MAXIM MAX8737ETE+

19-3705; Rev 0; 5/05
KIT
ATION
EVALU
E
L
B
AVAILA
Dual, Low-Voltage Linear Regulator Controllers
with External MOSFETs
♦ Low-Cost Dual Linear Regulators
♦ Output Voltage Accuracy ±5mV
♦ Independent 0.5V to 2.5V Reference Inputs
♦ Foldback Current-Limit Protection
♦ Output Undervoltage-Lockout Protection
♦ Thermal Limit (Internal Sensor)
♦ 1.0V to 5.5V Input Supply Voltage (External FET
Drain)
♦ 5V Bias Supply Voltage
♦ Independent Power-Good Open-Drain Outputs
♦ Independent Enable Inputs
♦ Soft-Shutdown Output Discharge
♦ Low Supply Current (0.5mA)
♦ 5µA (max) Shutdown Supply Current
Ordering Information
PART
MAX8737ETE
TEMP RANGE PIN-PACKAGE
-40°C to +85°C 16 Thin QFN-EP* 4mm x 4mm
MAX8737ETE+ -40°C to +85°C 16 Thin QFN-EP* 4mm x 4mm
*EP = Exposed pad.
+Denotes lead-free packaging.
Notebook and Desktop Computers
REFIN2
Applications
OUT2
TOP VIEW
CS2
Pin Configuration
N.C.
The MAX8737 dual high-power linear regulator controllers use external n-channel MOSFETs to generate
two independent low-voltage supplies for notebook
computers. The MAX8737 delivers low output voltages
from 0.5V to 2.5V (±5mV no-load accuracy). The external components allow scalable current design with
loads up to 5A with excellent load regulation (1%). The
regulator operates from a low input voltage, which also
reduces the power dissipation in the external n-channel
MOSFET. The controller powers the external MOSFET
gate driver from the standard 5V system supply.
The MAX8737 includes current and thermal limits to
prevent damage to the linear regulator. The MAX8737
uses an external resistive divider to fold back the current limit, reducing the overall power dissipation. The
MAX8737 uses an external resistive-divider in series
with the current-sense input (CS_), providing foldback
current-limit protection, and effectively reducing the
short-circuit power dissipation.
An output undervoltage timeout is available for low-cost
applications that omit the current-sense resistor. The
output undervoltage (UVP) timing depends on the magnitude of the voltage at VOUT. The UVP detects and
shuts down the LDO if the output voltage drops out of
regulation. The controller uses an adjustable reference
input (REFIN_) to set the nominal output voltage
(VOUT_), which minimizes the cost and makes the stability independent of the output voltage.
Each linear regulator features an adjustable soft-start
function, and generates a delayed power-good
(PGOOD) signal that signals when the linear regulator
is in regulation. The MAX8737 is a low-cost solution
requiring few external components and is available in a
small, 4mm x 4mm, 16-pin thin QFN package.
Features
12
11
10
9
DRV2 13
8
EN1
7
EN2
GND 15
6
PGOOD1
DRV1 16
5
PGOOD2
Point-of-Load Regulators
VMCH and VCCP CPU Supplies
Low-Voltage Bias Supplies
N.C. 14
MAX8737
2
3
4
OUT1
REFIN1
VCC
1
CS1
Servers
4mm x 4mm TQFN
________________________________________________________________ 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
MAX8737
General Description
MAX8737
Dual, Low-Voltage Linear Regulator Controllers
with External MOSFETs
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
VCC to GND ..............................................................-0.3V to +6V
OUT1, OUT2 to GND................................................-0.3V to +6V
REFIN1, REFIN2, PGOOD1, PGOOD2, EN1,
EN2 to GND..........................................................-0.3V to +6V
DRV1, DRV2, CS1, CS2 to GND.................-0.3V to (VCC + 0.3V)
Continuous Power Dissipation (TA = +70°C)
16-Pin 4mm x 4mm Thin QFN (derated 25mW/°C
above +70°C).............................................................2000mW
Operating Temperature Range
MAX8737ETE ...................................................-40°C to +85°C
Junction Temperature ......................................................+150°C
Storage Temperature Range .............................-65°C to +150°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
(VCC = 5V, EN_ = CS_ = VCC, VREFIN = 1.0V, TA = 0°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at TA = +25°C.)
