NSC LM3203

LM3203
Step-Down DC-DC Converter with Bypass Mode for
CDMA / WCDMA RF Power Amplifiers
General Description
Features
The LM3203 is a DC-DC converter optimized for powering
RF power amplifiers (PAs) from a single Lithium-Ion cell.
However, they may be used in many other applications. It
steps down an input voltage of 2.7V to 5.5V to an adjustable
output voltage of 0.8V to 3.6V. The output voltage is set
using a VCON analog input and external resistor dividers for
optimizing efficiency of the RF PA at various power levels.
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The LM3203 offers 3 modes for mobile phones and similar
RF PA applications. Fixed-frequency PWM mode minimizes
RF interference. Bypass mode turns on an internal bypass
switch to power the PA directly from the battery. Shutdown
mode turns the device off and reduces battery consumption
to 0.1µA (typ.).
The LM3203 is available in a 10-pin lead free micro SMD
package. A high switching frequency (2MHz) allows use of
tiny surface-mount components.
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2MHz (typ.) PWM Switching Frequency
Operates from a single Li-Ion cell (2.7V to 5.5V)
Adjustable Output Voltage (0.8V to 3.6V)
500mA Maximum load capability (PWM and Bypass
mode)
PWM / Forced Bypass Mode
Low RDSON Bypass FET: 85mΩ (typ.)
High Efficiency (96% typ. at 3.6VIN, 3.2VOUT at 150mA)
Fast Turn-on time when Enabled (50µs typ.), 3GPP
Compliant
10-pin micro SMD Package
Current Overload Protection
Thermal Overload Protection
Applications
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Cellular Phones
Hand-Held Radios
RF PC Cards
Battery Powered RF Devices
Typical Application
20141601
© 2005 National Semiconductor Corporation
DS201416
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LM3203 Step-Down DC-DC Converter with Bypass Mode for CDMA / WCDMA RF Power
Amplifiers
July 2005
LM3203
Connection Diagrams
20141602
20141603
Top View
Bottom View
10–Bump Thin Micro SMD Package, Large Bump
See NS Package Number TLP10NHA
Order Information
Order Number
Package Marking (Note)
Supplied As
LM3203TL
XYTT SFYB
250 Units, Tape and Reel
LM3203TLX
XYTT SFYB
3000 Units, Tape and Reel
Note: The package marking “XY” designates the date code. “TT” is a NSC internal code for die traceability.
Pin Description
Pin #
Name
A1
VDD
B1
VCON
C1
FB
D1
BYP
D2
EN
D3
PGND
C3
SW
B3
PVIN
A3
BYPOUT
A2
SGND
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Description
Analog Supply Input. A 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor is recommended to be placed as close to this
pin as possible. (Figure 1)
Voltage Control Analog input. VCON controls VOUT in PWM mode. (Refer Setting the output
voltage under Application information.) Do not leave floating.
Feedback Analog Input. Connect to the external resistor divider. (Figure 1)
Bypass. Use this digital input to command operation in Bypass mode. Set BYP low for PWM
operation.
Enable Input. Set this digital input high after Vin > 2.7V for normal operation. For shutdown, set
low.
Power Ground
Switching Node connection to the internal PFET switch and NFET synchronous rectifier.
Connect to an inductor with a saturation current rating that exceeds the maximum Switch Peak
Current Limit specification of the LM3203.
Power Supply Voltage Input to the internal PFET switch and Bypass FET. (Figure 1)
Bypass FET Drain. Connect to the output capacitor. (Figure 1) Connect this pin to VDD when
Bypass mode is NOT required. Do not leave floating.
Analog and Control Ground
2
ESD Rating (Note 4)
Human Body Model
If Military/Aerospace specified devices are required,
please contact the National Semiconductor Sales Office/
Distributors for availability and specifications.
