MAXIM MAX1549ETL

19-3165; Rev 0; 1/04
KIT
ATION
EVALU
E
L
B
AVAILA
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
♦ 1% VOUT Accuracy Over Line and Load
♦ Main Output (OUT1)
0.5V to 2.0V Adjustable Output
External Reference Input for Dynamically
Selectable Output Voltages
Four Digitally Selectable Output Voltages
Power-Good and Fault Blanking During
Transitions
♦ Second Output (OUT2)
2.5V/1.8V Fixed or 0.5V to 2.7V Adjustable
Output
♦ Accurate Differential Current-Sense Inputs
♦ 100kHz/200kHz/300kHz/400kHz Selectable
Switching Frequency
♦ Output Overvoltage/Undervoltage Protection
♦ Soft-Start and Soft-Shutdown
♦ Drives Large Synchronous-Rectifier FETs
♦ 2V ±0.6% Reference Output
♦ Separate Enable Inputs with Accurate Threshold
Voltages
♦ Separate Power-Good Window Comparators
Ordering Information
PART
MAX1549ETL
TEMP RANGE
PIN-PACKAGE
-40°C to +85°C
40 Thin QFN 6mm x 6mm
Dynamically Adjustable Chipset Supplies
N.C.
DH1
OUT1
CSL1
CSH1
OD1
REFIN
TOP VIEW
Notebook Computers
PGOOD1
Pin Configuration
OD2
Applications
♦ Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency, Current-Mode
Control Architecture
OD3
The MAX1549 dual pulse-width modulation (PWM) stepdown controller provides the high efficiency, excellent
transient response, and high DC-output accuracy necessary for generating low-voltage chipset and RAM
power supplies in notebook computers. The controller
employs a fixed-frequency, current-mode PWM architecture that does not require complex compensation.
The MAX1549 also interleaves the dual step-down regulators, minimizing the input capacitor requirements.
The MAX1549 features differential current-sense inputs
for accurately sensing the inductor current across an
external current-sense resistor in series with the output
to ensure reliable overload protection. Alternatively, the
controller can provide overload protection using lossless inductor current-sensing methods, lowering power
dissipation and reducing system cost.
Single-stage buck conversion allows the MAX1549 to
directly step down high-voltage batteries for the highest
possible efficiency. Very low output-voltage applications require two-stage conversion—stepping down
from another system supply rail instead of the battery.
The MAX1549 powers chipsets and graphics processor
cores that require dynamically adjustable output voltages,
or generates the active termination bus that must track
the input reference. The main step-down controller
(OUT1) regulates the dedicated reference input (REFIN)
voltage generated by a resistive voltage-divider from the
MAX1549’s reference. The MAX1549 also includes internal open-drain pulldowns with logic-level control inputs to
dynamically adjust the REFIN resistive-divider ratio. When
a transition occurs on these control inputs, the controller
enters forced-PWM mode and blanks the power-good
(PGOOD1) output and output fault protection. OUT2 uses
a Dual-Mode™ feedback input to provide either fixed
2.5V/1.8V or adjustable output voltage regulation. The
MAX1549 is available in a 40-pin, 6mm x 6mm thin QFN
package.
Features
40 39 38 37 36 35 34 33 32 31
GND
1
30
LX1
Video/GPU Core Supplies
N.C.
2
29
BST1
REF
3
28
SKIP
DDR Memory Termination
VCC
4
27
DL1
CC1
5
26
VDD
ILIM1
6
25
N.C.
ILIM2
7
24
DL2
G0
8
23
PGND
G1
9
22
BST2
FBLANK
10
21
LX2
Dual Mode is a trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
N.C.
DH2
PGOOD2
FB2
OUT2
CSL2
CSH2
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
FSEL
Active Termination Buses
ON1
Fixed Chipset/RAM Supplies
ON2
CPU Core or VCC Supplies
MAX1549
THIN QFN
6mm x 6mm
________________________________________________________________ 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
MAX1549
General Description
MAX1549
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
LX2 to BST2..............................................................-6V to +0.3V
DH2 to LX2 ..............................................-0.3V to (VBST2 + 0.3V)
GND to PGND .......................................................-0.3V to +0.3V
REF Short Circuit to GND ...........................................Continuous
Continuous Power Dissipation (TA = +70°C)
40-Pin 6mm x 6mm Thin QFN (derated 26.3mW/°C
above +70°C).............................................................2105mW
Operating Temperature Range ...........................-40°C to +85°C
Junction Temperature ......................................................+150°C
Storage Temperature Range .............................-65°C to +150°C
Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s) .................................+300°C
VCC to GND ..............................................................-0.3V to +6V
VDD to PGND............................................................-0.3V to +6V
CSH_, CSL_, OUT_, PGOOD_,
OD_ to GND ...........................................-0.3V to (VCC + 0.3V)
G0, G1, ILIM_, REFIN to GND ..................................-0.3V to +6V
FB2, SKIP, ON_ to GND ...........................................-0.3V to +6V
REF, CC1, FBLANK, FSEL to GND.............-0.3V to (VCC + 0.3V)
DL1, DL2 to PGND .....................................-0.3V to (VDD + 0.3V)
BST1, BST2 to PGND .............................................-0.3V to +36V
LX1 to BST1..............................................................-6V to +0.3V
DH1 to LX1 ..............................................-0.3V to (VBST1 + 0.3V)
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
(Circuit of Figure 1, VCC = VDD = 5V, SKIP = GND, TA = 0°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at TA = +25°C.)
PARAMETER
SYMBOL
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
5.5
V
INPUT SUPPLIES (Note 1)
Input Voltage Range
VBIAS
VCC, VDD
4.5
Quiescent Supply Current (VCC)
ICC
OUT1 and FB2 forced above their
regulation points
1.0
1.8
mA
Quiescent Supply Current (VDD)
IDD
OUT1 and FB2 forced above their
regulation points
1.5
5
µA
Shutdown Supply Current (VCC)
ON1 = ON2 = GND, SKIP = VCC
2.5
5
µA
Shutdown Supply Current (VDD)
ON1 = ON2 = GND
<1
5
µA
0
+5
PWM CONTROLLERS
Main Output-Voltage Accuracy
(OUT1 Tracking)
Secondary Preset Output-Voltage
Accuracy (OUT2 Fixed)
Secondary Feedback-Voltage
Accuracy (FB2 Adjustable)
VREFIN VOUT1
VOUT2
VFB2
With respect to
REFIN, SKIP =
VCC or GND
50% duty cycle
-5
10% to 90% duty cycle
-10
mV
SKIP = VCC, 50% FB2 = GND
duty cycle (Note 1) FB2 = VCC
50% duty cycle
SKIP = VCC
(Note 1)
10% to 90% duty cycle
Load-Regulation Error
ILOAD = 0 to 3A, SKIP = VCC
VIN Line-Regulation Error
VIN = 2V to 28V
Output Adjust Range
OUT1 Input Bias Current
IOUT1
FB2 Input Bias Current
IFB2
OUT2 Input Resistance
ROUT2
2
+10
2.475
2.5
2.525
1.780
1.8
1.820
0.490
0.50
0.485
0.510
0.515
0.1
V
%
1
%
OUT1 (tracks REFIN)
0.5
2.0
OUT2
0.5
2.7
VOUT1 = 0.5V to 2.0V
V
V
-1
+1
µA
VFB2 = 0 to 2.7V
-0.1
+0.1
µA
FB2 = GND or adjustable
120
250
460
FB2 = VCC
85
180
335
_______________________________________________________________________________________
kΩ
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
MAX1549
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
(Circuit of Figure 1, VCC = VDD = 5V, SKIP = GND, TA = 0°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at TA = +25°C.)
PARAMETER
OUT_ Discharge-Mode
On-Resistance
SYMBOL
CONDITIONS
TYP
MAX
UNITS
12
40
Ω
0.2
0.3
0.4
V
FSEL = GND
70
100
130
FSEL = REF
170
200
230
FSEL = open
270
300
330
FSEL = VCC
350
400
RDISCHARGE
OUT_ Synchronous-Rectifier
Discharge-Mode Turn-On Level
Operating Frequency
Minimum On-Time
Maximum Duty Cycle
Soft-Start Ramp Time
MIN
fOSC
(Note 2)
tON(MIN)
(Note 3)
tSS
450
200
DMAX
91
Measured from the rising edge of ON_ to
full scale
kHz
ns
93
%
512 /
fOSC
s
REFERENCE (REF)
Reference Voltage
VREF
Reference Load Regulation
REF Lockout Voltage
∆VREF
VCC = 4.5V to
5.5V, IREF = 0
TA = +25°C
1.988
2.00
2.012
TA = 0°C to +85°C
1.985
2.00
2.015
IREF = -10µA to +100µA
1.980
VREF(UVLO) Rising edge, hysteresis = 350mV
2.020
1.95
V
V
V
REFIN Voltage Range
VREFIN
0.5
2.0
V
REFIN Input Bias Current
IREFIN
-50
+50
nA
17
%
FAULT DETECTION
Output Overvoltage
Trip Threshold
With respect to error-comparator threshold
Output Overvoltage
Fault-Propagation Delay
tOVP
Output Undervoltage-Protection
Trip Threshold
Output Undervoltage-Protection
Blanking Time
Output Undervoltage
Fault-Propagation Delay
OUT1 and FB2 forced 2% above trip
threshold
With respect to error-comparator threshold
tBLANK
12
14.5
10
65
From rising edge of ON_
tUVP
70
µs
75
%
4096 /
fOSC
s
10
µs
PGOOD_ Lower Trip Threshold
With respect to error-comparator threshold,
hysteresis = 1%
-12.5
-10
-7.5
%
PGOOD_ Upper Trip Threshold
With respect to error-comparator threshold,
hysteresis = 1%
+7.5
+10
+12.5
%
PGOOD_ Propagation Delay
tPGOOD_
PGOOD_ Output Low Voltage
PGOOD_ Leakage Current
OUT1 and FB2 forced 2% beyond PGOOD_
trip threshold
ISINK = 4mA
IPGOOD_
OUT1 = REFIN and VFB2 = 0.5V (PGOOD_
high impedance), PGOOD_ forced to 5.5V
10
µs
0.3
V
1
µA
_______________________________________________________________________________________
3
MAX1549
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
(Circuit of Figure 1, VCC = VDD = 5V, SKIP = GND, TA = 0°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at TA = +25°C.)
PARAMETER
Fault-Blanking Time
Thermal-Shutdown Threshold
VCC Undervoltage-Lockout
Threshold
SYMBOL
tFBLANK
TSHDN
VCC(UVLO)
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
FBLANK = VCC
110
150
190
FBLANK = open
60
100
140
FBLANK = REF
22
50
75
Hysteresis = 15°C
+165
Rising edge, PWM disabled below this
level, hysteresis = 50mV
µs
°C
4.4
V
0.25
VREF
V
0
2.7
V
4.1
4.25
UNITS
CURRENT LIMIT
ILIM_ Adjustment Range
Current-Limit Input Range
VCSH_, VCSL _
CSH_/CSL_ Input Bias Current
Current-Limit Threshold (Fixed)
Current-Limit Threshold
(Adjustable)
Current-Limit Threshold
(Zero Crossing)
VLIMIT
VLIMIT
VZX
VCSH_ = VCSL _ = 0 to 2.7V
-0.15
+0.15
µA
VCSH_ - VCSL _, ILIM_ = VCC
65
70
75
mV
VILIM_ = 2.0V
170
200
230
VILIM_ = 1.0V
91
100
109
VILIM_ = 0.5V
42
50
58
VCSH_ - VCSL _
VPGND - VLX_, SKIP = GND
3
ILIM_ = VCC
Idle-Mode™ Threshold
VCSH_ - VCSL _
10
With respect to
current-limit
threshold
ILIM_ Leakage Current
15
mV
20
20
-0.1
mV
mV
%
+0.1
µA
6
Ω
GATE DRIVERS
DH_ Gate-Driver On-Resistance
RDH
DL_ Gate-Driver On-Resistance
RDL
DH_ Gate-Driver Source/Sink
Current
IDH
DL_ Gate-Driver Source Current
DL_ Gate-Driver Sink Current
Dead Time
BST_ - LX_ forced to 5V
1.5
DL_, high state
1.5
6
DL_, low state
0.5
2.7
DH_ forced to 2.5V, BST_ - LX_ forced to 5V
IDL (SOURCE) DL_ forced to 2.5V
IDL (SINK)
tDEAD
Ω
1
A
1
A
DL_ forced to 2.5V
3
A
DL_ rising
35
DH_ rising
26
ns
INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
OD_ On-Resistance
ROD_
OD_ Leakage Current
IOD_
10
OD_ high impedance, VOD_ = 5.5V
ON_ Logic Input Threshold
Rising edge, hysteresis = 600mV
Logic Input Voltage
SKIP, G0, G1 hysteresis =
600mV
2.4
High
2.6
Ω
100
nA
2.8
V
2.4
Low
Idle Mode is a trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
4
100
_______________________________________________________________________________________
0.8
V
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
(Circuit of Figure 1, VCC = VDD = 5V, SKIP = GND, TA = 0°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at TA = +25°C.)