PARAMETER
Supply Voltage Range
SYMBOL
VCC Undervoltage Lockout
Threshold
VCC Quiescent Supply Current
CONDITIONS
MAX
UNITS
5.50
V
4.35
4.6
V
EN1 = EN2 = VCC
0.5
1
mA
EN1 = EN2 = GND
0.1
5
µA
VCC
Rising edge, 200mV hysteresis (typ)
ICC
VCC Shutdown Supply Current
MIN
TYP
4.75
4.1
REFIN to OUT Offset Voltage
VOUT_
-5
+5
mV
OUT_ Input Bias Current
IOUT_
-1
+1
µA
DRIVERS
Output high; VOUT_ = VREFIN_ - 25mV,
ILOAD = 1mA
DRV_ Output Voltage Swing
(Note 1)
VCC 0.3
VCC 0.05
V
Output low; VOUT_ = VREFIN_ + 25mV,
ILOAD = 1mA
0.03
0.3
DRV_ Maximum Sourcing Current
VOUT_ = VREFIN_ - 25mV; VDRV = 3V
6
14
mA
DRV_ Maximum Sinking Current
VOUT_ = VREFIN_ + 25mV; VDRV = 3V
6
14
mA
0.8
S
-80
dB
OUT_ to DRV_ Transconductance
(Large Signal)
GMDRV
DRV_ Power-Supply Rejection
Ratio
DRV_ Soft-Start Charging Current
10Hz < f < 10kHz, IDRV = 1mA, CDRV =
10nF
ISOFT
40
170
400
µA
2.5
V
-10
+100
nA
REFERENCE INPUT
REFIN_ Voltage Range
VREFIN_
VCC = 4.75V to 5.5V
0.5
REFIN_ Input Bias Current
IREFIN_
VREFIN_ = 0 to 2.5V
-100
TSHDN
Hysteresis = 20°C
FAULT PROTECTION
Thermal Shutdown Threshold
Current-Limit Threshold
VILIM
VCS_ - VOUT_
+125
TA = 0°C to +85°C
TA = +85°C
CS_ Input Current
Linear Regulator UVP Threshold
(Slow)
2
10
13
7.5
10
12.5
-1
UVP(SLOW) With respect to VREFIN; CS_ = VCC
°C
7
72
80
_______________________________________________________________________________________
mV
+1
µA
88
%
Dual, Low-Voltage Linear Regulator Controllers
with External MOSFETs
(VCC = 5V, EN_ = CS_ = VCC, VREFIN = 1.0V, TA = 0°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at TA = +25°C.)
PARAMETER
SYMBOL
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
54
60
66
%
Linear Regulator UVP Threshold
(Fast)
UVP(FAST)
Slow Short-Circuit Timer Duration
tUVP(SLOW) With respect to VREFIN; CS_ = VCC
75
µs
Fast Short-Circuit Timer Duration
tUVP(FAST)
5
µs
Discharge-Mode On-Resistance
OUT_ Pin
ROUT
10
Ω
With respect to VREFIN; CS_ = VCC
With respect to VREFIN; CS_ = VCC
INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
EN_ Input Low Level
0.6
EN_ Input High Level
Rising edge, 200mV (typ) hysteresis
Enable Leakage Current
1.6
-1
Power-Good Trip Threshold
(Lower)
With respect to error comparator threshold,
hysteresis = 4% (falling edge)
-15
Power-Good Startup Delay
Power-Good Propagation Delay
tPGOOD
Power-Good Output Low Voltage
Power Good Leakage Current
OUT_ forced 2% beyond PGOOD_ trip
threshold
-12
+1
µA
-9
%
2
ms
1
µs
ISINK = 4mA
I GOO
0.3
VOUT_ = 1.0V (PGOOD_ high impedance),
V
V
1
V
µA
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(VCC = 5V, EN_ = CS_ = VCC, VREFIN = 1.0V, TA = -40°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 2)
PARAMETER
Supply Voltage Range
SYMBOL
VCC Undervoltage Lockout
Threshold
VCC Quiescent Supply Current
Rising edge 200mV hysteresis (typ)
ICC
VCC Shutdown Supply Current
REFIN to OUT Offset Voltage
CONDITIONS
VCC
MAX
UNITS
4.75
MIN
5.50
V
4.1
4.6
V
1.5
mA
EN1 = EN2 = VCC
EN1 = EN2 = GND
VOUT_
-7
TYP
5
µA
+7
mV
DRIVERS
Output high; VOUT_ = VREFIN_ - 25mV;
ILOAD = 1mA
DRV_ Output Voltage Swing
(Note 1)
VCC 0.3
V
Output low; VOUT_ = VREFIN_ + 25mV:
ILOAD = 1mA
0.3
DRV_ Maximum Sourcing Current
VOUT_ = VREFIN_ - 25mV; VDRV = 3V
3.5
DRV_ Maximum Sinking Current
VOUT_ = VREFIN_ + 25mV; VDRV = 3V
3.5
DRV_ Soft-Start Charging Current
ISOFT
40
mA
mA
400
µA
_______________________________________________________________________________________
3
MAX8737
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
(VCC = 5V, EN_ = CS_ = VCC, VREFIN = 1.0V, TA = -40°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 2)
PARAMETER
SYMBOL
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
REFERENCE INPUT
REFIN_ Voltage Range
VREFIN_
VCC = 4.75V to 5.5V
0.5
2.5
V
VCS_ - VOUT_
6.5
13.5
mV
FAULT PROTECTION
Current-Limit Threshold
VILIM
Linear Regulator UVP Threshold
(Slow)
UVP(SLOW) With respect to VREFIN; CS_ = VCC
72
88
%
Linear Regulator UVP Threshold
(Fast)
UVP(FAST)
54
66
%
0.6
V
With respect to VREFIN; CS_ = VCC
INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
EN_ Input Low Level
EN_ Input High Level
1.6
Power-Good Trip Threshold
(Lower)
With respect to error comparator threshold,
hysteresis = 4% (falling edge)
Power-Good Output Low Voltage
ISINK = 4mA
V
-15
-9
%
0.3
V
Note 1: Low threshold n-channel MOSFET is required for 2.5V (±2%) output.
