at
the end of a charge cycle. The feedback reference of 2.5V
corresponds to the battery float voltage during CC/CV
mode charging (MODE = 0V).
(BATTERY)
VBAT
RFB1
LTC4020
VIN
VFB
VIN
RFB2
4020 F11
Figure 11. Battery Voltage Programming
5VOUT
VIN
INTVCC
LTC4020
SENSVIN
(5V)
4020 F09
The resultant feedback signal is compared with the internal
2.5V voltage reference by the converter error amplifier.
The output voltage is given by the equation:
Figure 9. Connection of External 5V Regulator for Reduced
Internal Power Dissipation
For operation with tightly regulated low voltage input supplies (4.5V to 5.5V), the LTC4020 internal gate drivers and
BST refresh functions can be powered directly by the input
supply, eliminating the requirement for a 5V regulator to
supply the INTVCC pin. Connect the input supply to the
PVIN, INTVCC, and SENSVIN pins, as shown in Figure 10.
 R 
V(FLOAT(CC/CV) = 2.5V 1+ FB1
 RFB2 
where RFB1 and RFB2 are defined as in Figure 11.
If charging in CC mode (MODE = -NC-), RFB1 and RFB2
corresponding to VFB = 2.5V programs a maximum VBAT
voltage, if constant-voltage functionality at that level if
desired.
4020fd
26
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LTC4020
Applications Information
During lead-acid charging (MODE = INTVCC), the absorption
mode voltage corresponds to 2.5V on the VFB pin. Battery
float voltage (maintenance) corresponds to 2.3125V on the
VFB pin, or 92.5% of the absorption voltage. These voltages typically correspond to 14.4V and 13.3V respectively
for a 6-cell (12V) battery.
The values for RFB1 and RFB2 are typically the same as
those used for the divider that programs the converter
safety limit (converter output to the VFBMAX pin; see
DC/DC Converter section), which yields a DC/DC converter
maximum regulation voltage, or safety limit, that is 10%
higher than the maximum battery charge voltage.
Common Battery Types:
Normalized RFB1 Resistor Values (RFB2 = 1)
BATTERY TYPE
VOLTAGE
RFB1
1-Cell LiFePO4
3.6V Float
0.44
1-Cell Li-Ion
4.2V Float
0.68
2-Cell LiFePO4
7.2V Float
1.88
2-Cell Li-Ion
8.4V Float
2.36
6-Cell Lead-Acid
12V Battery
4.76
3-Cell LiFePO4
10.8V Float
3.32
3-Cell Li-Ion
12.6V Float
4.04
4-Cell LiFePO4
14.4V Float
4.76
6-Cell LiFePO4
21.6V Float
7.64
12-Cell Lead-Acid
24V Battery
10.52
RCS: Battery Charge Current Programming
The LTC4020 senses battery charge current using a sense
resistor that is connected between the CSP and CSN
pins. Maximum average battery charge current (ICSMAX)
is programmed by setting the value of this current sense
resistor. The resistor value is selected so the desired
maximum charge current through that sense resistor
creates a 50mV drop, or:
R CS =
PowerPath FET Function and Instant-On
The LTC4020 controls an external PMOS with its gate
connected to the BGATE pin. This PowerPath FET controls
current flow to and from the battery.
During a normal battery charge cycle, the BGATE pin is
pulled low (clamped at VGS = 9.5V), which operates the FET
as a low impedance connection from the DC/DC converter
output to the battery, effectively shorting the battery to the
converter output. This minimizes power dissipation from
charge current passing thorough the FET. When there is
no VIN power or when the IC is in shutdown, LTC4020
connects the battery to the converter output by holding
the BGATE pin low, again effectively shorting the battery
to the converter output. This minimizes power dissipation
while the output is powered by the battery.
The LTC4020 controls the PowerPath FET to perform
instant-on operation when a charge cycle is initiated
into a heavily discharged battery. If the battery voltage is
below a programmed minimum operational output voltage, corresponding to VFBMIN = 2.125V, the PowerPath
FET is configured as a linear regulator, allowing the DC/
DC converter output to rise above the battery voltage
while still providing charge current into the battery.
During instant-on operation, the BGATE pin is driven by the
LTC4020 to maintain the minimum programmed voltage
on the PowerPath FET source, the FET acting as a high
impedance current source, providing charge current to
the battery, independent of the battery voltage.
VOUT
VFBMIN = 2.125V
0.05V
ICSMAX
VBAT
For example, for a maximum average charge current of
5A, use a 0.01Ω sense resistor.
VBAT (V)
4020 F12
Figure 12. Instant-On DC/DC Converter Output vs Battery
Voltage Characteristics
4020fd
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LTC4020
Applications Information
The resultant feedback signal is compared with the internal
2.125V voltage reference by a dedicated instant-on error
amplifier, the output of which servos the BGATE pin. The
output voltage is given by the equation:
 R

VOUT = 2.125V 1+ MIN1
 RMIN2 
where RMIN1 and RMIN2 are defined as in Figure 13.
VOUT
LTC4020
RMIN1
VFBMIN
RMIN2
4020 F13
Figure 13. VOUT Instant-On Programming
The values for RMIN1 and RMIN2 are typically the same as
those used for the divider that programs battery voltage
(to the VFB pin; see Battery Charger section), to yield a
DC/DC converter minimum operational regulation voltage
corresponding to 85% of the battery charge voltage.
