SEMTECH SC416

SC416
Dual Synchronous Buck Controller
with Tracking Start-up/Shutdown
POWER MANAGEMENT
Features
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Description
VIN Range 3-25V
Outputs Adjustable from 0.75 to 5.25V, or
Preset Output Voltages:
VOUT1 = 1.8 or 1.5V
VOUT2 = 1.25 or 1.05V
Proportional or Coincident Tracked Start-up and Shutdown of Both Outputs
Adjustable Soft-start Rates for Each Output
Regulated Shutdown for Each Output
Low Shutdown Power
Constant On-Time for Fast Dynamic Response
Adjustable Switching Frequency
Separated Frequencies for Minimal Switching Interaction:
VOUT1 = up to 600kHz
VOUT2 = up to 720kHz
Power Save or Continuous Operation at Light Load
Over-Voltage and Under-Voltage Fault Protection
Cycle-by-Cycle Valley Current Limit
DC Current Sense Using Low-Side RDSON Sensing, or
RSENSE In Source of Low-Side MOSFET for Greater
Accuracy
Separate Power Good Outputs
Separate Enable/Power Save Inputs
3.1A Non-Overlapping Gate Drive
SmartDriveTM for High-side MOSFET
MLP 4x4 24 Pin Lead-free Package
Industrial Temperature Range
WEEE and RoHS Compliant
Applications
„
Notebook and Sub-Notebook Graphics
„ Voltage Controllers
„ Tablet PCs
„ Embedded Applications
May 17, 2007
The SC416 is a versatile, constant on-time, pseudofixed-frequency, dual synchronous buck PWM controller intended for notebook computers and other battery
operated portable devices. The SC416 contains all the
features needed to provide cost-effective control of two
independent switchmode power supplies.
The SC416 provides adjustable voltage tracking during
start-up and shut-down, making it an effective solution
for a variety of applications where the voltage differential between supply rails must meet defined limits during all operating conditions including start-up and shutdown. The SC416 supports proportional tracking which
gives equal start-up and shut-down times for both outputs, and can also provide coincident tracking where the
two output voltages are equal during the lower voltage’s
start-up and shut-down ramp.
The two DC outputs are adjustable from 0.75V to 5.25V.
Additional features for each output include cycle-bycycle current limit, voltage soft-start, under-voltage and
over-voltage protection, programmable over-current
protection, regulated shutdown, selectable power save
and non-overlapping gate drive. The SC416 provides
two enable/power save inputs, two soft-start inputs, two
power good outputs and an on-time adjust input.
The constant on-time topology provides fast dynamic
response. The excellent transient response means that
SC416 based solutions require less output capacitance
than competing fixed frequency converters. Switching
frequency is constant until a step in load or line voltage
occurs, at which time the pulse density and frequency
moves to counter the change in output voltage. After
the transient event, the controller frequency returns to
steady state operation. At light loads with power save
enabled, the SC416 reduces switching frequency for improved efficiency.
© 2007 Semtech Corporation
1
SC416
Typical Application Circuit
PGD2
PGD1
VIN
VIN
10K
10K
+5V
+5V
Q1
Q3
CIN2
19
21
20
DH2
PGD2
PGD1
ILIM2
DL2
EN1
7
VOUT2
10NF
EN1
FB2
SS1
EN2
SS2
25
VOUT2
D3
1UF
L2
18
17
+5V
Q4
16
COUT2 +
D4
15
14
13
1UF
10NF
12
6
1UF
VDD2
SC416
DL1
TON
5
U1
VDD1
11
4
D1
BST2
10
3
BST1
RTN
Q2
PAD
LX2
9
+5V
LX1
FB1
2
VOUT1
1
ILIM1
DH1
L1
+ COUT1
RLIM2
1UF
8
VOUT1
22
RLIM1
D2
23
24
CIN1
EN2
VOUT2
VOUT1
R3
R1
1UF
R2
RTON
R4
1UF
330PF
VIN
2
SC416
24
LX1
DH2
ILIM2
Ordering Information
PGD2
PGD1
ILIM1
DH1
Pin Configuration
19
1
18
TOP VIEW
VDD2
VDD1
SC416
DL2
DL1
GND
(PAD)
EN1
MLPQ-24 4X4
SC416EVB
Evaluation Board
Notes:
(1) Available in tape and reel only. A reel contains 3,000 devices.
(2) Available in lead-free package only. Device is WEEE and RoHS
compliant.
EN2
6
13
SS2
FB2
TON
RTN
12
FB1
7
VOUT1
SC416MLTRT(1)(2)
VOUT2
SS1
Package
LX2
BST2
BST1
Device
MLPQ24: 4x4 24 LEAD
Marking Information
SC416
yyww
xxxxx
xxxxx
nnnn = Part Number (example: SC416
yyww = Date Code (example: 0652)
xxxxx = Semtech Lot No. (example: 09010
xxxxx
01-10)
3
SC416
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Thermal Information
DHx, BSTx to GND (DC) ……….……………….……. -0.3 to +30V
Junction to Ambient(1) ……………………………… 29°C/W
DHx, BSTx to GND (transient - 100nsec max) …………-2.0 to +33V
Storage Temperature Range ……………… -60 to +150°C
LXx, TON to GND (DC) ……………………………… -0.3 to +25V
Operating Junction Temperature Range … -40 to +125°C
LXx, TON to GND (transient - 100nsec max) ………… -2.0 to +28V
BST1 to LX1, BST2 to LX2 (DC) ……………………… -0.3 to +6.0V
Lead Temperature (Soldering) 10 sec …….…………… 260°C
BST1 to LX1, BST2 to LX2 (transient - 100nsec max) …..-0.3 to +7.5V
DLx to GND (DC) ……………………………………-0.3 to +6.0V
GND to RTN ……………………………………… -0.3 to +0.3V
VDDx to RTN ……………………………………… -0.3 to +6.0V
ENx, FBx, ILIMx, PGDx, SSx, VOUTx to RTN…… -0.3 to VDDx +0.3V
Peak IR Reflow Temperature(10-40s)………………….
260°C
ESD Protection Level(2) …………………………………
2kV
Exceeding the above specifications may result in permanent damage to the device or device malfunction. Operation outside of the parameters specified in the
Electrical Characteristics section is not recommended.
NOTES(1) Calculated from package in still air, mounted to 3” x 4.5”, 4 layer FR4 PCB with thermal vias under the exposed pad per JESD51 standards.
(2) Tested according to JEDEC standard JESD22-A114-B.
Electrical Characteristics
Test Conditions: VIN = 15V, VOUT = 1.5V, TA = 25 oC, 0.1% resistor dividers; RTON = 1Meg; VDD1/2 = 5.0V; GND connects to PAD pin.