Note 2: Specifications to -40°C are guaranteed by design, not production tested.
Typical Operating Characteristics
(Circuit of Figure 1, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
OUTPUT-VOLTAGE DEVIATION
vs. LOAD CURRENT
FOLDBACK CURRENT LIMIT
vs. OUTPUT VOLTAGE
3
1
0
-1
-2
0
2.0
3V
1.6
0
1.5V
-5
1.2
C
0
5V
0.5
1.0
LOAD CURRENT (A)
1.5
2.0
D
0
0
0
A
B
0.4
VOUT = 1.5V
5V
2.4
0.8
-3
-4
4
2.8
CURRENT LIMIT (A)
2
MAX8737 toc02
4
SOFT-START
(EN RISING EDGE)
MAX8737 toc03
3.2
MAX8737 toc01
5
OUTPUT-VOLTAGE DEVIATION (mV)
MAX8737
Dual, Low-Voltage Linear Regulator Controllers
with External MOSFETs
0
0.5
1.0
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
1.5
1ms/div
A. EN1, 5V/div
B. DRV1, 2V/div
NO LOAD
C. LDO1 OUTPUT, 1V/div
D. PGOOD1, 5V/div
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Dual, Low-Voltage Linear Regulator Controllers
with External MOSFETs
SOFT-STOP
(EN FALLING EDGE)
SOFT-START
(UVLO RISING EDGE)
MAX8737 toc04
5V
SOFT-STOP
(UVLO FALLING EDGE)
MAX8737 toc05
A
0
5V
MAX8737 toc06
A
0
3V
3V
3V
B
0
1.5V
C
0
5V
D
0
D
2ms/div
A
0
2A
B
0
0.1A
MAX8737 toc09
A
2.1A
B
2.7V
C
1.7V
1.51V
D
1.50V
A
0
2A
B
0
3.2V
C
C. LDO1 OUTPUT, 1V/div
D. PGOOD1, 5V/div
LOAD TRANSIENT
(NO LOAD TO 2A)
MAX8737 toc08
MAX8737 toc07
3.2V
2.8V
A. 5V BIAS (VCC), 5V/div
B. DRV1, 2V/div
NO LOAD, EN = VCC
C. LDO1 OUTPUT, 1V/div
D. PGOOD1, 5V/div
LOAD TRANSIENT
(NO LOAD TO 2A)
LOAD TRANSIENT
(0.1A TO 2.1A)
D
0
2ms/div
A. 5V BIAS (VCC), 5V/div
B. DRV1, 2V/div
NO LOAD, EN = VCC
C. LDO1 OUTPUT, 1V/div
D. PGOOD1, 5V/div
0
C
0
5V
0
100µs/div
A. EN1, 5V/div
B. DRV1, 2V/div
NO LOAD
B
0
1.5V
C
0
5V
A
0
B
0
1.5V
5V
3.2V
C
2.7V
1.50V
D
1.45V
1.50V
D
1.45V
1.49V
10µs/div
A. CONTROL SIGNAL
C. DRV1, 500mV/div
B. LOAD CURRENT, 2A/div D. LDO1 OUTPUT VOLTAGE,
10mV/div
10µs/div
A. CONTROL SIGNAL
C. DRV1, 1V/div
B. LOAD CURRENT, 2A/div D. LDO1 OUTPUT VOLTAGE,
50mV/div
2µs/div
A. CONTROL SIGNAL
C. DRV1, 1V/div
B. LOAD CURRENT, 2A/div D. LDO1 OUTPUT VOLTAGE,
50mV/div
_______________________________________________________________________________________
5
MAX8737
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(Circuit of Figure 1, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(Circuit of Figure 1, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
MAX8737 toc10
50
OUT1
OUT2
A
0
C
0
1.50V
D
20
10
0
-5
0
5
3
7.5
20
10
MAX8737 toc14
2
1.3
60
40
20
-20
0
180
-1
90
0
-2
-90
-180
-3
1.0
1.5
-40
-15
10
TRANSCONDUCTANCE (S)
35
85
60
TEMPERATURE (°C)
0.001
0.01
0.1
MAX8737 toc16
GAIN (dB)
40
20
0
-20
180
PHASE (°)
90
0
-90
-180
0.01
0.1
10
1.5V OUTPUT, 1A LOAD, COUT = (1) 10µF 1206 16V CERAMIC
60
0.001
1
FREQUENCY (MHz)
GAIN AND PHASE
(OUT2)
1
10
FREQUENCY (MHz)
1.05V OUTPUT, 2A LOAD, COUT = (1) 22µF 1206 6V CERAMIC
6
12.5
11.3
0
1
0
0.8
10.0
MAX8737 toc15
3
OUTPUT-VOLTAGE DEVIATION (mV)
30
0.5
8.8
GAIN AND PHASE
(OUT1)
OUTPUT-VOLTAGE DEVIATION
vs. TEMPERATURE
MAX8737 toc13
SAMPLE SIZE = 150
40
0
CURRENT LIMIT (mV)
DRV TRANSCONDUCTANCE
DISTRIBUTION
OUT1