VDD, PVIN to SGND
−0.2V to +6.0V
PGND to SGND
−0.2V to +0.2V
EN, FB, BYP, VCON
Operating Ratings (Notes 1, 2)
Input Voltage Range
PWM Mode
0mA to 500mA
Bypass Mode
(PGND −0.2V)
to (PVIN +0.2V)
w/6.0V max
PVIN to VDD
2.7V to 5.5V
Recommended Load Current
(SGND −0.2V)
to (VDD +0.2V)
w/6.0V max
SW, BYPOUT
2.0 kV
0mA to 500mA
Junction Temperature (TJ) Range
−30˚C to +125˚C
Ambient Temperature (TA) Range
(Note 5)
−30˚C to +85˚C
−0.2V to +0.2V
Thermal Properties
Continuous Power Dissipation
(Note 3)
Internally Limited
Junction Temperature (TJ-MAX)
+150˚C
Storage Temperature Range
−65˚C to +150˚C
Maximum Lead Temperature
(Soldering, 10 sec)
+260˚C
Junction-to-Ambient Thermal
100˚C/W
Resistance (θJA), TLP10 Package (Note 6)
Electrical Characteristics (Notes 2, 7) Limits in standard typeface are for TA = TJ = 25˚C. Limits in boldface type apply over the full operating ambient temperature range (−30˚C ≤ TA = TJ ≤ +85˚C). Unless otherwise noted, specifications apply to the LM3203 with: PVIN = VDD = EN = 3.6V, BYP = 0V, VCON = 0.267V.
Symbol
Parameter
Conditions
VIN
Input Voltage Range
(Note 8)
PVIN = VDD = VIN
VFB, MIN
Feedback Voltage at
Minimum Setting
VCON = 0.267V, VIN = 3.6V
VFB, MAX
Feedback Voltage at
Maximum Setting
VCON = 1.20V, VIN = 4.2V
OVP
Over-Voltage
Protection Threshold
(Note 9)
ISHDN
Shutdown Supply
Current (Note 10)
EN = SW = BYPOUT = VCON = FB = 0V
IQ_PWM
DC Bias Current into
VDD
Min
Typ
2.7
Max
Units
5.5
V
0.250
0.267
0.284
V
1.176
1.200
1.224
V
100
150
mV
0.1
3
µA
VCON = 0.267V, FB = 2V, BYPOUT = 0V, No
Switching
675
780
µA
BYP = 3.6V, VCON = 0.5V, No Load
680
780
µA
RDSON (P)
Pin-Pin Resistance for ISW = 500mA
P-FET
320
450
mΩ
RDSON (N)
Pin-Pin Resistance for ISW = − 200mA
N-FET
310
450
mΩ
RDSON
Pin-Pin Resistance for IBYPOUT = 500mA
Bypass FET
85
120
mΩ
(BYP)
ILIM-PFET
Switch Current Limit
(Note 11)
700
820
940
mA
ILIM-BYP
Bypass FET Current
Limit
(Note 12)
800
1000
1200
mA
FOSC
Internal Oscillator
Frequency
1.7
2
2.2
MHz
VIH
Logic High Input
Threshold for EN, BYP
1.20
VIL
Logic Low Input
Threshold for EN, BYP
IPIN
Pin Pull Down Current EN, BYP = 3.6V
for EN, BYP
IQ_BYP
V
5
3
0.4
V
10
µA
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LM3203
Absolute Maximum Ratings (Notes 1, 2)
LM3203
Electrical Characteristics (Notes 2, 7) Limits in standard typeface are for TA = TJ = 25˚C. Limits in boldface
type apply over the full operating ambient temperature range (−30˚C ≤ TA = TJ ≤ +85˚C). Unless otherwise noted,
specifications apply to the LM3203 with: PVIN = VDD = EN = 3.6V, BYP = 0V, VCON = 0.267V. (Continued)
Symbol
Parameter
Conditions
Min
Typ
Max
Units
Gain
VCON to VOUT Gain
1
V/V
ZCON
VCON Input Resistance VCON = 1.2V
1
MΩ
System Characteristics The following spec table entries are guaranteed by design over ambient temperature
range if the component values in the typical application circuit are used. These parameters are not guaranteed by production testing.
Symbol
Parameter
Conditions
Min
Typ
Max
Units
TSTARTUP Time for VOUT to rise
to 3.4V in PWM mode
VIN = 4.2V, COUT = 4.7µF,
RLOAD = 10Ω
L = 3.3uH (ISAT > 0.94A)
EN = Low to High
TRESPONSE Time for VOUT to Rise
from 0.8V to 3.6V in
PWM Mode
VIN = 4.2V, COUT = 4.7µF,
RLOAD = 10Ω
L = 3.3uH (ISAT > 0.94A)
CCON
VCON Input
Capacitance
VCON = 1V,
Test frequency = 100kHz
15
pF
TON_BYP
Bypass FET Turn On
Time In Bypass Mode
VIN = 3.6V, VCON = 0.267V,
COUT = 4.7µF, RLOAD = 10Ω
BYP = Low to High
30
µs
50
µs
30
µs
Note 1: Absolute Maximum Ratings indicate limits beyond which damage to the component may occur. Operating Ratings are conditions under which operation of
the device is guaranteed. Operating Ratings do not imply guaranteed performance limits. For guaranteed performance limits and associated test conditions, see the
Electrical Characteristics tables.