25°C
Parameter
Conditions
Min
Typ
-40° to 85°C
Max
Min
Max
Units
Input Supplies
VIN Input Voltage
3.0
25
V
VDDx Input Voltage
4.5
5.5
V
VDD1 + VDD2 Shutdown Current
EN1, EN2 = 0V
7
10
μA
VDD1 + VDD2 Operating Current
EN1, EN2 = 5V
(Powersave Mode)
FB1, FB2 > REF
800
1200
μA
0 to 85°C
-40 to 85°C
0.75
0.7425
0.7388
0.7575
0.7612
V
0.75
5.25
V
Regulation
FB1, FB2 On-Time Threshold
VOUTx Output Voltage Range
External Resistors
FB1 = 5V; 0 to 85°C
FB1 = 5V; -40 to 85°C
1.8
1.7775
1.7685
1.8225
1.8315
V
FB1 = RTN; 0 to 85°C
FB1 = RTN; -40 to 85°C
1.5
1.5
1.4812
1.4737
1.5188
1.5263
V
VOUT1 On-Time Threshold
4
SC416
Electrical Characteristics (continued)
25°C
Parameter
Conditions
Min
Typ
-40° to 85°C
Max
Min
Max
Units
Regulation (Continued)
FB2 = 5V; 0 to 85°C
FB2 = 5V; -40 to 85°C
1.25
1.25
1.2343
1.2281
1.2656
1.2718
FB2 = RTN; 0 to 85°C
FB2 = RTN; -40 to 85°C
1.05
1.05
1.0368
1.0316
1.0631
1.0684
V
VOUT2 On-Time Threshold
V
VOUTx Line Regulation Error
0.04
%/V
VOUTx Load Regulation Error
0.3
%
Timing
320
260
480
400
VOUT1; RTON = 1Meg
VOUT2; RTON = 1Meg
VOUT1; RTON = 499K
VOUT2; RTON = 499K
400
330
200
167
Minimum On-Time
DH1, DH2
50
ns
Minimum Off-Time
DL1, DL2
330
ns
VOUTx On-Time(1)
VOUTx Set to 1.5V
nsec
Soft-Start/Shutdown
Soft-Start SSx Current Source
5
3.5
6.5
μA
Shutdown SSx Current Sink
5
3.5
6.5
μA
Soft-Start Ramp Time
CSSx = 4.7nF
700
μsec
SSx Shutdown
Discharge Resistance
ENx = RTN,
VOUTx < 300mV
16
Ω
VOUTx Shutdown
Discharge Resistance
ENx = RTN,
VOUTx < 300mV
16
Ω
VOUT1 Input Resistance
EN1 = VDD1
120
kΩ
VOUT2 Input Resistance
EN2 = VDD2
90
kΩ
Analog Inputs/Outputs
FBx Input Bias Current
-1
+1
μA
9
11
μA
-10
+10
mV
60
100
mV
-7
+7
mV
-9
-15
%
Current Sense
ILIMx Source Current
10
ILIMx Comparator Offset
ILIMx - GND
Current Limit (Negative)
LXx - GND
Zero Crossing Detector Threshold
LXx - GND
80
Power Good
PGDx Threshold
PGDx Threshold Delay Time (2)
1% Hysteresis Typical,
with Respect to
Regulation Point
-12
5
μs
5
SC416
Electrical Characteristics (continued)
25°C
Parameter
Conditions
Min
Typ
-40° to 85°C
Max
Min
PGDx Leakage
Max
Units
1
μA
Fault Protection
VDD1 Under-Voltage Lockout
VDD1 Falling Edge
4.0
3.7
4.35
V
VOUTx Under-Voltage Fault
VOUTx Falling Edge
-30
-35
-25
%
VOUTx Under-Voltage Fault Delay (2)
8
VOUTx Over-Voltage Fault
+20
VOUTx Over-Voltage Fault Delay (2)
Thermal Shutdown (2)
clks
Latching,
>10°C Hysteresis
+17
+23
%
5
μs
160
°C
Inputs/Outputs
EN1, EN2 Input Low Voltage
ENx Input Forced Continuous Mode Operation
ENx Input High Voltage
VOUTx Disabled
ENx = Open (float)
1.2
2.0
V
V
VOUTx Enabled,
Power Save Enabled
3.1
V
R Pull Up to VDDx
1.5
MΩ
R Pull Down to RTN
1
MΩ
ENx Input Resistance
FBx Input Low Voltage
0.3
FBx Input High Voltage
Power Good Output Low Voltage
V
VDDx -0.3
RPGDx = 10kΩ to VDDx
V
0.4
V
Gate Drivers
Shoot-Thru Protection Delay(2)
DHx or DLx Rising
30
DL Low
0.8
DLx Sink Current (2)
VDLx = 2.5V
3.1
DLx Pull-Up Resistance
DLx High
2
DLx Source Current (2)
VDLx = 2.5V
1.3
DHx Pull-Down Resistance
DHx Low,
BSTx - LXx = 5V
2
4
Ω
DHx Pull-Up Resistance(3)
DHx High,
BSTx - LXx = 5V
2
4
Ω
VDHx = 2.5V
1.3
DLx Pull-Down Resistance
DHx Sink/Source Current (2)
ns
1.6
Ω
A
4
Ω
A
A
Notes:
1) RTON = 1Meg.
2) Guaranteed by design.
3) Semtech’s SmartDriver™ FET drive first pulls DH high with a pull-up resistance of 10Ω (typical) until LX = 1.5V (typical). At this point, an additional pull-up device is
activated, reducing the resistance to 2Ω (typical). This negates the need for an external gate or boost resistor.
6
SC416
Pin Descriptions
Pin #
Pin Name
Pin Function
1
LX1
Switching (phase) node for VOUT1
2
BST1
Boost capacitor connection for VOUT1 high-side gate drive
3
VDD1
5V power input for VOUT1 analog circuits and gate drive outputs. Under-voltage lockout for the 5V supply is
sensed on VDD1 only.
4
DL1
Gate drive output for the VOUT1 low-side external MOSFET
5
EN1
Enable input for VOUT1: ground to disable the VOUT1 switcher, leave open to enable VOUT1 switcher with
power save disabled, connect to VDD1 to enable VOUT1 in power save mode
6
SS1
Soft-start and ramped shutdown input for VOUT1. For independent startup connect a capacitor to RTN. For
tracked startup, connect to a capacitor or to a resistor divider connected to the other output; see the Voltage
Tracking section.
7
VOUT1
Connect to the output capacitor of VOUT1 - used for On-Time generation and for VOUT1 regulation when FB1 is
connected to VDD1 or RTN
8
FB1
Feedback input for VOUT1 - connect to an external resistor divider to adjust VOUT1, or connect to RTN or VDD1
to select internal feedback.
9
RTN
Analog return (ground) for both VOUT1 and VOUT2
10
TON
On-time adjust input - connect a resistor from VIN to TON to program the on-time - the on-time one-shot for
VOUT1 is internally set at 20% greater than for VOUT2 to prevent frequency interaction between the two converters
11
FB2
Feedback input for VOUT2 - connect to an external resistor divider to adjust VOUT2 or connect to RTN or VDD2 to
select internal feedback
12
VOUT2
13
SS2
Soft-start and ramped shutdown input for VOUT2. For independent startup connect a capacitor to RTN. For
tracked startup, connect to a capacitor or to a resistor divider connected to the other output; see the Voltage
Tracking section.
14
EN2
Enable input for VOUT2 - ground to disable the VOUT2 switcher - leave open to enable VOUT2 switcher with
power save disabled - connect to VDD2 to enable VOUT2 in power save mode
15
DL2
Gate drive output for the VOUT2 low-side external MOSFET
16
VDD2
5V power input for VOUT2 analog circuits and gate drive outputs. VDD2 must connect to the same supply as
VDD1.
17
BST2
Boost capacitor connection for VOUT2 high-side gate drive
18
LX2
Switching (phase) node for VOUT2
19
DH2
Gate drive output for the VOUT2 high-side external MOSFET
20
ILIM2
Current limit input for VOUT2 - connect through a resistor to the drain of the VOUT2 low-side MOSFET
21
PGD2
Open-drain Power Good output for VOUT2
22
PGD1
Open-drain Power Good output for VOUT1
23
ILIM1
Current limit input for VOUT1 - connect through a resistor to the drain of the VOUT1 low-side MOSFET
24
DH1
Gate drive output for the VOUT1 high-side external MOSFET
T
PAD
Power ground for VOUT1 and VOUT2 gate drivers and thermal pad for heatsinking
Connect to the output capacitor of VOUT2 - used for On-Time generation and for VOUT2 regulation when FB2 is
connected to VDD2 or RTN
7
SC416
Block Diagram
VDD1
VDD1
REF
BST1
FB1 Comparator
FB1
Select
FB1
DH1
S
EN1
Q
DRV
SS1
Control
SS1
VDD1
TON1
R QB
TON1
One-Shot
VOUT1
TON
Reference
REF
LX1
BST2
FB2 Comparator
FB2
Select
EN2
DH2
S
Q
SS2
Control
SS2
UV- OV
Monitor
TON2
R QB
VIN
DRV
VDD2
TON2
One-Shot
VOUT2
PGD2
ILIM1
VDD2
REF
FB2
DL1
DRV
Valley ILIM/
ZCD Detect
VDD1
VDD2
LX1
UV- OV
Monitor
PGD1
TON
VIN
LX2
DL2
DRV
Valley ILIM/
ZCD Detect
ILIM2
RTN
LX2
PAD
GND
SC416 Block Diagram
8
SC416
Applications Information
SC416 Synchronous Buck Controller
The SC416 is a dual synchronous controller which simplifies the task of designing a dual-output power supply with synchronized or tracking ramps for startup and
shutdown.
VIN and +5V Bias Supplies
The SC416 requires an external +5V bias supply in addition to the VIN supply. If stand-alone capability is required, the +5V supply can be generated with an external linear regulator.
Pseudo-Fixed Frequency Constant On-Time PWM
Controller
The PWM control method for each output is a constanton-time, pseudo-fixed frequency PWM controller, see
Figure 1. The ripple voltage seen across the output capacitor’s ESR provides the PWM ramp signal. The on-time
is determined by an internal one-shot whose period is
proportional to output voltage and inversely proportional to input voltage. A separate one-shot sets the minimum off-time (typically 330ns). The two converters are
designed to operate at different frequencies to reduce
interaction; side2 frequency is set typically 20% higher
than side1.
TON
VIN
VLX
CIN
Q1
VFB
FB Threshold
750mV
VLX
VOUT
L
Q2
ESR
R1
FB
+
COUT
Figure 1
R2
On-Time One-Shot (TON)
Each internal on-time one-shot comparator has two inputs. One input looks at the output voltage via the VOUT
pin, while the other input samples the input voltage
via the TON pin and converts it to a proportional current. This current charges an internal on-time capacitor.