OUT2
-3
OUTPUT OFFSET VOLTAGE (mV)
A. GATE OF FET LOAD, 10V/div D. LD01 OUTPUT
B. DRV1, 1V/div
VOLTAGE, 2V/div
C. MOSFET CURRENT, 20A/div E. PGOOD1, 5V/div
50
20
10
E
2µs/div
30
GAIN (dB)
0
5V
0
30
SAMPLE SIZE = 150
40
PHASE (°)
20A
OUT1
OUT2
SAMPLE PERCENTAGE (%)
B
1.5V
SAMPLE SIZE = 150
40
SAMPLE PERCENTAGE (%)
3V
50
MAX8737 toc11
10V
CURRENT-LIMIT THRESHOLD
DISTRIBUTION
OUTPUT OFFSET VOLTAGE
DISTRIBUTION
MAX8737 toc12
FOLDBACK CURRENT LIMIT
(SHORT-CIRCUIT RESPONSE)
SAMPLE PERCENTAGE (%)
MAX8737
Dual, Low-Voltage Linear Regulator Controllers
with External MOSFETs
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Dual, Low-Voltage Linear Regulator Controllers
with External MOSFETs
PIN
NAME
FUNCTION
1
VCC
Analog and Driver Supply Input. Connect to the system supply voltage (+5.0V). Bypass VCC to analog
ground with a 1µF or greater ceramic capacitor.
2
CS1
Positive Current-Sense Input for LDO1. To enable (foldback) current limit, connect CS1 to the positive
terminal of the current-sense element as shown in Figure 1. The MAX8737 driver reduces the gate
voltage when the 10mV (typ) current-limit threshold is exceeded. When CS1 is connected to VCC, the
MAX8737 disables the current-limit protection and enables the output undervoltage protection (see the
UVP Short-Circuit Protection section).
3
OUT1
4
REFIN1
5
PGOOD2
6
PGOOD1
7
EN2
Enable Input for LDO2. Connect EN2 to Vcc for always ON. When EN2 is pulled low, the linear regulator
shuts down and pulls the output to ground.
8
EN1
Enable Input for LDO1. Connect EN1 to Vcc for always ON. When EN1 is pulled low, the linear regulator
shuts down and pulls the output to ground.
9
REFIN2
10
OUT2
Output Feedback-Sense, Negative Current-Sense, and Discharge Input for LDO1. Connect directly to the
linear regulator output. When LDO1 is disabled, OUT1 is discharged through an internal 10Ω FET to GND.
External Reference Input for LDO1. REFIN1 sets the main output regulation voltage (VOUT1 = VREFIN1).
Open-Drain Power-Good Output for LDO2. PGOOD2 is low when the output voltage is more than 12%
(typ) below the normal regulation point, during soft-start, and in shutdown. Approximately 2ms (typ) after
OUT2 reaches the regulation voltage (REFIN2), PGOOD2 becomes high impedance as long as the
output remains in regulation.
Open-Drain Power-Good Output for LDO1. PGOOD1 is low when the output voltage is more than 12%
(typ) below the normal regulation point, during soft-start, and in shutdown. Approximately 2ms (typ) after
OUT1 reaches the regulation voltage (REFIN1), PGOOD1 becomes high impedance as long as the
output remains in regulation.
External Reference Input for the Secondary Regulator (LDO2). REFIN2 sets the main output regulation
voltage (VOUT2 = VREFIN2).
Output Sense, Negative Current-Sense Input, and Discharge Input for the Secondary Regulator (LDO2).
Connect directly to the linear regulator output. When the LDO2 is disabled, OUT2 is discharged through
an internal 10Ω FET to GND.
11
CS2
12, 14
N.C.