PARAMETER
SYMBOL
CONDITIONS
Logic Input Current
ON_, SKIP, G0, G1
Dual-Mode Threshold Voltage
FB2
MIN
FSEL, FBLANK
UNITS
+1
µA
High
1.9
2.0
2.1
0.05
0.1
0.15
Open
VCC 0.4V
3.15
3.85
REF
1.65
2.35
Low
Four-Level Logic Input Current
MAX
Low
High
Four-Level Input Logic Levels
TYP
-1
FSEL, FBLANK forced to GND or VCC
V
V
0.5
-3
+3
µA
MIN
MAX
UNITS
4.5
5.5
V
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(Circuit of Figure 1, VCC = VDD = 5V, SKIP = GND, TA = -40°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 4)
PARAMETER
SYMBOL
CONDITIONS
INPUT SUPPLIES (Note 1)
Input Voltage Range
VBIAS
VCC, VDD
Quiescent Supply Current (VCC)
ICC
OUT1 and FB2 forced above their
regulation points
1.8
mA
Quiescent Supply Current (VDD)
IDD
OUT1 and FB2 forced above their
regulation points
5
µA
Shutdown Supply Current (VCC)
ON1 = ON2 = GND, SKIP = VCC
5
µA
Shutdown Supply Current (VDD)
ON1 = ON2 = GND
5
µA
PWM CONTROLLERS
Main Output-Voltage Accuracy
(OUT1 Tracking)
Secondary Preset Output-Voltage
Accuracy (OUT2 Fixed)
Secondary Feedback-Voltage
Accuracy (FB2 Adjustable)
VREFIN VOUT1
VOUT2
VFB2
Output Adjust Range
OUT2 Input Resistance
ROUT2
OUT_ Discharge-Mode
On-Resistance
RDISCHARGE
OUT_ Synchronous-Rectifier
Discharge-Mode Turn-On Level
With respect to
50% duty cycle
REFIN, SKIP = VCC
10% to 90% duty cycle
or GND
-8
+8
-10
+10
mV
SKIP = VCC, 50%
duty cycle (Note 1)
FB2 = GND
2.470
2.530
FB2 = VCC
1.775
1.825
SKIP = VCC
(Note 1)
50% duty cycle
0.490
0.510
10% to 90% duty cycle
0.485
0.515
OUT1 (tracks REFIN)
0.5
2.0
OUT2
0.5
2.7
FB2 = GND or adjustable
120
460
FB2 = VCC
85
335
0.2
V
V
V
kΩ
40
Ω
0.4
V
_______________________________________________________________________________________
5
MAX1549
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
MAX1549
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
(Circuit of Figure 1, VCC = VDD = 5V, SKIP = GND, TA = -40°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 4)
PARAMETER
SYMBOL
Operating Frequency
fOSC
Maximum Duty Cycle
DMAX
CONDITIONS
(Note 2)
MIN
MAX
FSEL = GND
70
130
FSEL = REF
170
230
FSEL = open
270
330
FSEL = VCC
350
450
91
UNITS
kHz
%
REFERENCE (REF)
Reference Voltage
Reference Load Regulation
VREF
∆VREF
VCC = 4.5V to 5.5V, IREF = 0
1.985
2.015
V
IREF = -10µA to +100µA
1.980
2.020
V
0.5
2.0
V
REFIN Voltage Range
FAULT DETECTION
Output Overvoltage
Trip Threshold
With respect to error-comparator threshold
12
17
%
Output Undervoltage-Protection
Trip Threshold
With respect to error-comparator threshold
65
75
%
PGOOD_ Lower Trip Threshold
With respect to error-comparator threshold,
hysteresis = 1%
-12.5
-7.5
%
PGOOD_ Upper Trip Threshold
With respect to error-comparator threshold,
hysteresis = 1%
+7.5
+12.5
%
PGOOD_ Output Low Voltage
ISINK = 4mA
0.3
V
Fault-Blanking Time
VCC Undervoltage-Lockout
Threshold
tFBLANK
VCC(UVLO)
FBLANK = VCC
110
190
FBLANK = open
60
140
FBLANK = REF
22
75
Rising edge, PWM disabled below this
level, hysteresis = 50mV
4.1
4.4
V
0.25
VREF
V
0
2.7
V
mV
µs
CURRENT LIMIT
ILIM_ Adjustment Range
Current-Limit Input Range
Current-Limit Threshold (Fixed)
Current-Limit Threshold
(Adjustable)
VCSH_, VCSL _
VLIMIT
VLIMIT
VCSH_ - VCSL _, ILIM_ = VCC
VCSH_ - VCSL _
65
75
VILIM_ = 2.0V
170
230
VILIM_ = 1.0V
89
111
VILIM_ = 0.5V
Idle-Mode Threshold
mV
42
58
10
20
mV
BST_ - LX_ forced to 5V
6
Ω
DL_, high state
6
DL_, low state
2.7
VCSH_ - VCSL _, ILIM_ = VCC
GATE DRIVERS
DH_ Gate-Driver On-Resistance
DL_ Gate-Driver On-Resistance
6
RDH
RDL
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Ω
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
(Circuit of Figure 1, VCC = VDD = 5V, SKIP = GND, TA = -40°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 4)
PARAMETER
SYMBOL
CONDITIONS
MIN
MAX
UNITS
100
Ω
2.8
V
INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
OD_ On-Resistance
ROD_
ON_ Logic Input Threshold
Rising edge, hysteresis = 600mV
2.4
Logic Input Voltage
SKIP, G0, G1, hysteresis =
600mV
2.4
Dual-Mode Threshold Voltage
FB2
High
Low
High
1.9
2.1
Low
0.05
0.15
High
Four-Level Input Logic Levels
FSEL, FBLANK
V
0.8
V
VCC - 0.4V
Open
3.15
3.85
REF
1.65
2.35
Low
V
0.5
Note 1: When the inductor is in continuous conduction, the output voltage has a DC regulation level lower than the error-comparator
threshold by 50% of the ripple. In discontinuous conduction (SKIP = GND, light load), the output voltage has a DC regulation level higher than the trip level by approximately 1.5% due to slope compensation.
Note 2: The MAX1549 cannot operate over all combinations of frequency, input voltage (VIN), and output voltage. For large input-tooutput differentials and high switching-frequency settings, the required on-time may be too short to maintain the regulation
specifications. Under these conditions, a lower operating frequency must be selected. The minimum on-time must be
greater than 150ns, regardless of the selected switching frequency. On-time and off-time specifications are measured from
the 50% point to the 50% point at the DH_ pin with LX_ = GND, VBST_ = 5V, and a 250pF capacitor connected from DH_ to
LX_. Actual in-circuit times may differ due to MOSFET switching speeds.
Note 3: Specifications are guaranteed by design, not production tested.
Note 4: Specifications to -40°C are guaranteed by design, not production tested.
Typical Operating Characteristics
(MAX1549 circuit of Figure 1, VIN = 12V, VDD = VCC = 5V, SKIP = GND, FSEL = open, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
VIN = 5V
70
VIN = 12V
MAX1549 toc02
100
90
SKIP = GND
SKIP = VCC
1.03
EFFICIENCY (%)
80
SKIP = GND
SKIP = VCC
1.04
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
EFFICIENCY (%)
90
SKIP = GND
SKIP = VCC
OUT2 EFFICIENCY vs. LOAD CURRENT
(VOUT2 = 2.5V)
1.05
MAX1549 toc01
100
1.0V OUTPUT VOLTAGE (OUT1)
vs. LOAD CURRENT
MAX1549 toc03
OUT1 EFFICIENCY vs. LOAD CURRENT
(VOUT1 = 1.0V)
1.02
1.01
80
VIN = 5V
70
VIN = 12V
1.00
60
VIN = 20V
60
0.99
VIN = 20V
50
0.98
0.01
0.1
1
LOAD CURRENT (A)
10
50
0
1
2
3
4
LOAD CURRENT (A)
5
6
7
0.01
0.1
1
10
LOAD CURRENT (A)
_______________________________________________________________________________________
7
MAX1549
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(MAX1549 circuit of Figure 1, VIN = 12V, VDD = VCC = 5V, SKIP = GND, FSEL = open, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
1.0V OUTPUT VOLTAGE (OUT1)
vs. INPUT VOLTAGE
2.53
2.51
2.49
3.5
1.01
1.00
0.99
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
2.47
0.5
0.98
2.45
1
2
3
4
5
6
0
0
7
5
10
20
15
0
8
12
16
20
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
2.5V OUTPUT VOLTAGE (OUT2)
vs. INPUT VOLTAGE
IDLE-MODE CURRENT
vs. INPUT VOLTAGE
SUPPLY CURRENT vs. INPUT VOLTAGE
(FORCED-PWM OPERATION)
2.0
PEAK CURRENT (A)
2.57
2.54
2.51
DUTY
CYCLE
LIMITED
2.48
28
24
SUPPLY CURRENT (mA)
SKIP = GND
SKIP = VCC
1.5
1.0
MAX1549 toc09
2.5
MAX1549 toc07
2.60
IBIAS
20
16
12
IIN
8
0.5
4
NO LOAD
SKIP = ON1 = ON2 = VCC
2.5V OUTPUT
0
0
5
10
20
15
0
0
4
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
IIN
0.8
0.6
0.4
1mA LOAD
SKIP = GND
ON1 = ON2 = VCC
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
16
20
8
12
16
20
REFERENCE DISTRIBUTION
MAX1549 toc11
3
2
1
0
-1
-2
SAMPLE SIZE = 150
40
30
20
10
-3
-4
0
12
4
50
SAMPLE PERCENTAGE (%)
1.0
8
0
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
4
REFERENCE VOLTAGE DEVIATION (mV)
IBIAS
1.2
4
20
16
2.0V REFERENCE LOAD REGULATION
MAX1549 toc10
1.4
0
12
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
SUPPLY CURRENT vs. INPUT VOLTAGE
(PULSE-SKIPPING OPERATION)
0.2
8
MAX1549 toc12
2.45
8
4
LOAD CURRENT (A)
MAX1549 toc08
0
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
1.0V OUTPUT
4.0
PEAK CURRENT (A)
2.55
4.5
MAX1549 toc05
SKIP = GND
SKIP = VCC
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
2.57
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
1.02
MAX1549 toc04
SKIP = GND
SKIP = VCC
2.59
IDLE-MODE CURRENT
vs. INPUT VOLTAGE
MAX1549 toc06
2.5V OUTPUT VOLTAGE (OUT2)
vs. LOAD CURRENT
SUPPLY CURRENT (mA)
MAX1549
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
-20
0
20
40
60
80
REFERENCE LOAD CURRENT (µA)
100
0
1.990
1.995
2.000
2.005
REFERENCE VOLTAGE (V)
_______________________________________________________________________________________
2.010
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
(MAX1549 circuit of Figure 1, VIN = 12V, VDD = VCC = 5V, SKIP = GND, FSEL = open, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
SWITCHING FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION
(300kHz OPERATION)
STARTUP WAVEFORM
(LIGHT LOAD)
MAX1549 toc14
MAX1549 toc13
50
SAMPLE SIZE = 150
SAMPLE PERCENTAGE (%)
STARTUP WAVEFORM
(HEAVY LOAD)
40
MAX1549 toc15
5V
5V
A
0
2.5V
30
A
0
2.5V
B
0
20
5A
C
0
10
290
295
300
305
D
310
SWITCHING FREQUENCY (kHz)
D
200µs/div
C: INDUCTOR CURRENT, 5A/div
D: PGOOD2, 5V/div
A: ON2, 5V/div
B: 2.5V OUTPUT, 2V/div
100Ω LOAD
SHUTDOWN WAVEFORM
(100Ω LOAD)
MAX1549 toc16
C: INDUCTOR CURRENT, 2A/div
D: PGOOD2, 5V/div
INTERLEAVED OPERATION
MAX1549 toc18
MAX1549 toc17
A
0
5V
A
12V
A
0
2.5V
0
2.5V
B
0
5V
B
B
1.0V
0
5V
C
0
D
0
5V
E
0
D: INDUCTOR CURRENT, 5A/div
E: PGOOD2, 5V/div
C
0
E
0
1ms/div
A: ON2, 5V/div
B: OUT2, 2V/div
C: DL2, 5V/div
12V
C
D
0
5V
100µs/div
A: ON2, 5V/div
B: OUT2, 2V/div
C: DL2, 5V/div
C
0
400µs/div
A: ON2, 5V/div
B: 2.5V OUTPUT, 2V/div
0.5Ω LOAD
SHUTDOWN WAVEFORM
(1Ω LOAD)
5V
2A
0
0
0
B
0
D: INDUCTOR CURRENT, 2A/div
E: PGOOD2, 5V/div
0
D
2.5V
2µs/div
A: LX1, 10V/div
C: LX2, 10V/div
B: 1.0V OUTPUT, 50mV/div D: 2.5V OUTPUT, 50mV/div
_______________________________________________________________________________________
9
MAX1549
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
MAX1549
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(MAX1549 circuit of Figure 1, VIN = 12V, VDD = VCC = 5V, SKIP = GND, FSEL = open, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
2.5V OUTPUT LOAD TRANSIENT
(FORCED PWM)
2.5V OUTPUT LOAD TRANSIENT
(PULSE SKIPPING)
MAX1549 toc19
OUTPUT OVERLOAD
(UVP ENABLED)
MAX1549 toc20
4A
MAX1549 toc21
5V
4A
A
0
A
2.55V
2.50V
2.45V
B
10A
2.55V
B
2.50V
4A
C
4A
0
0
12V
12V
C
B
0
5A
C
0
5V
D
0
E
0
40µs/div
20µs/div
A: IOUT2 = 0 TO 4A, 5A/div C: INDUCTOR CURRENT, 5A/div
B: VOUT2 = 2.5V, 100mV/div D: LX2, 10V/div
SKIP = VCC
A: PGOOD2, 5V/div
D: INDUCTOR CURRENT, 5A/div
B: LOAD (2.5A TO 10A), 10A/div E: DL2, 5V/div
C: 2.5V OUTPUT, 2V/div
MAX1549 DYNAMIC OUTPUT VOLTAGE
TRANSITION (CREFIN = 1nF)
MAX1549 toc22
3.3V
0
1.5V
40µs/div
A: IOUT2 = 0.2A TO 4A, 5A/div C: INDUCTOR CURRENT, 5A/div
B: VOUT2 = 2.5V, 50mV/div D: LX2, 10V/div
SKIP = GND
MAX1549 DYNAMIC OUTPUT VOLTAGE
TRANSITION (CREFIN = 100pF)
MAX1549 toc23
A
3.3V
0
1.5V
A
B
B
1.0V
1.5V
1.0V
1.5V
C
1.0V
C
1.0V
12V
12V
D
0
5A
0
-5A
E
40µs/div
A: GATE, 5V/div
D: LX1, 10V/div
B: REFIN1, 0.5V/div
E: INDUCTOR CURRENT, 10A/div
C: OUT1 (1.0V TO 1.5V), 0.5V/div
200mA LOAD, SKIP = GND
10
0
2.5V
D
D
0
A
0
0
D
0
2.5A
0
-2.5A
E
100µs/div
A: GATE, 5V/div
D: LX1, 10V/div
B: REFIN1, 0.5V/div
E: INDUCTOR CURRENT, 5A/div
C: OUT1 (1.0V TO 1.5V), 0.5V/div
200mA LOAD, SKIP = GND
______________________________________________________________________________________
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
PIN
NAME
1
GND
Analog Ground. Connect backside pad to GND.