The TON on-time is the time required for this capacitor
to charge from zero volts to VOUT, thereby making the
on-time directly proportional to output voltage and inversely proportional to input voltage. This implementation results in a fairly constant switching frequency with
no clock generator.
The nominal frequency is set through an external resistor RTON connected between VIN and the TON pin. To
minimize interaction between the two converters, side2
is set to operate at a slightly higher frequency. The general equations for the side1 and side2 on-times are:
TON1 = 3.30 × (RTON + 37) × (VOUT/VIN) + 35
TON2 = 2.75 × (RTON + 37) × (VOUT/VIN) + 35
(TON in nsec, RTON in kΩ)
Switch-Mode Operation
The switch-mode operation is explained below, and is
identical for both sides except for the TON timing.
The output voltage is sensed at the FB pin and is compared to the internal 750mV reference. (The output voltage can also be sensed at the VOUT pin which uses an
internal resistor divider, see VOUT Voltage Selection.)
When the sensed voltage drops below 750mV, this triggers a single TON pulse, which is fed to the DH high-side
driver. The DH pulse-width follows TON according to the
TON equation, and after that time DH drives low to shut
off the high-side MOSFET. After DH drives low, the DL
output drives high to energize the low-side MOSFET.
Once high, DL has a minimum pulse width of typically
330nsec which is the minimum off-time. At the end of
the minimum off-time, DL continues to stay high until
9
SC416
Applications Information (continued)
one of the following occurs:
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
The FB comparator input drops to the
750mV reference, as sensed through the
FB pin or the VOUT pin
The Zero Cross detector trips, if psave is
active
The Negative Current Limit detector trips
If DL drives low because FB has dropped to 750mV, then
another DH on-time is started. This is normal operation
at heavy load (fully synchronous operation with either
DH or DL high except during transitions).
VOUT Voltage Selection
Output voltage is regulated by comparing VOUT as seen
through a resistor divider to the internal 750mV reference, see Figure 2. Each output can be adjusted to a voltage between 0.75 – 5.25V. The output voltage is set by
the equation:
VOUT = 0.75 • (1 + R1/R2)
VOUT
To FB pin
R1
R2
The Zero Cross detector monitors the voltage across the
low-side MOSFET during the DL high time and detects
when it reaches zero. If DL drives low because of the
Zero Cross detector, and psave is active, then both DH
and DL will remain low until FB drops to 750mV, at which
point the next DH on-time will begin. If a Zero Cross is
detected on eight consecutive cycles, then for each subsequent switching cycle DL will shut off when the Zero
Cross detector trips; see the Psave Operation section.
When this occurs, both DH and DL will stay low until FB
drops to 750mV, which will begin the next DH on-time.
This is normal operation at light load, see the Psave Operation section.
The Negative Current Limit detector trips when the drain
voltage at the low-side MOSFET reaches +80mV, indicating that a large negative current flows through the inductor from VOUT. When this occurs, DL drives low. Both DH
and DL will then stay low until FB drops to 750mV, which
will begin the next DH on-time. Tripping Negative Current Limit is rare.
To help reduce noise interaction between sides, the rising edge of each DH driver is inhibited momentarily if the
other side is switching. For example, if side1 is performing a DH or DL transition (up or down), then side2’s DH
driver is held off for roughly 30nsec to allow side1 to finish
switching.
Figure 2
Note: the parallel resistance of R1 and R2 should not be less than 2kΩ.
Using a smaller resistance can cause the IC to default to the internal
preset output voltages shown below.
There are fixed output voltages accessible through each
FB pin. If the FB pin is connected to either RTN or +5V,
then the IC will ignore the FB pin and instead regulate
the output voltage using the VOUT pin which is connected to internal resistors. The voltage selections available
are as shown:
FB Internal Voltage Selection
FBx = RTN
FBx = +5V
Side1
1.5V
1.8V
Side2
1.05V
1.25V
Note that each FB input operates independently.
10
SC416
Applications Information (continued)
Enable/Psave Inputs
Each converter has a separate Enable pin. Each EN input
operates as follows:
EN = GND. This turns the converter off.
EN = open (float). This turns the converter on with psave
mode disabled (continuous conduction mode). In this
case, the EN pin will float to approximately 2V due to
an internal 1.5Meg/1Meg resistor divider from +5V to
ground.
EN = high (3.1V min). This turns the converter on with
psave mode enabled. At light loads, the converter will
operate in psave mode.
Note that the two EN pins are separate, so each output
can be disabled or operated with or without psave independently.
immediately exits Psave. Once Psave is exited, it requires
8 switching cycles at light load to re-enter psave. Since
the controller counts zero crossings, the converter can
sink current as long as the current does not cross zero on
eight consecutive cycles. This allows the output voltage
to recover quickly in response to negative load steps.
When operating in Psave mode at light loads, the LX
waveform will not have the typical square wave shape
seen when operating in continuous conduction mode.
Shortly after DL drives low, and both MOSFETs are off,
the LX voltage will show ringing. This ringing is caused
by the LC circuit formed by the inductor and device capacitance of the MOSFETs and low-side diode. When
the low-side MOSFET turns off the inductor current falls
toward zero. When it reaches zero, the inductance and
MOSFET capacitances will tend to ring freely. This is normal Psave operation as shown in Figure 3.
VIN
For tracking operation during startup, the two EN pins
are typically tied together; see the Voltage Tracking section.
DH
If both EN1 and EN2 are grounded, the device is placed
into the lowest-power state, drawing typically 7μA from
the +5V supply.
DL
Psave Operation
Each output provides automatic psave operation at light
loads if the ENx pin is set high. The internal Zero-Cross
comparator looks for inductor current (via the voltage
across the lower MOSFET) to fall to zero on eight consecutive switching cycles. Once observed, the controller enters psave mode and turns off the low-side MOSFET on each subsequent cycle when the current crosses
zero. To add hysteresis, the on-time is also increased by
25% in Psave, for that converter only; it does not affect
the other converter’s on-time. The efficiency improvement at light loads more than offsets the disadvantage
of slightly higher output ripple. If the inductor current
does not cross zero on any switching cycle, the controller
CQ1
Q1
L
VOUT
COUT
Q2
CQ2
DL
VOUT
VIN
LX
Typical ringing at LX
Figure 3
11
SC416
Applications Information (continued)
current limit is set to 10A, the peak current through the
inductor would be 10A plus the peak ripple current, and
the average current through the inductor would be 10A
plus ½ the peak-to-peak ripple current.
Current Limit
For current limiting, the RDSON of the lower MOSFET can
be used as a current sensing element, or a sense resistor
at the lower MOSFET source can be used if greater accuracy is needed. RDSON sensing is more efficient and less
expensive. In both cases, the RILIM resistor sets the overcurrent threshold. RILIM connects from the ILIM pin to either the lower MOSFET drain (for RDSON sensing) or the
high side of the current-sense resistor. RILIM connects
to a 10μA current source from the ILIM pin which turns
on when the low-side MOSFET is on (DL is high). If the
voltage drop across the sense resistor or low-side MOSFET exceeds the voltage across RILIM, then the voltage at
the ILIM pin will be negative or below GND, and current
limit will activate. The high-side MOSFET is not allowed
to turn on until the voltage drop across the sense resistor or MOSFET falls below the voltage across the RILIM
resistor (ILIM pin reaches GND). If the overload at the
output continues, the DH pulses will get farther apart,
and the output voltage will fall. Eventually the output
will fall enough to cause FB to drop to 525mV, activating the under-voltage protection and shutting down the
converter.
Figure 4
The current sensing scheme actually regulates the inductor valley current, (see Figure 4). This means that if the
INDUCTOR CURRENT
Smart Psave Protection
In some applications, circuits connected to VOUT can leak
current from a higher voltage and thereby cause VOUT to
slowly rise and reach the OVP threshold, causing a hard
shutdown; the SC416 uses Smart Psave to prevent this.
When the output voltage exceeds 8% above nominal
(810mV at FB), that converter then exits Psave (if already
active), and DL drives high to energize the low-side MOSFET. This will draw current from VOUT via the inductor
causing VOUT to fall. When FB drops to the 750mV trip
point, a normal TON switching cycle begins. This method cycles energy from VOUT back to VIN and prevents
a hard OVP shutdown, and also minimizes operating
power by avoiding continuous conduction-mode operation. If a light load is present, DH/DL switching continues
for 8 consecutive cycles and then the IC returns to Psave
mode to reduce operating power.
I PEAK
I LOAD
I LIMIT
TIME
Valley Current Limit
The RDSON sensing circuit is shown in Figure 5 with RILIM = R1 and RDSON of Q2.
VIN
+5V
D1
BST
DH
LX
ILIM
VDD
DL
PAD
Q1
+
CIN
VOUT
C2
L
R1
Q2
D2
+
C3
Figure 5
The resistor sensing circuit with RILIM = R1 and RSENSE =
R4 is shown in Figure 6.