Note 2: All voltages are with respect to the potential at the GND pins.
Note 3: Internal thermal shutdown circuitry protects the device from permanent damage. Thermal shutdown engages at TJ = 150˚C (typ.) and disengages at TJ =
130˚C (typ.).
Note 4: The Human body model is a 100pF capacitor discharged through a 1.5kΩ resistor into each pin. (MIL-STD-883 3015.7) . National Semiconductor
recommends that all integrated circuits be handled with appropriate precautions.
Note 5: In applications where high power dissipation and/or poor package thermal resistance is present, the maximum ambient temperature may have to be
de-rated. Maximum ambient temperature (TA-MAX) is dependent on the maximum operating junction temperature (TJ-MAX-OP = 125˚C), the maximum power
dissipation of the device in the application (PD-MAX), and the junction-to ambient thermal resistance of the part/package in the application (θJA), as given by the
following equation: TA-MAX = TJ-MAX-OP – (θJA x PD-MAX).
Note 6: Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (θJA) is taken from thermal measurements, performed under the conditions and guidelines set forth in the JEDEC
standard JESD51-2. A 1" x 1", 4 layer, 1.5oz. Cu board was used for the measurements.
Note 7: Min and Max limits are guaranteed by design, test, or statistical analysis. Typical numbers are not guaranteed, but do represent the most likely norm.
Note 8: The LM3203 is designed for mobile phone applications where turn-on after power-up is controlled by the system controller and where requirements for a
small package size overrule increased die size for internal Under Voltage Lock-Out (UVLO) circuitry. Thus, it should be kept in shutdown by holding the EN pin low
until the input voltage exceeds 2.7V.
Note 9: Over-Voltage protection (OVP) threshold is the voltage above the nominal VOUT where the OVP comparator turns off the PFET switch while in PWM mode.
The OVP threshold will be the value of the threshold at the FB voltage times the resistor divider ratio. In the Figure 1, 100mV (typ.) x ((267K + 133K) ÷ 133K).
Note 10: Shutdown current includes leakage current of PFET and Bypass FET.
Note 11: Electrical Characteristic table reflects open loop data (FB=0V and current drawn from SW pin ramped up until cycle by cycle current limit is activated).
Refer to datasheet curves for closed loop data and its variation with regards to supply voltage and temperature. Closed loop current limit is the peak inductor current
measured in the application circuit by increasing output current until output voltage drops by 10%.
Note 12: Bypass FET current limit is defined as the load current at which the FB voltage is 1V lower than VIN.
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(Circuit in Figure 1, PVIN = VDD = EN = 3.6V, BYP = 0V, TA =
Shutdown Current vs Temperature
(EN = 0V)
Quiescent Current vs Supply Voltage
(VCON = 0.267V, FB = 2V, No Load)
20141604
20141605
Output Voltage vs Supply Voltage
(VOUT = 1.5V, VCON = 0.5V)
Switching Frequency Variation vs Temperature
(VOUT = 1.5V, IOUT = 200 mA)
20141606
20141607
Output Voltage vs Temperature
(VIN = 4.2V, VOUT = 3.4V, VCON = 1.13V)
Output Voltage vs Temperature
(VIN = 3.6V, VOUT = 1.5V, VCON = 0.5V)
20141608
20141609
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LM3203
Typical Performance Characteristics
25˚C, unless otherwise noted)
LM3203
Typical Performance Characteristics (Circuit in Figure 1, PVIN = VDD = EN = 3.6V, BYP = 0V, TA =
25˚C, unless otherwise noted) (Continued)
Open/Closed Loop Current Limit vs Temperature
(PWM Mode)
Output Voltage vs Output Current
(BYP Mode, VIN = BYP = 3.6V)
20141612
20141613
Efficiency vs Output Voltage
(VIN = 3.9V)
Low VCON Voltage vs Output Voltage
(RLOAD = 15Ω)
20141617
20141615
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Efficiency vs Output Current
(VOUT = 1.5V, VCON = 0.5V)
Efficiency vs Output Current
(VOUT = 3.25V, VCON = 1.08V)
20141618
20141619
Logic High Threshold Voltage
Forced Bypass Operation
(VIN = 3.0V)
20141625
20141642
Load Transient Response
(VOUT = 3.4V, VCON = 1.13V)
Load Transient Response
