MAXIM MAX8751ETJ

19-3784; Rev 0; 8/05
KIT
ATION
EVALU
LE
B
A
IL
A
AV
Fixed-Frequency, Full-Bridge CCFL
Inverter Controller
The MAX8751 cold-cathode-fluorescent lamp (CCFL)
inverter controller is designed to drive multiple CCFLs
using the fixed-frequency, full-bridge inverter topology.
The MAX8751 operates in resonant mode during striking
and switches over to constant-frequency operation after
all the lamps are lit. This unique feature ensures reliable
striking under all conditions and reduces the transformer
stress.
The MAX8751 can drive large power MOSFETs typically
used in applications where one power stage drives four
or more CCFL lamps in parallel. An internal 5.35V linear
regulator powers the MOSFET drivers and most of the
internal circuitry. The controller operates over a wide
input-voltage range (6V to 28V) with high power to light
efficiency. The device also includes safety features that
effectively protect against many single-point fault conditions, including lamp-out and short-circuit conditions.
The MAX8751 achieves a 10:1 dimming range by “chopping” the lamp current on and off using the digital pulsewidth modulation (DPWM) method. The DPWM frequency
can be accurately adjusted with a resistor or synchronized to an external signal. The brightness is controlled
by an analog voltage on the CNTL pin.
The MAX8751 is capable of synchronizing and adjusting
the phase of the gate drivers and DPWM oscillator. These
features allow multiple MAX8751 ICs to be connected in a
daisy-chain configuration. The switching frequency and
DPWM frequency can be easily adjusted using external
resistors, or synchronized with system signals. If the controller loses the external sync signals, it switches over to
the internal oscillators and keeps operating. Phase-shift
select pins PS1 and PS2 can be used to program up to
four different phase shifts, allowing up to five MAX8751s
to be used together.
The MAX8751 is available in a low-profile, 32-pin TQFN
package and operates over the -40°C to +85°C temperature range.
Features
♦ All n-Type MOSFET Low-Cost, Full-Bridge,
Fixed-Frequency Inverter Topology for Highest
Efficiency
♦ Resonant-Mode Striking Ensures Startup
♦ Strong Gate Drivers Can Easily Drive Large
External MOSFETs for Multilamp Applications
♦ Adjustable DPWM Frequency with Sync and
Phase-Shift Capability
♦ 10:1 Dimming Range with Accurate Analog
Interface
♦ Lamp-Out Detection with Adjustable Timeout
♦ Secondary Current Limit with Adjustable Timeout
♦ Adjustable Secondary Voltage Limiting
♦ Adjustable DPWM Rise and Fall Time
♦ Wide Input Voltage Range (6V to 28V)
♦ 32-Pin TQFN Package
Minimal Operating Circuit
VIN
7V TO 24V
3A
GND
IN
GND
VCC
VCC
SEL
GH1
BST1
ON/OFF
SHDN
BRIGHTNESS
CNTL
PCOMP
LX2
BST2
T1
PGND1
HF
PGND2
LF
GH2
HFCK
ISEC
Notebook Computers
Automotive Infotainment
LX1
GL1
Applications
LCD TVs
LCD Monitors
MAX8751
GL2
CCFL
HSYNC
Ordering Information
LSYNC
VFB
LFCK
PART
MAX8751ETJ
TEMP RANGE
PIN-PACKAGE
-40°C to +85°C
32 TQFN
DPWM
IFB
PSCK
PS1
COMP
PS2
TFLT
Pin Configuration appears at end of data sheet.
________________________________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim/Dallas Direct! at
1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.
1
MAX8751
General Description
MAX8751
Fixed-Frequency, Full-Bridge CCFL
Inverter Controller
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
IN, LX1, LX2 to GND...............................................-0.3V to +30V
BST1, BST2 to GND ...............................................-0.3V to +36V
BST2 to LX2..............................................................-0.3V to +6V
VCC to GND ..............................................................-0.3V to +6V
GH1 to LX1 ................................................-0.3V to VBST1 + 0.3V
GH2 to LX2 ................................................-0.3V to VBST2 + 0.3V
CNTL, SEL COMP, GL1, GL2, DPWM,
HF, LF, HFCK, HSYNC, LSYNC, LFCK, PCOMP, PS1, PSCK,
TFLT, PS2, SHDN to GND...........................-0.3V to VCC + 0.3V
IFB, ISEC, VFB to GND................................................-6V to +6V
PGND1, PGND2 to GND ..........................................-0.3V to +3V
Continuous Power Dissipation (TA = +70°C)
32-Pin TQFN (derate 21.3mW/°C above +70°C) ....1702.1mW
Operating Temperature Range ...........................-40°C to +85°C
Junction Temperature ......................................................+150°C
Storage Temperature Range .............................-65°C to +160°C
Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s) .................................+300°C
Stresses beyond those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional
operation of the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the operational sections of the specifications is not implied. Exposure to
absolute maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(VIN = 24V, TA = 0°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at TA = +25°C.)
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
IN Input-Voltage Range
MIN
TYP
6
IN Quiescent Current
VSHDN = 5.5V, VIN = 28V
IN Quiescent Current, Shutdown
VSHDN = 0
VCC Output Voltage, Normal
Operation
VCC Output Voltage, Shutdown
VSHDN = 5.5V, 6V < VIN < 28V,
0 < ILOAD < 20mA
VSHDN = 0, no load
VCC Undervoltage
Lockout Threshold
VCC rising (leaving lockout)
VCC falling (entering lockout)
MAX
UNITS
28
V
3.2
6
mA
6
20
µA
5.20
5.35
5.50
V
3.5
4.6
5.5
V
4.5
4.0
VCC Undervoltage Lockout
Hysteresis
200
V
mV
GH1, GH2, GL1, and GL2
On-Resistance, Low State
ITEST = 10mA; VCC = 5.3V
1
3
Ω
GH1, GH2, GL1, and GL2
On-Resistance, High State
ITEST = 10mA; VCC = 5.3V
4
8
Ω
BST1, BST2 Leakage Current
VBST1 = 24V, VLX1 = 19V; VBST2 = 24V, VLX2 = 19V
Resonant Frequency Range
Not tested
30
5
µA
80
kHz
Minimum Off-Time
240
360
480
ns
Maximum Off-Time
20
30
40
µs
Current-Limit Threshold;
LX1 - GND, LX2 - GND
380
400
420
mV
5
10
15
mV
Zero-Crossing Threshold:
LX1 - GND, LX2 - GND
IFB Maximum AC Voltage
±3
Current-Limit Leading Edge
Blanking
IFB Regulation Point
IFB Input Bias Current
2
Internally full-wave rectified
V
240
360
480
ns
770
790
810
mV
0 < VIFB < 2V
-3
-2V < VIFB < 0
-150
_______________________________________________________________________________________
+3
µA
Fixed-Frequency, Full-Bridge CCFL
Inverter Controller
MAX8751
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
(VIN = 24V, TA = 0°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at TA = +25°C.)