12
SC416
Applications Information (continued)
+5V
VIN
D1
Q1
+
CIN
VOUT
C2
BST
DH
LX
ILIM
VDDP
DL
PAD
Output Over-Voltage Protection (OVP)
When FB exceeds 20% of nominal (900mV), DL latches
high and the low-side MOSFET is turned on. DL stays high
and the output stays off until the EN/PSV input is toggled
or VDD is recycled. There is a 5μs delay built into the OVP
detector to prevent false transitions. PGD is also held
low after an OVP.
L1
Q2
D2
+
C3
R1
R4
Figure 6
The following over-current equation can be used for both
RDSON or resistive sensing. For RDSON sensing, the
MOSFET RDSON rating is used for the value of RSENSE.
ILOC(Valley) = 10μA × RILIM / RSENSE
Power Good Output
Each output provides a power good (PGD) output, which
is an open-drain output requiring a pull-up resistor.
When the output voltage as sensed at FB is -9% from the
750mV reference (682mV), PGD is pulled low. It is held
low until the output voltage returns above -9% of nominal; the falling edge of VOUT does not latch PGD. PGD is
held low during start-up and will not be allowed to transition high until soft-start is completed, when SS reaches
750mV. There is a 5μsec delay built into the PGD circuit
to prevent false transitions.
PGD also transitions low if the FB pin exceeds +20% of
nominal (900mV), which is also the over-voltage shutdown point.
Output Under-Voltage Protection (UVP)
When FB falls 30% below nominal (to 525mV) for eight
consecutive clock cycles, the output is shut off; the DL/
DH drives are pulled low to tri-state the MOSFETs, and
the converter stays off until its EN/PSV input is toggled
or the +5V supply at VDD1 supply is recycled. The other
output remains on during a UVP event.
POR and UVLO
Under-voltage lockout circuitry (UVLO) inhibits switching and tri-states all DH/DL drivers until the +5V supply at
VDD1 rises above 4.4V. An internal power-on reset (POR)
occurs when VDD1 exceeds 4.4V, which resets the fault
latches and quickly discharges the soft-start capacitors
to prepare the PWM for startup switching. At this time
the SC416 will exit UVLO and begin the startup cycle.
Startup Sequence
The startup sequence for each output relies on an external ramp at the SS pin. During startup, the FB comparator
uses the SS ramp voltage as the reference until SS reaches 750mV, at which point the FB comparator switches
over to the internal 750mV reference. The external ramp
is typically created by connecting a capacitor to the SS
pin, which will be charged by a constant current. Or, the
SS pin can be connected to an external ramp provided
by the other output’s ramp-up as seen through a resistor
divider. See the Voltage Tracking section.
Before starting, with EN low, the SS pin is internally tied
to GND through 4kΩ. When EN is released, SS is briefly
pulled to GND through 16 ohms to discharge the SS capacitance. Then the resistances are removed, startup begins, and a 5μA source current flows out of the SS pin.
13
SC416
Applications Information (continued)
If an external capacitor is connected to SS, with no other
components, then the 5uA current into the capacitor creates a linear voltage ramp. The internal FB comparator
tracks this SS ramp, which forces VOUT to track the SS
ramp. The time in msec needed for the SS ramp to reach
the 750mV reference is:
TSTART = Css × 150
(TSTART in μsec, Css in nF)
At the end of this time, the SS pin has reached 750mV
and the output voltage is at its nominal value. The FB
comparator then switches over to the internal 750mV
REF, and the SS pin is thereafter ignored. The 5μA current source remains on, so the Css capacitor continues to
charge up to +5V.
The SS pin can be connected to a capacitor to provide a
programmable ramp, or connected to a resistor divider
from the other output to provide a synchronized startup,
see the Voltage Tracking section.
The startup waveforms when using a capacitor for the
voltage ramp are shown in Figure 7.
TSTART
5V
VOUT
750mV
SS
Shutdown Sequence
Each output has a controlled shutdown. The ramp-down
sequence is optimized for use with an external SS capacitor. When the EN pin is set low, psave mode is disabled
and the shutdown sequence begins. The SS pin stops
sourcing 5uA, and an internal 4K pulldown resistor is enabled along with a 5uA current sink. The 4K resistor helps
discharge of the SS capacitor (if used), which was previously charged to +5V by the 5uA current source. The SS
capacitor discharges quickly; when the SS voltage reaches 810mV, the 4K resistor is released, leaving the 5μA current sink on (current into the SS pin), which discharges
the SS capacitor from 810mV to 750mV at a slower rate.
When the SS voltage reaches 750mV, the ramp-down at
VOUT begins. With SS at 750mV, the FB comparator ignores the internal 750mV reference and instead uses the
SS ramp-down to regulate VOUT. As the SS pin ramps
down from 750mV due to the current sink, VOUT follows
the SS pin in a linear ramp-down.
Note that psave is disabled during the shutdown cycle
to allow VOUT to actively track the SS ramp-down, even
with no load.
The ramp-down continues until VOUT falls to 300mV as
sensed at the VOUT pin, not the FB pin. At this point the
switching is disabled, the DH and DL drivers are set low
(both MOSFETs off), and an internal 16 ohm pulldown
connects to the VOUT pin to finish soft-discharge of the
output.
SS linear ramp: 5uA
current source into CSS
EN
EN
SS
SC416
CSS
Figure 7
14
SC416
Applications Information (continued)
The general shutdown waveforms are shown in Figure
8.
TSD_DELAY
TSD_RAMP
VOUT
Voltage Tracking
The SC416 provides voltage tracking during both startup and shutdown. The use of the SS pins determines
the type of tracking. The two most common tracking
schemes are proportional and coincident tracking.
VOUT linear
down-ramp
Soft-discharge
into 16 ohms
300mV:
switching stops
+5V
SS
Rapid CSS discharge
into 4Kohm
Proportional Tracking (FB tracking)
Proportional tracking causes the output waveforms
to have the same startup and shutdown ramp time as
shown in Figure 9.
Linear down-ramp
TSD_RAMP
810mV: SS linear
down-ramp begins
TSTART
VOUT1
VOUT2
750mV: VOUT
down-ramp begins
EN
EN
SS
300mV
SC416
+5V
CSS
Figure 8
Note that due to the discharging of CSS from +5V to
750mV, there is a small delay between EN going low and
VOUT beginning to ramp down. The delay is given by
the equation:
Rapid
discharge of
SS capacitor
750mV
SS1
SS2
EN1
EN2
EN1
EN2
SS1
SS2
CSS
SC416
TSD_DELAY = Css × 19
(TSD_DELAY in μsec, Css in nF)
After this delay, the time for the output to ramp down to
the switch-off point of 300mV is given by:
TSD_RAMP = Css × 150 • (1 – 300mV/VOUT)
(TSD_ RAMP in μsec, Css in nF)
Once the output reaches 300mV, the shutdown sequence
is complete. DH and DH stop switching, the internal 16
ohm discharge pulldown at VOUT is energized, and that
side will go to the lowest-power state.
Figure 9
For proportional tracking, the two SS pins are tied together to share the same voltage ramp. The two EN pins must
also be tied together. Since the SS pins are tied together,
the startup and shutdown ramps for each side will track
the same signal. Note that during startup and shutdown,
the FB pins for each side will track the same SS signal; this
method can also be called FB tracking.
Startup for proportional tracking (FB tracking) is as follows. When both EN pins are set high simultaneously,
each SS pin sources 5uA. By connecting the SS pins together, the startup ramp rates for both FB1 and FB2 are
forced to be the same. Since the total current source is
15
SC416
Applications Information (continued)
10μA instead of 5μA, the CSS capacitor must be twice as
large as in the independent case. It is acceptable to use
only one SS capacitor for both SS pins, and the startup
time follows the equation:
TSTART = Css × 75
(TSTART in μsec, Css in nF)
Once the SS pins reach 750mV, each FB comparator
switches over to the internal 750mV reference, and the
SS pin is ignored. CSS will continue to charge to +5V, just
as in the independent case.
Shutdown for proportional tracking is similar to the independent case. Both EN pins are simultaneously pulled to
GND to start the shutdown sequence. When the EN pins
are set low, the two SS 5μA current sources are disabled,
and the internal 4k pull-down of each SS pin is energized.
This begins a quick discharge of CSS from the initial +5V
starting point.
Coincident Tracking (VOUT tracking)
Coincident tracking has the lower output actively matching the higher output during startup and shutdown.
During startup, the two voltages track identically until
the lower VOUT reaches its nominal point and then remains at that point. The higher voltage continues on a
linear ramp until reaching its final value.
During shutdown, the higher voltage initially starts to fall
while the lower voltage stays in regulation. When the
higher voltage has dropped to the same level as the lower voltage, the lower voltage joins the ramp-down, and
both voltages fall at the same rate. When the outputs
reach 300mV, switching stops and the outputs will softdischarge into their VOUT pins.