During instant-on operation, if the drain-to-source voltage
across the PowerPath FET (VCSN – VBAT) exceeds 0.45V,
the maximum charge current is automatically reduced.
Maximum charge current is reduced linearly across the
range of 0.45V < VCSN – VBAT < 1.95V to one-fifteenth of
the current programmed by the battery charger sense
resistor, RCS. This reduction in charge current helps to
prevent excessive power dissipation in the PowerPath FET.
MAXIMUM CHARGE CURRENT (%)
100
When the DC/DC converter is operating, but the battery
charger is not in a charging cycle, the PowerPath FET is
automatically configured as an ideal diode between the BAT
pin (anode) and the CSN pin (cathode). The ideal diode
function allows the battery to remain disconnected from the
converter output while the converter is supplying power,
but also allows the battery to be efficiently engaged for additional power should a load exceed the DC/DC converter’s
capability. This ideal diode circuit regulates the external
FET to achieve low loss conduction, maintaining a voltage
drop of 14mV across from the BAT pin to the CSN pin,
provided the battery current load though the ideal diode
does not exceed 14mV/RDS(ON). With larger currents, the
FET will behave like a fixed value resistor equal to RDS(ON).
In certain applications, the PowerPath function is not
required. For example, lead-acid chargers do not terminate (they remain in float charging mode indefinitely),
so the battery need never be disconnected from the
output, provided the instant-on feature is not desired.
The PowerPath FET can be eliminated in these applications by tying the CSN side of the sense resistor to BAT,
connecting VFBMIN to ground, and connecting a 100pF
capacitor from the BGATE pin to CSN. See Typical Application Circuits section.
RNG/SS: Dynamic Current Limit Adjust
Maximum charge current can be dynamically adjusted
using the RNG/SS pin as described in the Pin Description
section. Active servos can also be used to impose voltages
on the RNG/SS pin, provided they can only sink current.
Active circuits that source current cannot be used to drive
the RNG/SS pin.
90
80
70
LTC4020
60
RNG/SS
50
10k
40
30
LOGIC HIGH = HALF CURRENT
20
4020 F15
10
0
0
0.25 0.5 0.75 1 1.25 1.5 1.75 2 2.25 2.5
VCSN–BAT (V)
Figure 15. Using the RNG/SS Pin for Digital Control of
Maximum Charge Current
4020 F14
Figure 14. Instant-On Charger Current Sense Limit Reduction
4020fd
28
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Applications Information
Status Pins
LTC4020
RNG/SS
+
–
SERVO
REFERENCE
4020 F16
Figure 16. Driving the RNG/SS Pin with a Current Sink Active
Servo Amplifier
RNG/SS: Soft-Start
Soft-start functionality is also supported by the RNG/SS
pin. 50µA is sourced from the RNG/SS pin, so connecting a capacitor from the RNG/SS pin to ground (CRNG/SS)
creates a linear voltage ramp. The maximum charge current
follows this voltage, thus increasing the charge current
capability from zero to the full programmed value as the
capacitor gets charged from 0 to 1V. The value of CRNG/SS
is calculated based on the desired time to full current (TSS)
following the relation:
CRNG/SS = 50µA • TSS
The RNG/SS pin is pulled to ground internally when charging is terminated so each new charging cycle begins with
a soft-start cycle. RNG/SS is also pulled to ground during
bad battery and NTC fault conditions.
LTC4020
RNG/SS
CRNG/SS
4020 F17
Figure 17. Using the RNG/SS Pin for Soft-Start
STATUS PINS STATE
STAT1
STAT2
CC/CV
(MODE = 0V)
The LTC4020 reports charger status through two open
collector outputs, the STAT1 and STAT2 pins. These pins
can accept voltages as high as 55V when disabled, and
can sink up to 5mA when enabled.
If the LTC4020 is configured for a CC/CV charging algorithm, the STAT1 pin is pulled low while battery charge
currents exceed 10% of the programmed maximum (C/10).
The STAT1 pin is also pulled low during NTC faults. The
STAT2 pin is pulled low during NTC faults or after a bad
battery fault occurs. The STAT1 pin becomes high impedance when a charge cycle is terminated or when charge
current is below the C/10 threshold, and the STAT2 pin
remains high impedance if no fault conditions are present.
If the LTC4020 is configured for a CC charging algorithm,
the STAT1 pin is pulled low during the entire charging
cycle, and the STAT2 pin is pulled low during NTC faults.
The STAT1 pin becomes high impedance when the charge
cycle is terminated.
If the LTC4020 is configured for a lead-acid charging
algorithm, the STAT1 and STAT2 pins are used as charge
cycle stage indicator pins. The STAT1 pin is pulled low
during the bulk and absorption charging stages and is high
impedance during the float charging period and during NTC
or bad battery faults. The STAT2 pin is pulled low during
bulk and float charging stages, and is high impedance
during the absorption charging stage and during NTC or
bad battery faults.