(VOUT = 1.5V, VCON = 0.5V)
20141621
20141620
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LM3203
Typical Performance Characteristics (Circuit in Figure 1, PVIN = VDD = EN = 3.6V, BYP = 0V, TA =
25˚C, unless otherwise noted) (Continued)
LM3203
Typical Performance Characteristics (Circuit in Figure 1, PVIN = VDD = EN = 3.6V, BYP = 0V, TA =
25˚C, unless otherwise noted) (Continued)
Startup
(VIN = 4.2V, VOUT = 3.4V, 10Ω)
Shutdown Response
(VIN = 4.2V, VOUT = 3.4V, 10Ω)
20141622
20141623
VCON Voltage Response
(VIN = 4.2V, VCON = 0.5V/1.13V)
Line Transient Response
(VIN = 3.0V to 3.6V)
20141626
20141627
Timed Current Limit Response
(normal operation to short circuit)
Output Voltage Ripple
(VOUT = 1.5V, VCON = 0.5V)
20141628
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20141629
8
Output Voltage Ripple
(VOUT = 3.25V, VCON = 1.08V)
Output Voltage Ripple in Dropout
(VIN = 3.57V, VOUT = 3.25V, ILOAD = 200 mA)
20141630
20141631
RDSON vs Temperature
(P-FET)
RDSON vs Temperature
(N-FET)
20141632
20141633
RDSON vs Temperature
(Bypass FET)
Dropout Voltage vs Output Current
(RDC : Inductor DC Resistance)
20141634
20141641
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LM3203
Typical Performance Characteristics (Circuit in Figure 1, PVIN = VDD = EN = 3.6V, BYP = 0V, TA =
25˚C, unless otherwise noted) (Continued)
LM3203
Block Diagram
20141635
with 3.2V output, 3.6V input. PWM mode quiescent current is
0.675 mA (typ.). The FB pin voltage is dynamically programmable from 0.267V to 1.2V by adjusting the voltage on the
VCON. External divider resistors can change the output
voltge range. This ensures longer battery life by being able
to change the PA supply voltage dynamically depending on
its transmitting power.
Operation Description
The LM3203 is a simple, step-down DC-DC converter with a
bypass switch, optimized for powering RF power amplifiers
(PAs) in mobile phones, portable communicators, and similar
battery powered RF devices. It is designed to allow the RF
PA to operate at maximum efficiency over a wide range of
power levels from a single Li-Ion battery cell. It is based on
current-mode buck architecture, with synchronous rectification for high efficiency. It is designed for a maximum load
capability of 500mA. Maximum load range may vary from
this depending on input voltage, output voltage and the
inductor chosen.
The device has all three of the pin-selectable operating
modes required for powering RF PAs in mobile phones and
other sophisticated portable device with complex power
management needs. Fixed-frequency PWM operation offers
regulated output at high efficiency while minimizing interference with sensitive IF and data acquisition circuits. Bypass
mode turns on an internal FET bypass switch to power the
PA directly from the battery. This helps the RF power amplifier maintain its operating power during low battery conditions by reducing the dropout voltage across the LM3203.
Shutdown mode turns the device off and reduces battery
consumption to 0.1µA (typ.).
DC PWM mode output voltage precision is +/-2% for
1.2VOUT. Efficiency is typically around 96% for a 150mA load
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Additional features include current overload protection, over
voltage protection and thermal shutdown.
The LM3203 is constructed using a chip-scale 10-pin micro
SMD package. This package offers the smallest possible
size, for space-critical applications such as cell phones,
where board area is an important design consideration. Use
of a high switching frequency (2MHz typ.) reduces the size of
external components. Use of a micro SMD package requires
special design considerations for implementation. (See Micro SMD Package Assembly and use in the Applications
Information section.) Its fine bump-pitch requires careful
board design and precision assembly equipment. Use of this
package is best suited for opaque-case applications, where
its edges are not subject to high-intensity ambient red or
infrared light. Also, the system controller should set EN low
during power-up and other low supply voltage conditions.