The waveforms and schematic for coincident tracking
are shown in Figure 10.
TSD_RAMP
TSTART
When CSS discharges down to 810mV, each 4k resistor
is removed and each SS 5μA current sink is energized, to
cause a more gradual ramp down to 750mV. When SS
reaches 750mV, each FB comparator ignores the internal 750mV reference and uses the falling SS ramp as the
reference. This causes both FB pins to fall at a constant
linear rate. This in turn causes both VOUTs to fall linearly.
This continues for each VOUT until it reaches 300mV, at
which point all switching for that output will stop.
Note that the output ramp-down is controlled only
until the point where the output voltage (as sensed at
the VOUT pin, not the FB pin) reaches 300mV, and then
switching stops. Also note that the two output voltages
may not reach 300mV at the same time. With proportional tracking, the lower voltage will reach 300mV first;
at that point, the lower voltage will enter soft-discharge
into 16 ohms, but the other output will continue on the
SS ramp-down until it also reaches 300mV. For the majority of applications this is acceptable since 300mV is
typically too small to cause a voltage-differential problem for the load.
VOUT1
VOUT2
300mV
+5V
Rapid
discharge of
SS capacitor
750mV
SS1
EN1
EN2
EN1
EN2
CSS
SC416
FB2
SS2
SS1
VOUT1
VOUT2
R3
R4
R1
R2
Figure 10
Note that both EN pins are tied together. For coincident
tracking, the higher output voltage must act as the control, and the lower output must be the follower. Either
side can act as controller or follower. In this case, VOUT1
is the higher output voltage. When the EN pins are set
16
SC416
Applications Information (continued)
high, both outputs start switching. SS1 is connected to
a capacitor and therefore VOUT1 will follow the normal
(independent) startup and shutdown operation.
SS2 does not have the typical capacitor connection; instead SS2 connects to VOUT1 through resistor divider
R3/R4, which forces the SS2 voltage to be proportional to
VOUT1. As VOUT1 rises during startup, SS2 also rises, and
the FB2 comparator will force VOUT2 to track SS2 until
SS2 reaches 750mV.
Note that FB2 sets the output voltage for VOUT2 through
R1/R2. By setting the same ratio for R3/R4 as R1/R2,
VOUT2 is forced to track VOUT1. This tracking continues
until FB2 reaches 750mV, at which point VOUT2 ignores
the SS2 ramp and switches over to the internal 750mV
reference. SS2 will continue to rise above 750mV since
it is connected to VOUT2 which continues to rise to its
nominal value.
Note that during this time the SS2 pin will source 5uA,
as if it were charging a capacitor. This current will flow
through into R3/R4 and create an offset voltage at SS2.
The full equation for SS2 voltage is:
VSS2 = VOUT1 × (R4 / (R3 + R4) + 5μA × (R3||R4)
The term for the SS2 offset is (5μA × R3||R4). When tracking VOUT1 during startup, SS2 will be slightly higher than
the ideal value due to this offset term. This offset at SS2
is tracked by FB2. Because of the FB2 resistor divider, this
causes a consequently higher offset at VOUT2. The net
effect is that VOUT2 will be slightly higher than VOUT1
during startup tracking. The net offset is given by the
following equation, where R5/R6 are the top and bottom
resistor values used for the FB2 resistor divider:
Since the ratio of R5/R6 is dictated by the output voltage,
the way to minimize the offset is to reduce R3 and R4. It
is recommended to set the R3/R4 parallel combination to
1kΩ max, which limits the SS2 offset to 5mV.
For shutdown, both EN pins are pulled low to start the
shutdown sequence. The higher output falls first (VOUT1
in this case) as described in the independent case. The
SS2 pin also falls as VOUT1 falls. When SS2 has reached
750mV, the ramp-down of VOUT2 begins. The FB2 comparator switches over to the SS2 pin and tracks SS2 as it
ramps down. SS2’s ramp-down is in turn controlled by
the ramp-down of VOUT1.
Note that during the initial time when both EN pins
pulled low, the internal 4kΩ pulldown on SS2 is energized, along with the 5uA current sink. The connecting of
the 4k pulldown affects the SS2 voltage, causing it to be
significantly lower than predicted by the R3/R4 divider. If
the SS2 voltage suddenly shoots below 750mV, this will
cause the FB2 comparator to ignore the internal 750mV
reference and switch over to the SS2 voltage. Also, the
4k resistor is released, which causes the SS2 voltage to
go back above 750mV, since SS2 will now track VOUT1
through R3/R4. This can create an unwanted overshoot
on VOUT2. This is easily prevented by placing a 10nF capacitor across R4, to prevent sudden changing of the SS2
voltage.
Modified Coincident Tracking (VOUT Proportional
Tracking)
A modification of coincident tracking is to set R3/R4 (SS2
resistor divider) to a ratio other than R1/R2 (FB1 resistor
divider). VOUT2 will still track SS2 during startup and
shutdown, but VOUT2 can be made to ramp either quicker or slower than VOUT1, based on the R3/R4 ratio, see
Figure 11.
VOUT1 – VOUT2 = 5μA × (R3||R4) × (1 + R5/R6)
17
SC416
Applications Information (continued)
TSD_RAMP
TSTART
VOUT1
VOUT2
R3/R4 > R1/R2
300mV
R3/R4 < R1/R2
+5V
Rapid
discharge of
SS capacitor
750mV
SS1
SmartDriveTM
Each side uses Semtech’s proprietary SmartDrive to reduce switching noise. The DH drivers will turn on the
high-side MOSFET at a lower rate initially, allowing a softer, smooth turn-off of the low-side diode. Once the diode
is off, the SmartDrive circuit automatically drives the highside MOSFET on at a rapid rate. This technique reduces
switching less while maintaining high efficiency, and also
avoids the need for snubbers or series resistors in the gate
drive.
EN1
EN2
EN1
EN2
CSS
SC416
SS2
SS1
FB2
VOUT1
VOUT2
R3
R4
R1
R2
Figure 11
Note that R3/R4 must never exceed the FB resistor ratio for VOUT1. If this were the case, SS2 cannot exceed
750mV, and the FB2 comparator would never switch
over to the internal 750mV reference: VOUT2 would not
complete its startup cycle and would not reach the nominal regulation point. To prevent this it is recommended
to set R3/R4 such that SS2 is greater than 850mV when
VOUT1 is at the nominal point.
MOSFET Gate Drivers
The DH and DL drivers are optimized to drive moderate
high-side and larger low-side power MOSFETs. An adaptive dead-time circuit monitors the DL output and prevents the high-side MOSFET from turning on until DL is
fully off; another circuit monitors the DH output and prevents the low-side MOSFET from turning on until DH is
fully off.
Note: be sure there is low resistance and low inductance
between the DH and DL outputs to the gate of each
MOSFET.
Figure 12
Design Procedure
Prior to designing a switch mode supply, the input voltage, load current, and switching frequency must be
specified. The maximum input voltage (VINMAX) is determined by the highest AC adaptor voltage, and the
minimum input voltage (VINMIN) is determined by the
lowest supply voltage after accounting for voltage drops
due to connectors, fuses, and switches.
In general, four parameters are needed to define the design:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Nominal output voltage (VOUT)
Static or DC output tolerance
Transient response
Maximum load current (IOUT)
18
SC416
Applications Information (continued)
There are two values of load current to consider: continuous load current and peak load current. Continuous
load current is concerned with thermal stresses which
drive the selection of input capacitors, MOSFETs and
diodes. Peak load current determines instantaneous
component stresses and filtering requirements such as
inductor saturation, output capacitors and design of the
current limit circuit.
Design example: Side1 will be used.
VIN = 10V min, 20V max
VOUT1 = 1.8V +/- 4%
Load = 10A maximum
Note that side2 will run typically 20% faster than side1, in
this case 320kHz.
During the DH on-time, voltage across the inductor is (VIN
- VOUT). To determine the inductance, the ripple current
must be defined. Smaller ripple current will give smaller
output ripple and but will lead to larger inductors. The
ripple current will also set the boundary for Psave operation. The switcher will typically enter Psave operation
when the load current decreases to ½ of the ripple current; (i.e. if ripple current is 4A then Psave operation will
typically start for loads less than 2A. If ripple current is
set at 40% of maximum load current, then Psave will occur for loads less than 20% of maximum current).
Inductor Selection
Low inductor values result in smaller size but create higher ripple current. Higher inductor values will reduce the
ripple current but are larger and more costly. Because
wire resistance varies widely for different inductors and
because magnetic core losses vary widely with operating
conditions, it is often difficult to choose which inductor
will optimize efficiency. The general rule is that higher
inductor values have better efficiency at light loads due
to lower core losses and lower peak currents, but at high
load the smaller inductors are better because of lower resistance. The inductor selection is generally based on the
ripple current which is typically set between 20% to 50%
of the maximum load current. Cost, size, output ripple
and efficiency all play a part in the selection process.