The STAT1 and STAT2 status pins are binary coded, and
signal following the table below, where ON indicates pin
pulled low, and OFF indicates pin high impedance:
LEAD-ACID
(MODE = INTVCC)
CC
(MODE = -NC-)
OFF
OFF
Not Charging — Standby or
Shutdown Mode, ICS < C/10
Not Charging — NTC/Bad Battery Fault Not Charging — Standby or
or Shutdown
Shutdown Mode, ICS < C/10
OFF
ON
Bad Battery Fault
Float Charge
Not Used
ON
OFF
Charging Cycle OK: Trickle Charge or
ICS > C/10
Absorption Charge
Charge Cycle OK
ON
ON
NTC Fault
Bulk Charge
NTC Fault
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LTC4020
Applications Information
TIMER: C/10 Termination
The LTC4020 supports a low current based termination
scheme. This termination mode is engaged by shorting
the TIMER pin to ground.
When in CC/CV charge mode, a battery charge cycle terminates when the current output from the charger falls to
below one-tenth the maximum charge current, or ICSMAX,
as programmed with RCS. The C/10 threshold current
corresponds to 5mV across RCS.
During lead-acid charging, the LTC4020 initiates float
charging when the absorption stage charge current is reduced to one-tenth of the programmed maximum current.
When charging in CC mode, the current source function
remains active indefinitely.
There is no provision for bad battery detection if C/10
termination is used.
TIMER: Timed Functions
The LTC4020 supports timer based functions, where battery charge cycle control occurs after a specific amount
of time elapses. Timer termination is engaged when a
capacitor (CTIMER) is connected from the TIMER pin to
ground. CTIMER for a desired end-of-cycle time (TEOC)
follows the relation:
CTIMER = TEOC • 6.87 x 10–2 (µF)
where TEOC is hours.
A typical timer TEOC for Li-Ion charge cycle termination
is three hours, which requires a 0.2µF timer capacitor.
The timer cycle starts when the charger transitions from
constant-current to constant-voltage charging, thus, termination at the end of the timer cycle only occurs if the
charging cycle was successful. When timer termination is
used, the STAT1 status pin is pulled low during a charging
cycle until the battery charge current falls below the C/10
threshold. The STAT1 pin stays high impedance with charge
currents below C/10, but the charger continues to top off
the battery until timer TEOC, when the LTC4020 terminates
the charging cycle and the PowerPath FET disconnects the
battery from the DC/DC converter output.
During lead-acid charging, the timer acts as an absorption mode safety timer. Normally, the LTC4020 initiates
float charging when the absorption stage charge current
is reduced to one-tenth of the programmed maximum
current, however, the maximum duration of absorption
charging is limited by the timer. If the charge current does
not fall to one-tenth of the programmed maximum current
by TEOC, the LTC4020 forces the battery charger to begin
float mode charging. A typical timer TEOC for lead-acid
charging is six to eight hours, which is accommodated
by a 0.47µF timer capacitor.
When charging in CC mode, after charge termination, once
the timer reaches TEOC and the charge cycle terminates,
input power or SHDN must be cycled to initiate another
battery charge cycle.
A bad battery detection function is available during
CC/CV or lead-acid charging. This fault condition is achieved
if the battery does not respond to preconditioning (VFB <
1.75V), such that the charger remains in (or enters) precondition mode after one-eighth of the programmed TEOC
time. A bad battery fault halts the charging cycle, and the
fault condition is reported on the status pins. The bad battery
fault remains active until the battery voltage rises above the
precondition threshold, or until power or SHDN is cycled.
Battery Temperature Qualified Charging: NTC
The LTC4020 can accommodate battery temperature monitoring by using an NTC (negative temperature co-efficient)
thermistor close to the battery pack. The temperature
monitoring function is enabled by connecting a 10kΩ,
β = 3380 NTC thermistor from the NTC pin to ground. If
the NTC function is not desired, leave the pin unconnected.
The NTC pin sources 50µA, and monitors the voltage
dropped across the 10kΩ thermistor. When the voltage
on this pin is above 1.35V (0°C) or below 0.3V (40°C),
the battery temperature is out of range, and the LTC4020
triggers an NTC fault. The NTC fault condition remains until
the voltage on the NTC pin corresponds to a temperature
within the 0°C to 40°C range. Both hot and cold thresholds
incorporate hysteresis that corresponds to 5°C.
If higher operational charging temperatures are desired,
the temperature range can be expanded by adding series
resistance to the 10k NTC resistor. Adding a 910Ω resistor
will increase the effective HOT temperature threshold to
45°C. The effect of this additional resistance on the COLD
threshold is negligible.
4020fd
30
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Applications Information
During an NTC fault, charging is halted and an NTC fault
is indicated on the status pins. If timer termination is enabled, the timer count is suspended and held until the fault
condition is relieved. The RNG/SS pin is also pulled low
during this fault, to accommodate a graceful restart, in the
event that a soft-start function is being incorporated (see
Dynamic Charge Current Adjust and Soft-Start section).
2. Fix VIN at typical voltage.
DC/DC Converter: External Compensation and
Filtering Components
4. Impose 1V to 1.5V square wave (1kHz) on ITH pin
The LTC4020 average current mode architecture employs
two integrating compensation nodes. The current setting
loop is compensated at the output of the current sense
amplifier on the VC pin, generally with a series R-C network (RVC, CVC). The voltage generated on the VC pin is
compared with an internal ramp, providing control of the
converter duty cycle.