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
IFB Lamp-Out Threshold
Reject 1µs glitches
IFB-to-COMP Transconductance
1V < VCOMP < 2.5V
MIN
730
COMP Output Impedance
TYP
MAX
UNITS
780
830
mV
100
µS
10
MΩ
COMP Discharge Current During
Overvoltage or Overcurrent Fault
VIFB = 800mV, VISEC = 2.5V
1200
µA
COMP Discharge Current During
DPWM Off-Time
CNTL = GND, VCOMP = 1.5V
100
µA
ISEC Input Bias Current
-0.3
ISEC Overcurrent Threshold
VFB Input Bias Current
1.18
-4V < VVFB < +4V
VFB Overvoltage Threshold
Main Oscillator Frequency
RHF = 100kΩ
Main Oscillator Frequency
Range
+0.3
1.22
-25
µA
1.26
V
+25
µA
2.10
2.25
2.40
V
52.2
53.8
55.4
kHz
100
kHz
0.8
V
20
HF, LF, HFCK, LFCK
Input-Low Voltage
Slave mode, VCNTL = VCC
HF, LF, HFCK, LFCK
Input-High Voltage
Slave mode, VCNTL = VCC
HF, LF, HFCK, LFCK Input
Hysteresis
Slave mode, VCNTL = VCC
HF, LF, HFCK, LFCK
Input Bias Current
Slave mode, VCNTL = VCC
-1
+1
µA
HF Input-Frequency Range
Slave mode, VCNTL = VCC
20
100
kHz
HF, LF, HFCK, LFCK
Input Rise and Fall Time
Slave mode, VCNTL = VCC
200
ns
0.8
V
2.1
V
100
HSYNC, LSYNC Input-Low
Voltage
HSYNC, LSYNC Input-High
Voltage
2.1
HSYNC, LSYNC Input Hysteresis
V
100
HSYNC, LSYNC Input Bias
Current
HSYNC Input Frequency Range
DPWM Chopping Frequency
Range
RLF = 150kΩ
mV
-1
+1
µA
190
460
kHz
200
ns
214
Hz
300
Hz
HSYNC, LSYNC Input Rise and
Fall Time
DPWM Chopping Frequency
mV
202
80
208
_______________________________________________________________________________________
3
MAX8751
Fixed-Frequency, Full-Bridge CCFL
Inverter Controller
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
(VIN = 24V, TA = 0°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at TA = +25°C.)
MAX
UNITS
LF Input Frequency Range
PARAMETER
Slave mode, VCNTL = VCC
CONDITIONS
MIN
80
TYP
300
Hz
LSYNC Input Frequency Range
RLF = 150kΩ
120
280
Hz
HFCK Input Frequency Range
Slave mode, VCNTL = VCC (Note 1)
120
600
kHz
HFCK, LFCK, PSCK, DPWM
Output On-Resistance
ITEST = 1mA
2.4
kΩ
LFCK Input Frequency Range
Slave mode, VCNTL = VCC
38.40
kHz
10.24
CNTL Minimum Duty-Cycle
Threshold
0.21
0.23
0.26
V
CNTL Maximum Duty-Cycle
Threshold
1.9
2.0
2.1
V
CNTL Input Current
0 < VCNTL < 2V
-0.1
CNTL Input Threshold
Slave mode
4.2
DPWM Dimming Resolution
Guaranteed monotonic
4.5
+0.1
V
4.9
V
7
SEL, PS1, PS2
Input-Low Voltage
Bits
0.8
SEL, PS1, PS2
Input-High Voltage
2.1
SEL, PS1, PS2
Input Hysteresis
V
V
100
SHDN Input-Low Voltage
mV
0.8
mV
SHDN Input-High Voltage
SEL, PS1, PS2 input-high voltage
2.1
SEL, PS1, PS2 Input Bias Current
SEL, PS1, PS2 input hysteresis
-1
+1
µA
-1
+1
µA
SHDN Input Bias Current
VISEC < 1.25 and VIFB < 790mV,
VFLT = 2.0V
TFLT Charging Current
TFLT Trip Threshold
4
0.95
V
1.00
VISEC < 1.25 and VIFB < 790mV,
VFLT = 2.0V
-1
VISEC < 1.25 and VIFB < 790mV,
VFLT = 2.0V
126
3.85
4.00
_______________________________________________________________________________________
1.05
µA
4.15
V
Fixed-Frequency, Full-Bridge CCFL
Inverter Controller
(VIN = 24V, TA = -40°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 2)
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
IN Input-Voltage Range
MIN
6
TYP
MAX
UNITS
28
V
IN Quiescent Current
VSHDN = 5.5V, VIN = 28V
6
mA
IN Quiescent Current, Shutdown
VSHDN = 0
20
µA
VCC Output Voltage, Normal
Operation
VSHDN = 5.5V, 6V < VIN < 28V,
0 < ILOAD < 20mA
5.20
5.50
V
VCC Output Voltage, Shutdown
VSHDN = 0, no load
3.50
5.50
V
VCC Undervoltage
Lockout Threshold
VCC rising (leaving lockout)
VCC falling (entering lockout)
4.5
4.0
V
GH1, GH2, GL1, and GL2
On-Resistance, Low State
ITEST = 10mA, VCC = 5.3V
3
Ω
GH1, GH2, GL1, and GL2
On-Resistance, High State
ITEST = 10mA, VCC = 5.3V
8
Ω
Minimum Off-Time
240
480
ns
Maximum Off-Time
20
40
µs
Current-Limit Threshold: LX1 GND, LX2 - GND
380
420
mV
5
15
mV
240
480
ns
Zero-Crossing Threshold: LX1 GND, LX2 - GND
Current-Limit Leading-Edge
Blanking
IFB Lamp-Out Threshold
730
830
mV
IFB Regulation Point
Reject 1µs glitches
755
820
mV
ISEC Overcurrent Threshold
1.16
1.26
V
2.10
2.40
V
51.7
55.9
kHz
VFB Overvoltage Threshold
Main Oscillator Frequency
RHF = 100kΩ
_______________________________________________________________________________________
5
MAX8751
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
MAX8751
Fixed-Frequency, Full-Bridge CCFL Inverter
Controller
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
(VIN = 24V, TA = -40°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 2)
MAX
UNITS
HF Input-Frequency Range
PARAMETER
Slave mode, VCNTL = VCC
20
100
kHz
HSYNC Input Frequency Range
Slave mode, VCNTL = VCC
190
460
kHz
HFCK Input Frequency Range
Slave mode, VCNTL = VCC
120
600
kHz
DPWM Chopping Frequency
RLF = 150kΩ
202
215
Hz
LF Input Frequency Range
Slave mode, VCNTL = VCC
80
300
Hz
LSYNC Input Frequency Range
RLF = 150kΩ
120
280
Hz
CNTL Minimum Duty Cycle
Threshold
0.21
0.26
V
CNTL Maximum Duty Cycle
Threshold
1.9
2.1
V
4.2
4.9
mV
CNTL Input Threshold
CONDITIONS
Slave mode
MIN
TYP
Note 1: Actual switching frequency is 1/6 of the HFCK.
Note 2: -40°C specifications are guaranteed by design, not production tested.