The equation for inductance is:
The first step is to select the switching frequency. In this
case VOUT1 will be used at a nominal 270kHz.
Note: the inductor must be rated for the maximum DC
load current plus ½ of the ripple current.
For 15V input and 1.8V output, the typical on-time should
be:
The minimum ripple current is also calculated. This occurs when VIN is at the minimum value of 10V.
TONtyp = VOUT/VIN/Frequency
TONtyp = 444nsec.
The timing resistor RTON is selected to provide TONtyp:
RTON = (TONtyp – 35) × (VIN / (3.3 × VOUT) – 37
RTON = 976K.
We will use RTON = 1Meg.
L = (VIN - VOUT) × TON / IRIPPLE
Use the maximum value for VIN, and for TON use the value associated with maximum VIN, and that side’s TON using the RTON value selected. For selecting the inductor,
we start with the highest VOUT setting and a maximum
ripple current of 4A.
TON1 = 343 nsec at 20VIN, 1.8VOUT
L = (20V - 1.8V) × 343 nsec / 4A = 1.56μH
We will use 1.5μH which will slightly increase the maximum IRIPPLE to 4.2A.
TONVINMIN = 3.3 × (RTON + 37) × (VOUT/VIN) + 35
TONVINMIN = 651nsec
IRIPPLE = (VIN - VOUT) × TON / L
IRIPPLE_VINMIN = (10 – 1.8) × 651nsec / 1.5μH = 3.55A
19
SC416
Applications Information (continued)
Capacitor Selection
The output capacitors are chosen based on required ESR
and capacitance. The ESR requirement is driven by the
output ripple requirement and the DC tolerance. The
output voltage has a DC value that is equal to the valley
of the output ripple, plus ½ of the peak-to-peak ripple.
Changing the ripple voltage will lead to a change in DC
output voltage.
The design goal is +/-4% output regulation. The internal
750mV reference tolerance is 1%, and assuming 1% tolerance for the FB resistor divider, this allows 2% tolerance
due to VOUT ripple. Since this 2% error comes from ½ of
the ripple voltage, the allowable ripple is 4%, or 72mV for
a 1.8V output. Although this is acceptable from a regulation standpoint, 72mV ripple is high for a 1.8V output and
therefore more realistic ripple value of 36mV will be used
(2% of VOUT).
The maximum ripple current of 4.2A creates a ripple voltage across the ESR. The maximum ESR value allowed
would create 36mV ripple:
ESRMAX = VRIPPLE/IRIPPLEMAX = 36mV / 4.2A
ESRMAX = 8.6 mΩ
While the ESR is chosen to meet ripple requirements,
the output capacitance (μF) is typically chosen based on
transient requirements. A worst-case load release, from
maximum load to no load at the exact moment when inductor current is at the peak, defines the required capacitance. If the load release is instantaneous (load changes
from maximum to zero in a very small time), the output
capacitor must absorb all the inductor’s stored energy.
This will cause a peak voltage on the capacitor according
to the equation:
With a peak voltage VPEAK of 1.98V (180mV or 10% rise
above 1.8V upon load release), the required capacitance
is:
COUTMIN =
1.5μH × (10 + 1/2 × 4.2)2
___________________
(1.982 - 1.82)
COUTMIN = 323μF
The previous requirements (323μF, 6.4mΩ) will be met
using a single 330μF 6mΩ device.
Note that output voltage ripple is often higher than expected due to the ESL (inductance) of the capacitor. See
the FB/VOUT Ripple section.
If the load release is relatively slow, the output capacitance can be reduced. At heavy loads during normal
switching, when the FB pin is above the 750mV reference, the DL output is high and the low-side MOSFET is
on. During this time, the voltage across the inductor is
approximately -VOUT. This causes a down-slope or falling di/dt in the inductor. If the load di/dt is not much
faster than the di/dt in the inductor, then the inductor
current can track the changing load current, and there
will be relatively less overshoot from a load release. The
following can be used to calculate the needed capacitance for a given dILOAD/dt.
Peak inductor current:
ILPEAK = ILOADMAX + 1/2 × IRIPPLEMAX
ILPEAK = 10 + 1/2 × 4.2 = 12.1A
Rate of change of Load current = dILOAD/dt
IMAX = maximum DC load current = 10A
COUTMIN =
L × (IOUT + 1/2 × IRIPPLEMAX)
___________________
(VPEAK2 - VOUT2)
2
COUT = ILPEAK × (L ×ILPEAK / VOUT - IMAX/(dILOAD /dt))
___________________________________
2 × (VPEAK - VOUT)
Example: Load dI/dt = 2.5A/μsec
20
SC416
Applications Information (continued)
This would cause the output current to move from 10A
to zero in 4μsec.
mimics the ESR ramp. This virtual ESR ramp is created by
integrating the voltage across the inductor, and coupling
the signal into the FB pin as shown in Figure 13.
COUT = 12.1 × (1.5μH × 12.1 / 1.8 - 10 / (2.5A/1μsec))
____________________________________
VIN
2 × (1.98 - 1.8)
COUT = 204μF
Note that 204μF is less than the 323uF needed to meet
the harder (instantaneous) transient load release.
RL
DL
Stability Considerations
Unstable operation shows up in two related but distinctly different ways: fast-feedback loop instability due to insufficient ESR and double-pulsing.
Loop instability can cause oscillations at the output as a
response to line or load transients. These oscillations can
trip the over-voltage protection latch or cause the output
voltage to fall below the tolerance limit. The best way for
checking stability is to apply a zero-to-full load transient
and observe the output voltage ripple envelope for overshoot and ringing. Over one cycle of ringing after the initial step is a sign that the ESR should be increased.
SC416 ESR Requirements
The on-time control used in the SC416 regulates the
valley of the output ripple voltage. This ripple voltage
consists of a term generated by the ESR of the output
capacitor and a term based on the capacitance charging
and discharging during the switching cycle. A minimum
ESR is required to generate the required ripple voltage
for regulation. For most applications the minimum ESR
ripple voltage is dominated by PCB layout and the properties of the output capacitors, typically SP or POSCAP
devices. For stability the ESR zero of the output capacitor
should be lower than one-third the switching frequency.
The formula for minimum ESR is:
ESRMIN = 3 / (2 × π × COUT × FREQ)
For applications using ceramic output capacitors, the ESR
is generally too small to meet the above criteria. In these
cases it is possible to create a ripple voltage ramp that
L
DH
CL
CC
R1
COUT
R2
To FB
Figure 13
Double-pulsing
Double-pulsing occurs because the ripple waveform
seen at the FB pin is either too small, or because the FB
and VOUT ripple waveforms are very noisy and prone to
cause premature triggering of the FB comparator. Both
are discussed below.
Increasing FB Ripple
If the ripple waveform at FB is too small, the FB waveform
will be susceptible to switching noise. Note that under
normal conditions the FB voltage is within 10-20mV of
the 750mV trip point. Noise can couple into the FB point
from either side1 or side1, or from an external circuit. This
causes the FB comparator to trigger too quickly after the
330ns minimum off-time has expired. Double-pulsing
will result in higher ripple voltage at the output but in
most cases is harmless.
A way to remedy this is to couple more ripple into FB
from VOUT. Note that the feedback resistor divider attenuates the FB ripple. This can be compensated by
placing a small capacitor in parallel with the top resistor,
which effectively increases the ripple that appears at FB.
21
SC416
Applications Information (continued)
The schematic with added capacitor C is shown below.
VOUT
C
R1
COUT
Inductor Ripple
Current
VOUT ripple
from ESR
750 mV
FB ripple
To FB
R2
VOUT
LX
R1
LOAD
ESR
To FB
COUT
Figure 14
This capacitor should be left out until confirmation that
double-pulsing exists. It is best to leave a spot on the
PCB in case it is needed.
FB/VOUT Ripple
Because the constant on-time control method triggers a
DH pulse whenever the FB waveform reaches the 750mV
trip point, it is important that the VOUT and FB ripple
waveforms are well shaped. This waveform will depend
on the output capacitors.
R2
Figure15
In many applications, the output capacitor also has some
series inductance (ESL), and this can have a large effect
on ripple. The ripple current creates voltage across the
ESL; this is a square wave similar to the LX waveform. The
result is shown below. Note the fast rising and falling
edges created by the ESL.
The idealized case for the output filter has an inductor
and a capacitor COUT with series ESR. The voltage ripple
due to charging and discharging COUT is typically much
smaller than the ripple voltage due to ESR, so the overall ripple waveform is generally determined by ESR only.
The result is a well-defined sawtooth, see Figure 15.