The voltage loop is compensated at the output of the error
amplifier on the ITH pin, generally with a series R-C network (RITH, CITH). The voltage on the ITH pin is imposed
onto the current sense amplifier, setting the current level
to which the current loop will servo.
VC pin compensation:
1. VNTC = VFBMAX = 0V
3. Fix VOUT at VFB regulation voltage. A charged battery,
battery simulator, or a 2-quadrant power supply can
be used for VOUT.
5. Monitor inductor current using current probe
6. Adjust compensation values as per AN19 until response
is critically damped
ITH pin compensation:
1. VNTC = 0V (disables charger)
2. Bring to regulation (VFBMAX = 2.75V)
3. Step load current on output (25% to 75% of IMAX)
4. Monitor VOUT voltage
5. Adjust compensation values as per AN19 until response
is critically damped and settled in ~10 to 25 cycles
While determining compensation components, the
LTC4020 should initially be configured to eliminate any
functional contribution from the battery charger section.
This can be easily accomplished by connecting the NTC pin
to ground, which disables all battery charging functions
and puts the PowerPath FET into a high impedance state.
6. VNTC = 0.8 (enable charger)
The current loop compensation (VC pin) transfer function
crossover frequency is typically set to approximately onehalf of the switching frequency; the voltage loop compensation (ITH pin) transfer function crossover frequency is
typically set to approximately one-tenth of the switching
frequency.
The charger voltage regulation loop monitors battery
voltage, and as such is controlled by a very slow moving
node. Battery ESR, however, can produce significant AC
voltages due to ripple currents, which can cause unstable
operation. This ESR effect can be reduced by adding a
capacitor to the VFB input, producing a low frequency pole.
7. Exercise battery charger and verify stability in all modes
Battery Charger Functions: Filtering Components
Voltage Regulation Loop (VFB):
Compensation values must be tested at high and low
input voltage operational limits, and also VIN ~ VOUT, so
that stable operation during all switching modes (buck,
boost, buck-boost) is verified.
If a network analyzer is not available for determining
compensation values, use procedures as outlined in
Application Note 19 for adjusting compensation. Application Note 19 can be found at http://www.linear.com/
docs/4176.
VBAT
LTC4020
RFB1
VFB
CVFB
RFB2
4020 F18
Figure 18. VFB Ripple Suppression
4020fd
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LTC4020
Applications Information
Current Sense Regulation Loop (CSN, CSP):
Instant-On/Ideal Diode Regulation Loop (BGATE):
The charger current regulation loop monitors and regulates battery charge current. Ripple voltage on the DC/DC
converter output, however, gets directly imposed across
the charger sense resistor, and can produce significant
ripple currents. Large ripple currents can corrupt low level
current sensing, and can also cause unstable operation.
This ripple current effect can be greatly reduced by adding
a capacitor (CCS) across the CSN and CSP pins, producing
a low frequency pole with the two 100Ω resistors that are
required for those pins. The filter frequency is typically set
to reduce voltage ripple across the current sense inputs
at the CSP and CSN pins to less than 1mVPP.
The instant-on function regulates the voltage across the
PowerPath FET by servoing the voltage at the BGATE pin.
Gate capacitance of the PowerPath FET is typically sufficient to stabilize this loop. Additional capacitance can be
added to the BGATE pin (CBGATE) to stabilize the current
foldback loop during instant-on operation if necessary:
The ripple-reduction filter on the current sense inputs creates a phase shift in the charger current loop response,
which can result in instability. A resistor (RCSZ) in series
with CCS creates a zero that can be employed to recover
phase margin. This zero setting resistor will reintroduce
ripple error, so RCS should be minimized. CSOUT can be
coupled into ITH for a similar feedforward zero with RCS = 0.
Current sense information, or differential voltage at the CSN
to CSP pins, is amplified by a factor of 20 then output on
pin CSOUT. This signal is compared to a reference voltage
that is proportional to the maximum charge current at the
input of a transconductance amplifier, which creates an
error current that modulates the ITH compensation pin.
A feedforward zero can be employed to recover phase
margin by putting a capacitor from the CSOUT pin to the
ITH pin (CCSOUT). The output impedance of the CSOUT
pin is ~100kΩ, so if compensation requirements are appropriate, the CCSOUT capacitor can perform double-duty
as both the primary pole ITH capacitor along with a 100kΩ
zero-setting resistance, and as feed forward coupling from
CSOUT to ITH.
CSP
100Ω
CCS
LTC4020
CSN
RCSZ
100Ω
RCS
VBAT
4020 F19
CSN
LTC4020
RCS
100Ω
CBGATE
BGATE
BAT
VBAT
4020 F20
Figure 20. Instant-On/Ideal Diode Compensation
Layout Considerations
The LTC4020 is typically used in designs that involve
substantial switching transients. The switch drivers on the
IC are designed to drive large capacitances and, as such,
generate significant transient currents themselves. Supply
bypass capacitor locations must be carefully considered
to avoid corrupting the signal ground reference (SGND)
used by the IC. Typically, high current paths and transients
from the input supply and any local drive supplies must
be kept isolated from SGND, to which sensitive circuits
such as the error amp reference and the current sense
circuits are referred.