6
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Fixed-Frequency, Full-Bridge CCFL
Inverter Controller
MINIMUM BRIGHTNESS
STARTUP WAVEFORM (VCNTL = 0)
NORMAL OPERATION
MINIMUM BRIGHTNESS
DPWM OPERATION (VCNTL = 0)
MAX8751 toc02
MAX8751 toc01
MAX8751 toc03
A
A
A
B
B
B
C
D
C
C
2ms/div
20µs/div
1ms/s
A: COMP, 500mV/div
B: IFB, 2V/div
C: VFB, 1V/div
A: VFB, 1V/div
B: LX1, 10V/div
C: LX2, 10V/div
D: IFB, 2V/div
A: COMP, 500mV/div
B: IFB, 2V/div
C: VFB, 1V/div
50% BRIGHTNESS DWPM WAVEFORM
(VCNTL = 1V)
50% BRIGHTNESS STARTUP WAVEFORM
DPWM SOFT-START
MAX8751 toc06
MAX8751 toc05
MAX8751 toc04
A
A
A
B
C
B
C
C
100µs/div
1ms/div
2ms/div
A: COMP, 500mV/div
B: IFB, 2V/div
C: VFB, 1V/div
B
A: COMP, 500mV/div
B: IFB, 2V/div
C: VFB, 1V/div
A: COMP, 1V/div
B: IFB, 1V/div
C: VFB, 1V/div
_______________________________________________________________________________________
7
MAX8751
Typical Operating Characteristics
(Circuit of Figure 1. VIN = 12V, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(Circuit of Figure 1. VIN = 12V, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
LAMP-OUT VOLTAGE LIMITING
AND TIMEOUT
DPWM SOFT-START
SECONDARY SHORT-CIRCUIT
PROTECTOR AND TIMEOUT
MAX8751 toc08
MAX8751 toc07
MAX8751 toc09
A
A
A
B
B
B
C
C
C
400ms/div
100µs/div
10ms/div
A: ISEC, 2V/div
B: COMP, 2V/div
C: TFLT, 5V/div
A: COMP, 5V/div
B: VFB, 2V/div
C: TFLT, 5V/div
A: COMP, 1V/div
B: IFB, 1V/div
C: VFB, 1V/div
DPWM FREQUENCY vs. RLF
65
60
55
50
RMS LAMP CURRENT (mA)
320
DPWM FREQUENCY (Hz)
70
RMS LAMP CURRENT vs. RSENSE
350
MAX8751 toc11
MAX8751 toc10
350
290
260
230
MAX8751 toc12
SWITCHING FREQUENCY vs. RHF
75
SWITCHING FREQUENCY (kHz)
320
290
260
230
45
40
200
75
85
95
105
115
125
135
200
80
100
RHF (kΩ)
120
160
140
130
VCC LINE REGULATION
5.38
VCC (V)
5.36
5.36
5.34
5.34
5.32
5.32
5.30
MAX8751 toc14
5.40
MAX8751 toc13
5.38
160
RSENSE (Ω)
VCC LINE REGULATION
5.30
4
10
16
VIN (V)
8
100
RLF (kΩ)
5.40
VCC (V)
MAX8751
Fixed-Frequency, Full-Bridge CCFL
Inverter Controller
22
28
0
4
8
12
16
20
VIN (V)
_______________________________________________________________________________________
190
220
Fixed-Frequency, Full-Bridge CCFL
Inverter Controller
VCC vs. TEMPERATURE
MAX8751 toc17
MAX8751 toc16
MAX8751 toc15
5.40
VIN = 12V
NOT SWITCHING
5.38
VCC (V)
SWITCHING FREQUENCY
PHASE SHIFT (90°)
DPWM PHASE SHIFT (90°)
A
A
B
B
5.36
5.34
5.32
5.30
0
4
8
12
16
20
TEMPERATURE (°C)
4µs/div
A: MASTER PSCK, 5V/div
B: SLAVE PSCK, 5V/div
2ms/div
A: MASTER DPWM, 5V/div
B: SLAVE DPWM, 5V/div
HF SYNCHRONIZATION
LF SYNCHRONIZATION
MAX8751 toc19
MAX8751 toc18
A
A
B
B
C
4µs/div
2ms/div
A: LSYNC, 5V/div
B: COMP, 500mV/div
A: HSYNC, 5V/div
B: HFCIC, 5V/div
C: IFB, 2V/div
_______________________________________________________________________________________
9
MAX8751
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(Circuit of Figure 1. VIN = 12V, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
Fixed-Frequency, Full-Bridge CCFL
Inverter Controller
MAX8751
Pin Description
PIN
NAME
FUNCTION
VFB
Transformer Secondary Voltage-Feedback Input. VFB pin sets secondary overvoltage limit by using a
capacitive voltage-divider between the high voltage of the CCFL lamp and GND. When the peak
voltage on VFB exceeds the internal overvoltage threshold, the controller turns on an internal current
sink, discharging the COMP capacitor, limiting the secondary voltage. See the Transformer
Secondary Voltage Limiting section for details.
TFLT
Fault Timer-Adjustment Pin. A fault condition sets an internal current source to charge a capacitor
connected between TFLT and GND. Connect a capacitor from TFLT to GND to set the timeout period
for open-lamp fault and secondary short-circuit faults. See the Lamp-Out Protection section for
details.
3
CNTL
Brightness Control Input. The usable brightness control range is from 0 to 2V. VCNTL = 0 represents
minimum brightness (10% DPWM duty cycle), VCNTL = 2V represents full brightness (100% DPWM
duty cycle). When VCNTL is between 2V and 3V, the brightness is still 100%. The MAX8751 enters into
slave mode when CNTL is connected to VCC. See the DPWM Dimming Control section for details.
4
SHDN
Shutdown Control Input. The MAX8751 shuts down when SHDN is pulled to GND.
5
LSYNC
DPWM Sync Input. DPWM frequency can be synchronized with an external signal on LSYNC. When
SEL is connected to VCC, the duty cycle of the LSYNC signal determines the brightness.
6
LFCK
Internal DPWM Oscillator Clock Output. LFCK becomes a logic-level input when CNTL is connected
to VCC.
7
DPWM
DPWM Signal Output. The DPWM output is used to control the DPWM frequency of the slave IC in
master-slave operation. See the Slave Operation (HFCK, LFCK, PSCK, DPWM) section for details.
8
PSCK
Phase-Shift Clock Output. See the Slave Operation (HFCK, LFCK, PSCK, DPWM) and Phase Shift
(PS1, PS2) sections for details.
9
HFCK
Main Switching Oscillator Clock Output. HFCK is a logic-level input when CNTL is connected to VCC.
10
HSYNC
11
SEL
Brightness Control Select Input. Brightness can be adjusted with an analog voltage on CNTL or with
an external sync signal. Connecting SEL to VCC enables analog control input. Connect SEL to VCC to
enable brightness control using external sync signal.
12
LF
Frequency Adjustment Pin for Internal DPWM Oscillator. Connect a resistor from LF to GND to set the
internal DPWM oscillator frequency. fDPWM = 208Hz × 150kΩ / RLF. LF becomes a logic-level input
when CNTL is connected to VCC. See the DPWM Dimming Control section for details.
13
HF
Frequency Adjustment Pin for Main Switching Oscillator. Connect a resistor from HF to GND to set the
main oscillator frequency. fSW = 54kHz × 100kΩ / RHF. HF is a logic-level input when CNTL is
connected to VCC.
14
PS1
Phase-Shift Select Input for Slave. For details, see the Slave Operation (HFCK, LFCK, PSCK, DPWM)
section.
15
PGND2
16
GL2
Gate-Driver Output for Low-Side MOSFET NL2
17
BST2
High-Side Gate Driver GH2 Supply Input. The MAX8751 includes an integrated boost diode. Connect
a 0.1µF capacitor between LX2 and BST2 to complete the bootstrap circuit.
1
2
10
Main Switching Frequency Sync Input. Switching frequency can be synchronized with an external
signal on HSYNC.
Power Ground. PGND is the return for the GL2 gate driver.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Fixed-Frequency, Full-Bridge CCFL
Inverter Controller
PIN
NAME
18
GH2
Gate-Driver Output for High-Side MOSFET NH2
19
LX2
Gate-Driver Return for GH2. LX2 is the input to the primary current-limit and zero-crossing
comparators. The controller senses the voltage across the low-side MOSFET NL2 (LX2 - GND) for
primary overcurrent condition and zero-crossing detection.
20
IN
Supply Input. Input to the internal 5.3V linear regulator that powers the device. Bypass IN to GND with
a 0.1µF ceramic capacitor.
21
VCC
5.3V/20mA Linear Regulator Output. Supply voltage for the device including the low-side gate drivers
GL1 and GL2. Bypass VCC with a 1.0µF ceramic capacitor to GND.
22
LX1
Gate Driver Return for GH1. LX1 is the input to the primary current-limit and zero-crossing
comparators. The controller senses the voltage across the low-side MOSFET NL1 (LX1 - GND) for
primary overcurrent condition and zero-crossing detection.
23
GH1
Gate Driver Output for High-Side MOSFET NH1
24
BST1
High-Side Gate-Driver GH1 Supply Input. The MAX8751 includes an integrated boost diode. Connect
a 0.1µF capacitor between LX1 and BST1 to complete the bootstrap circuit.
25
GL1
Gate-Driver Output for Low-Side MOSFET NL1
26
PGND1
27
GND
28
PCOMP
29
COMP
30
IFB
31
PS2
32
ISEC
—
PAD
DESCRIPTION
Power Ground. PGND is the return for the GL1 gate driver.
System Ground
Compensation Node of the Phase-Lock Loop. Connect a 0.1µF capacitor between PCOMP and GND
to compensate the PLL.
Transconductance Error-Amplifier Output. A compensation capacitor of 0.01µF connected between
COMP and GND stabilizes the controller. The rise and fall time of the lamp-current envelope in DPWM
operation is also determined by the COMP capacitor.
Lamp Current-Feedback Input. The IFB sense signal is internally full-wave rectified. The average
value of the rectified signal is regulated to 790mV (typ) by controlling the on-time of the high-side
MOSFET. An open-lamp fault is generated if the IFB is continuously below 790mV (typ) for a period
set by TFLT. See the Lamp-Out Protection and Setting the Fault-Delay Time sections for details.