22
SC416
Applications Information (continued)
VOUT
Ripple Current
LX
VOUT ripple from ESR
R1
VOUT ripple from ESL
To FB
ESL
ESR
Total VOUT ripple
LOAD
CB
R2
FB ripple
750 mV
VOUT
LX
COUT
LOAD
ESL
R1
To FB
ESR
Figure 17
R2
COUT
Figure 16
Note also that the effect of ESL becomes increasingly
more noticeable with lower VOUT and higher VIN. The
square wave due to ESL is basically the same square
wave seen at the LX node, scaled down by the ratio of the
output inductor and the ESL. As VOUT gets lower, the
output inductor gets smaller, and this directly increases
the ESL square wave. Moreover, lower output voltages
have tighter ripple requirements, so there is generally
less room available for pk-pk ripple.
This capacitor CB can have a large effect on the ripple
waveform. The switch transitions are fast, typically 1030nsec. At this high speed, the output capacitor (COUT)
impedance is dominated by ESL, which is in parallel with
CB. The effective circuit is a parallel L-C filter. The choice
of CB can have significant effect on the ripple waveform.
This parallel LC circuit can lead to ringing at VOUT. Since
the FB waveform goes below the 750mV threshold soon
after the DH pulse is finished, there is the potential for
double-pulsing; the ringing can cause the FB waveform
to go below the trip point too early.
In addition to the ESL, most applications also have a small
capacitor in parallel with COUT; this is typically a small
ceramic capacitor intended to absorb high frequency
noise not filtered by the output capacitor, as shown by
CB in Figure 17.
23
SC416
Applications Information (continued)
Figure 18 shows examples of this.
A second solution is to add a small RC filter in series with
the FB resistors, shown by RF/CF in Figure 20. This RC
filter is intended to remove the high-frequency noise but
still allow the ripple to reach the FB pin. Recommended
values are 10 ohms and 10nF.
Actual ripple with CBP
Idealized ESL ripple
VOUT
RF
R1
CF
FB trip point
To FB
R2
False trigger on FB
VOUT ripple
Idealized ESL ripple
FB ripple
FB trip point
False trigger on FB
Figure 18
There are two ways to deal with this issue. One is to use
a larger ceramic capacitor, typically 2.2–10μF, which significantly smooths the ripple waveform as shown in Figure 19.
Figure 20
Dropout Performance
The VOUT adjust range for continuous-conduction operation is limited by the fixed 330nsec (typical) Minimum
Off-time One-shot. When working with low input voltages, the duty-factor limit must be calculated using worstcase values for on and off times.
The IC duty-factor limitation is given by:
DUTY = TONMIN / (TONMIN + TOFFMAX)
Large CB (~2.2 – 10 uF)
Actual ripple with CBP
Ripple due to ESL
FB trip point
Figure 19
Be sure to include inductor resistance and MOSFET onstate voltage drops when performing worst-case dropout duty-factor calculations.
SC416 System DC Accuracy (VOUT Controller)
Three factors affect VOUT accuracy: the trip point of the
FB error comparator, the switching frequency variation
with line and load, and the external resistor tolerance.
The error comparator is trimmed to trip when the FB pin
is 750mV, +/-1% over the range of 0 to 85°C.
24
SC416
Applications Information (continued)
Side 2
Power/Gate
Drive
DH2
ILIM2
PGD1
24
LX1
19
18
1
LX2
BST2
BST1
VDD2
VDD1
SC416
DL1
EN1
EN2
6
13
FB2
Side 1
Analog
SS2
12
FB1
7
VOUT2
SS1
DL2
GND
(PAD)
VOUT1
Switching Frequency Variation
The switching frequency will vary somewhat due to line
and load conditions. The line variations are a result of a
fixed offset in the on-time one-shot, as well as unavoidable delays in the external MOSFET switching. As input
voltage increases, these factors make the actual DH ontime slightly longer than the idealized on-time. The net
effect is that frequency tends to fall slightly with increasing input voltage.
PGD2
Side 1
Power/Gate
Drive
RTN
The output inductor value may change with current. This
will change the output ripple and thus the DC output
voltage. The output ESR also affects the ripple and thus
the DC output voltage.
Placement
Note that the pins on the IC are arranged in four groups,
i.e. Side1 Power, Side2 Power, Side1 Analog, and Side2
Analog, as shown in Figure 21.
TON
The use of 1% feedback resistors contributes typically
1% error. If tighter DC accuracy is required use 0.1%
resistors. Note that for the internal preset voltages, the
FB accuracy of 1.25% for 0 to 85°C already includes the
tolerance of the internal resistors.
Layout Guidelines
As with any switch-mode converter, and especially a
dual-channel converter, a good pcb layout is essential for
optimum performance. The following guidelines should
be used for PCB layout.
ILIM1
To compensate for valley regulation it is often desirable
to use passive droop. Take the feedback directly from
the output side of the inductor, placing a small amount
of trace resistance between the inductor and output capacitor. This trace resistance should be optimized so that
at full load the output droops to near the lower regulation limit. Passive droop minimizes the required output
capacitance because the voltage excursions due to load
steps are reduced.
The frequency variation with load is due to losses in the
power train from IR drop and switching losses. For a conventional PWM constant-frequency topology, as load
increases the duty cycle also increases slightly to compensate for IR and switching losses in the MOSFETs and
inductor. A constant on-time topology must also overcome the same losses by increasing the effective duty
cycle (more time is spent drawing energy from VIN as
losses increase). Since the on-time is constant for a given
VOUT/VIN combination, the way to increase duty cycle is
to gradually shorten the off-time. The net effect is that
switching frequency increases slightly with increasing
load.
DH1
The on-time pulse is programmed using the RTON resistor to give a desired frequency. However, some frequency variation with line and load is expected. This variation
changes the output ripple voltage. Because constant ontime converters regulate to the valley of the output ripple, ½ of the output ripple appears as a DC regulation error. For example, If the output ripple is 50mV with VIN = 6
volts, then the measured DC output will be 25mV above
the comparator trip point. If the ripple increases to 80mV
with VIN = 25 volts, then the measured DC output will be
40mV above the comparator trip. The best way to minimize this effect is to minimize the output ripple.
Side 2
Analog
Figure 21
25
SC416
Applications Information (continued)
For placement, power devices for side1 should be
grouped together near the gate drive pins for side1
(pins 23-24 and 1-8). Power devices for side2 should be
grouped together near the gate-drive pins for side2 (pins
15-20).
drive to the low-side MOSFETs. The DL gate-drive current peaks can be 2 amps or more, with fast switching. As
such the ground connection between the low-side MOSFETs and the ground PAD should be as short and wide as
practical.
The feedback and VOUT sense components should be
located near the FBx/VOUTx pins. This includes the feedback resistors and capacitors if used.
Note that the ground PAD, which is the return path for
the high-noise DL drive current, is not accessible on the
top layer of the pcb, due to the other pins. The ground
PAD connection to the MOSFETs must therefore be done
on an inner or bottom layer. For this reason, it is best to
place the low-side MOSFET on the opposite side of the
pcb, to allow a wide and direct connection to the ground
PAD on the bottom layer. Otherwise an inner layer must
be used for the ground PAD connection; if needed, this
should be done with many vias to minimize the high-frequency impedance. This applies to both side1 and side2
MOSFETs.
Ground Connections
When doing placement, be aware that there are four
grounds to consider on the pcb. ‘
1.
2.
3.
4.
Power ground for Side1
Power ground for Side2
Analog ground for Side1
Analog ground for Side2
Note that grounds (1) and (2) are high-current and contain high noise. These grounds carry the DL gate drive
current as well as the high switching current through the
MOSFETs and low-side diode. It is important to note that
the SC416 has only one power ground pin (PAD, pin 25),
which must drive DL for both side1 and side2. As such,
the low-side MOSFET and diode will need to be near the
IC.
Grounds (3) and (4) are low-current and intended for
low-noise VOUT/FB ripple sensing. Note that there is
only one analog ground pin (RTN, pin 9) which shared
between sides 1 and 2
Proper connection between the grounds is needed for
good operation. Generally, all ground connections between the power components and the SC416 should
be short and direct, without vias where possible. Each
side has significant high-current switching in the ground
path, moving between the input capacitors, the low-side
MOSFET, the low-side diode if used, and the output capacitors. Moreover, each side has significant high-current pulses to/from the ground PAD, created by the DL
The remaining power devices should then be placed
with their ground pins near each other, and near the IC.
That is, the ground connections between the IC, the lowside MOSFET, the low-side diode (if used), the input capacitors, and the output capacitor, should be short. The
other non-ground power connections (from input cap to
high-side MOSFET, from MOSFETs to inductor, and from
inductor to output capacitor) should be short and wide
as well, to minimize the loop length and area.
Use short, wide traces from the DL/DH pins to the MOSFETs to reduce parasitic impedance; the low-side MOSFET is most critical. Maintain a length to width ratio of
<20:1 for gate drive signals. Use multiple vias as required
for current handling (and to reduce parasitics) if routed
on more than one layer.