2, 20,
25, 31
N.C.
Not Internally Connected
3
REF
2.0V Reference Voltage Output. Bypass to analog ground with a 0.1µF or greater ceramic capacitor. The
reference can source up to 100µA for external loads. Loading REF degrades output voltage accuracy
according to the REF load-regulation error. The reference shuts down when both MAX1549 outputs are
disabled.
4
VCC
Analog Supply Input. Connect to the system supply voltage (+4.5V to +5.5V) through a series 20Ω
resistor. Bypass VCC to analog ground with a 1µF or greater ceramic capacitor.
5
CC1
Integrator Capacitor Connection. Connect a 47pF to 1000pF (470pF typ) capacitor from CC1 to analog
ground (GND) to set the integration time constant for the main MAX1549 controller (OUT1).
ILIM1
Current-Limit Threshold Adjustment for Controller 1. The current-limit threshold defaults to 70mV if ILIM1
is connected to VCC. In adjustable mode, the current-limit threshold across CSH1 and CSL1 is precisely
1/10th the voltage seen at ILIM1 over a 0.5V to 2.0V range. The logic threshold for switchover to the
70mV default value is approximately VCC - 1V.
7
ILIM2
Current-Limit Threshold Adjustment for Controller 2. The current-limit threshold defaults to 70mV if ILIM2
is connected to VCC. In adjustable mode, the current-limit threshold across CSH2 and CSL2 is precisely
1/10th the voltage seen at ILIM2 over a 0.5V to 2.0V range. The logic threshold for switchover to the
70mV default value is approximately VCC - 1V.
8, 9
G0, G1
6
FUNCTION
Buffered N-Channel MOSFET Gate Inputs. See Table 4.
10
FBLANK
Fault-Blanking Select Input. This four-level logic input enables or disables fault blanking and sets the
minimum forced-PWM operation time (tFBLANK). When fault blanking is enabled, the MAX1549 blanks
the PGOOD1 output and main (OUT1) controller’s OVP/UVP fault protection for the selected time period
after the controller detects a transition on G0 or G1. Additionally, the main controller enters forced-PWM
mode for the duration of tFBLANK anytime G0 or G1 changes states.
OUT1 fault protection and PGOOD1 blanking:
VCC = 150µs, open = 100µs, REF = 50µs, GND = blanking disabled
Automatic forced-PWM transition operation (OUT1 only):
VCC = 150µs, open = 100µs, REF = 50µs, GND = 100µs
11
FSEL
Frequency-Select Input. This four-level logic input sets the controller’s switching frequency. Connect to
GND, REF, VCC, or leave FSEL unconnected (open) to select the following typical switching frequencies:
VCC = 400kHz, open = 300kHz, REF = 200kHz, GND = 100kHz
12
ON1
OUT1 Enable Input. Pull to GND to shut down controller 1 (OUT1). Connect to VCC for normal operation.
The output is discharged through a 12Ω resistor between OUT1 and GND, and DL1 is forced high after
VOUT1 drops below 0.3V. A rising edge on ON1 or ON2 clears the fault-protection latch.
13
ON2
OUT2 Enable Input. Pull to GND to shut down controller 2 (OUT2). Connect to VCC for normal operation.
The output is discharged through a 12Ω resistor between OUT2 and GND, and DL2 is forced high after
VOUT2 drops below 0.3V. A rising edge on ON1 or ON2 clears the fault-protection latch.
14
CSH2
Positive Current-Sense Input for Controller 2. Connect to the positive terminal of the current-sense
element. Figure 8 describes current-sensing options. The PWM controller does not begin a cycle unless
the current sensed is less than the current-limit threshold programmed at ILIM2.
______________________________________________________________________________________
11
MAX1549
Pin Description
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
MAX1549
Pin Description (continued)
12
PIN
NAME
FUNCTION
15
CSL2
Negative Current-Sense Input for Controller 2. Connect to the negative terminal of the current-sense
element. Figure 8 describes current-sensing options. The PWM controller does not begin a cycle unless
the current sensed is less than the current-limit threshold programmed at ILIM2.
16
FB2
Dual-Mode Feedback Input for Controller 2. Connect to VCC for a +1.8V fixed output or to analog ground
(GND) for a +2.5V fixed output. For an adjustable output (0.5V to 2.7V), connect FB2 to a resistive
divider from OUT2. The FB2 regulation level is +0.5V.
17
OUT2
Output Voltage-Sense Connection for Controller 2. Connect directly to the positive terminal of the output
capacitors as shown in the Standard Applications Circuit (Figure 1). OUT2 senses the output voltage to
determine the on-time for the high-side switching MOSFET. OUT2 also serves as the feedback input
when using the preset internal output voltages as shown in Figure 5. The output capacitor is discharged
through an internal 12Ω resistor connected between OUT2 and ground.
18
PGOOD2
Open-Drain Power-Good Output. PGOOD2 is low when the output voltage is more than 10% (typ) above
or below the normal regulation point. PGOOD2 is also low during soft-start and shutdown. After the softstart circuit has terminated, PGOOD2 is high impedance if the output is in regulation.
19
DH2
High-Side Gate-Driver Output for Controller 2. DH2 swings from LX2 to BST2.
21
LX2
Inductor Connection for Controller 2. Connect to the switched side of the inductor. LX2 serves as the
lower supply rail for the DH2 high-side gate driver.
22
BST2
Boost Flying-Capacitor Connection for Controller 2. Connect to an external capacitor and diode as
shown in Figure 6. An optional resistor in series with BST2 allows the DH2 pullup current to be adjusted.
23
PGND
Power Ground
24
DL2
Low-Side Gate-Driver Output for Controller 2. DL2 swings from PGND to VDD.
26
VDD
Supply Voltage Input for the DL_ Gate Driver. Connect to the system supply voltage (+4.5V to +5.5V).
Bypass VDD to power ground with a 1µF or greater ceramic capacitor.
27
DL1
Low-Side Gate-Driver Output for Controller 1. DL1 swings from PGND to VDD.
28
SKIP
Pulse-Skipping Control Input. This CMOS logic-level input enables or disables the light-load pulseskipping operation of both outputs. Connect SKIP as follows:
VCC = OUT1 and OUT2 in forced-PWM mode.
GND = OUT1 and OUT2 in pulse-skipping mode.
29
BST1
Boost Flying-Capacitor Connection for Controller 1. Connect to an external capacitor and diode as
shown in Figure 6. An optional resistor in series with BST1 allows the DH1 pullup current to be adjusted.
30
LX1
Inductor Connection for Controller 1. Connect to the switched side of the inductor. LX1 serves as the
lower supply rail for the DH1 high-side gate driver.
32
DH1
High-Side Gate-Driver Output for Controller 1. DH1 swings from LX1 to BST1.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
PIN
NAME
FUNCTION
PGOOD1
Open-Drain Power-Good Output. PGOOD1 is low when the output voltage is more than 10% (typ) above
or below the normal regulation point. PGOOD1 is also low during soft-start and shutdown. After the softstart circuit has terminated, PGOOD1 becomes high impedance if the output is in regulation. For the
MAX1549, PGOOD1 is blanked—forced high-impedance state—when FBLANK is enabled and the
controller detects a transition on GATE.
34
OUT1
Output-Voltage Sense Connection for Controller 1. Connect directly to the positive terminal of the output
capacitors as shown in the Standard Applications Circuit (Figure 1). OUT1 senses the output voltage to
determine the on-time for the high-side switching MOSFET, and also serves as the feedback input. The
output capacitor is discharged through an internal 12Ω resistor connected between OUT1 and ground.
35
CSL1
Negative Current-Sense Input for Controller 1. Connect to the negative terminal of the current-sense
element. Figure 8 describes current-sensing options. The PWM controller does not begin a cycle unless
the current sensed is less than the current-limit threshold programmed at ILIM1.
36
CSH1
Positive Current-Sense Input for Controller 1. Connect to the positive terminal of the current-sense
element. Figure 8 describes current-sensing options. The PWM controller does not begin a cycle unless
the current sensed is less than the current-limit threshold programmed at ILIM1.
33
37, 38, 39
40
OD1, OD2,
Open-Drain Output. Controlled by G0 and G1 as described in Table 4.
OD3
REFIN
External Reference Input. REFIN sets the main output voltage (VOUT1 = VREFIN) of the MAX1549.