Phase-Shift Select Input for Slave. For details, see the Slave Operation (HFCK, LFCK, PSCK, DPWM)
section.
Transformer Secondary Current-Feedback Input. When the average voltage on ISEC exceeds the
internal overcurrent threshold, the controller turns on an internal current sink, discharging the COMP
capacitor. An RC current-sense network connected between the low-voltage end of the transformer
secondary and the ground allows setting the maximum secondary current during short-circuit fault.
Exposed Backside Pad. Connect PAD to GND.
______________________________________________________________________________________
11
MAX8751
Pin Description (continued)
MAX8751
Fixed-Frequency, Full-Bridge CCFL
Inverter Controller
VIN
7V TO 24V
C9
10µF
GND
IN
C10
1.0µF
VCC
GND
VCC
C12
1.0µF
MAX8751
SEL
NH1
GH1
BST1
ON/OFF
SHDN
BRIGHTNESS
CNTL
C7
0.1uF
PCOMP
LX1
NH2
C1
2.2µF
C2
0.1µF
LX2
BST2
C8
0.1µF
NL1
GL1
T1
NL2
PGND1
R3
100kΩ 1%
HF
PGND2
C3
10pF
3kV
GL2
R4
150kΩ1%
LF
HFCK
GH2
ISEC
R2
40.2Ω
HSYNC
R5
1MΩ
CCFL
LSYNC
VFB
LFCK
R6
1MΩ
C4
10nF
DPWM
IFB
PSCK
R1
150Ω
PS1
COMP
PS2
TFLT
C6
0.22µF
C5
0.01µF
Figure 1. Stand-Alone Typical Operating Circuit
12
______________________________________________________________________________________
Fixed-Frequency, Full-Bridge CCFL
Inverter Controller
MAX8751
BIAS
SUPPLY
LINEAR
REGULATOR
IN
MAX8751
EN
SHDN
GND
PS1
FLT
VCC
UVLO
OVERVOLTAGE
COMPARATOR
4.2V
HSYNC
VFB
OVERCURRENT
HIGHFREQ
OSC
RAMP
1200µA
100µA
PS2
PSCK
UVLO
COMPARATOR
2.25V
COMP
PHASE
SELECT
HFCK
HF
LSYNC
PLL AND
DPWM
OSC
PWM
COMPARATOR
IFB
ERROR
AMPLIFIER
PWM CONTROL
LOGIC
DPWM
CNTL
OPEN-LAMP
COMPARATOR
780mV
OVERCURRENT
PRIMARY
OVERCURRENT
AND ZERO
CROSSING
FAULT-DELAY
BLOCK
GH2
LX2
GL1
PGND1
VCC
GL2
PGND2
ISEC
S
1.22V
TFLT
PCOMP
BST1
BST2
GATE
DRIVER
CONTROL
STATE
MACHINE
DIMMING CONTROL
LOGIC
SEL
LF
GH1
LX1
F.W. RECT
790mV
LFCK
SECONDARY OVERCURRENT
COMPARATOR
Q
SHDN
UVLO
RESET
FLT
MUX
R
FAULT
LATCH
Figure 2. Functional Diagram
______________________________________________________________________________________
13
MAX8751
Fixed-Frequency, Full-Bridge CCFL
Inverter Controller
Detailed Description
Figure 1 shows the Stand-Alone Typical Operating
Circuit and Figure 2 shows the Functional Diagram of
the MAX8751. The circuit in Figure 1 consists of a fullbridge inverter, which converts unregulated DC input
voltage into a nearly sinusoidal high-frequency, AC output for powering CCFLs. The MAX8751 is biased from
an internal 5.35V linear regulator with UVLO comparator that ensures stable operation and clean startup
characteristics. The MAX8751 includes several layers
of fault-protection circuitry, consisting of comparators
for detecting primary-side current limit, secondary-side
overvoltage, secondary short circuit, and open-lamp
faults. A logic block arbitrates the comparator outputs
by making sure that a given fault persists for a minimum duration before registering the fault condition. A
separate block provides dimming control based upon
analog or DPWM inputs. Finally, a dedicated logic circuit provides synchronization and phase-control functions for daisy-chaining up to five MAX8751s without
phase overlap.
The MAX8751 operates in resonant mode during striking and switches over to constant-frequency operation
after the IFB voltage rises above the open-lamp threshold. Reliable striking of all lamps is ensured by using
individual transformer secondary winding for each
lamp, or by using ballast capacitors if multiple lamps
are driven by single transformer secondary. The constant-frequency architecture supported by the
MAX8751 can be synchronized and phase shifted for
daisy-chained applications. Multiple lamps can also be
driven in parallel within a single stage. The MAX8751
has sufficient gate drive strength to drive the largepower MOSFETs needed when one power stage drives
four or more CCFL lamps in parallel.
The MAX8751 provides accurate lamp-current regulation. A primary-side current sense provides cycle-bycycle current limit and zero-crossing detection, while the
lamp current is sensed with a separate loop that provides fine adjustment of the lamp current with an external
resistor. The MAX8751 controls lamp brightness by turning the CCFL on and off using a DPWM method, while
maintaining approximately constant lamp current. The
brightness set point can be adjusted with an analog voltage on the CNTL pin, or with an external PWM signal.
The MAX8751 has a single compensation input
(COMP), which also establishes the soft-start and softstop timing characteristics. Control logic changes the
available drive current at COMP based on the operating mode to adjust the inverter’s dynamic behavior.
14
Constant-Frequency Operation
The MAX8751 operates in constant-frequency mode in
normal operation. There are two ways to set the switching frequency:
1) The switching frequency can be set with an external
resistor connected between HF and GND. The switching frequency is given by the following equation:
fSW = 54kHz x
100kΩ
RHF
The adjustable range of the switching frequency is
between 20kHz and 100kHz (RHF is between 270kΩ
and 54kΩ).
2) The switching frequency can be synchronized by
an external high-frequency signal. Connect HF to
GND through a 100kΩ resistor and connect
HSYNC to the external high-frequency signal. The
resulting switching frequency (fSW) is 1/6 the frequency of the external signal (fSYNC):
f
fSW = SYNC
6
The frequency range of the external signal should be
between 120kHz and 600kHz, resulting in a switching
frequency range between 20kHz and 100kHz.
Figure 3 is the timing diagram of constant-frequency
operation, showing the primary current, internal oscillator, and gate signals. At the beginning of the positive
half cycle, switches NH1 and NL2 are ON (see Figure
1), and the primary current ramps up. The controller
turns off NH1 when the primary current reaches it peak,
which is set by the COMP voltage. The primary current
continues to flow through the freewheeling body diode
of NL1. Next, the low-side switch NL1 is turned on
under zero-voltage switching (ZVS) conditions. Now the
primary current starts ramping down. The falling edge
of the internal oscillator turns off NL2 and turns on NH2,
starting the negative half cycle. The fixed-frequency
operation continues with the inverter controlling the fullbridge MOSFETs to produce near the sinusoidal lampcurrent waveform.
Resonant Startup
The MAX8751 operates in resonant mode during startup. In the resonant mode, the switching frequency is
synchronized with the natural resonant frequency of the
resonant tank circuit. The synchronization and phaseshift functions are disabled during startup. Figure 4 is
the timing diagram of the resonant operation showing
the primary current and gate signals. In the resonant
______________________________________________________________________________________
Fixed-Frequency, Full-Bridge CCFL
Inverter Controller
MAX8751
PRIMARY CURRENT
INTERNAL OSCILLATOR
DH1
DH2
DL1
DL2
Figure 3. Fixed-Frequency Timing Diagram
PRIMARY CURRENT
DH1
DH2
DL1
DL2
Figure 4. Resonant Operation Timing Diagram
______________________________________________________________________________________
15
MAX8751
Fixed-Frequency, Full-Bridge CCFL
Inverter Controller
mode, at the beginning of the positive half cycle, NH1
and NL2 turn on and the primary current starts ramping
up. The controller turns off NH1 as the primary current
reaches its peak value. The primary current continues to
flow in the same direction, which forward biases the
body diode of NL1, ramping down the primary current.