Effective grounding can be achieved by considering switch
current in the ground plane, and the return current paths of
each respective bypass capacitor. The VIN bypass return,
INTVCC bypass return, and the sources of the groundreferred switch FETs carry PGND currents. SGND originates
at the negative terminal of the VOUT bypass capacitor, and
is the small signal reference for the LTC4020.
Do not be tempted to run small traces to separate ground
paths. A good ground plane is important as always, but
PGND referred bypass elements must be oriented such
that transient currents in these return paths do not corrupt
the SGND reference.
Figure 19. CSN/CSP Ripple Suppression
4020fd
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Applications Information
During the dead time between synchronous switch and
main switch conduction, the body diode of the synchronous
FET conducts inductor current. Commutating the body
diode requires a significant charge contribution from the
main switch during initiation of main switch, creating a
current spike in the main switch. At the instant the body
diode commutates, a current discontinuity is created
between the inductor and main switch, with parasitic
inductance causing the switch node to transition in
response to this discontinuity. High currents and excessive parasitic inductance can generate extremely fast δV/
δt times during this transition. These fast δV/δt transitions can sometimes cause avalanche breakdown in the
synchronous FET body diode, generating shoot-through
currents via parasitic turn-on of the synchronous FET.
Layout practices and component orientations that minimize
parasitic inductance on the switched nodes is critical for
reducing these effects.
Orient power path components such that current paths in
the ground plane do not cross through signal ground areas.
Power ground currents are controlled on the LTC4020
via the PGND pin, and this ground references the high
current synchronous switch drive components, as well
as the local INTVCC supply. It is important to keep PGND
and SGND voltages consistent with each other. Separating these grounds with thin traces is not recommended.
When a ground referenced switch FET is turned off, gate
drive currents return to the LTC4020 PGND pin from the
switch FET source. The BOOST supply refresh surge currents also return through this same path. The switch FETs
must be oriented such that these PGND return currents
do not corrupt the SGND reference.
The high δi/δt loop formed by the switch MOSFETs and
the input capacitor (CVIN) should have short wide traces
to minimize high frequency noise and voltage stress
from inductive ringing. Surface mount components are
preferred to reduce parasitic inductances from component
leads. Switch path currents can be controlled by orienting switch FETs, the switched inductor, and input and
output decoupling capacitors in close proximity to each
other. Locate the INTVCC, BST1, and BST2 decoupling
capacitors in close proximity to the IC. These capacitors
carry the switch FET gate drive currents. Locate the small
signal components away from high frequency switching
nodes (TG1, BG1, TG2, BG2, SW1, SW2, BST1, BST2,
and INTVCC). High current switching nodes are oriented
across the top of the LTC4020 package to simplify layout
and prevent corruption of the SGND reference.
Locate the output and battery charger feedback resistors
in close proximity to the LTC4020 and minimize the length
of the high impedance feedback nodes.
The SENSVIN and SENSTOP traces should be routed
together and SENSBOT and SENSGND should be routed
together. Keep these traces as short as possible, and avoid
corruption of these lines by high current switching nodes.
The LTC4020 packaging has been designed to efficiently
remove heat from the IC via the exposed pad on the
backside of the package. The exposed pad is soldered to
a copper footprint on the PCB. The exposed pad is electrically connected to SGND, so a good connection to a PCB
ground plane effectively reduces the thermal resistance
of the IC case to ambient air.
Please refer to LTC Application Note 136, which discusses
guidelines, techniques, and considerations for switching
power supply PCB design and layout: http://www.linear.
com/docs/42146.
4020fd
For more information www.linear.com/LTC4020
33
LTC4020
Applications Information
LTC4020 Constant-Current/Constant-Voltage (CC/CV) Charging Diagram
START
NO
INDICATE NOT
CHARGING
POWER
AVAILABLE?
YES
BGATE PULLED
LOW
CLEAR LOW BATTERY
AND SAFETY TIMERS
VFB < 2.5 – ε?
NO
INDICATE CHARGING
TERMINATED
YES
NTC
OUT-OF-RANGE?
YES
INDICATE NTC
FAULT
STOP CHARGING
NO
INDICATE CHARGING
ENABLE IDEAL
DIODE FUNCTION
BGATE PULLED LOW
TIMERS ACTIVE?
NO
YES
YES
TRICKLE CHARGE
(7%)
VFB < 1.75?
PAUSE TIMERS
NO
NO
TIMER ACTIVE?
VFB > 2.5 – ε?
YES
YES
CHARGE TO FIXED
VOLTAGE
NO
RUN LOW BATTERY
TIMER
NO
CHARGE AT
CONSTANT-CURRENT
IBAT < C/10?
NO
TIMER ACTIVE?
YES
NO
TIMER AT 1/8
EOC?
VFB = 2.4375V
YES
YES
YES
INDICATE NOT
CHARGING
RUN SAFETY TIMER
NO
NO
STOP CHARGING
IBAT < C/10?
YES
BGATE PULLED HIGH
INDICATE NOT
CHARGING
INDICATE BAD
BATTERY FAULT
SAFETY TIMER
AT EOC?
NO
YES
VFB > 1.75?