______________________________________________________________________________________
13
MAX1549
Pin Description (continued)
MAX1549
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
Table 1. Component Selection for Standard Applications
COMPONENT
Input Voltage (VIN)
Output Voltage (VOUT)
Load Current
Switching Frequency
CIN_, Input Capacitor
PWM1
PWM2
5V to 16V
5V to 16V
G1
G0
VOUT1
0
0
1.50V
0
1
1.30V
1
0
1.00V
1
1
0.70V
2.50V
6A
5A
300kHz
300kHz
(2) 10µF, 25V
Taiyo Yuden TMK432BJ106KM
COUT_, Output Capacitor
470µF, 4V, 10mΩ
Sanyo POSCAP 4TPD470M
330µF, 6.3V, 10mΩ
Sanyo POSCAP 6TPD330M
NH_ High-Side MOSFET
Siliconix Si4800BDY or
Fairchild Semiconductor
FDS6612A
Siliconix Si4800BDY or
Fairchild Semiconductor
FDS6612A
NL_ Low-Side MOSFET
Siliconix Si4736DY or
Fairchild Semiconductor
FDS6670A
Siliconix Si4736DY or
Fairchild Semiconductor
FDS6670A
1A, 30V, 0.45Vf
Nihon EP10QS03L
1A, 30V, 0.45Vf
Nihon EP10QS03L
L_ Inductor
2.5µH
Sumida CDRH104-2R5NC
4.7µH
Sumida CDRH124-4R7MC
RCS_
12mΩ ±1%, 0.5W resistor
IRC LR2010-01-R012F or
Dale WSL-2010-R012F
15mΩ ±1%, 0.5W resistor
IRC LR2010-01-R015F or
Dale WSL-2010-R015F
DL_ Schottky Rectifier
(if needed)
14
______________________________________________________________________________________
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
MAX1549
Table 2. Component Suppliers
SUPPLIER
PHONE
WEBSITE
AVX
843-448-9411 (USA)
www.avx.com
BI Technologies
714-447-2345 (USA)
www.bitechnologies.com
Central Semiconductor
631-435-1110 (USA)
www.centralsemi.com
Coilcraft
800-322-2645 (USA)
www.coilcraft.com
Coiltronics
561-752-5000 (USA)
www.coiltronics.com
Fairchild Semiconductor
888-522-5372 (USA)
www.fairchildsemi.com
International Rectifier
310-322-3331 (USA)
www.irf.com
Kemet
408-986-0424 (USA)
www.kemet.com
Panasonic
800-344-2112 (USA)
www.panasonic.com/industrial
81-72-870-6310 (Japan)
408-749-9714 (USA)
www.secc.co.jp
203-268-6261 (USA)
www.vishay.com
Sumida
81-3-3667-3301 (Japan)
847-545-6700 (USA)
www.sumida.com
Taiyo Yuden
81-3-3833-5441 (Japan)
800-348-2496 (USA)
www.t-yuden.com
TDK
81-3-5201-7241 (Japan)
847-803-6100 (USA)
www.component.tdk.com
TOKO
81-3-3727-1161 (Japan)
847-297-0070 (USA)
www.tokoam.com
Sanyo
Siliconix (Vishay)
______________________________________________________________________________________
15
MAX1549
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
+5V BIAS
SUPPLY
INPUT (VIN)
5V TO 16V
CIN
(2) 10µF
C1
1µF
VDD
DBST
NH1
DBST
DH1
BST1
CBST
0.1µF
CBST
0.1µF
DL1
LX1
LX2
DL1
DL2
NL1
L1
2.5µH
NH2
DH2
BST2
DL2
NL2
L2
4.7µH
PGND
GND
CSH1
RCS1
12mΩ
CSH2
RCS2
15mΩ
MAX1549
CSL1
OUT1
OUTPUT 1
VOUT1 = VREFIN
COUT1
470µF
CCC1
470pF
CREF
0.22µF
OUTPUT 2
VOUT2 = 2.5V
COUT2
330µF
FB2
CC1
SKIP
REF
FSEL
OPEN (300kHz)
ON1
ON2
R2
100kΩ
ILIM1
R3
100kΩ
CSL2
OUT2
ON OFF
R1
20Ω
C2
1µF R6
100kΩ
R4
100kΩ
ILIM2
R5
100kΩ
+5V BIAS
SUPPLY
VCC
R7
100kΩ
PGOOD1
PGOOD2
REFIN
POWER-GOOD
REF
R10
66.5kΩ
R8
100kΩ
OD3
DYNAMIC OUT1
CONTROL INPUTS
G0
G1
R11
150kΩ
OD2
R12
487kΩ
OPEN (100µs)
POWER GROUND
FBLANK
R9
301kΩ
OD1
CREFIN
470pF
ANALOG GROUND
SEE TABLE 1 FOR COMPONENT SPECIFICATIONS.
Figure 1. Standard Applications Circuit
16
______________________________________________________________________________________
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
The MAX1549 dual fixed-frequency step-down controller designed for low-voltage power supplies is ideal
for graphic processor units (GPUs). The Standard
Applications Circuit (Figure 1) generates the dynamically adjustable output voltage (OUT1) typically
required by graphics processor cores, and a fixed 2.5V
output (OUT2) for the local memory used by the GPU.
The MAX1549 main output supports up to four output
voltages that can be dynamically selected for supporting multiple GPU frequency and sleep states. The interleaved, fixed-frequency architecture provides 180°
out-of-phase operation to reduce the input capacitance
required to meet the RMS input-current ratings.
Each controller consists of a multi-input PWM comparator, high-side and low-side gate drivers, fault protection,
power-good detection, adjustable current-limit circuitry,
soft-start, and shutdown logic. The main PWM controller
(OUT1) also includes a dedicated reference input; logicselected, open-drain outputs for dynamically adjusting
the output voltage; and an integrator output for improved
output-voltage accuracy. The second PWM controller
(OUT2) includes a dual-mode feedback network and a
multiplexer for preset 2.5V (FB2 = GND), 1.8V (FB2 =
VCC), or adjustable output-voltage operation.
See Table 1 for the standard applications circuit’s component selection and Table 2 for component manufacturer contact information.
+5V Bias Supply (VCC and VDD)
The MAX1549 requires an external 5V bias supply in
addition to the battery. Typically, this 5V bias supply is
the notebook’s 95% efficient, 5V system supply.
Keeping the bias supply external to the IC improves
efficiency and eliminates the cost associated with the
5V linear regulator that would otherwise be needed to
supply the PWM circuit and gate drivers. If stand-alone
capability is needed, generate the 5V bias supply with
an external linear regulator (VIN > 5.5V) or regulated
charge pump (VIN < 4.5V).
The 5V bias supply must provide VCC (PWM controller)
and VDD (gate-drive power), so the maximum current
drawn is:
IBIAS = ICC + fSW (QG(LOW) + QG(HIGH))
= 5mA to 50mA (typ)
where ICC is 1mA (typ), fSW is the switching frequency,
and Q G(LOW) and Q G(HIGH) are the MOSFET data
sheet’s total gate-charge specification limits at VGS = 5V.
The battery input (VIN) and 5V bias inputs (VCC and
VDD) can be connected together if the input source is a
fixed 4.5V to 5.5V supply. If the 5V bias supply powers
up prior to the battery supply, the enable signals (ON1
and ON2 going from low to high) must be delayed until
the battery voltage is present to ensure startup.
Fixed-Frequency, Current-Mode
PWM Controller
The heart of each current-mode PWM controller is a
multi-input, open-loop comparator that sums two signals: the output-voltage error signal with respect to the
reference voltage and the slope-compensation ramp
(Figure 3). The MAX1549 uses a direct-summing configuration, approaching ideal cycle-to-cycle control over
the output voltage without a traditional error amplifier
and the phase shift associated with it. The MAX1549
uses a relatively low loop gain, allowing the use of lowcost output capacitors. The low loop gain results in the
0.1% (typ) load-regulation error and helps reduce the
output-capacitor size and cost by shifting the unity-gain
crossover frequency to a lower level.
Integrator Amplifier (OUT1 Only)
A feedback amplifier forces the DC average of the feedback voltage to equal the reference threshold voltage.
This transconductance amplifier integrates the feedback
voltage and provides a fine adjustment to the regulation
voltage (Figure 2), allowing accurate DC output voltage
regulation regardless of the output voltage ripple. The
feedback amplifier has the ability to shift the output voltage by ±8%. The differential input voltage range is at
least ±80mV total, including DC offset and AC ripple. Use
a capacitor value of 47pF to 1000pF (470pF typ).
______________________________________________________________________________________
17
MAX1549
Detailed Description
MAX1549
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
OSC
FSEL
SKIP
ILIM2
CSH2
ILIM1
CSL2
CSH1
CSL1
BST1
PWM
CONTROLLER 1
(FIGURE 3)
DH1
BST2
PWM
CONTROLLER 2
(FIGURE 3)
DH2
LX2
VDD
LX1
DL2
VDD
DL1
OUT2
FB2 DECODE
(FIGURE 10)
PGND
FB2
CC1
ON2
Gm
OUT1
REF
ON1
3R
2.0V
REF
VCC
GND
R
REFIN
POWER-GOOD AND
FAULT PROTECTION
(FIGURE 7)
PGOOD1
POWER-GOOD AND
FAULT PROTECTION
(FIGURE 7)
BLANK
FBLANK
G0
G1
GATE
LOGIC
QUAD-LEVEL
DECODE AND
TIMER
OD1
MAX1549
OD2
OD3
Figure 2. PWM-Controller Detailed Functional Diagram
18
______________________________________________________________________________________
PGOOD2
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
MAX1549
CSH
FROM FB
REF
CSL
SLOPE COMP
0.1 x VLIMIT
R
Q
S
IDLE-MODE
CURRENT
DH DRIVER
SKIP
SOFT-START
ON
COUNTER
DAC
CURRENT
LIMIT
OSC
S
Q
DL DRIVER
R
LX
PGND
Figure 3. PWM-Comparator Functional Diagram
______________________________________________________________________________________
19
MAX1549
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
Light-Load Operation Control (SKIP)
Table 3. FSEL Configuration
FSEL
SWITCHING FREQUENCY (kHz)
VCC
400
Open
300
REF
200
GND
100
Frequency Selection (FSEL)
The FSEL input selects the PWM-mode switching frequency as shown in Table 3. High-frequency (400kHz)
operation optimizes the application for the smallest
component size, trading off efficiency due to higher
switching losses. This may be acceptable in ultraportable devices where the load currents are lower.
Low-frequency (100kHz) operation offers the best overall efficiency at the expense of component size and
board space.
Forced-PWM Mode
The low-noise forced-PWM mode disables the zerocrossing comparator, which controls the low-side
switch on-time. This forces the low-side gate-drive
waveform to be constantly the complement of the highside gate-drive waveform, so the inductor current
reverses at light loads while DH_ maintains a duty factor of VOUT_ / VIN. The benefit of forced-PWM mode is
keeping the switching frequency fairly constant.
However, forced-PWM operation comes at a cost: the
no-load 5V bias current remains between 5mA and
50mA, depending on the external MOSFETs and
switching frequency. This additional supply current
reduces the light-load efficiency.
In particular, forced-PWM mode avoids audio-frequency noise under light-load conditions, improves the loadtransient response, and provides sink-current capability
for dynamic output-voltage adjustments. The main
MAX1549 controller (OUT1) uses forced-PWM operation during all dynamic output-voltage transitions (G0 or
G1 transition detected) to ensure fast, accurate transitions. Since forced-PWM operation disables the zerocrossing comparator, the inductor current reverses
under light loads, quickly discharging the output
capacitors. FBLANK determines how long the main
MAX1549 controller maintains forced-PWM operation—
150µs (FBLANK = VCC), 100µs (FBLANK = open or
GND), or 50µs (FBLANK = REF).
20
The MAX1549 includes a light-load operating-mode
control input (SKIP) used to independently enable or
disable the zero-crossing comparator for both controllers. When the zero-crossing comparators are
enabled (SKIP = GND), each controller forces DL_ low
when its current-sense inputs detect zero inductor current. This keeps the inductor from discharging the output capacitors and forces the controller to skip pulses
under light-load conditions to avoid overcharging the
output. When the zero-crossing comparators are disabled (SKIP = VCC), each controller maintains PWM
operation under light-load conditions (forced-PWM).
The on-time of the step-down controller terminates
when the output voltage exceeds the feedback threshold and when the current-sense voltage exceeds the
idle-mode current-sense threshold. Under heavy-load
conditions, the continuous inductor current remains
above the idle-mode current-sense threshold, so the
on-time depends only on the feedback-voltage threshold. Under light-load conditions, the controller remains
above the feedback-voltage threshold, so the on-time
duration depends solely on the idle-mode currentsense threshold, which is approximately 20% of the fullload current-limit threshold set by ILIM_.
When transitioning from pulse-skipping mode to forcedPWM mode (SKIP rising edge), DL_ is pulled high
immediately if both drivers are low.