(See Shutdown Mode in the Device Information section.)
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LM3203
Operation Description
(Continued)
20141636
FIGURE 1. Typical Operating System Circuit where baseband controls the output voltage using a DAC
of the cycle. If an increase in load pulls the output down, the
error amplifier output increases, which allows the inductor
current to ramp higher before the comparator turns off the
PFET. This increases the average current sent to the output
and adjusts for the increase in the load. The minimum ontime of PFET in PWM mode is 50ns (typ.).
Circuit Operation
Referring to Figure 1, the LM3203 operates as follows. During the first part of each switching cycle, the control block in
the LM3203 turns on the internal PFET (P-channel MOSFET) switch. This allows current to flow from the input
through the inductor to the output filter capacitor and load.
The inductor limits the current to a ramp with a slope of
around ( VIN - VOUT ) / L, by storing energy in a magnetic
field. During the second part of each cycle, the controller
turns the PFET switch off, blocking current flow from the
input, and then turns the NFET (N-channel MOSFET) synchronous rectifier on. In response, the inductor’s magnetic
field collapses, generating a voltage that forces current from
ground through the synchronous rectifier to the output filter
capacitor and load. As the stored energy is transferred back
into the circuit and depleted, the inductor current ramps
down with a slope around VOUT / L. The output filter capacitor stores charge when the inductor current is going high,
and releases it when inductor current is going low, smoothing the voltage across the load.
The output voltage is regulated by modulating the PFET
switch on time to control the average current sent to the load.
The effect is identical to sending a duty-cycle modulated
rectangular wave formed by the switch and synchronous
rectifier at SW to a low-pass filter formed by the inductor and
output filter capacitor. The output voltage is equal to the
average voltage at the SW pin.
Bypass Mode
The LM3203 contains an internal PFET switch for bypassing
the PWM DC-DC converter during Bypass mode. In Bypass
mode, this PFET is turned on to power the PA directly from
the battery for maximum RF output power. Bypass mode is
more efficient than operating in PWM mode at 100% duty
cycle because the resistance of the bypass PFET is less
than the series resistance of the PWM PFET and inductor.
This translates into higher voltage available on the output in
Bypass mode, for a given battery voltage. The part can be
placed in bypass mode by sending BYP pin high. It remains
in bypass mode until BYP pin goes low.
It is recommended to connect BYPOUT pin directly to the
output capacitor with a separate trace and not to the FB pin.
Connect the BYPOUT pin to the VDD pin when Bypass mode
is not required.
If VCON is less than approx. 0.15V, the Bypass FET is turned
off.
Operating Mode Selection Control
The LM3203 is designed for digital control of the operating
modes using the BYP pin. Setting the BYP pin high ( > 1.2V)
places the device in Bypass mode. Setting BYP pin low
( < 0.4V) forces operation in PWM mode.
Bypass and PWM operation overlap during the transition
between the two modes. This transition time is approximately 31µs when changing from PWM to Bypass mode,
and 15µs when changing from Bypass to PWM mode. This
helps prevent under or overshoots during the transition period between PWM and Bypass modes.
PWM Mode
While in PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) mode, the output
voltage is regulated by switching at a constant frequency
and then modulating the energy per cycle to control power to
the load. Energy per cycle is set by modulating the PFET
switch on-time pulse width to control the peak inductor current. This is done by comparing the PFET drain current to a
slope-compensated reference current generated by the error
amplifier. At the beginning of each cycle, the clock turns on
the PFET switch, causing the inductor current to ramp up.
When the current sense signal ramps past the error amplifier
signal, the PWM comparator turns off the PFET switch and
turns on the NFET synchronous rectifier, ending the first part
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LM3203
mode, a 940mA (max.) cycle-by-cycle current limit is normally used. If an excessive load pulls the output voltage
down to below approximately 0.375V, indicating a possible
short to ground, then the device switches to a timed current
limit mode. In timed current limit mode, the internal PFET
switch is turned off after the current comparator trips, and the
beginning of the next cycle is inhibited for 3.5µs to force the
instantaneous inductor current to ramp down to a safe value.
After the 3.5µs interval, the internal PFET is turned on again.
This cycle is repeated until the load is reduced and the
output voltage exceeds approximately 0.375V. Therefore,
the device may not startup if an excessive load is connected
to the output when the device is enabled. The synchronous
rectifier is off in the timed current limit mode. Timed current
limit prevents the loss of current control seen in some products when the output voltage is pulled low in serious overload conditions. This timed current limit function is disabled if
the BYPOUT pin is connected to VDD.