When the primary current reaches zero, NL2 is turned off
and NH2 is turned on, starting the negative half cycle.
Lamp-Current Regulation
The MAX8751 uses a lamp-current control loop to regulate the current delivered to the CCFL. The heart of the
control loop is a transconductance error amplifier in
Figure 2. The AC lamp current is sensed with a sense
resistor connected in series with the low-voltage terminal of the lamp. The voltage across this resistor is fed to
the IFB input and is internally full-wave rectified. The
transconductance error amplifier compares the rectified IFB voltage with a 790mV (typ) internal reference to
generate an error current. The error current charges
and discharges a capacitor connected between the
error amplifier’s output (COMP) and ground to create
an error voltage (VCOMP). VCOMP is then compared
with an internal ramp signal to control the high-side
MOSFET switch on-time (tON).
Transformer Secondary Voltage Limiting
The MAX8751 reduces the voltage stress on the transformer’s secondary winding by limiting the secondary
voltage during startup and open-lamp condition. The AC
voltage across the transformer secondary winding is
sensed through a capacitive voltage-divider. The voltage across the low-side capacitor of the divider is fed to
the VFB pin of the MAX8751. An overvoltage comparator compares the VFB voltage with 2.25V (typ) internal
threshold. If the sensed voltage exceeds the overvoltage threshold, the MAX8751 turns on an internal
1200µA current source, which discharges the COMP
capacitor. The high-side MOSFET’s on-time shortens as
the COMP voltage decreases, hence reducing the
transformer’s secondary peak voltage below the threshold set by the capacitive voltage-divider.
Lamp Startup
A CCFL is a gas-discharge lamp that is normally driven
in the avalanche mode. To start ionization in a nonionized lamp, the applied voltage (striking voltage) must
be increased to the level required for the start of
avalanche. For example, the normal running voltage of
a typical CCFL is approximately 650VRMS, but the striking voltage can be as high as 1800VRMS.
The MAX8751’s unique resonant startup method
ensures reliable striking. Before the lamp is ionized, the
16
lamp impedance is infinite. The transformer secondary
leakage inductance and the high-voltage parallel
capacitor determine the unloaded resonant frequency.
Since the unloaded resonant circuit has a high Q, the
inverter keeps increasing the secondary voltage until
either the lamp is struck or the controller activates the
secondary overvoltage protection.
Upon power-up, VCOMP slowly rises, increasing the
duty cycle of the high-side MOSFET switches and providing a measure of soft-start. In addition, the MAX8751
pulls up VFB to the overvoltage threshold (2.25V, typ)
immediately after the device is enabled. The DC voltage on VFB is gradually discharged through an internal
resistor during startup. This feature is equivalent to
slowly raising the overvoltage threshold during startup,
so it further improves the soft-start behavior. The
MAX8751 automatically switches over to constant-frequency operation after the IFB voltage rises above
open-lamp threshold.
Feed-Forward Control and Dropout
Operation
The MAX8751 is designed to maintain tight control of
the lamp current under all transient conditions. The
feed-forward control instantaneously adjusts the ontime for changes in input voltage (VIN). This feature provides immunity to input-voltage variations and simplifies
loop compensation over wide-input voltage ranges. The
feed-forward control also improves the line regulation
for short DPWM on-times and makes startup transients
less dependent on the input voltage.
Feed-forward control is implemented by increasing the
internal voltage ramp rate for higher VIN. This has the
effect of varying tON as a function of the input voltage
while maintaining almost the same signal levels at
VCOMP. Since the required voltage change across the
compensation capacitor is minimal, the controller’s
response to input voltage change is essentially
instantaneous.
DPWM Dimming Control
The MAX8751 controls the brightness of the CCFL by
“chopping” the lamp current on and off using a low-frequency (between 80Hz and 300Hz) DPWM signal
either from the internal oscillator or from an external signal source. In the DPWM operation, COMP controls the
rise and fall of the lamp current. At the beginning of the
DPWM on-cycle, the lamp current is zero; VCOMP linearly rises due to charging from transconductance error
amplifier, and tON increases gradually, increasing the
lamp current slowly, providing soft-start. The lamp current stabilizes after it reaches the regulation point. At
______________________________________________________________________________________
Fixed-Frequency, Full-Bridge CCFL
Inverter Controller
Using the Internal Oscillator
When the MAX8751 is not using an external synchronization signal, the DPWM signal is generated using an
internal oscillator. The frequency of the internal DPWM
oscillator is adjustable through a resistor connected
between LF and GND. The DPWM frequency is given
by the following equation:
fDPWM =
208Hz x 150kΩ
RLF
The adjustable range of the DPWM frequency is between
80Hz and 300Hz (RLF is between 390kΩ and 104kΩ).
The CCFL brightness is proportional to the DPWM duty
cycle, which can be adjusted from 10% to 100%
through the CNTL pin. CNTL is an analog input with a
usable input voltage range between 0 and 2000mV,
which is digitized to select one of 128 brightness levels.
As shown in Figure 5, the MAX8751 ignores the first 13
steps, and the first 13 steps (V CNTL between 0 and
203mV) all represent 10% brightness. When VCNTL is
above 203mV, a 15.625mV change on CNTL results in
a 0.78% change in the DPWM duty cycle. When VCNTL
is equal to or above 2000mV, the DPWM duty cycle is
always 100%.
BRIGHTNESS (%)
100
Using the External DPWM Signal
To use the external DPWM signal to control the brightness, connect SEL to VCC and connect LSYNC to the
external signal source. The frequency range of the external signal is within ±40% of the internal oscillator frequency set by RLF. In this mode, the brightness control
input CNTL is disabled, and the brightness is proportional to the duty cycle of the external signal. When the duty
cycle of the external signal is 100%, the CCFL reaches
full brightness. If the duty cycle of the external signal is
less than 10%, the CCFL brightness stays at 10%.
Lamp-Out Protection
For safety, the IFB pin on MAX8751 monitors the lamp
current to detect faulty or open CCFL lamps. As
described in the Lamp-Current Regulation section, the
voltage on IFB is internally full-wave rectified. If the rectified IFB voltage is below 790mV, the MAX8751
charges the TFLT capacitor with a 1µA current source.
The fault latch is set if the voltage on TFLT exceeds 4V.
Unlike normal shutdown mode, the linear regulator out
(VCC) remains at 5.35V. Toggling SHDN or cycling the
input power reactivates the device.
During the fault delay period, the current-control loop
tries to maintain the lamp-current regulation by increasing the on-time of high-side MOSFETs. Because the
lamp impedance is very high when it is open, the transformer secondary rises as a result of the high-Q factor
of the resonant tank. Once the secondary voltage
exceeds the overvoltage threshold, the MAX8751 turns
on a 1200µA internal current source that discharges the
COMP capacitor. The on-time of the high-side
MOSFETs is reduced, lowering the secondary voltage,
as the COMP voltage decreases. Therefore, the peak
voltage of the transformer secondary winding never
exceeds the limit during the lamp-out delay period.
90
Primary Overcurrent Protection
80
The MAX8751 provides cycle-by-cycle primary overcurrent protection. A current-sense amplifier monitors
the drain-to-source voltages of both the high-side and
low-side switches when the switches are conducting. If
the voltage exceeds the internal current-limit threshold
(400mV typ), the regulator turns off the high-side switch
at the opposite side of the primary to prevent the transformer primary current from increasing further.
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0
400
800
1200
1600
2000
CNTL VOLTAGE (mV)
Figure 5. Brightness vs. CNTL Voltage
______________________________________________________________________________________
17
MAX8751
the end of the DPWM on-cycle, the dimming control
logic turns on a 100µA internal current source, thus discharging the COMP capacitor linearly, gradually
decreasing tON and bringing lamp current to zero, thus
providing soft-start. The dimming control for the CCFL
is provided by changing the duty ratio of the low-frequency DPWM signal.