Idle-Mode Current-Sense Threshold
The idle-mode current-sense threshold forces a lightly
loaded regulator to source a minimum amount of power
with each on-time. Since the zero-crossing comparator
prevents the switching regulator from sinking current,
the controller must skip pulses to avoid overcharging
the output. When the clock edge occurs, if the output
voltage still exceeds the feedback threshold, the controller does not initiate another on-time. This forces the
controller to actually regulate the valley of the output
voltage ripple under light-load conditions.
Automatic Pulse-Skipping Crossover
In skip mode, an inherent automatic switchover to PFM
takes place at light loads (Figure 4). This switchover is
affected by a comparator that truncates the low-side
switch on-time at the inductor current’s zero crossing.
The zero-crossing comparator differentially senses the
inductor current across the low-side MOSFET (LX_ to
PGND). Once V PGND - V LX _ drops below the 3mV
zero-crossing current limit, the comparator forces DL_
low (Figure 3).
______________________________________________________________________________________
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
1 ⎛ VIDLE ⎞
2 ⎜⎝ RSENSE ⎟⎠
where VIDLE is the idle-mode threshold (VIDLE = 0.2 x
VLIMIT where VLIMIT = 0.1 x VILIM; see the Setting the
Current Limit section). The switching waveforms may
appear noisy and asynchronous when light loading causes pulse-skipping operation, but this is a normal operating condition that results in high light-load efficiency.
Tradeoffs in PFM noise vs. light-load efficiency are made
by varying the inductor value. Generally, low inductor values produce a broader efficiency vs. load curve, while
higher values result in higher full-load efficiency (assuming the coil resistance remains fixed) and less output voltage ripple. Penalties for using higher inductor values
include larger size and degraded load-transient
response (especially at low input-voltage levels).
Output Voltage
DC-output accuracy specifications in the Electrical
Characteristics table refer to the error-comparator
threshold. When the inductor continuously conducts
(PWM operation), the MAX1549 regulates the peak of
the output ripple, so the actual DC output voltage
depends on the error-comparator threshold, the slopecompensation amplitude, and the output voltage ripple.
For PWM operation (continuous conduction), the output
voltage is defined by the following equation:
⎛
ASLOPE VNOM ⎞ ⎛ VRIPPLE ⎞
VOUT _(PWM ) = VNOM ⎜1 −
⎟
⎟ - ⎜⎝
⎠
VIN
2
⎝
⎠
where VNOM is the nominal output voltage, ASLOPE
equals 1%, and VRIPPLE is the output voltage ripple
(typically VRIPPLE = ESR x ∆IINDUCTOR as described in
the Output Capacitor Selection section).
In discontinuous conduction (IOUT < ILOAD(SKIP)), the
MAX1549 regulates the valley of the output ripple, and
the output voltage has a DC regulation level higher than
the error-comparator threshold by approximately 1.5%
due to the slope compensation.
VIN - VOUT
L
IIDLE
INDUCTOR CURRENT
ILOAD(SKIP) =
∆I
=
∆t
MAX1549
This mechanism causes the threshold between pulseskipping PFM and nonskipping PWM operation to coincide with the boundary between continuous and
discontinuous inductor-current operation (also known as
the “critical conduction” point). The load-current level at
which the PFM/PWM crossover occurs, ILOAD(SKIP), is
equal to 1/2 the idle-mode inductor current:
ILOAD = IIDLE / 2
0
ON-TIME
TIME
Figure 4. Pulse-Skipping/Discontinuous Crossover Point
For PFM operation (discontinuous conduction), the output voltage is defined by the following equation:
VOUT(PFM ) = VNOM +
1 ⎛ fSW ⎞
IIDLE × ESR
2 ⎜⎝ fOSC ⎟⎠
where fOSC is the maximum switching frequency set by
FSEL, fSW is the actual switching frequency, and IIDLE
is the idle-mode inductor current when pulse skipping.
Dynamic Output Voltages (OUT1 Only)
The MAX1549 regulates OUT1 to the voltage set at
REFIN. By changing the voltage at REFIN, the MAX1549
can be used in applications that require dynamic outputvoltage changes between two set points. Figure 1 shows
a dynamically adjustable resistive voltage-divider network
at REFIN. Using the G0 and G1 gate inputs and the
open-drain outputs (OD1, OD2, and OD3), resistors can
be switched in and out of the REFIN resistor-divider,
dynamically changing the voltage at REFIN. The opendrain outputs are activated by the G0 and G1 gate inputs
as shown in Table 4. The main output voltage is determined by the following equation:
VOUT1 = VREF⎛
⎞
REQ
⎜ R8 + R ⎟
⎝
EQ ⎠
where REQ is the equivalent resistance between REFIN
and ground (see Figure 1 and Table 4).
The main MAX1549 controller (OUT1) automatically
enters forced-PWM operation after detecting a G0 or
G1 transition (rising or falling edge), and remains in
forced-PWM mode for a minimum time selected by
FBLANK (Table 5).
______________________________________________________________________________________
21
MAX1549
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
Table 4. Open-Drain Output States
INPUTS
OUTPUTS
G0
OD1
0
0
High-Z
High-Z
High-Z
R9
0
1
0
High-Z
High-Z
R9 // R12
1
0
High-Z
0
High-Z
R9 // R11
1
1
High-Z
High-Z
0
R9 // R10
Forced-PWM operation is required to ensure fast, accurate negative voltage transitions when REFIN is lowered. Since forced-PWM operation disables the
zero-crossing comparator, the inductor current can
reverse under light loads, quickly discharging the output capacitors. If fault blanking is enabled, the
MAX1549 disables the main controller’s (OUT1) output
fault protection (OVP and UVP), and forces PGOOD1 to
a high-impedance state for the period selected by
FBLANK (Table 5).
For a step voltage change at REFIN, the rate-of-change
of the output voltage is limited by the inductor current
ramp, the total output capacitance, the current limit, and
the load during the transition. The inductor current ramp
is limited by the voltage across the inductor and the
inductance. The total output capacitance determines
how much current is needed to change the output voltage. Additional load current slows down the output-voltage change during a positive REFIN voltage change,
and speeds up the output-voltage change during a negative REFIN voltage change. Increasing the current-limit
setting speeds up a positive output-voltage change.
OD3
Adding a capacitor across REFIN and GND filters noise
and controls the rate-of-change of the REFIN voltage
during dynamic transitions. With the additional capacitance, the REFIN voltage slews between the two set
points with a time constant given by RREFIN x CREFIN,
where RREFIN is the equivalent parallel resistance seen
by the slew capacitor during the transition:
⎛ R8 × REQ ⎞
τREFIN = ⎜
⎟ CREFIN
⎝ R8 + REQ ⎠
Dual-Mode Feedback (OUT2 Only)
The MAX1549’s dual-mode operation allows the selection of common voltages without requiring external
components (Figure 5). For the secondary controller
(OUT2), connect FB2 to GND for a fixed 2.5V output, to
VCC for a fixed 1.8V output, or connect FB2 directly to
OUT2 for a fixed 0.5V output. The main controller
(OUT1) of the MAX1549 regulates to the voltage set at
REFIN (VFB1 = VREFIN) and does not support dualmode operation.
OUT2
MAX1549
TO ERROR
AMPLIFIER
FB2
OD2
REQ
G1
ADJUSTABLE
OUTPUT
FIXED OUTPUT (1.8V)
FB = VCC
FIXED OUTPUT (2.5V)
FB = GND
REF / 20
REF
Figure 5. Second Controller’s Dual-Mode Feedback
22
______________________________________________________________________________________
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
⎛
R ⎞
VOUT2 = VFB2 ⎜1 + A ⎟
RB ⎠
⎝
where VFB2 = 0.5V, RA is the resistor from the output to
FB2, and RB is the resistor from FB2 to analog ground.
Current-Limit Protection (ILIM_)
The current-limit circuit uses differential current-sense
inputs (CSH_ and CSL_) to limit the peak inductor current. If the magnitude of the current-sense signal
exceeds the current-limit threshold, the PWM controller
turns off the high-side MOSFET (Figure 3). At the next
rising edge of the internal oscillator, the PWM controller
does not initiate a new cycle unless the current-sense
signal drops below the peak current-limit threshold. The
actual maximum load current is less than the peak current-limit threshold by an amount equal to 1/2 the
inductor ripple current. Therefore, the maximum load
capability is a function of the current-limit threshold,
current-sense resistance, inductor value, switching frequency, and duty cycle (VOUT / VIN).
Connect ILIM_ to VCC for the 70mV default threshold, or
adjust the current-limit threshold with an external resistordivider at ILIM_. Use a 2µA to 20µA divider current for
accuracy and noise immunity. The current-limit threshold
adjustment range is from 50mV to 200mV. In the
adjustable mode, the current-limit threshold voltage
equals precisely 1/10th the voltage seen at ILIM_ (VLIMIT
= 0.1VILIM_). The logic threshold for switchover to the
70mV default value is approximately VCC - 1V.
Carefully observe the PC board layout guidelines to
ensure noise and DC errors do not corrupt the differential current-sense signals seen by CSH_ and CSL_.
Place the IC close to the sense resistor with short,
direct traces, making a Kelvin-sense connection to the
current-sense resistor.
MOSFET Gate Drivers (DH_, DL_)
The DH_ and DL_ drivers are optimized for driving moderately sized, high-side and larger, low-side power
MOSFETs. This is consistent with the low duty factor seen
in notebook applications, where a large VIN - VOUT differential exists. An adaptive dead-time circuit monitors the
DL_ output and prevents the high-side MOSFET from
turning on until DL_ is fully off. A similar adaptive deadtime circuit monitors the DH_ output to prevent the lowside MOSFET from turning on until DH_ is fully off. There
must be a low-resistance, low-inductance path from the
DL_ and DH_ drivers to the MOSFET gates for the adaptive dead-time circuits to work properly. Otherwise, the
MAX1549 interprets the MOSFET gates as “off” while
charge actually remains on the gate. Use very short, wide
traces (50 mils to 100 mils wide if the MOSFET is 1in from
the driver).
The internal pulldown transistor that drives DL_ low is
robust, with a 0.5Ω (typ) on-resistance. This helps prevent
DL_ from being pulled up due to capacitive coupling from
the drain to the gate of the low-side MOSFETs when the
inductor node (LX_) quickly switches from ground to VIN.
Applications with high input voltages and long, inductive
driver traces may require additional gate-to-source
capacitance to ensure fast-rising LX_ edges do not pull
up the low-side MOSFETs’ gate voltage, causing shootthrough currents. The capacitive coupling between LX_
and DL_ created by the MOSFETs’ gate-to-drain capacitance (CRSS), gate-to-source capacitance (CISS - CRSS),
and additional board parasitics should not exceed the following minimum threshold:
⎛C
⎞
VGS( TH) > VIN ⎜ RSS ⎟
⎝ CISS ⎠
Lot-to-lot variation of the threshold voltage can cause
problems in marginal designs. Typically, adding a
4700pF between DL_ and power ground (CNL in Figure
6), close to the low-side MOSFETs, greatly reduces the
voltage coupling. Do not exceed 22nF of total gate
capacitance to prevent excessive turn-off delays.
Alternately, shoot-through currents can be caused by a
combination of fast high-side MOSFETs and slow lowside MOSFETs. If the turn-off delay time of the low-side
MOSFET is too long, the high-side MOSFETs turn on
before the low-side MOSFETs have actually turned off.
Adding a resistor less than 10Ω in series with BST_
slows down the high-side MOSFET turn-on time, eliminating the shoot-through currents without degrading
the turn-off time (Figure 6). Slowing down the high-side
MOSFET also reduces the LX_ node rise time, thereby
reducing the EMI and high-frequency coupling responsible for switching noise.
Power-Up Sequence
Power-on reset (POR) occurs when VCC rises above
approximately 2V, resetting the fault latch and soft-start
counter, powering up the reference, and preparing the
PWM controllers for operation. Until VCC reaches 4.25V
(typ), the VCC undervoltage-lockout (UVLO) circuitry
inhibits switching. The controller inhibits switching by
pulling DH_ low and forcing DL_ high. When VCC rises
above 4.25V and ON_ is driven high, the activated controller initializes soft-start and starts switching.
______________________________________________________________________________________
23
MAX1549
Alternately, the secondary output voltage (OUT2) can
be adjusted from 0.5V to 2.7V using a resistive voltagedivider. The MAX1549 regulates FB2 to a fixed 0.5V reference voltage, so the secondary output voltage can
be determined with the following equation:
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
MAX1549
Soft-Shutdown
CBYP
MAX1549
VDD
BST
(RBST)*
DBST
INPUT (VIN)
CBST
DH
NH
L
LX
VDD
DL
NL
(CNL)*
Power-Good Output (PGOOD_)
GND
(RBST)* OPTIONAL—THE RESISTOR LOWERS EMI BY DECREASING
THE SWITCHING-NODE RISE TIME.