Positive Current-Sense Input for LDO2. To enable (foldback) current limit, connect CS2 to the positive
terminal of the current-sense element as shown in Figure 1. The MAX8737 driver reduces the gate
voltage when the 10mV (typ) current-limit threshold is exceeded. When CS2 is connected to VCC, the
MAX8737 disables the current-limit protection and enables the output undervoltage protection (see the
UVP Short-Circuit Protection section).
Not Internally Connected
13
DRV2
External N-Channel Gate Drive for LDO2
15
GND
Ground. Connect the thin QFN backside pad to GND.
16
DRV1
External N-Channel Gate Drive for LDO1
—
EP
Exposed Pad. Connect the thin QFN backside pad to GND.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
7
MAX8737
Pin Description
MAX8737
Dual, Low-Voltage Linear Regulator Controllers
with External MOSFETs
Detailed Description
The MAX8737 is a dual, low-dropout, external n-channel linear regulator controller for low-voltage notebook
computer power supplies. The linear regulator provides
a 0.5V to 2.5V (±5mV no-load) output for powering the
low-voltage supplies to desktop and notebook CPU
chipsets (VCCP and VCC_MCH). The regulator operates
from low input voltage, which also reduces the power
dissipation in the external n-channel MOSFET. The controller powers the external MOSFET gate driver from the
standard 5V system supply.
The controller features independent enable inputs
(EN_), PGOOD outputs (PGOOD_), input undervoltage
lockout (UVLO), and output undervoltage protection
(UVP). The controller uses an adjustable reference
input (REFIN_) to set the nominal output voltage
(VOUT), which minimizes the cost and makes the stability independent of the output voltage. An output UVP
timing depends on the magnitude of the voltage at
VOUT. The UVP detects and shuts down the LDO if the
output voltage drops below the nominal output voltage
(VREFIN). Each linear regulator features an adjustable
soft-start function, and generates a delayed PGOOD
signal that signals when the linear regulator is in regulation. The MAX8737 uses an external resistor-divider in
series with the current-sense input (CS_), providing
foldback current-limit protection, and effectively reducing the short-circuit power dissipation. The MAX8737 is
available in a thin QFN package to reduce the thermal
impedance, and improve the thermal coupling between
the controller and the external MOSFETs.
REFIN Input
The low-cost linear regulator uses an adjustable reference input (REFIN_) to set the nominal output voltage,
which minimizes cost and simplifies the stability—the
stability calculation is independent of VOUT. The output
voltage accuracy depends on the accuracy of the
source generating the REFIN voltage. Multiple accurate
references are typically available elsewhere in the system (such as the switching regulator providing the lowvoltage input supply). If lower output accuracy is
acceptable, divide down and filter another regulated
output voltage supply.
To set output voltage, select R2 = 100kΩ and select R1
using the following formula:
 V

R1 =  REF − 1 R2
 VREFIN _ 
8
Soft-Start
When the LDO is activated, the respective DRV_ is
pulled up from GND with a typical soft-start current of
170µA. The soft-start current limits the output voltage
slew rate and also limits the initial current spike through
the external n-channel MOSFET. The slew rate is also
limited by the compensation capacitance used at the
DRV_ pin.
The maximum drain current during startup is the ratio of
COUT to CCOMP, multiplied by the soft-start current
ISOFT of 170µA (typ).
Enable and Power Good
The MAX8737 has independent enable control inputs
(EN1, EN2). Drive EN1 high to enable output 1. Drive
EN2 high to enable output 2. When EN_ is driven low,
the corresponding DRV_ and PGOOD_ pins are pulled
to GND, and the output is discharged through a 10Ω
switch.
There are two independent PGOOD_ outputs indicating
the supply status. PGOOD_ is pulled high 2ms after the
controller is enabled (EN_ is pulled high and V CC
exceeds its UVLO threshold), and the output is in regulation. If either output is out of regulation, the respective
PGOOD_ goes low immediately. The MAX8737 pulls
PGOOD_ low if the output voltage drops below the
lower trip threshold of -12% (typ) or when VCC is in
UVLO or when EN_ is pulled low.
Soft-Stop
The MAX8737 enables a soft-stop function that discharges the output through an internal 10Ω switch
when EN_ is driven low or VCC is in UVLO. The discharge time of the output depends on the output
capacitance, output load, and the exact resistance of
the internal discharge switch. To slow down the discharge rate, add resistance in series with the OUT_ pin.
5.0V Bias Supply (VCC)
The linear regulator operates with very low input voltages. VIN may be as low as 1.2V, so a secondary 5V
supply is required to provide sufficient bias to the gate
drivers. Locally decouple the V CC input with 1µF or
greater of ceramic capacitance.