When placing the power components, also be aware that
the VOUT signal must route back to the analog components. It is important that this feedback signal not cross
the DH/DL/BST or other high-noise power signals. Place
and rotate the power components in a way that allows
the VOUT trace to get from the output capacitor to the
26
SC416
Applications Information (continued)
analog components without crossing the high-noise
power signals (DH/DL/BST, etc).
The VDD supply decoupling capacitors should connect
to the IC with short traces, with multiple vias if needed.
The analog components are those which connect to the
FB and VOUT pins. The FB pins are sensitive so the copper area of these traces should be minimized. Components connected to FB should be placed directly near the
IC and should not be placed over or near the gate drive
or power signals (DL/DH/BST/ILIM/LX/VDD).
Connect the ILIM traces to the low-side MOSFET directly
at the drain pins, and route these traces over to the ILIM
resistor on another layer if needed.
Route the VOUT/FB feedback traces in a “quiet” layer,
away from noise sources. Avoid routing near any of the
high-noise switching signals or other noise sources.
The connection between power ground (PAD) and analog ground (RTN) should be done at a single point directly at the IC. The analog components should be placed
in their own ground island which connects to the PAD
directly at the IC, and all analog components should connect directly to this island.
Overall placement should look similar to Figure 22.
Side 1 Power
Components
Side 2 Power
Components
SC416
GND
(PAD)
Side 2
Analog
Components
Side 1
Analog
Components
Figure 22
27
SC416
Typical Characteristics
VOUT1 Line Regulation 1.8V PSAVE Enabled
VOUT2 Line Regulation 1.5V PSAVE Enabled
1.53
1.84
1.83
1.52
0A
1A
1A
0A
1.82
1.51
VOUT (V)
VOUT (V)
1.81
1.8
4A
1.79
10A
1.5
1.49
10A
4A
1.78
1.48
1.77
1.47
1.76
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
10
20
11
12
13
14
15
VIN (V)
16
17
18
19
20
VIN(V)
VOUT1 Load Regulation 1.8V PSAVE Enabled
VOUT2 Load Regulation 1.5V PSAVE Enabled
1.84
1.53
1.83
1.52
20V
20V
1.82
1.51
VOUT (V)
VOUT (V)
1.81
1.80
1.79
10V
1.50
15V
1.49
15V
10V
1.78
1.48
1.77
1.47
1.76
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
0
10
1
2
3
LOAD (A)
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
LOAD (A)
Frequency vs. Load, VOUT1 at 1.8V
Frequency vs. Load, VOUT2 at 1.5V
350
430
340
420
330
410
Freq (kHz)
Freq (kHz)
10V
320
310
300
10V
15V
400
390
380
20V
290
370
280
360
270
350
15V
20V
340
260
3
4
5
6
7
LOAD (A)
8
9
10
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
LOAD (A)
28
SC416
Typical Characteristics
VOUT2 Efficiency, 1.5V PSave Enabled
VOUT1 Efficiency, 1.8V PSave Enabled
100%
100%
10V
95%
95%
90%
90%
EFF (%)
EFF (%)
10V
85%
15V
20V
80%
85%
15V
20V
80%
75%
75%
70%
70%
65%
65%
60%
60%
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
0
10
1
2
3
4
LOAD (A)
5
6
7
8
9
10
9
10
LOAD (A)
VOUT2 Efficiency, 1.5V PSave Disabled
VOUT1 Efficiency, 1.8V PSave Disabled
100%
100%
95%
95%
10V
10V
90%
EFF (%)
EFF (%)
90%
85%
15V
20V
80%
85%
75%
75%
70%
70%
65%
65%
60%
15V
20V
80%
60%
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
LOAD (A)
Load Step VOUT1, 1.8V
7
8
9
10
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
LOAD (A)
Load Step VOUT2, 1.5V
29
SC416
Typical Characteristics
Load Release VOUT1, 1.8V PSAVE Enabled
Load Release VOUT2, 1.5V PSAVE Enabled
Load Release VOUT1, 1.8V PSAVE Disabled
Load Release VOUT2, 1.5V PSAVE Disabled
Independent Startup VOUT1, 1.8V No Load
Independent Startup VOUT2, 1.5V No Load
30
SC416
Typical Characteristics
Independent Shutdown VOUT1, 1.8V No Load
Independent Shutdown VOUT1, 1.8V No Load
Proportional Tracking Startup
Proportional Tracking Shutdown
Coincident Tracking Startup
Coincident Tracking Shutdown
31
SC416
Applications Information (continued)
Reference Design
VIN
+5V
VIN
+5V
+5V
VIN Power Input
VIN Power Input
PGD2
R1
100K
5
6
7
8
9
C1
10UF
C2
10UF
C3
0.22UF
D1
BAT54A
D
C4
0.22UF
9
8
7
6
5
PGD1
R2
100K
D2
BAT54A
C6
10UF
C5
10UF
D
4
Q2
IRF7821
4
3
2
1
Q1
IRF7821
1.5V at 10A
C17 10NF
EN1
19
9
8
7
6
5
+
D4
140L
C11
330UF
C12
100NF
14
C14
1UF
13
SS2
C15
100NF
3
2
1
DH2
21
22
23
20
ILIM2
PGD2
PGD1
ILIM1
DH1
SS1
VOUT2
1UF
D
4
15
EN2
EN1
12
6
FB2
Q3
IRF7832
C16
+5V
17
16
DL2
11
1
2
3
5
C13
100NF
18
VDD2
SC416
DL1
TON
D3
140L
U1
VDD1
10
4
4
VOUT2
L2
1.5UH
BST2
RTN
C10
330UF
BST1
C8
100NF
25
PAD
LX2
9
3
R4
6.81K
LX1
FB1
D
+
C9
100NF
2
VOUT1
5
6
7
8
9
1
+5V
8
L1
1.5UH
7
VOUT1
6.81K
R3
C7
100NF
24
1
2
3
1.8V at 10A
Q4
IRF7832
C18
10NF
EN2
VOUT1
VOUT2
R5
14K
C21
NO_POP
C20
NO_POP
C19
100NF
R6
10K
C22
100NF
R7
10K
C23
330PF
R8
R9
10K
VIN
1MEG
Bill of Materials
Component
Value
Manufacturer
Part Number
Web
C1,C2,C5,C6
10uF, 25V
Murata
GRM32DR71E106KA12L
www.murata.com
C10,C11
330uF/6mΩ/2V
Panasonic
EEFSX0D331XR
www.panasonic.com
D1,D2
200mA/30V
OnSemi
BAT54A
www.onsemi.com
D3,D4
1A/40V
OnSemi
MBSR140LT3
www.onsemi.com
L1,L2
1.5uH/19A
Vishay
IHLP5050CER1R5M01
www.vishay.com
Q1,Q2
30V/12.5mΩ
I.R.
IRF7821
www.irf.com
Q3,Q4
30V/12.5mΩ
I.R.
IRF7832
www.irf.com
32
SC416
Outline Drawing - MLPQ-24
A
D
B
DIM
PIN 1
INDICATOR
(LASER MARK)
A
A1
A2
b
D
D1
E
E1
e
L
N
aaa
bbb
E
A2
DIMENSIONS
INCHES
MILLIMETERS
MIN NOM MAX MIN NOM MAX
.031 .035 .040
.000 .001 .002
- (.008) .007 .010 .012
.151 .157 .163
.100 .106 .110
.151 .157 .163
.100 .106 .110
.020 BSC
.011 .016 .020
24
.004
.004
0.80 0.90 1.00
0.00 0.02 0.05
- (0.20) 0.18 0.25 0.30
3.85 4.00 4.15
2.55 2.70 2.80
3.85 4.00 4.15
2.55 2.70 2.80
0.50 BSC
0.30 0.40 0.50
24
0.10
0.10
A
SEATING
PLANE
aaa C
A1
C
D1
LxN
E/2
E1
2
1
N
bxN
e
bbb
C A B
D/2
NOTES:
1. CONTROLLING DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS (ANGLES IN DEGREES).
2. COPLANARITY APPLIES TO THE EXPOSED PAD AS WELL AS THE TERMINALS.
33
SC416
Land Pattern - MLPQ-24
K
DIMENSIONS
(C)
G
H
Z
DIM
C
G
H
K
P
X
Y
Z
INCHES
(.155)
.122
.106
.106
.021
.010
.033
.189
MILLIMETERS
(3.95)
3.10
2.70
2.70
0.50
0.25
0.85
4.80
X
P
NOTES:
1. THIS LAND PATTERN IS FOR REFERENCE PURPOSES ONLY.
CONSULT YOUR MANUFACTURING GROUP TO ENSURE YOUR
COMPANY'S MANUFACTURING GUIDELINES ARE MET.
Contact Information
Semtech Corporation
Power Management Products Division
200 Flynn Road, Camarillo, CA 93012
Phone: (805) 498-2111 Fax: (805) 498-3804
www.semtech.com
34