(CNL)* OPTIONAL—THE CAPACITOR REDUCES LX TO DL CAPACITIVE
COUPLING THAT CAN CAUSE SHOOT-THROUGH CURRENTS.
Figure 6. Optional Gate-Driver Circuitry
Digital Soft-Start
Soft-start allows a gradual increase of the internal current-limit level during startup to reduce the input surge
currents. Both controllers contain an internal digital
soft-start circuit. In shutdown mode or input UVLO, the
controller resets the soft-start counter to zero.
The MAX1549 divides the soft-start period into five
phases. During the first phase, the controller limits the
peak current limit to only 20% of the full current limit. If
the output does not reach regulation within 128 clock
cycles (1 / fOSC), soft-start enters the second phase
and increments the current limit by another 20%. This
process repeats until soft-start reaches the maximum
current limit after 512 clock cycles or until the output
reaches the nominal regulation voltage, whichever
occurs first (see the Soft-Start Waveforms in the Typical
Operating Characteristics). The exact rise time of the
output voltage depends on the output capacitance and
load current.
24
Soft-shutdown slowly discharges the output capacitance, providing a damped shutdown response. This
eliminates the slightly negative output voltages caused
by quickly discharging the output through the inductor
and low-side MOSFET. Both controllers contain separate soft-shutdown circuits.
When the controller is disabled—ON_ pulled low, the
UV fault latch set, or input UVLO triggered—the
MAX1549 discharges the respective output through an
internal 12Ω switch to ground. While the output discharges, the MAX1549 forces DL_ low and disables the
PWM controller, but the reference remains active to
provide an accurate threshold. Once the output voltage
drops below 0.3V, the MAX1549 pulls DL_ high, effectively clamping the output and LX_ switching node to
ground. The reference shuts down once both outputs
are disabled and discharged below 0.3V.
The MAX1549 includes separate open-drain outputs for
the power-good window comparators (Figure 7) that
monitor each output continuously (except during mainoutput fault blanking; see the Fault and Power-Good
Blanking section). The controller actively holds
PGOOD_ low in shutdown and during soft-start. Once
the digital soft-start terminates, PGOOD_ becomes high
impedance as long as the respective output voltage is
within ±10% of the nominal regulation voltage. When
either output voltage drops 10% below or rises 10%
above the nominal regulation voltage, the MAX1549
pulls the respective PGOOD_ output low. Any fault condition forces both PGOOD1 and PGOOD2 low until the
fault latch is cleared by toggling ON1 or ON2, or
cycling VCC power below 1V. For logic-level output voltages, connect an external pullup resistor between
PGOOD_ and VCC. A 100kΩ resistor works well in most
applications.
The power-good window comparators are completely
independent of the overvoltage and undervoltage-protection fault comparators.
Fault Protection
Overvoltage Protection (OVP)
If either output voltage rises above 114.5% of its nominal regulation voltage, the OVP circuit sets the fault
latch, pulls PGOOD1 and PGOOD2 low, shuts down
both PWM controllers, and immediately pulls DH_ low
and forces DL_ high. This turns on the synchronousrectifier MOSFETs with 100% duty, rapidly discharging
the output capacitors and clamping both outputs to
ground. However, immediately latching DL_ high typically causes slightly negative output voltages due to
______________________________________________________________________________________
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
1.1 x
INT REF
0.7 x
INT REF
1.14 x
INT REF
INTERNAL FB
BLANK
(TRANSITION)
TIMER
FAULT
LATCH
FAULT
POWER-GOOD
POR
Figure 7. Power-Good and Fault Protection
the energy stored in the output LC at the instant the OV
fault occurs. If the load cannot tolerate a negative voltage, place a power Schottky diode across the output to
act as a reverse-polarity clamp. If the condition that
caused the overvoltage persists (such as a shorted
high-side MOSFET), the battery fuse blows. The main
controller temporarily blanks OVP after transitions are
detected on G0 or G1 (FBLANK enabled). Toggle ON1
or ON2, or cycle VCC power below 1V, to clear the fault
latch and restart the controller.
Undervoltage Protection (UVP)
Each controller has an output UVP circuit that activates
4096 clock cycles (1 / f OSC ) after the controller is
enabled. If either output voltage drops below 70% of its
nominal regulation voltage, the MAX1549 sets the fault
latch, pulls PGOOD1 and PGOOD2 low, and shuts
down both controllers using discharge mode (see the
Soft-Shutdown section). When each output voltage
drops to 0.3V, its synchronous rectifier turns on and
clamps the output to GND. The main controller temporarily blanks UVP after transitions are detected on G0
or G1 (FBLANK enabled). Toggle ON1 or ON2, or cycle
VCC power below 1V, to clear the fault latch and restart
the controller.
Thermal Fault Protection
The MAX1549 features a thermal fault-protection circuit.
When the junction temperature rises above +160°C, a
thermal sensor activates the fault latch, pulls PGOOD1
and PGOOD2 low, and shuts down both controllers
using discharge mode. Toggle ON1 or ON2, or cycle
VCC power below 1V, to reactivate the controller after
the junction temperature cools by 15°C.
FBLANK
OUT1 FAULT AND
PGOOD1 BLANKING
OUT1 FORCED-PWM
DURATION (TYP) (µs)
VCC
Enabled (150µs)
150
Open
Enabled (100µs)
100
REF
Enabled (50µs)
50
GND
Disabled
100
Fault and Power-Good Blanking (FBLANK)
The main MAX1549 controller (OUT1) automatically
enters forced-PWM operation during all dynamic output-voltage transitions (G0 or G1 transition detected) to
ensure fast, accurate transitions. FBLANK determines
how long the main controller maintains forced-PWM
operation (Table 5)—150µs (FBLANK = VCC), 100µs
(FBLANK = open or GND), or 50µs (FBLANK = REF).
When fault blanking is enabled (FBLANK = VCC, open,
or REF), the MAX1549 also disables the overvoltage
and undervoltage fault protection for OUT1, and forces
PGOOD1 to a high-impedance state during the transition period selected by FBLANK (Table 5). This prevents fault protection from latching off the MAX1549
and keeps the PGOOD1 signal from going low while
the output-voltage transition occurs.
Design Procedure
Firmly establish the input voltage range and maximum
load current before choosing a switching frequency
and inductor operating point (ripple-current ratio). The
primary design tradeoff lies in choosing a good switching frequency and inductor operating point, and the following four factors dictate the rest of the design:
Input Voltage Range: The maximum value (VIN(MAX))
must accommodate the worst-case, high AC-adapter
voltage. The minimum value (VIN(MIN)) must account for
the lowest battery voltage minus the voltage drops associated with the connectors, fuses, and battery-selector
switches. If there is a choice at all, lower input voltages
result in better efficiency. The minimum and maximum
input voltage range is restricted by the minimum and
maximum duty-cycle limits specified in the Electrical
Characteristics table:
V
VOUT
VIN(MIN) > OUT and VIN(MAX) <
DMAX
t ON(MIN)fOSC
where D MAX is the 91% maximum duty-cycle limit,
tON(MIN) is the 200ns minimum off-time, and fOSC is the
switching frequency selected by FSEL. Since the maximum input voltage range is restricted by the switching
frequency and output voltage, lower frequency operation might be required for high input-to-output voltage
applications.
______________________________________________________________________________________
25
MAX1549
0.9 x
INT REF
Table 5. FBLANK Configuration Table
FAULT PROTECTION
POWER-GOOD
MAX1549
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
Maximum Load Current: There are two values to consider. The peak inductor current (IPEAK) determines the
instantaneous component stresses and filtering requirements and thus drives output capacitor selection,
inductor saturation rating, and the design of the current-limit circuit. The maximum continuous load current
(ILOAD(MAX)) determines the thermal stresses and thus
drives the selection of input capacitors, MOSFETs, and
other critical heat-contributing components.
Switching Frequency: This choice determines the
basic tradeoff between size, efficiency, and maximum
input voltage range. The optimum frequency is largely
a function of maximum input voltage, due to MOSFET
switching losses that are proportional to frequency and
VIN2. The optimum frequency is also a moving target,
due to rapid improvements in MOSFET technology that
are making higher frequencies more practical.
Inductor Operating Point: This choice provides tradeoffs between size vs. efficiency and transient response
vs. output ripple. Low inductor values provide better transient response and smaller size, but also result in lower
efficiency and higher output ripple due to increased ripple currents. The minimum practical inductor value is one
that causes the circuit to operate at the edge of critical
conduction (where the inductor current just touches zero
with every cycle at maximum load). Inductor values lower
than this grant no further size-reduction benefit. The optimum operating point is usually found between 20% and
50% ripple current. When pulse skipping (SKIP low and
light loads), the inductor value also determines the loadcurrent value at which PFM/PWM switchover occurs.
Inductor Selection
The switching frequency and inductor operating point
determine the inductor value as follows:
L =
VOUT ( VIN - VOUT )
VIN x fOSC x ILOAD(MAX) x LIR
For example: I LOAD(MAX) = 5A, V IN = 12V, V OUT =
2.5V, fOSC = 300kHz, 30% ripple current or LIR = 0.3:
2.5V × (12V - 2.5V)
L =
= 4.40µH
12V × 300kHz × 5A × 0.3
26
Find a low-loss inductor with the lowest possible DC
resistance that fits in the allotted dimensions. Ferrite
cores are often the best choice, although powdered
iron is inexpensive and can work well at 200kHz. The
core must be large enough not to saturate at the peak
inductor current (IPEAK):
LIR ⎞
⎛
IPEAK = ILOAD(MAX) ⎜1 +
⎟
⎝
2 ⎠
Most inductor manufacturers provide inductors in standard values, such as 1.0µH, 1.5µH, 2.2µH, 3.3µH, etc.
Also look for nonstandard values, which can provide a
better compromise in LIR across the input voltage range.
If using a swinging inductor (where the no-load inductance decreases linearly with increasing current), evaluate the LIR with properly scaled inductance values.
Transient Response
The inductor ripple current also impacts transientresponse performance, especially at low VIN - VOUT differentials. Low inductor values allow the inductor
current to slew faster, replenishing charge removed
from the output-filter capacitors by a sudden load step.
The total output voltage sag is the sum of the voltage
sag while the inductor is ramping up and the voltage
sag before the next pulse can occur:
VSAG =
+
L ∆ILOAD(MAX)
(
)2
∆ILOAD(MAX) (T - ∆T
)
2COUT (VIN × DMAX - VOUT )
COUT
where D MAX is the maximum duty factor (see the
Electrical Characteristics table), T is the cycle period (1 /
fOSC), ∆T equals VOUT / VIN x T when in PWM mode, or L
x 0.2 x IMAX / (VIN - VOUT) when in skip mode. The
amount of overshoot during a full-load to no-load transient
due to stored inductor energy can be calculated as:
VSOAR ≈
(∆ILOAD(MAX) )2L
2COUT VOUT
______________________________________________________________________________________
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
MAX1549
Setting the Peak Current Limit
The minimum current-limit threshold must be great
enough to support the maximum load current when the
current limit is at the minimum tolerance value. The
peak inductor current occurs at ILOAD(MAX) plus 1/2 the
ripple current; therefore:
INPUT (VIN)
CIN
MAX1549
DH_
NH
L
RSENSE
LX_
⎛ ILOAD(MAX)LIR ⎞
ILIMIT > ILOAD(MAX) + ⎜
⎟
2
⎝
⎠
DL_
NL
COUT
DL
PGND
where ILIMIT_ equals the minimum current-limit threshold voltage divided by the current-sense resistance
(RSENSE). For the 70mV default setting, the minimum
current-limit threshold is 65mV.
Connect ILIM_ to VCC for a default 70mV current-limit
threshold. In adjustable mode, the current-limit threshold is precisely 1/10th the voltage seen at ILIM_. For an
adjustable threshold, connect a resistive-divider from
REF to analog ground (GND) with ILIM_ connected to
the center tap. The external 500mV to 2V adjustment
range corresponds to a 50mV to 200mV current-limit
threshold. When adjusting the current limit, use 1% tolerance resistors and a divider current of approximately
10µA to prevent significant inaccuracy in the currentlimit tolerance.
The current-sense method (Figure 8) and magnitude
determine the achievable current-limit accuracy and
power loss. Typically, higher current-sense limits provide
more noise immunity, but also dissipate more power.