Current Limit
The MAX8737 features a current limit that monitors the
voltage across the current-sense resistor, which limits
VCS_ - VOUT_ to 10mV (typ). However, in case of a
short-circuit condition, the power dissipation across the
external FET will be extremely high. To protect the
external FET, the MAX8737 uses an external resistive
divider (see Figure 1) to fold back the current limit,
reducing the overall power dissipation. The foldback
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Dual, Low-Voltage Linear Regulator Controllers
with External MOSFETs
N1/N2: Si 4922DY
C1
1.0µF
VCC
R6A
100kΩ
R6B
100kΩ
POWER
GOOD 1
1.5V
2A (MAX)
N1
CIN1
10µF
MAX8737
N2
DRV1
RCS1
20mΩ
R4A
10Ω
CIN2
10µF
DRV2
R3A
27Ω
COUT1
10µF
POWER
GOOD 2
PGOOD2
PGOOD1
INPUT
1.8V TO 2.5V
CSYS1*
100µF
MAX8737
5V BIAS
SUPPLY
INPUT
1.25V TO 1.5V
CSYS2*
100µF
R3B
33Ω
C2A
0.1µF
C2B
0.22µF
R4B
10Ω
CS1
1.05V
3A (MAX)
RCS2
20mΩ
COUT2
22µF
CS2
R5A
340Ω
R5B
150Ω
OUT1
OUT2
ON
ON
EN2
EN1
OFF
R1A
33.2kΩ
R1B
90kΩ
REFIN1
SYSTEM REF (2.0V)
OFF
R2A
100kΩ
* A LOCAL 10µF CERAMIC CAPACITOR WILL BE SUFFICIENT
FOR MOST APPLICATIONS. IF THE MAX8737 IS POWERED
FROM A HIGH-IMPEDANCE SOURCE, ADDITIONAL LOW-ESR
POLYMER CAPACITORS ARE RECOMMENDED ON THE INPUT.
REFIN2
GND
SYSTEM REF (2.0V)
R2B
100kΩ
NOTE: THE SYSTEM REFERENCE IS TYPICALLY
GENERATED BY THE STEP-DOWN CONVERTER
USED TO POWER THE DUAL LOW-VOLTAGE
LINEAR REGULATORS.
Figure 1. Typical Operating Circuit with Current Limit
resistor network is calculated using the short-circuit
current (ISHORT), the maximum load current (IMAX), current-sense resistor (RCS), the 10mV (±3mV) currentlimit threshold (VILIM), and the external reference input
(REFIN_). See Figure 3:
1) Pick the RCS requirement for maximum short-circuit current:
RCS = VILIM / ISHORT
2) Select R1 = 10Ω and select R2 using the following formula:
R2 =
(VREFIN + VILIM )R1
IMAXRCS − VILIM
UVP Short-Circuit Protection
There are two levels of short-circuit UVP available in the
controller. When the current-limit protection is not used
(CS_= VCC), the output undervoltage timeout protection
is enabled, which protects the regulator against short
circuits. Output UVP timing depends on the magnitude
of the output voltage drop. To clear the UVP fault latch,
toggle the respective EN_ input, or cycle VCC below its
UVLO threshold.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
9
MAX8737
Dual, Low-Voltage Linear Regulator Controllers
with External MOSFETs
RCS
N1
INPUT
1.0V TO 5.5V
OUTPUT
COUT
4.7µF/A
CIN
R3
OUT
CS
DRV
C2
0.4V
C1
MAX8737
ERROR
AMPLIFIER
R6
PGOOD
REF
R2
DELAY
LOGIC
88%
ILIM_EN
75µs
DELAY
S
Q
80%
R
EN
60%
GND
THE MAX8737 INCLUDES TWO LDOs AS SHOWN ABOVE.
Figure 2. Functional Diagram
10
R1
REFIN
THERMAL
SHDN
LOGIC
SUPPLY
POWER
GOOD
CONTROL
BLOCK
EN
OFF ON
EN
CURRENT
SENSE
VCC
ILIM_EN
5V BIAS
SUPPLY
10Ω
RDSON
______________________________________________________________________________________
Dual, Low-Voltage Linear Regulator Controllers
with External MOSFETs
MAX8737
INPUT
INPUT
MAX8737
MAX8737
CIN
DRV
CIN
DRV
R3
R3
VOUT
RCS
C2
VOUT
COUT
RCS
C2
R1
COUT
CS
CS
OUT
R2
OUT
IMAX
IMAX
10mV
RCS
10mV
RCS
VOUT
SIMPLE CURRENT-LIMIT PROTECTION
VOUT
FOLDBACK CURRENT-LIMIT PROTECTION
Figure 3. Current-Limit Protection
Slow UVP
If the output drops below 80% of the nominal output
voltage (VREFIN) for 75µs, the MAX8737 shuts down the
LDO and pulls the DRV_ pin to ground. If the output
voltage returns above 80% of the nominal output voltage (VREFIN) within the 75µs, the controller ignores the
load transient.
the external pass transistor, allowing the system to
cool. The thermal sensor turns the pass transistor back
on once the controller’s junction temperature drops by
approximately 20°C.