Shutdown Mode
Setting the EN digital pin low ( < 0.4V) places the LM3203 in
a 0.1µA (typ.) Shutdown mode. During shutdown, the PFET
switch, NFET synchronous rectifier, reference voltage
source, control and bias circuitry of the LM3203 are turned
off. Setting EN high ( > 1.2V) enables normal operation.
EN should be set low to turn off the LM3203 during power-up
and under voltage conditions when the power supply is less
than the 2.7V minimum operating voltage. The LM3203 is
designed for compact portable applications, such as mobile
phones. In such applications, the system controller determines power supply sequencing and requirements for small
package size outweigh the benefit of including UVLO (Under
Voltage Lock-Out) circuitry.
Dynamically Adjustable Output
Voltage
A current limit is also provided for the NFET. This is approximately −500mA. Both the NFET and the PFET are turned off
in negative current limit until the PFET is turned on again at
the beginning of the next cycle. The negative current limit
inhibits buildup of excessive negative inductor current.
The LM3203 features dynamically adjustable output voltage.
The output can be set by changing the voltage on the analog
VCON pin. This feature is useful in PA applications where
peak power is needed only when the handset is far away
from the base station or when data is being transmitted. In
other instances, the transmitting power can be reduced.
Hence the supply voltage to the PA can be reduced, promoting longer battery life. See Setting the Output Voltage in the
Application Information section for further details.
In the Bypass mode, the bypass current limit is 1000mA
(typ.). The output voltage drops when the bypass current
limit kicks in.
Thermal Overload Protection
Over Voltage Protection
The LM3203 has a thermal overload protection function to
protect the device from short-term misuse and overload
conditions. When the junction temperature exceeds around
150˚C, the device inhibits operation. Both the PFET and the
NFET are turned off in PWM mode, and the Bypass PFET is
turned off in Bypass mode. When the temperature drops
below 130˚C, normal operation resumes. Prolonged operation in thermal overload conditions may damage the device.
The LM3203 has an over voltage comparator that prevents
the output voltage from rising too high, when the device is
left in PWM mode under light-load conditions, during output
voltage steps, or during startup. When the FB pin voltage
rises by 100mV over the VCON voltage, the OVP comparator
inhibits PWM operation to skip pulses until the feedback
voltage returns to the VCON voltage. During the over voltage
protection mode, both the PWM PFET and the NFET synchronous rectifier are off. When the part comes out of the
over-voltage protection mode, the NFET synchronous rectifier remains off for approximately 3.5µs to avoid inductor
current going negative.
Application Information
SETTING THE OUTPUT VOLTAGE
The LM3203 features a pin-controlled variable feedback voltage. It can be programmed for an output voltage from 0.8V
to 3.6V by setting the voltage on the VCON pin, as in the
formula below ( Refer Figure 1). In this scheme the output
voltage is directly proportional to VCON.
VOUT = (( R1 + R2) / R2 ) x VCON
Internal Synchronous Rectification
While in PWM mode, the LM3203 uses an internal NFET as
a synchronous rectifier to reduce rectifier forward voltage
drop and associated power loss. Synchronous rectification
provides a significant improvement in efficiency whenever
the output voltage is relatively low compared to the voltage
drop across an ordinary rectifier diode.
With medium and heavy loads, the internal NFET synchronous rectifier is turned on during the inductor current down
slope in the second part of each cycle. The synchronous
rectifier is turned off prior to the next cycle. There is no zero
cross detect, which means that the NFET can conduct current in both directions and inductor current is always continuous. The advantage of this method is that the part remains in PWM mode at light loads or no load conditions. The
NFET has a current limit. The NFET is designed to conduct
through its intrinsic body diode during transient intervals
before it turns on, eliminating the need for an external diode.
When VCON is between 0.267V and 1.20V, the output voltage will follow the above equation. For example, the VOUT is
proportionally 3 times of VCON when external resistor dividers are used as in Figure 1 .
If VOUT is over 3.6V, sub-harmonic oscillation may occur
because of insufficient slope compensation.