Most applications employ a current-limit threshold
(VLIMIT) of 50mV to 100mV, so the sense resistor can be
determined by:
CSH_
CSL_
A) OUTPUT SERIES RESISTOR SENSING
INPUT (VIN)
CIN
MAX1549
DH_
NH
INDUCTOR
LX_
DL_
NL
DL
CEQL
REQL
COUT
PGND
CSH_
RBIAS = REQL
CSL_
B) LOSSLESS INDUCTOR SENSING
Figure 8. Current-Sense Configurations
V
RSENSE = LIMIT
ILIMIT
For the best current-sense accuracy and overcurrent
protection, use a 1% tolerance current-sense resistor
between the inductor and output as shown in Figure
8A. This configuration constantly monitors the inductor
current, allowing accurate current-limit protection.
Alternately, high-power applications that do not require
highly accurate current-limit protection can reduce the
overall power dissipation by connecting a series RC
circuit across the inductor (Figure 8B) with an equivalent time constant:
L
= CEQL × REQL
RDCR
where RDCR is the inductor’s series DC resistance. In
this configuration, the current-sense resistance equals
the inductor’s DC resistance (RSENSE = RDCR). Use the
worst-case inductance and RDCR values provided by the
inductor manufacturer, adding some margin for the
inductance drop over temperature and load.
Output Capacitor Selection
The output-filter capacitor must have low enough equivalent series resistance (ESR) to meet output ripple and
load-transient requirements, yet have high enough ESR
to satisfy stability requirements.
For processor core voltage converters and other applications where the output is subject to severe load transients, the output capacitor’s size depends on how
much ESR is needed to prevent the output from dipping too low under a load transient. Ignoring the sag
due to finite capacitance:
RESR ≤
VSTEP
∆ILOAD(MAX)
______________________________________________________________________________________
27
MAX1549
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
In applications without large and fast load transients, the
output capacitor’s size often depends on how much ESR
is needed to maintain an acceptable level of output voltage ripple. The output voltage ripple of a step-down controller equals the total inductor ripple current multiplied by
the output capacitor’s ESR. Therefore, the maximum ESR
required to meet the ripple specifications is:
VRIPPLE
RESR ≤
ILOAD(MAX)LIR
The actual capacitance value required relates to the
size needed to achieve low ESR, as well as to the
chemistry of the capacitor technology. Thus, the
capacitor is usually selected by ESR and voltage rating
rather than by capacitance value (this is true of tantalums, OS-CONs, polymers, and other electrolytics).
When using low-capacity filter capacitors, such as
ceramic capacitors, size is usually determined by the
capacity needed to prevent V SAG and V SOAR from
causing problems during load transients. Generally,
once enough capacitance is added to meet the overshoot requirement, undershoot at the rising load edge
is no longer a problem (see the VSAG and VSOAR equations in the Transient Response section). However, lowcapacity filter capacitors typically have high ESR zeros
that can affect the overall stability (see the OutputCapacitor Stability Considerations section).
Output-Capacitor Stability Considerations
The MAX1549 controllers rely on the output voltage ripple,
which can be defined as the inductor current ripple times
the output capacitor’s ESR, to generate the current-mode
control signal required for stable operation. Therefore, the
controller’s stability is determined by the value of the ESR
zero relative to the switching frequency. The boundary of
instability is given by the following equation:
f
fESR ≤ OSC
π
where:
fESR =
1
2πRESR COUT
For a typical 300kHz application, the ESR zero frequency
must be well below 95kHz, preferably below 50kHz.
Tantalum and OS-CON capacitors in widespread use at
the time of publication have typical ESR zero frequencies
of 25kHz. In the design example used for inductor selection, the ESR needed to support 25mVP-P ripple is 25mV /
1.5A = 16.7mΩ. One 220µF/4V Sanyo polymer (TPE)
capacitor provides 15mΩ (max) ESR. This results in a
zero at 48kHz, well within the bounds of stability.
28
Do not put high-value ceramic capacitors directly
across the feedback sense point without taking precautions to ensure stability. Large ceramic capacitors can
have a high-ESR zero frequency and cause erratic,
unstable operation. However, it is easy to add enough
series resistance by placing the capacitors a couple
inches downstream from the feedback sense point,
which should be as close as possible to the inductor.
Unstable operation manifests itself in two related but
distinctly different ways: duty-cycle variation and fastfeedback loop instability. Duty-cycle variation occurs
due to noise on the output or because the ESR is so
low that there is not enough voltage ramp in the outputvoltage signal. This “fools” the error comparator into
extending the on-time, forcing the next cycle to terminate its on-time early. Duty-cycle variation is more
annoying than harmful, resulting in nothing worse than
increased output ripple. However, it can indicate the
possible presence of loop instability due to insufficient
ESR. Loop instability can result in oscillations at the output after line or load steps. Such perturbations are usually damped, but can cause the output voltage to rise
above or fall below the tolerance limits.
The easiest method for checking stability is to apply a
very fast zero-to-max load transient and carefully
observe the output-voltage-ripple envelope for overshoot and ringing. It can help to simultaneously monitor
the inductor current with an AC current probe. Do not
allow more than one cycle of ringing after the initial
step-response under/overshoot.
Input Capacitor Selection
The input capacitor must meet the RMS ripple current
requirement (IRMS) imposed by the switching currents.
For a single step-down converter, the RMS input ripple
current is defined by the output load current (IOUT),
input voltage, and output voltage, with the worst-case
condition occurring at VIN = 2VOUT:
⎛ V
⎞
OUT (VIN - VOUT )
⎟
IRMS = IOUT ⎜
VIN
⎜
⎟
⎝
⎠
For a dual 180° interleaved controller, the out-of-phase
operation reduces the RMS input ripple current, effectively lowering the input capacitance requirements.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
IRMS =
⎛ VOUT1 ⎞
⎜ V
⎟ IOUT1(IOUT1 - IIN )
⎝ IN ⎠
⎛V
⎞
+ ⎜ OUT2 ⎟ IOUT2 (IOUT2 - IIN )
V
⎝ IN ⎠
where IIN is the average input current:
⎛V
⎞
⎛V
⎞
IIN = ⎜ OUT1 ⎟ IOUT1 + ⎜ OUT2 ⎟ IOUT2
V
V
⎝ IN ⎠
⎝ IN ⎠
For most applications, nontantalum chemistries (ceramic, aluminum, or OS-CON) are preferred due to their
resilience to power-up surge currents typical of systems with a mechanical switch or connector in series
with the input. If the MAX1549 is operated as the second stage of a two-stage power-conversion system,
tantalum input capacitors are acceptable. In either configuration, choose a capacitor that has less than 10°C
temperature rise at the RMS input current for optimal
reliability and lifetime.
Power MOSFET Selection
Most of the following MOSFET guidelines focus on the
challenge of obtaining high load-current capability
when using high-voltage (>20V) AC adapters. Low-current applications usually require less attention.
The high-side MOSFET (NH) must be able to dissipate
the resistive losses plus the switching losses at both
VIN(MIN) and VIN(MAX). Ideally, the losses at VIN(MIN)
should be roughly equal to the losses at VIN(MAX), with
lower losses in between. If the losses at VIN(MIN) are
significantly higher, consider increasing the size of NH.
Conversely, if the losses at VIN(MAX) are significantly
higher, consider reducing the size of NH. If VIN does
not vary over a wide range, maximum efficiency is
achieved by selecting a high-side MOSFET (N H) that
has conduction losses equal to the switching losses.
Choose a low-side MOSFET (NL) that has the lowest
possible on-resistance (RDS(ON)), comes in a moderate-sized package (i.e., 8-pin SO, DPAK, or D2PAK),
and is reasonably priced. Ensure that the MAX1549
DL_ gate driver can supply sufficient current to support
the gate charge and the current injected into the parasitic drain-to-gate capacitor caused by the high-side
MOSFET turning on; otherwise, cross-conduction problems can occur. Switching losses are not an issue for
the low-side MOSFET since it is a zero-voltage
switched device when used in the step-down topology.
Power MOSFET Dissipation
Worst-case conduction losses occur at the duty-factor
extremes. For the high-side MOSFET (NH), the worstcase power dissipation due to resistance occurs at
minimum input voltage:
⎛V
⎞
2
PD (NH Re sistive) = ⎜ OUT ⎟ (ILOAD ) RDS(ON)
⎝ VIN ⎠
Generally, use a small high-side MOSFET to reduce
switching losses at high input voltages. However, the
RDS(ON) required to stay within package power-dissipation limits often limits how small the MOSFET can be.
The optimum occurs when the switching losses equal
the conduction (RDS(ON)) losses. High-side switching
losses do not become an issue until the input is greater
than approximately 15V.
Calculating the power dissipation in high-side
MOSFETs (NH) due to switching losses is difficult since
it must allow for difficult-to-quantify factors that influence the turn-on and turn-off times. These factors
include the internal gate resistance, gate charge,
threshold voltage, source inductance, and PC-boardlayout characteristics. The following switching loss calculation provides only a very rough estimate and is no
substitute for breadboard evaluation, preferably including verification using a thermocouple mounted on NH:
PD (NH Switching) =
(VIN(MAX) )2 CRSSfSWILOAD
IGATE
where CRSS is the reverse transfer capacitance of NH,
and IGATE is the peak gate-drive source/sink current
(1A typ).
Switching losses in the high-side MOSFET can become
a heat problem when maximum AC-adapter voltages
are applied, due to the squared term in the switchingloss equation (C x VIN2 x fSW). If the high-side MOSFET
chosen for adequate RDS(ON) at low battery voltages
becomes extraordinarily hot when subjected to
V IN(MAX) , consider choosing another MOSFET with
lower parasitic capacitance.
For the low-side MOSFET (NL), the worst-case power
dissipation always occurs at maximum battery voltage:
⎡
⎛ V
⎞⎤
2
PD (NL Re sistive) = ⎢1 - ⎜ OUT ⎟ ⎥(ILOAD ) RDS(ON)
V
⎢⎣
⎥
⎝ IN(MAX) ⎠ ⎦
______________________________________________________________________________________
29
MAX1549
When both outputs operate with a duty cycle less than
50% (VIN > 2VOUT), the RMS input ripple current is
defined by the following equation:
MAX1549
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
The absolute worst case for MOSFET power dissipation
occurs under heavy overload conditions that are greater
than ILOAD(MAX) but are not high enough to exceed the
current limit and cause the fault latch to trip. To protect
against this possibility, “overdesign” the circuit to tolerate:
⎛ ILOAD(MAX)LIR ⎞
ILOAD = ILIM - ⎜
⎟
2
⎝
⎠
where ILIM is the peak current allowed by the current-limit
circuit, including threshold tolerance and sense-resistance variation. The MOSFETs must have a relatively
large heatsink to handle the overload power dissipation.
Choose a Schottky diode (DL) with a forward-voltage
drop low enough to prevent the low-side MOSFET’s
body diode from turning on during the dead time. As a
general rule, select a diode with a DC current rating
equal to 1/3rd the load current. This diode is optional
and can be removed if efficiency is not critical.
Boost Capacitors
The boost capacitors (CBST) must be selected large
enough to handle the gate-charging requirements of
the high-side MOSFETs. Typically, 0.1µF ceramic
capacitors work well for low-power applications driving
medium-sized MOSFETs. However, high-current applications driving large, high-side MOSFETs require boost
capacitors larger than 0.1µF. For these applications,
select the boost capacitors to avoid discharging the
capacitor more than 200mV while charging the highside MOSFETs’ gates:
CBST =
N × QGATE
200mV
where N is the number of high-side MOSFETs used for
one regulator, and QGATE is the gate charge specified
in the MOSFET’s data sheet. For example, assume one
IRF7811W N-channel MOSFET is used on the high
side. According to the manufacturer’s data sheet, a single IRF7811W has a maximum gate charge of 24nC
(VGS = 5V). Using the above equation, the required
boost capacitance is:
CBST =
1 × 24nC
= 0.12µF
200mV
Applications Information
Duty-Cycle Limits
Minimum Input Voltage
The minimum input operating voltage (dropout voltage)
is restricted by the maximum duty-cycle specification
(see the Electrical Characteristics table). However,
keep in mind that the transient performance gets worse
as the step-down regulators approach the dropout voltage, so bulk output capacitance must be added (see
the voltage sag and soar equations in the Design
Procedure section). The absolute point of dropout
occurs when the inductor current ramps down during
the off-time (∆IDOWN) as much as it ramps up during
the on-time (∆IUP). This results in a minimum operating
voltage defined by the following equation:
⎛ 1
⎞
VIN(MIN) = VOUT + VCHG + h⎜
− 1⎟ ( VOUT + VDIS )
⎝ DMAX
⎠
where VCHG and VDIS are the parasitic voltage drops in
the charge and discharge paths, respectively. A reasonable minimum value for h is 1.5, while the absolute
minimum input voltage is calculated with h = 1.