NO
STOP CHARGING
INDICATE NOT
CHARGING
ENABLE IDEAL DIODE
FUNCTION
YES
VFB = 2.4375?
NO
YES
4020 CD01
4020fd
34
For more information www.linear.com/LTC4020
LTC4020
Applications Information
LTC4020 Lead-Acid Charging Diagram
START
INDICATE NOT
CHARGING
NO
POWER
AVAILABLE?
YES
BGATE PULLED
LOW
SET ABSORPTION
REFERENCE (2.5V)
CLEAR LOW BATTERY
AND SAFETY TIMERS
NTC
OUT-OF-RANGE?
YES
INDICATE NOT
CHARGING
STOP CHARGING
NO
SET ABSORPTION
REFERENCE (2.5V)
INDICATE BULK
CHARGING
YES
BGATE PULLED LOW
ENABLE IDEAL
DIODE FUNCTION
VFB < 2.125?
TIMERS ACTIVE?
YES
NO
NO
FLOAT
REFERENCE SET
(2.3125)?
VFB < 1.75?
YES
NO
YES
PAUSE TIMERS
NO
TRICKLE
CHARGE (7%)
VFB < 2.5 – ε?
INDICATE
ABSORPTION
CHARGING
YES
CHARGE TO FIXED
VOLTAGE
NO
NO
INDICATE BULK
CHARGING
TIMER ACTIVE?
NO
NO
TIMER AT 1/8
EOC?
RUN SAFETY TIMER
YES
VFB = 2.4375V
YES
STOP CHARGING
BGATE PULLED HIGH
IBAT < C/10?
NO
YES
YES
TIMER ACTIVE?
YES
CHARGE AT
CONSTANT-CURRENT
RUN LOW
BATTERY TIMER
SAFETY TIMER
AT EOC?
NO
SET FLOAT
REFERENCE
(2.3125V)
INDICATE NOT
CHARGING
VFB > 1.75?
NO
YES
YES
NO
IBAT < C/10?
INDICATE FLOAT
CHARGING
NO
YES
4020 CD02
4020fd
For more information www.linear.com/LTC4020
35
LTC4020
Applications Information
LTC4020 Constant-Current Charging Diagram
START
INDICATE NOT
CHARGING
NO
POWER
AVAILABLE?
YES
BGATE PULLED
LOW
CLEAR TIMER
NTC
OUT-OF-RANGE?
YES
STOP CHARGING
NO
BGATE PULLED LOW
INDICATE NTC
FAULT
CHARGE AT
CONSTANT-CURRENT
ENABLE IDEAL
DIODE FUNCTION
INDICATE CHARGING
TIMERS ACTIVE?
NO
YES
NO
TIMER ACTIVE?
PAUSE TIMER
YES
RUN TIMER
NO
SAFETY TIMER
AT EOC?
YES
STOP CHARGING
INDICATE NOT
CHARGING
ENABLE IDEAL
DIODE FUNCTION
4020 CD02
4020fd
36
For more information www.linear.com/LTC4020
LTC4020
Typical Applications
5V to 30V to 6-cell lead-acid PowerPath charger/system supply. 6A inductor current limit with
2.5A battery charge current limit. Instant-on functionality incorporated for battery voltages below 12.25V,
14.4V absorption voltage, 13.3V float voltage,and 15.6V maximum output voltage (Instant-On and NTC fault only).
Status pins light LEDs for visible charge-state monitoring.
VIN
5V TO 30V
RSENSEA
0.008
1µF
+
56µF
×2
CMSH3-40MA
VOUT
Si7272DP
15µH
XAL1010-153MEB
Si7272DP
Si7272DP
Si7272DP
0.1µF
4.7µF
+
56µF
×3
RSENSEB
0.008
4.7µF
SBR0560S1
PGND
INTVCC
SBR0560S1
PVIN
BG2
BG1
SW2
SW1
TG2
TG1
1µF
LTC4020
BST1
0.033µF
ITH
SENSTOP
VFBMAX
680pF
95.3k
2nF
2nF
20k
100Ω
CSP
0.33µF
VIN_REG
2.7k
ILIMIT
33k
CSOUT
RT
SHDN
100k
VC
SENSBOT
SENSVIN
RT, 130k
284k
1µF
SGND
SGND
SENSGND
BZX84C6V2L
BST2
MODE
CSN
100Ω
BGATE
STAT1
RCS
0.02Ω
Si7135DP
BAT
2.7k
VFBMIN
STAT2
FBG
20k
95.3k
TIMER
RNG_SS
SGNDBACK
VFB
NTC
RNTC
10k
6-CELL LEAD-ACID (12V)
4020 TA02
4020fd
For more information www.linear.com/LTC4020
37
LTC4020
Typical Applications
15V to 55V to 6-cell Li-Ion PowerPath charger/system supply. 6A inductor current limit with 2.5A battery charge current limit.
Instant-on functionality for battery voltages below 20.4V, 24V charge termination voltage, and 26.4V maximum output voltage.
Status pins light LEDs for visible charge-state monitoring.