If the target voltage is less than 0.8V, the output voltage may
not be regulated due to the required on-time being less than
the minimum on-time (50ns). The output voltage can go
lower than 0.8V providing a limited VIN range is used. Refer
to datasheet curve (Low VCON Voltage vs Output Voltage) for
details. This curve is for a typical part and there could be part
to part variation for output voltages less than 0.8V over the
limited VIN range. In addition, if the VCON voltage is less than
approx. 0.15V, the LM3203 output is off, but the internal bias
circuits are still active.
Current Limiting
A current limit feature allows the LM3203 to protect itself and
external components during overload conditions. In PWM
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sufficiently low ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) to perform these functions. The ESR of the filter capacitors is
generally a major factor in voltage ripple.
(Continued)
INDUCTOR SELECTION
A 3.3µH inductor with saturation current rating over 940mA is
recommended for almost all applications. The inductor resistance should be less than 0.3Ω for better efficiency. Table 1
lists suggested inductors and suppliers.
MICRO SMD PACKAGE ASSEMBLY AND USE
Use of the Micro SMD package requires specialized board
layout, precision mounting and careful re-flow techniques, as
detailed in National Semiconductor Application Note 1112.
Refer to the section Surface Mount Technology (SMD) Assembly Considerations. For best results in assembly, alignment ordinals on the PC board should be used to facilitate
placement of the device. The pad style used with Micro SMD
package must be the NSMD (non-solder mask defined) type.
This means that the solder-mask opening is larger than the
pad size. This prevents a lip that otherwise forms if the
solder-mask and pad overlap, from holding the device off the
surface of the board and interfering with mounting. See
Application Note 1112 for specific instructions how to do this.
The 10-Bump package used for the LM3203 has 300 micron
solder balls and requires 10.82 mil pads for mounting on the
circuit board. The trace to each pad should enter the pad
with a 90˚ entry angle to prevent debris from being caught in
deep corners. Initially, the trace to each pad should be 6-7
mil wide, for a section approximately 6 mil long or longer, as
a thermal relief. Then each trace should neck up or down to
its optimal width. The important criterion is symmetry. This
ensures the solder bumps on the LM3203 re-flow evenly and
that the device solders level to the board. In particular,
special attention must be paid to the pads for bumps B3, C3
and D3. Because PGND and PVIN are typically connected to
large copper planes, inadequate thermal relief can result in
inadequate re-flow of these bumps.
The Micro SMD package is optimized for the smallest possible size in applications with red or infrared opaque cases.
Because the Micro SMD package lacks the plastic encapsulation characteristic of larger devices, it is vulnerable to light.
Backside metalization and/or epoxy coating, along with frontside shading by the printed circuit board, reduce this sensitivity. However, the package has exposed die edges. In
particular, Micro SMD devices are sensitive to light, in the
red and infrared range, shining on the package’s exposed
die edges.
Do not use or power-up the LM3203 while subjecting it to
high intensity red or infrared light; otherwise degraded, unpredictable or erratic operation may result. Examples of light
sources with high red or infrared content include the sun and
halogen lamps. Place the device in a case opaque to red or
infrared light.
TABLE 1. Suggested Inductors and Their Suppliers
Model
Size (WxLxH) [mm]
Vendor
DO3314-332MX
3.3 x 3.3 x 1.4
Coilcraft
NR3015T3R3M
3.0 x 3.0 x 1.5
Taiyo- Yuden
A 2.2uH inductor can be used if maximum current in PWM
mode is 300mA. For low-cost applications, an unshielded
bobbin inductor can be used. For noise-critical applications,
a toroidal or shielded-bobbin inductor should be used. A
good practice is to layout the board with footprints accommodating both types for design flexibility. This allows substitution of an unshielded inductor, in the event that noise from
low-cost bobbin models is unacceptable. Saturation occurs
when the magnetic flux density from current through the
windings of the inductor exceeds what the inductor’s core
material can support with a corresponding magnetic field.
This can cause poor efficiency, regulation errors or stress to
a DC-DC converter like the LM3203.
CAPACITOR SELECTION
The LM3203 is designed to be used with ceramic capacitors.
Use a 10µF ceramic capacitor for the input and a 4.7µF
ceramic capacitor for the output. Ceramic capacitors such as
X5R, X7R and B are recommended for both filters. These
provide an optimal balance between small size, cost, reliability and performance for cell phones and similar applications.
Table 2 lists suggested capacitors and suppliers.
TABLE 2. Suggested Capacitors and Their Suppliers.