Maximum Input Voltage
The MAX1549 controller includes a minimum on-time
specification, which determines the maximum input
operating voltage that maintains the selected switching
frequency (see the Electrical Characteristics table).
Operation above this maximum input voltage results in
pulse-skipping operation, regardless of the operating
mode selected by SKIP. At the beginning of each
cycle, if the output voltage is still above the feedbackthreshold voltage, the controller does not trigger an ontime pulse, effectively skipping a cycle. This allows the
controller to maintain regulation above the maximum
input voltage, but forces the controller to effectively
operate with a lower switching frequency. This results
in an input-threshold voltage at which the controller
begins to skip pulses (VIN(SKIP)):
⎛
⎞
1
VIN(SKIP) = VOUT ⎜
⎟
⎝ fOSC t ON(MIN) ⎠
where fOSC is the switching frequency selected by FSEL.
Selecting the closest standard value, this example
requires a 0.1µF ceramic capacitor.
30
______________________________________________________________________________________
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
MAX1549
C1
1µF
+5V BIAS
SUPPLY
R1
20Ω
C2
1µF
VDD
INPUT (VIN)
DBST
VCC
DH2
SKIP
BST2
NH2
CBST
LX2
R7
R6
NL2
DL2
PGOOD1
PGND
PGOOD2
GND
DL2
L2
POWER-GOOD
CSH2
RCS2
CREF
0.22µF
MAX1549
REF
CSL2
OUTPUT 2
VDDQ = 2.5V
OUT2
R2
VDD
FB2
COUT2
ILIM1
R3
DBST
R4
NH1
DH1
ILIM2
BST1
CBST
R5
OUT2
LX1
R8
NL1
DL1
DL1
L1
REFIN
R9
C3
CSH1
RCS1
CSL1
FBLANK
CCC1
470pF
OD3
UNUSED
OD2
OUTPUT 1
VTT = VDDQ/2
OUT1
COUT1
CC1
0D1
FSEL
OPEN (300kHz)
G0
G1
ON1
ON2
ON OFF
POWER GROUND
ANALOG GROUND
Figure 9. Active Bus Termination
______________________________________________________________________________________
31
MAX1549
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
Figure 10 shows the connection of OUT_ and FB_ in voltage-positioned and nonvoltage-positioned circuits. In
nonvoltage-positioned circuits, the MAX1549 regulates
the voltage across the output capacitor. In voltage-positioned circuits, the MAX1549 regulates the voltage on the
inductor side of the current-sense resistor. The voltagepositioned output voltage is reduced to:
VOUT(VPS) = VOUT(NO LOAD) - RSENSEILOAD
Active Bus Termination (OUT1)
Active-bus-termination power supplies generate a voltage
rail that tracks a set reference. They are required to
source and sink current. DDR memory architecture
requires active bus termination. In DDR memory architecture, the termination voltage is set at exactly 1/2 the memory supply voltage. Configure the main MAX1549
controller (OUT1) to generate the termination voltage
using a resistive voltage-divider at REFIN. In such an
application, OUT1 must be kept in PWM mode (SKIP =
VCC or open) for it to source and sink current. Figure 9
shows OUT1 configured as a DDR termination regulator.
Connect GATE and FBLANK to GND when unused.
For a conventional (nonvoltage-positioned) circuit, the
peak-to-peak voltage change is:
∆VOUT(CONV) = 2 x (ESRCOUT x ∆ILOAD) + VSAG
+ VSOAR
Voltage Positioning
where V SAG and V SOAR are defined in Figure 11.
Setting the converter to regulate at a lower voltage
when under load allows a larger voltage step when the
output current suddenly decreases. Therefore, the
peak-to-peak voltage change for a voltage-positioned
circuit is:
∆VOUT(VPS) = (ESRCOUT x ∆ILOAD) + VSAG + VSOAR
Powering new mobile processors (CPU or GPU)
requires careful attention to detail to reduce cost, size,
and power dissipation. As processors consume more
power, it was recognized that even the fastest DC-DC
converters were inadequate to handle the severe transient power requirements. After a load transient, the
output instantly changes by ESR COUT x ∆I LOAD .
Conventional DC-DC converters respond by regulating
the output voltage back to its nominal state after the
load transient occurs (Figure 11), but the processor
only requires that the output voltage remains above a
specified minimum value. Dynamically positioning the
output voltage to this lower limit allows the use of fewer
output capacitors and reduces the power consumption
under load.
where V SAG and V SOAR are defined in the Design
Procedure section. Since the amplitudes are the same
for both circuits (∆VOUT(CONV) = ∆VOUT(VPS)), the voltage-positioned circuit tolerates twice the ESR. Since
the ESR specification is achieved by paralleling several
capacitors, fewer units are needed for the voltage-positioned circuit.
R1
+5V BIAS
SUPPLY
C2
VDD
VCC
DBST
C1
V+
INPUT (VIN)
CIN
BST
NH
REGULATED VOLTAGE
DH
CBST
MAX1549
L1
LX
NL
DL
DL
RSENSE
VOLTAGE-POSITIONED
OUTPUT (VOUT(VPS))
COUT
GND
CSH
FB
OUT
CSL
VOUT(VPS) = VOUT(NO LOAD) - RSENSE x IOUT
Figure 10. Voltage-Positioned Applications Circuit
32
______________________________________________________________________________________
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
VOLTAGE POSITIONING THE OUTPUT
ESR VOLTAGE STEP
(ISTEP x RESR)
A
1.4V
MAX1549
CAPACITIVE SOAR
(dV/dt = IOUT / COUT)
1.4V
B
A. CONVENTIONAL CONVERTER (50mV/div)
B. VOLTAGE-POSITIONED OUTPUT (50mV/div)
VOUT
CAPACITIVE SAG
(dV/dt = IOUT / COUT)
RECOVERY
ILOAD
Figure 11. Voltage-Positioning Transient Response
An additional benefit of voltage positioning is reduced
power consumption at high load currents. Since the output voltage is lower under load, the processor draws less
current. The result is lower power dissipation in the
processor, although extra power is dissipated in the current-sense element. However, the current-sense element
used for current-limit protection can also be used for
voltage positioning, further reducing the overall power
dissipation. In effect, the processor’s power dissipation
is saved and the power supply dissipates some of the
savings, but both the net savings and the transfer of dissipation away from the hot processor are beneficial.
approached in terms of fractions of centimeters,
where a single mΩ of excess trace resistance causes a measurable efficiency penalty.
•
•
PC Board Layout Guidelines
Careful PC board layout is critical to achieving low switching losses and clean, stable operation. The switching
power stage requires particular attention (Figure 12). If
possible, mount all the power components on the top
side of the board, with their ground terminals flush
against one another. Refer to the MAX1549 evaluation kit
data sheet for a specific layout example. Follow these
guidelines for good PC board layout:
•
Use a star-ground connection on the power ground
plane to minimize the crosstalk between OUT1 and
OUT2.
•
Keep the high-current paths short, especially at the
ground terminals. This practice is essential for stable, jitter-free operation.
•
Keep the power traces and load connections short.
This practice is essential for high efficiency. Using
thick copper PC boards (2oz vs. 1oz) can enhance
full-load efficiency by 1% or more. Correctly routing
PC board traces is a difficult task that must be
•
When tradeoffs in trace lengths must be made, it is
preferable to allow the inductor charging path to be
made longer than the discharge path. For example,
it is better to allow some extra distance between the
input capacitors and the high-side MOSFET than to
allow distance between the inductor and the lowside MOSFET or between the inductor and the output filter capacitor.
Minimize current-sensing errors by connecting
CSH_ and CSL_ directly across the current-sense
resistor (RSENSE_).
Route all high-speed switching nodes (BST_, LX_,
DH_, and DL_) away from sensitive analog areas
(REF, FB_, CSH_, and CSL_).
Layout Procedure
1) Place the power components first, with ground terminals adjacent (NL_ source, CIN, COUT_, and DL_
anode). If possible, make all these connections on
the top layer with wide, copper-filled areas.
2) Mount the controller IC adjacent to the low-side
MOSFET, preferably on the back side opposite NL_
and NH_ to keep LX_, DH_, and the DL_ gate-drive
lines short and wide. The DL_ and DH_ gate traces
must be short and wide (50 mils to 100 mils wide if
the MOSFET is 1in from the controller IC) to keep
the driver impedance low and for proper adaptive
dead-time sensing.
______________________________________________________________________________________
33
MAX1549
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
3) Group the gate-drive components (BST_ diode and
capacitor, VDD bypass capacitor) together near the
controller IC.
4) Make the DC-DC controller ground connections as
shown in Figures 1 and 12. These diagrams can be
viewed as having two separate ground planes:
power ground for the high-power components, and
an analog ground plane for sensitive analog components. These separate ground planes must meet
only at a single point directly at the IC. Additionally,
a star-ground connection (centered at PGND) must
be used on the power ground plane to minimize
any crosstalk between the two controllers.
5) Connect the output power planes directly to the output-filter-capacitor positive and negative terminals
with multiple vias. Place the entire DC-DC converter
circuit as close to the load as is practical.
Chip Information
TRANSISTOR COUNT: 8823
PROCESS: BiCMOS
VIA TO ANALOG
GROUND PLANE
VIA TO 5V BIAS
SUPPLY (VDD)
VIA TO VCC
BYPASS CAPACITOR
VIA TO POWER
GROUND
CONNECT THE
EXPOSED PAD TO
ANALOG GND
MAX1549
TOP LAYER
CONNECT GND
AND PGND TO THE
CONTROLLER AT
ONE POINT ONLY
AS SHOWN
KELVIN-SENSE VIAS
UNDER THE SENSE RESISTOR
(REFER TO THE EVALUATION KIT)
DUAL
N-CHANNEL
MOSFET
INDUCTOR
SINGLE
N-CHANNEL
MOSFETS
INDUCTOR
DH
LX
DL
COUT
CIN
COUT
CIN
INPUT
HIGH-POWER LAYOUT
INPUT
OUTPUT
OUTPUT
COUT
OUTPUT
GROUND
GROUND
LOW-POWER LAYOUT
Figure 12. PC Board Layout Example
34
______________________________________________________________________________________
Dual, Interleaved, Fixed-Frequency Step-Down
Controller with a Dynamically Adjustable Output
QFN THIN 6x6x0.8.EPS
D2
D
CL
D/2
b
D2/2
k
E/2
E2/2
(NE-1) X e
E
CL
E2
k
e
L
(ND-1) X e
e
L
CL
CL
L1
L
L
e
A1
A2
e
A
PACKAGE OUTLINE
36, 40, 48L THIN QFN, 6x6x0.8mm
21-0141
E
1
2
NOTES:
1. DIMENSIONING & TOLERANCING CONFORM TO ASME Y14.5M-1994.
2. ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS. ANGLES ARE IN DEGREES.
3. N IS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF TERMINALS.
4. THE TERMINAL #1 IDENTIFIER AND TERMINAL NUMBERING CONVENTION SHALL CONFORM TO JESD 95-1
SPP-012. DETAILS OF TERMINAL #1 IDENTIFIER ARE OPTIONAL, BUT MUST BE LOCATED WITHIN THE
ZONE INDICATED. THE TERMINAL #1 IDENTIFIER MAY BE EITHER A MOLD OR MARKED FEATURE.
5. DIMENSION b APPLIES TO METALLIZED TERMINAL AND IS MEASURED BETWEEN 0.25 mm AND 0.30 mm
FROM TERMINAL TIP.
6. ND AND NE REFER TO THE NUMBER OF TERMINALS ON EACH D AND E SIDE RESPECTIVELY.
7. DEPOPULATION IS POSSIBLE IN A SYMMETRICAL FASHION.
8. COPLANARITY APPLIES TO THE EXPOSED HEAT SINK SLUG AS WELL AS THE TERMINALS.
9. DRAWING CONFORMS TO JEDEC MO220, EXCEPT FOR 0.4mm LEAD PITCH PACKAGE T4866-1.
10. WARPAGE SHALL NOT EXCEED 0.10 mm.
PACKAGE OUTLINE
36, 40, 48L THIN QFN, 6x6x0.8mm
21-0141
E
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 ____________________ 35
© 2004 Maxim Integrated Products
Printed USA
is a registered trademark of Maxim Integrated Products.
MAX1549
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.)