V IN
15V TO 55V
RSENSEA
0.008
0.1µF
VOUT
24V AT
3.5A MAX
MBRS360
+
Si7960DP
Si7960DP
4.7µF
×2
XAL1010-153MEB
15µH
56µF
×2
4.7µF
×4
Si7960DP
Si7960DP
+
RSENSEB
0.008
56µF
×2
10µF
SBR0560S1
PGND
SBR0560S1
INTVCC
BG2
SW2
PVIN
1µF
BG1
TG2
SW1
1µF
BST2
TG1
LTC4020
BST1
SENSGND
SENSBOT
RT, 100k
105k
SHDN
47k
ITH
56k
680pF
10nF
215k
VFBMAX
SENSTOP
ILIMIT
SENSVIN
CSOUT
100Ω
100pF
24.9k
CSP
RT
4.7Ω
2.2µF
CSN
SHDN
RCS
0.02Ω
100Ω
1nF
VIN_REG
10k
68pF
SGND
VC
SGND
0.033µF
BZX84C6V2L
Si7461DP
BGATE
MODE
BAT
2.7k
STAT1
VFBMIN
FBG
2.7k
STAT2
0.2µF
215k
VFB
NTC
TIMER
RNG_SS
24.9k
RNTC
10k
SGNDBACK
6-CELL Li-ION (24V)
4020 TA03
4020fd
38
For more information www.linear.com/LTC4020
LTC4020
Typical Applications
9V to 55V to 9-cell lead-acid (18V) charger/system supply with no PowerPath.
External 5V regulator for boosted supplies. 5A inductor current limit with 1.67A battery charge current limit.
21.5V absorption voltage output, 19.9V float voltage output.
VIN
9V TO 55V
RSENSEA
0.01
1µF
VOUT
+
56µF
×2
CMSH3-40MA
Si7960DP
XAL1010-153MEB
Si7272DP
15µH
Si7272DP
0.1µF
4.7µF
Si7850DP
+
RSENSEB
0.01
OUT
VIN
4.7µF
LT3010-5
SHDN
SBR0560S1
SENSE
PGND
GND
INTVCC
PVIN
BG2
BG1
SW2
SW1
TG2
TG1
1µF
BST1
LTC4020
SBR0560S1
BZX84C6V2L
0.033µF
SENSGND
SENSBOT
SENSTOP
SENSVIN
RT, 100k
RT
SGND
43k
VC
ITH
680pF
43k
VFBMAX
1.5nF
ILIMIT
CSOUT
100Ω
CSP
0.33µF
SHDN
VIN_REG
100k
MODE
STAT1
1µF
BST2
SGND
249k
56µF
×3
CSN
100Ω
RCS
0.03Ω
100pF
BGATE
BAT
VFBMIN
STAT2
FBG
TIMER
VFB
RNG_SS
SGNDBACK
NTC
75.9k
10k
9-CELL LEAD-ACID (18V)
4020 TA04
4020fd
For more information www.linear.com/LTC4020
39
LTC4020
Package Description
Please refer to http://www.linear.com/product/LTC4020#packaging for the most recent package drawings.
UHF Package
38-Lead Plastic QFN (5mm × 7mm)
(Reference LTC DWG # 05-08-1701 Rev C)
0.70 ±0.05
5.50 ±0.05
5.15 ±0.05
4.10 ±0.05
3.00 REF
3.15 ±0.05
PACKAGE
OUTLINE
0.25 ±0.05
0.50 BSC
5.5 REF
6.10 ±0.05
7.50 ±0.05
RECOMMENDED SOLDER PAD LAYOUT
APPLY SOLDER MASK TO AREAS THAT ARE NOT SOLDERED
0.75 ±0.05
5.00 ±0.10
PIN 1 NOTCH
R = 0.30 TYP OR
0.35 × 45° CHAMFER
3.00 REF
37
0.00 – 0.05
38
0.40 ±0.10
PIN 1
TOP MARK
(SEE NOTE 6)
1
2
5.15 ±0.10
5.50 REF
7.00 ±0.10
3.15 ±0.10
(UH) QFN REF C 1107
0.200 REF 0.25 ±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
40
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
For more information www.linear.com/LTC4020
4020fd
LTC4020
Revision History
REV
DATE
DESCRIPTION
PAGE NUMBER
A
01/14
Changed VIN to PVIN
Modified ISENSTOP Operating Current spec
Modified Error Amp Transconductance spec
Changed C/10 Detection Enable Units
Modified C/10 Detection Hysteresis spec
Changed Conditions for Gate Clamp Voltage
Changed Conditions for BGATE tests
Changed Conditions for Pin Current (Disabled) spec
Changed cathode to anode for BST1
Changed anode to cathode for BST1
Modified equations for TEOC and TPRE and associated TIMER text
Modified equations for RFB1/RFB2 and RMIN1/RMIN2
Changed cathode to anode for BST2
Changed anode to cathode for BST2
Modified Error Amplified Transconductance
Modified step-up and step-down equations in Switch FET section
Modified CTIMER equation and associated text
Modified Typical Applications circuit
Modified Typical Application circuit to 12-cell
2 to 5
3
3
4
4
4
5
5
8
8
9
10
12
12
14
24
30
38
42
B
09/14
Added “(Application Circuit on Page 37)” to efficiency curve title
Added Ω unit to RFBG specification
1
5
6
10
12
14
15
23
28
37
38
39
Changed “INTVCC Short Circuit Current Limit vs Temperature” curve y-axis units to ‘mA’
Added text to the end of the NTC (Pin 16) section
Corrected formula: (VOUTMAX/2.75) - 1
Changed BST1 on lower-right of block diagram to BST2; Insert “(VSENS)” below ‘2mV’ near VC pin
Added 2V Zener diode symbol from NTC pin (cathode) to ground (anode)
Added “average” to first line; change “Charge” to “Average Inductor” in Figure 6 title
Changed “inductor” to “charge”
Added ground symbol to bottom of IC symbol (backside connection)
Flipped PMOS symbol vertically (Si7461DP); add ground symbol to bottom of IC symbol (backside connection)
Added ground symbol to bottom of IC symbol (backside connection)
Moved connection of BZX84C6V2L anode from BG2 to SW2 (diode between BST2 and SW2); add ground symbol to
bottom of IC symbol (backside connection)
C
D
09/15
04/16
Added pin names to Typical Application IC drawing
Added text to end of SENSBOT (5) pin description section
Changed text in RNG/SS section: “Inductor” to “Charge”
Changed ILIMIT text, “...pin, so maximum charge current..." to “...pin, so maximum inductor current..."