Fast UVP
If the output voltage drops below 60% of the nominal
output voltage (V REFIN ) for approximately 5µs, the
MAX8737 immediately shuts down and pulls the DRV_
pin to ground. If the output voltage returns above 80%
of the nominal output voltage (VREFIN) within the 5µs,
the controller ignores the load transient.
Typically, the MAX8737 is powered from the output of a
step-down regulator, effectively providing a low-impedance source. A local 10µF ceramic capacitor at VIN and
a 1.0µF ceramic capacitor at VBIAS should be sufficient
for most applications. If the linear regulator is connected to a high-impedance input, low-ESR polymer capacitors are recommended on the input.
Thermal Protection
The MAX8737 is available in a thin QFN package to
reduce the thermal impedance, and improve the thermal coupling between the controller and the external
MOSFETs. When the controller’s junction temperature
exceeds TJ = +125°C (max), a thermal sensor turns off
Design Procedure
Input Capacitor Selection (CIN)
Output Capacitor Selection (COUT)
To maintain stability and provide good transient
response, the MAX8737 requires 4.7µF/A (4.7µF minimum) of low ESR ceramic capacitor at the output. The
regulator remains stable with capacitances higher than
the minimum. When selecting the output capacitor to
______________________________________________________________________________________
11
MAX8737
Dual, Low-Voltage Linear Regulator Controllers
with External MOSFETs
provide good transient response, the capacitor’s ESR
should be minimized:
∆VOUT = ∆IOUT x ESR
where ∆IOUT is the maximum peak-to-peak load current
step, and ∆VOUT is the transient output-voltage tolerance.
Example: The example below is used to demonstrate
the stability calculation for the application circuit in
Figure 1.
1) Choose VOUT = 1.05V and IMAX = 3A and the minimum load can be determined from the foldback current-limit resistance:
Regulator Compensation
The compensation network (R3_, C2_) is customizable
and depends on load and MOSFET characteristics:
• Use of ceramic output capacitors with low RESR to
ensure stability and minimize ESR voltage drop at
load step
• Strength of the external n-channel MOSFET (gM), its
forward transconductance (gFS), and the gate-tosource capacitance (CGS)
• The driver transconductance (GMDRV) of the integrated circuit driver
• Load current range (including the minimum load):
IMIN to IMAX
Recommended Procedure
Use the CGS, gFS, ID from the chosen transistor data
sheet and use the equation below to translate the measured gFS to gM for normal operation:
1) Determine the LDO transconductance using the
MOSFET’s forward transconductance (gFS), and the
drain current (ID) used to test the selected MOSFET:
IMIN =
VOUT
≈ 6mA
R1 + R2
2) For the selected MOSFET (Si4922DY), C GS =
2000pF at 1.5V, and gFS = 30S at ID = 8.8A:
gM = 30S
3A
= 17.5S
8.8A
3) The output capacitor must be at least 4.7µF/A.
Therefore the design must use a minimum 14.1µF
capacitor. The closest standard capacitor value is
22µF.
4) Based on the above operating conditions and component selection, the compensation resistor value
should be:
R3 =
22µF
= 35Ω
2nF × 17.5S × 0.5S
5) Finally, select the compensation capacitor value:
I
gM = gFS MAX
ID
2) Calculate the compensation resistor based on the
output capacitor (C OUT), the MOSFET’s gate-tosource capacitance (CGS = CISS - CRSS), and the
minimum driver transconductance:
R3 =
COUT
CGSgM x 0.5S
3) Calculate the compensation capacitance using the
minimum load current (I MIN ) and compensation
resistor value calculated above:
C2 =
where VT = 25mV.
12
2VTCOUT
IMINGMDRV (R3)2
C2 =
2 × 25mV × 22µF
6mA × 1S × (35Ω)2
= 0.15µF
External MOSFET Selection
The MAX8737 uses an n-channel MOSFET as the
series pass transistor instead of a p-channel MOSFET
to reduce cost. The selected MOSFET must have a
gate threshold voltage (at the required max load) that
meets the following criteria:
VGS _ MAX ≤ VCC − VOUT
where VCC is the controller bias voltage, and VGS_MAX
is the maximum gate voltage required to yield the onresistance (RDS_ON) specified by the manufacturer’s
data sheet. Make sure that input-to-output voltage
meets the condition below to avoid entering dropout,
where output voltage starts to decrease and any ripple
on the input also passes through to the output. RDSON
has a positive temperature coefficient (approximately
______________________________________________________________________________________
Dual, Low-Voltage Linear Regulator Controllers
with External MOSFETs
VIN _ MIN − VOUT _ MAX ≥ IMAX (RDSON _ MAX + RCS )
where VIN_MIN is the minimum input voltage at the drain
of the MOSFET.