4.7µF for COUT and 10µF for CIN
Model
Size (EIA)
Vendor
LMK212BJ475MG
2012 (0805)
Taiyo-Yuden
C2012X5R0J475K
2012 (0805)
TDK
C3216X5R1A106K
3216 (1206)
TDK
The DC bias characteristics of the capacitor must be considered when selecting case sizes. If smaller case size such as
1608 (0603) is selected, the dc bias could reduce the cap
value by as much as 40%, in addition to the 20% tolerances
and 15% temperature coefficients. Request dc bias curves
from manufacturer when making selection.The device has
been designed to be stable with output capacitance as low
as 3µF to account for capacitor tolerances.This value includes dc bias reduction, manufacturing tolerences and
temp coefficients.
The input filter capacitor supplies AC current drawn by the
PFET switch of the LM3203 in the first part of each cycle and
reduces the voltage ripple imposed on the input power
source. A 0.1µF capacitor is also recommended close to VDD
pin. The output filter capacitor absorbs the AC inductor current, helps maintain a steady output voltage during transient
load changes and reduces output voltage ripple. These capacitors must be selected with sufficient capacitance and
BOARD LAYOUT CONSIDERATIONS
PC board layout is an important part of DC-DC converter
design. Poor board layout can disrupt the performance of a
DC-DC converter and surrounding circuitry by contributing to
EMI, ground bounce, and resistive voltage loss in the traces.
These can send erroneous signals to the DC-DC converter,
resulting in poor regulation or instability. Poor layout can also
result in re-flow problems leading to poor solder joints between the Micro SMD package and board pads. Poor solder
joints can result in erratic or degraded performance. Good
layout for the LM3203 can be implemented by following a
few simple design rules.
13
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LM3203
Application Information
LM3203
Application Information
1.
Place the LM3203 on 10.82 mil pads. As a thermal relief,
connect to each pad with a 7 mil wide, approximately 7
mil long traces, and when incrementally increase each
trace to its optimal width. The important criterion is symmetry to ensure the solder bumps on the LM3203 re-flow
evenly (see Micro SMD Package Assembly and Use).
2.
Place the LM3203, inductor and filter capacitors close
together and make the trace short. The traces between
these components carry relatively high switching currents and act as antennas. Following this rule reduces
radiated noise. Place the capacitors and inductor close
to the LM3203. The input capacitor should be placed
right next to the device between PVIN and PGND pin.
3.
Arrange the components so that the switching current
loops curl in the same direction. During the first half of
each cycle, current flows from the input filter capacitor,
through the LM3203 and inductor to the output filter
capacitor and back through ground, forming a current
loop. In the second half of each cycle, current is pulled
up from ground, through the LM3203 by the inductor, to
the output filter capacitor and then back through ground,
forming a second current loop. Routing these loops so
the current curls in the same direction, prevents magnetic field reversal between the two half-cycles and reduces radiated noise.
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4.
(Continued)
5.
Connect the ground pins of the LM3203, and filter capacitors together using generous component side copper fill as a pseudo-ground plane. Then connect this to
the ground-plane (if one is used) with several vias. This
reduces ground plane noise by preventing the switching
currents from circulating through the ground plane. It
also reduces ground bounce at the LM3203 by giving it
a low impedance ground connection.
Use wide traces between the power components and for
power connections to the DC-DC converter circuit. This
reduces voltage errors caused by resistive losses across
the traces.
6. Route noise sensitive traces, such as the voltage feedback trace, away from noisy traces and components.
The voltage feedback trace must remain close to the
LM3203 circuit and should be routed directly from FB pin
to VOUT at the output capacitor. A good approach is to
route the feedback trace on another layer and to have a
ground plane between the top layer and the layer on
which the feedback trace is routed. This reduces EMI
radiation on to the DC-DC converter’s own voltage feedback trace.
7. It is recommended to connect BYPOUT pin to VOUT at
the output capacitor using a separate trace, instead of
connecting it directly to the FB pin for better noise
immunity.
14
inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted
10-Bump Thin Micro SMD, Large Bump
X1 = 1.819mm ± 0.030mm
X2 = 2.174mm ± 0.030mm
X3 = 0.600mm ± 0.075mm
NS Package Number TLP10NHA
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the right at any time without notice to change said circuitry and specifications.
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LM3203 Step-Down DC-DC Converter with Bypass Mode for CDMA / WCDMA RF Power
Amplifiers
Physical Dimensions