MAX8751
Fixed-Frequency, Full-Bridge CCFL
Inverter Controller
Secondary Current Limit (ISEC)
The secondary current limit provides fail-safe protection
in case of short circuit or leakage from the high-voltage
terminal to ground. ISEC monitors the voltage across a
sense resistor placed between the transformer’s lowvoltage secondary terminal and ground. The ISEC voltage is continuously compared to the ISEC regulation
threshold (1.22V, typ). Any time the ISEC voltage
exceeds the threshold, a controlled current is drawn
from COMP to reduce the on-time of the bridge’s highside switches. At the same time, the MAX8751 charges
the TFLT capacitor with a 126µA current. The MAX8751
latches off when the voltage on TFLT exceeds 4V.
Slave Operation (HFCK, LFCK,
PSCK, DPWM)
HFCK
PSCK
LFCK
DPWM
CNTL
HF
The MAX8751 supports master-slave operation. Up to
five MAX8751s can be connected in a daisy-chain configuration as shown in Figure 6. The same device can
be used either as a master IC or as a slave IC. Each
MAX8751 is the master of the next IC in the chain and
at the same time, it is also the slave of the previous IC
in the chain.
Connecting CNTL to VCC enables the slave mode. In
the slave mode, the switching frequency and DPWM
frequency are synchronized with the previous
MAX8751 in the chain. To synchronize the switching
frequency, connect the HFCK pins of the slave IC and
master IC together, and connect the PSCK pin of the
master IC to the HF pin of the slave IC. To synchronize
the DPWM frequency, connect the LFCK pins of the
slave IC and master IC together, and connect the
DPWM pin of the master IC to the LF pin of the slave IC.
The CNTL brightness control is disabled in the slave
mode. The master directly controls the brightness setting of the slave by connecting the DPWM pin of master
to LF pin of slave.
LF
Phase Shift (PS1, PS2)
HFCK
PSCK
LFCK
DPWM
CNTL
HF
The MAX8751 provides phase shift for both the DPWM
operation and switching of MOSFETS when connected
in a daisy-chain configuration. This phase shift reduces
input ripple current, hence significantly reducing input
RMS current. This reduction of input RMS current
reduces the input capacitor requirement, hence the
size of capacitor. The phase shift can be programmed
using two logic input pins (PS1 and PS2). These two
pins combined together give four choices of phase
shift: 72°, 90°, 120°, and 180°. The selection of the
phase shift is based on the number of MAX8751s used
in the daisy-chain. Use the following equation to determine the appropriate phase shift:
Phase shift = 360° / number of phases
Table 1 gives the suggested selection of phase shift for
different number of phases. All master and slave ICs
should use the same setting for PS1 and PS2.
Table 2 summarizes the MAX8751’s operation in all
modes.
DIMMING
CNTL
ON/OFF
SHDN
HF
MASTER
VCC
Unlike the normal shutdown mode, the linear regulator
output (V CC ) remains at 5.35V. Toggling SHDN or
cycling the input power reactivates the device.
SHDN
LF
SLAVE 1
SHDN
LF
SLAVE 2
HFCK
PSCK
LFCK
DPWM
CNTL
HF
SHDN
LF
SLAVE N
HFCK
PSCK
LFCK
DPWM
Figure 6. Master-Slave Operation
18
______________________________________________________________________________________
Fixed-Frequency, Full-Bridge CCFL
Inverter Controller
MAX8751
Table 1. Phase-Shift Setting
PIN SETTING
PHASE SHIFT IN DEGREES
NO. OF
PHASES
PS2
PS1
MASTER
SLAVE 1
SLAVE 2
SLAVE 3
X
X
0
N/A
N/A
N/A
SLAVE 4
N/A
GND
GND
0
180
N/A
N/A
NA
2
GND
VCC
0
120
240
N/A
N/A
3
VCC
GND
0
90
180
270
N/A
4
VCC
VCC
0
72
144
216
288
5
1
X = Don’t care.
Linear Regulator Output (VCC)
The internal linear regulator steps down the DC input
voltage to 5.3V (typ). The linear regulator supplies
power to the internal control circuitry of the MAX8751.
VCC powers the MOSFET gate drivers. The VCC voltage
drops to 4.5V in shutdown.
UVLO
The MAX8751 includes an undervoltage lockout
(UVLO) circuit. The UVLO circuit monitors the VCC voltage. When VCC is below 4.2V (typ), the MAX8751 disables both high-side and low-side gate drivers and
resets the fault latch.
Low-Power Shutdown
When the MAX8751 is placed in shutdown, all functions
of the IC are turned off except for the 5.3V linear regulator. In shutdown, the linear regulator output voltage
drops to about 4.5V and the supply current is 6µA (typ).
While in shutdown, the fault latch is reset. The device
can be placed into shutdown by pulling SHDN to its
logic low level.
Applications Information
MOSFETs
The MAX8751 requires four external n-channel power
MOSFETs to form a full-bridge inverter circuit to drive
the transformer primary. Since the positive half-cycle
and negative half-cycle are symmetrical, the same type
of MOSFET should be used for the high-side and lowside switches. When selecting the MOSFET, focus on
the voltage rating, current rating, on-resistance
(RDS(ON)), total gate charge, and power dissipation.
voltage rating of the MOSFET should be 30V or higher.
The current rating of the MOSFET should be higher
than the peak primary current at the minimum input
voltage and full brightness. Use the following equation
to estimate the primary peak current IPEAK_PRI:
IPEAK_PRI =
2 xPOUT_MAX
VIN_MIN x η
where P OUT _ MAX is the maximum output power,
VIN_MIN is the minimum input voltage, and is the estimated efficiency at the minimum input voltage.
Assuming the full bridge drives four CCFLs and the
maximum output power of each lamp is 4.5W, the total
maximum output power is 18W. If the minimum input
voltage is 8V and the estimated efficiency is 75% at
that input, the peak primary current is approximately
4.3A. Therefore, power MOSFETs with a DC current rating of 5A or greater are sufficient.
Since the regulator senses the on-state, drain-to-source
voltage of both MOSFETs to detect the transformer primary current, the lower the MOSFET RDS(ON), the higher the
current limit is. Therefore, the user should select n-channel MOSFETs with low RDS(ON) to minimize conduction
loss, and keep the primary current limit at a reasonable
level. Use the following equation to estimate the maximum and minimum values of the primary current limit:
Select a MOSFET with a voltage rating at least 25%
higher than the maximum input voltage of the inverter.
For example, if the maximum input voltage is 24V, the
______________________________________________________________________________________
19
MAX8751
Fixed-Frequency, Full-Bridge CCFL
Inverter Controller
Table 2. Operation Summary
PIN
MASTER MODE USING
INTERNAL OSCILLATORS
MASTER MODE USING
EXTERNAL SYNC SIGNAL
(SYNC ONLY)
MASTER MODE USING
EXTERNAL SYNC SIGNAL
(SYNC AND DIMMING)
SLAVE MODE
An analog voltage on CNTL
sets the brightness.
An analog voltage on CNTL
sets the brightness.
CNTL control is disabled.
The external signal controls
the brightness. Connect
CNTL to an analog voltage
in case the external sync
signal is lost.
SEL
Connect SEL to GND.
Connect SEL to GND.
Connect SEL to VCC.
Don’t care.
HF
Connect a resistor to GND to
set the switching frequency.
The internal oscillator is not
active. Connect a resistor to
GND in case the external sync
signal is lost.
The internal oscillator is not
active. Connect a resistor to
GND in case the external
sync signal is lost.
Connect to the PSCK
pin of its master
controller.
LF
Connect a resistor between
LF and GND to set DPWM
frequency.
The internal oscillator is not
active. Connect a resistor to
GND in case the external sync
signal is lost.
The internal oscillator is not
active. Connect a resistor to
GND in case the external
sync signal is lost.
Connect to the DPWM
pin of its master
controller.
HFCK
Connect to the HFCK pin of
its slave controller. Connect
1MΩ resistor to GND. See
Note 1.
Connect to the HFCK pin of its
slave controller. Connect 1MΩ
resistor to GND. See Note 1.
Connect to the HFCK pin of
its slave controller. Connect
1MΩ resistor to GND. See
Note 1.
LFCK
Connect to the LFCK pin of
its slave controller. Connect
1MΩ resistor to GND. See
Note 1.