MOSFET Power Dissipation
The maximum power dissipation of the MAX8737
depends on the thermal resistance of the external nchannel MOSFET package, the board layout, the temperature difference between the die and ambient air,
and the rate of airflow. The power dissipated in the
MOSFET is:
PDIS = IOUT(VIN - VCSP)
The maximum allowable power dissipation is determined by the following formula:
RDIS(MAX) =
TJ(MAX) − TA
θJC + θCA
where TJ(MAX) is the maximum junction temperature
(+150°C), TA is the ambient temperature, θJC is the
thermal resistance from the die junction to the package
case, and θCA is the thermal resistance from the case
through the PC board, copper traces, and other materials to the surrounding air. Standard 8-pin SO MOSFETs
are typically rated for 2W, while new power packages
(PowerPAK™, DirectFET™, etc.) can achieve power
dissipation ratings as high as 5W. For optimum power
dissipation, use a large ground plane with good thermal contact to ground and use wide input and output
traces. Extra copper on the PC board increases thermal mass and reduces the thermal resistance of the
board. See Figure 4.
PC Board Layout Guidelines
Due to the high-current paths and tight output accuracy
required by most applications, careful PC board layout
is required. An evaluation kit (MAX8737EVKIT) is available to speed design. It is important to keep all
traces as short as possible to minimize the highcurrent trace dimensions to reduce the effect of
undesirable parasitic inductance. The MOSFET dissipates a fair amount of heat due to the high currents
involved, especially during large input-to-output voltage
differences. To dissipate the heat generated by the
MOSFET, make power traces very wide with a large
amount of copper area. An efficient way to achieve
good power dissipation on a surface-mount package is
to lay out copper areas directly under the MOSFET
package on multiple layers and connect the areas
through vias. Use a ground plane to minimize impedance and inductance.
In addition to the usual high-power considerations, here
are four tips to ensure high output accuracy:
• Ensure that the feedback connection to C OUT is
short and direct.
• Place the reference input resistors next to the
REFIN_ pin.
• Place RC and CC next to the DRV_ pin.
• Ensure REFIN_ and DRV_ traces are away from
noisy sources to ensure tight accuracy.
PowerPAK is a registered trademark of Vishay Siliconix.
DirectFET is a trademark of International Rectifier Corp.
______________________________________________________________________________________
13
MAX8737
0.5%/°C); therefore, the value of RDSON at the highest
operating junction temperature should be used:
MAX8737
Dual, Low-Voltage Linear Regulator Controllers
with External MOSFETs
N1/N2: Si 4922DY
5V BIAS
SUPPLY
C1
1.0µF
*A LOCAL 10µF CERAMIC CAPACITOR IS SUFFICIENT
FOR MOST APPLICATIONS. IF THE MAX8737 IS POWERED
FROM A HIGH-IMPEDANCE SOURCE, ADDITIONAL LOW-ESR
POLYMER CAPACITORS ARE RECOMMENDED ON THE INPUT.
VCC
CS2
CS1
R6A
100kΩ
POWER
GOOD 1
R6B
100kΩ
PGOOD1
INPUT
1.8V TO 2.5V
POWER
GOOD 2
PGOOD2
INPUT
1.25V TO 1.5V
CSYS2*
100µF
MAX8737
CIN1
10µF
CSYS1*
100µF
1.5V
2A (MAX)
N2
N1
DRV2
DRV1
R3B
33Ω
R3A
27Ω
COUT1
10µF
CIN2
10µF
1.05V
3A (MAX)
C2B
0.22µF
C2A
0.1µF
OUT1
COUT2
22µF
OUT2
ON
ON
EN2
EN1
OFF
OFF
R7
47.5kΩ
REFIN1
SYSTEM REF (2.0V)
R8
42.2kΩ
GND
REFIN2
R9
100kΩ
NOTE: THE SYSTEM REFERENCE IS TYPICALLY
GENERATED BY THE STEP-DOWN CONVERTER
USED TO POWER THE DUAL LOW-VOLTAGE
LINEAR REGULATORS.
Figure 4. Typical Operating Circuit with Output Undervoltage Protection
Chip Information
TRANSISTOR COUNT: 1562
PROCESS: BiCMOS
14
______________________________________________________________________________________
Dual, Low-Voltage Linear Regulator Controllers
with External MOSFETs
24L QFN THIN.EPS
PACKAGE OUTLINE,
12, 16, 20, 24, 28L THIN QFN, 4x4x0.8mm
21-0139
D
1
2
PACKAGE OUTLINE,
12, 16, 20, 24, 28L THIN QFN, 4x4x0.8mm
21-0139
D
2
2
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 ____________________ 15
© 2005 Maxim Integrated Products
Printed USA
is a registered trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
MAX8737
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.)