Changed Operation section to “a 0.47µF capacitor on the TIMER pin is typically used, which generates a 6.8 hour
absorption stage safety timeout”
Changed “CSENSBOT,SENSGND” to “CSENSB”
Changed “...BGATE pin to ground” to “...BGATE pit to CSN”
Changed “CSN” to “CSN”. Replaced “RCS with RCSZ” in the text and in Figure 19. Replaced “RSENSE” with RCS in
Figure 19
Replaced “RSENSE” with “RCS” in schematic
Modified bulk capacitance equation
42
1
8
9
12
20
22
28
32
37-39, 42
24
4020fd
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 representaFor more
information
www.linear.com/LTC4020
tion that the interconnection
of its circuits
as described
herein will not infringe on existing patent rights.
41
LTC4020
Typical Application
Remote 24V to 55V (48V system) input to 12-cell Li-Ion (48V) PowerPath charger/system supply. 5A inductor current limit with 2.5A
battery charge current limit. Minimum VIN is 24V as input regulation limits voltage loss due to line impedance. Battery termination
voltage is 48V with maximum output voltage of 52.8V. Instant-on functionality limits minimum regulated output voltage to 40.8V.
VIN
24V TO 55V
RSENSEA
0.01
1µF
+
Si7850DP
56µF
×2
VOUT
MBRS360
Si7850DP
0.1µF
IHLP-5050FD-5A
Si7850DP
22µH
Si7850DP
4.7µF
+
56µF
×2
RSENSEB
0.01
4.7µF
SBR0560S1
PGND
INTVCC
SBR0560S1
PVIN
BG2
BG1
SW2
SW1
TG2
TG1
LTC4020
BST1
BST2
SGND
SGND
SENSGND
VC
0.033µF
RT, 100k
191k
1µF
BZX84C6V2L
1µF
SENSBOT
ITH
SENSTOP
VFBMAX
SENSVIN
RT
33k
680pF
365k
1.5nF
2nF
ILIMIT
CSOUT
20k
100Ω
CSP
SHDN
0.33µF
10k
CSN
VIN_REG
12k
MODE
BGATE
STAT1
BAT
STAT2
VFBMIN
TIMER
20k
VFB
SGNDBACK
RCS
0.02Ω
Si7465DP
FBG
RNG_SS
100Ω
356k
RNTC
10k
NTC
12-CELL Li-ION (48V)
4020 TA05
Related Parts
PART NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
COMMENTS
LTC3789
High Efficiency, Synchronous, 4 Switch Buck-Boost Controller
Improved LTC3780 with More Features
LT3845
High Voltage Synchronous Current Mode Step-Down Controller
For Medium/High Power, High Efficiency Supplies
LT3650
High Voltage 2A Monolithic Li-Ion Battery Charger
3mm × 3mm DFN-12 and MSOP-12 Packages
LT3651
High Voltage 4A Monolithic Li-Ion Battery Charger
4A Synchronous Version of LT3650 Family
LT3652/LT3652HV
Power Tracking 2A Battery Chargers
Multi-Chemistry, Onboard Termination
LTC4009
High Efficiency, Multi-Chemistry Battery Charger
Low Cost Version of LTC4008, 4mm × 4mm QFN-20
LTC4012
High Efficiency, Multi-Chemistry Battery Charger with PowerPath Control Similar to LTC4009 Adding PowerPath Control
LT3741
High Power, Constant Current, Constant Voltage, Step-Down Controller
Thermally Enhanced 4mm × 4mm QFN and 20-Pin TSSOP
LT8705
80VIN/VOUT Sync Buck-Boost 4-SW Controller
Single Inductor, TSSOP-38 and 5mm × 7mm QFN-38
4020fd
42 Linear Technology Corporation
1630 McCarthy Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035-7417
For more information www.linear.com/LTC4020
(408) 432-1900 ● FAX: (408) 434-0507
●
www.linear.com/LTC4020
LT 0416 REV D • PRINTED IN USA
© LINEAR TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 2013