Connect to the LFCK pin of its
slave controller. Connect 1MΩ
resistor to GND. See Note 1.
Connect to the LFCK pin of
its slave controller. Connect
1MΩ resistor to GND. See
Note 1.
Not used. Connect to GND.
Connect to a high-frequency
external signal to sync the
switching frequency.
Connect to a highfrequency external signal to
sync the switching
frequency.
Not used. Connect to
GND.
LSYNC
Not used. Connect to GND.
Connect a low-frequency
external signal to sync the
DPWM frequency.
Connect a low-frequency
external signal to sync the
DPWM frequency. The duty
cycle of the external signal
determines the brightness.
Not used. Connect to
GND.
PSCK
Connect to the HF pin of its
slave controller.
Connect to the HF pin of its
slave controller.
Connect to the HF pin of its
slave controller.
Connect to the HF pin
of its slave controller.
DPWM
Connect to the LF pin of its
slave controller.
Connect to the LF pin of its
slave controller.
Connect to the LF pin of its
slave controller.
Connect to the LF pin of
its slave controller.
CNTL
HSYNC
Connect CNTL to VCC.
Connect to the HFCK
pin of its master
controller. Connect
1MΩ resistor to GND.
See Note 1.
Connect to the LFCK
pin of its master
controller. Connect
1MΩ resistor to GND.
See Note 1.
Note 1: 1MΩ resistor at HFCK and LPCK is added to define the state of the pins in Shutdown mode.
20
______________________________________________________________________________________
Fixed-Frequency, Full-Bridge CCFL
Inverter Controller
380mV
RDS(ON)_MAX
ILIM_MAX =
420mV
RDS(ON)_MIN
MOSFETs must be able to dissipate the conduction
losses plus the switching losses at both VIN_MIN and
VIN_MAX. Calculate both terms. Ideally, the losses at
V IN(MIN) should be roughly equal to the losses at
VIN(MAX), with lower losses in between. If the losses at
V IN(MIN) are significantly higher than the losses at
VIN(MAX), consider increasing the size of the MOSFETs.
Conversely, if the losses at VIN(MAX) are significantly
higher than the losses at VIN(MIN), consider choosing
MOSFETs with lower parasitic capacitance. If VIN does
not vary over a wide range, the minimum power dissipation occurs where the conduction losses equal the
switching losses.
Calculate the total conduction power dissipation of the
two MOSFETs using the following equation:
PDCONDUCT = IPRI2 x RDS(ON)
Setting the Lamp Current
The MAX8751 senses the lamp current flowing through
resistor R1 (Figure 1) connected between the low-voltage terminal of the lamp and ground. The voltage
across R1 is fed to IFB and is internally full-wave rectified. The MAX8751 controls the desired lamp current
by regulating the average of the rectified IFB voltage.
To set the RMS lamp current, determine R1 as follows:
R1 =
π x 790mV
2 2 x ILAMP(RMS)
where ILAMP(RMS) is the desired RMS lamp current and
790mV is the typical value of the IFB regulation point
specified in the Electrical Characteristics table. To set
the RMS lamp current to 6mA, the value of R1 should
be 148Ω. The closest standard 1% resistors are 147Ω
and 150Ω. The precise shape of the lamp-current
waveform depends on lamp parasitics. The resulting
waveform is an imperfect sinusoid waveform, which has
an RMS value that is not easy to predict. A high-frequency true RMS current meter (such as Yokogawa
2016) should be used to measure the RMS current and
make final adjustments to R1. Insert this meter between
the sense resistor and the lamp’s low-voltage terminal
to measure the actual RMS current.
Setting the Secondary Voltage Limit
where IPRI is the primary current calculated using the
following equation:
IPRI =
POUT _ MAX
η x VIN
The low-side MOSFETs turn on with ZVS. If the switching frequency is close to resonant frequency, turn-on
power loss associated with high-side MOSFETs can be
ignored. However, the current is at peak when the
MOSFET is turned off. Calculate the turn-off switching
power dissipation of the MOSFET using the following
equation:
PDSWITCH =
2 x CRSS x VIN2 x fSW x IPRI
IGATE
where CRSS is the reverse transfer capacitance of the
MOSFETs and IGATE is the peak gate-drive sink current
when the MOSFET is being turned off.
The MAX8751 limits the transformer secondary voltage
during startup and lamp-out faults. The secondary voltage is sensed through the capacitive voltage-divider
formed by C3 and C4 (Figure 1). The voltage of VFB is
proportional to the CCFL voltage. The selection of the
parallel resonant capacitor C1 is described in the
Selecting the Resonant Components section. Smaller
values for C3 result in higher efficiency due to lower circulating current. If C3 is too small, the resonant operation is affected by the panel parasitic capacitance.
Therefore, C3 is usually chosen to be between 10pF
and 18pF. After the value of C3 is set, select C4 based
on the desired maximum RMS secondary voltage
VLAMP(RMS)_MAX:
C4 =
2 x VLAMP(RMS)_MAX
2.32V
x C3
where the 2.34V is the typical value of the VFB peak
voltage when the lamp is open. To set the maximum
RMS secondary voltage to 1800V with C3 selected to
be 12pF, C4 must be less than or equal to 13nF.
______________________________________________________________________________________
21
MAX8751
ILIM_MIN =
MAX8751
Fixed-Frequency, Full-Bridge CCFL
Inverter Controller
Setting the Secondary Current Limit
The MAX8751 limits the secondary current even if the
IFB sense resistor is shorted or transformer secondary
current finds its way to ground without passing through
R1. ISEC monitors the voltage across the sense resistor
R2 connected between the low-voltage terminal of the
transformer secondary winding and ground. Determine
the value of R2 using the following equation:
R2 =
1.26V
2 x ISEC(RMS)_MAX
where ISEC(RMS)_MAX is the desired maximum RMS
transformer secondary current during fault conditions,
and 1.26V is the typical value of the ISEC peak voltagewhen the secondary is shorted. To set the maximum
RMS secondary current in the circuit of Figure 1 to
22mA, set R2 = 40.2Ω.
Transformer Design and Resonant
Component Selection
The transformer is the most important component of the
resonant tank circuit. The first step in designing the
transformer is to determine the transformer turns ratio.
The ratio must be high enough to support the CCFL
operating voltage at the minimum supply voltage. The
transformer turns ratio N can be calculated as follows:
N≥
VLAMP(RMS)
0.90 x VIN(MIN)
where VLAMP(RMS) is the maximum RMS lamp voltage in
normal operation, and VIN(MIN) is the minimum DC input
voltage. If the maximum RMS lamp voltage in normal
operation is 800V and the minimum DC input voltage is
7V, the turns ratio should be greater than 120 turns.
The next step to design the resonant tank for CCFL is to
design the resonant frequency of the tank close to the
switching frequency set by the HF resistor. The resonant
frequency is determined by: the primary winding series
capacitor Cs, the secondary parallel capacitor Cp, the
transformer secondary leakage inductance L, and the
CCFL lamp operating resistance RL.
The simplified CCFL inverter circuit is shown in Figure
7(a). The full-bridge power stage is simplified and represented as a square-wave AC source. The resonant tank
circuit can be further simplified to Figure 7(b) by removing the transformer. CS’ is the capacitance of the primary
capacitive divider reflected to the secondary and N is the
22
transformer turns ratio.
Figure 8 shows the frequency response of the resonant
tank’s voltage gain under different load conditions. The
primary series capacitor is 1µF, the secondary parallel
capacitor is 15pF, the transformer turns ratio is 1:93,
and the secondary leakage inductance is 260mH.
Notice that there are two peaks, fS and fP, in the frequency response. The first peak, fS, is the series resonant peak determined by the secondary leakage
inductance (L) and the series capacitor reflected to the
secondary (Cs’):
fS =
1
2π LCs'
The second peak, fP , is the parallel resonant peak
determined by the secondary leakage inductance (L),
the parallel capacitor (CP), and the series capacitance
reflected to the secondary (C’S):
1
fP =
2π L
Cs'CP
Cs' + CP
The actual resonant frequency is between these two
resonant peaks. When the lamp is off, the operating
point of the resonant tank is close to the parallel resonant peak due to the lamp’s infinite impedance. The circuit displays the characteristics of a parallel-loaded
resonant converter. While in parallel-loaded resonant
operation, the inverter behaves like a voltage source to
generate the necessary striking voltage. Theoretically,
the output voltage of the resonant converter increases
until the lamp is ionized or until it reaches the IC’s secondary voltage limit. Once the lamp is ionized, the
equivalent-load resistance decreases rapidly and the
operating point moves toward the series-resonant
peak. While in series-resonant operation, the inverter
behaves like a current source.
The leakage inductance of the CCFL transformer is an
important parameter in the resonant tank design. The
leakage inductance values can have large tolerance and
significant variations among different batches. It is best
to work directly with transformer vendors on leakage
inductance requirements. The series capacitor Cs sets
the minimum operating frequency, which is approximately two times the series resonant peak frequency. The
series capacitor Cs can be chosen as below:
______________________________________________________________________________________
Fixed-Frequency, Full-Bridge CCFL
Inverter Controller
4
CP
CCFL
AC
SOURCE
VOLTAGE GAIN (V/V)
L
1:N
MAX8751
CS
(a)
3
RL INCREASING
2
1
0
Cs' = Cs'/N2
L
0
20
40
60
80
100
FREQUENCY (kHz)
AC
SOURCE
CP
RL
N1 >
(b)
Figure 7. Simplified CCFL Inverte r Circuit
CS ≤
N2
4π 2 x f 2 MIN x L
where fMIN is the minimum operating frequency range.
In the circuit of Figure 1, the transformer’s turns ratio is
120 and its secondary leakage inductance is 200mH.
To set the minimum resonant frequency to 30kHz, use
2.2µF capacitor for CS.
The parallel capacitor CP sets the maximum operating
frequency, which is also the parallel resonant peak frequency. The capacitance CP can be chosen as below:
CP >
CS
2
Figure 8. Frequency Response of the Resonant Tank
2
4 π x f MAX x L x CS − N2
In the circuit of Figure 1, to set the maximum resonant
frequency to 95kHz; use 15pF for CP.
The transformer core saturation should also be considered when selecting the operating frequency. The primary winding should have enough turns to prevent
transformer saturation under all operating conditions.
Use the following expression to calculate the minimum
number of turns N1 of the primary winding:
DMAX x VIN(MAX)
BS x S x fMIN
where DMAX is the maximum duty cycle (approximately
0.4) of the high-side switch, VIN(MAX) is the maximum DC
input voltage, BS is the saturation flux density of the core,
and S is the minimal cross-section area of the core.
COMP Capacitor Selection
The COMP capacitor sets the speed of the current-regulation loop that is used during startup, maintaining
lamp-current regulation, and during transients caused
by changing the input voltage. To maintain stable operation, the COMP capacitor (C COMP) needs to be at
least 3.3nF.
As discussed in the DPWM Dimming Control section,
the COMP capacitor also limits the dynamics of the
lamp-current envelope in DPWM operation. At the end
of the DPWM ON cycle, the MAX8751 turns on a 100µA
internal current source to linearly discharge the COMP
capacitor. Use the following equation to set the fall time:
CCOMP =
100µA x t FALL
VCOMP
where tFALL is the fall time of the lamp-current envelope
and VCOMP is the dynamic COMP voltage determined
by resonant tank. At the beginning of the DPWM ON
cycle, the COMP capacitor is charged by transconductance error amplifier, so the charge current is not constant. Because the average charge current is around
______________________________________________________________________________________
23
MAX8751
Fixed-Frequency, Full-Bridge CCFL
Inverter Controller
30µA, the rise time is about three times longer than the
fall time.
ly at the ground terminals. This is essential for stable,
jitter-free operation and high efficiency.
Setting the Fault Delay Time
2) Use a star-ground configuration for power and analog
grounds. The power and analog grounds should be
completely isolated—meeting only at the center of the
star. The center should be placed at the analog
ground pin (GND). Using separate copper islands for
these grounds can simplify this task. Quiet analog
ground is used for VCC, COMP, HF, LF, and TFLT.
The TFLT capacitor determines the delay time for both
the open-lamp fault and secondary short-circuit fault.
The MAX8751 charges the TFLT capacitor with a 1µA
current source during an open-lamp fault and charges
the TFLT capacitor with a 126µA current source during
a secondary short-circuit fault. Therefore, the secondary short-circuit fault delay time is approximately
100 times shorter than that of the open-lamp fault. The
MAX8751 sets the fault latch when the TFLT voltage
reaches 4V. Use the following equations to calculate
the open-lamp fault delay (T OPEN_LAMP ) and secondary short-circuit fault delay (TSEC_SHORT):
C TFLT x 4 V
1µA
C
x 4V
TSEC _ SHORT = TFLT
126µA
TOPEN _ LAMP =
Bootstrap Capacitors
The high-side gate drivers are powered using two bootstrap circuits. The MAX8751 integrates the bootstrap
diodes so only two 0.1µF bootstrap capacitors are
needed. Connect the capacitors between LX1 and
BST1 and between LX2 and BST2 to complete the
bootstrap circuits.
Layout Guidelines
Careful PC board layout is important to achieve stable
operation. The high-voltage section and the switching
section of the circuit require particular attention. The highvoltage sections of the layout need to be well separated
from the control circuit. Follow these guidelines for good
PC board layout.
1) Keep the high-current paths short and wide, especial-
24
3) Route high-speed switching nodes away from sensitive analog areas (VCC, COMP, HF, LF, and TFLT).
Make all pin-strap control input connections to analog
ground or VCC.
4) Mount the decoupling capacitor from VCC to GND as
close as possible to the IC with dedicated traces that
are not shared with other signal paths.
5) The current-sense paths for LX_ to GND must be
made using Kelvin-sense connections to guarantee
the current-limit accuracy. With 8-pin MOSFETs, this
is best done by routing power to the MOSFETs from
the outside using the top copper layer, while connecting GND and LX_ inside (underneath) the 8-pin SO
package.
6) Ensure the feedback connections are short and
direct. To the extent possible, IFB, VFB, and ISEC
connections should be far away from the high-voltage
traces and the transformer.
7) To the extent possible, high-voltage trace clearance
on the transformer’s secondary should be widely separated. The high-voltage traces should also be separated from adjacent ground planes to prevent lossy
capacitive coupling.
8) The traces to the capacitive voltage-divider on the
transformer’s secondary need to be widely separated
to prevent arcing. Moving these traces to opposite
sides of the board can be beneficial in some cases.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Fixed-Frequency, Full-Bridge CCFL
Inverter Controller
IN
LX2
GH2
BST2
23
LX1
GH1
24
VCC
BST1
TOP VIEW
22
21
20
19
18
17
TRANSISTOR COUNT: 7743
PROCESS: BiCMOS
GL1 25
16
PGND1 26
15
PGND2
GND 27
14
PS1
13
HF
PCOMP 28
MAX8751ETJ
GL2
12
LF
IFB 30
11
SEL
PS2 31
10
HSYNC
9
HFCK
COMP 29
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
VFB
TFLT
CNTL
SHDN
LSYNC
LFCK
DPWM
PSCK
ISEC 32
Chip Information
TQFN 5mm x 5mm
______________________________________________________________________________________
25
MAX8751
Pin Configuration
Package Information
(The package drawing(s) in this data sheet may not reflect the most current specifications. For the latest package outline information,
go to www.maxim-ic.com/packages.)
QFN THIN.EPS
MAX8751
Fixed-Frequency, Full-Bridge CCFL
Inverter Controller
26
______________________________________________________________________________________
Fixed-Frequency, Full-Bridge CCFL
Inverter Controller
Maxim cannot assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Maxim product. No circuit patent licenses are
implied. Maxim reserves the right to change the circuitry and specifications without notice at any time.
Maxim Integrated Products, 120 San Gabriel Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 408-737-7600 ____________________ 27
© 2005 Maxim Integrated Products
Printed USA
is a registered trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
MAX8751
Package Information (continued)
(The package drawing(s) in this data sheet may not reflect the most current specifications. For the latest package outline information
go to www.maxim-ic.com/packages.)