MAXIM MAX15108

19-5917; Rev 0; 6/11
TION KIT
EVALUA BLE
IL
AVA A
High-Efficiency, 8A, Current-Mode
Synchronous Step-Down Switching Regulator
The MAX15108 high-efficiency, current-mode, synchronous step-down switching regulator with integrated
power switches delivers up to 8A of output current. The
regulator operates from 2.7V to 5.5V and provides an
output voltage from 0.6V up to 95% of the input voltage,
making the device ideal for distributed power systems,
portable devices, and preregulation applications.
The IC utilizes a current-mode control architecture
with a high gain transconductance error amplifier.
The current-mode control architecture facilitates easy
compensation design and ensures cycle-by-cycle
current limit with fast response to line and load transients.
The regulator offers a selectable skip-mode functionality
to reduce current consumption and achieve a higher efficiency at light output load. The low RDS(ON) integrated
switches ensure high efficiency at heavy loads while
minimizing critical inductance, making the layout design
a much simpler task with respect to discrete solutions.
The IC’s simple layout and footprint assures first-pass
success in new designs.
The regulator features a 1MHz, factory-trimmed fixedfrequency PWM mode operation. The high switching
frequency, along with the PWM current-mode architecture
allows for a compact, all ceramic capacitor design.
The IC features a capacitor-programmable soft-start
to reduce input inrush current. Internal control circuitry
ensures safe-startup into a prebiased output. Power
sequencing is controlled with the enable input and
power-good output.
Features
S Continuous 8A Output Current
S Efficiency Up to 96%
S ±1% Accuracy Over Load, Line, and Temperature
S Operates from a 2.7V to 5.5V Supply
S Adjustable Output from 0.6V to 0.95 x VIN
S Programmable Soft-Start
S Safe Startup into Prebiased Output
S External Reference Input
S 1MHz Switching Frequency
S Stable with Low-ESR Ceramic Output Capacitors
S Skip Mode or Forced PWM Mode
S Enable Input and Power-Good Output for Power-
Supply Sequencing
S Cycle-by-Cycle Overcurrent Protection
S Fully Protected Features Against Overcurrent and
Overtemperature
S Input Undervoltage Lockout
S 20-Bump (4 x 5 Array), 2.5mm x 2mm, WLP
Package
Ordering Information
PART
TEMP RANGE
20 WLP
-40NC to +85NC
+Denotes a lead(Pb)-free/RoHS-compliant package.
The IC is available in a 20-bump (4 x 5 array), 2.5mm x
2mm, WLP package and is fully specified over the -40NC
to +85NC temperature range.
Typical Operating Circuit
Applications
Base Stations
Portable Devices
LX
SKIP
Distributed Power Systems
DDR Memory
2.7V TO
5.5V
EN
IN
OUTPUT
PGND
MAX15108
FB
Notebook Power
Server Power
PIN-PACKAGE
MAX15108EWP+
INX
COMP
PGOOD
SS
________________________________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products 1
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct at 1-888-629-4642,
or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.
MAX15108
General Description
MAX15108
High-Efficiency, 8A, Current-Mode
Synchronous Step-Down Switching Regulator
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
IN, PGOOD to PGND...............................................-0.3V to +6V
LX to PGND.................................................-0.3V to (VIN + 0.3V)
LX to PGND......................................-1V to (VIN + 0.3V) for 50ns
EN, COMP, FB, SS, SKIP to PGND.............-0.3V to (VIN + 0.3V)
LX Current (Note 1)................................................ -12A to +12A
Output Short-Circuit Duration.....................................Continuous
Continuous Power Dissipation (TA = +70NC)
WLP (derate 21.3mW/NC above TA = +70NC)...........745.5mW
Operating Temperature Range........................... -40NC to +85NC
Operating Junction Temperature (Note 2).......................+105NC
Storage Temperature Range............................. -65NC to +150NC
Soldering Temperature (reflow) (Note 3).........................+260NC
Note 1: LX has internal clamp diodes to PGND and IN. Do not exceed the power dissipation limits of the device when forward
biasing these diodes.
Note 2: Limit the junction temperature to +105NC for continuous operation at full current.
Note 3: The WLP package is constructed using a unique set of package techniques that impose a limit on the thermal profile the
device can be exposed to during board-level solder attach and rework. This limit permits only the use of the solder profiles recommended in the industry-standard specification JEDEC 020A, paragraph 7.6, Table 3 for IR/VPR and convection
reflow. Preheating is required. Hand or wave soldering is not allowed.
Stresses beyond those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional
operation of the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the operational sections of the specifications is not implied. Exposure to absolute
maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(VIN = 5V, CSS = 4.7nF, TA = TJ = -40NC to +85NC. Typical values are at TA = +25NC, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 4)
PARAMETER
IN Voltage Range
SYMBOL
IN Shutdown Supply Current
IN Supply Current
CONDITIONS
VIN
IIN
MIN
TYP
2.7
VEN = 0V
0.3
MAX
UNITS
5.5
V
3
FA
mA
VEN = 5V, VFB = 0.75V, not switching
3.4
6
VIN Undervoltage Lockout Threshold
LX starts switching, VIN rising
2.6
2.7
VIN Undervoltage Lockout Hysteresis
LX stops switching, VIN falling
200
mV
1.4
mS
V
ERROR AMPLIFIER
Transconductance
gMV
Voltage Gain
AVEA
FB Set-Point Accuracy
VFB
FB Input Bias Current
IFB
COMP to Current-Sense
Transconductance
90
Over line, load, and temperature
594
600
-100
GMOD
dB
606
mV
+100
nA
25
A/V
0.93
V
1
V
14
A
Low-Side Switch Sink
Current-Limit Threshold
14
A
Low-Side Switch Source
Current-Limit Threshold
14
A
COMP Clamp Low
VFB = 0.68V
Compensation RAMP Valley
POWER SWITCHES
High-Side Switch Current-Limit
Threshold
IHSCL
2 _______________________________________________________________________________________
High-Efficiency, 8A, Current-Mode
Synchronous Step-Down Switching Regulator
(VIN = 5V, CSS = 4.7nF, TA = TJ = -40NC to +85NC. Typical values are at TA = +25NC, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 4)
PARAMETER
SYMBOL
LX Leakage Current
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
VEN = 0V
RMS LX Output Current
MAX
UNITS
10
FA
8
A
OSCILLATOR
Switching Frequency
fSW
Maximum Duty Cycle
DMAX
850
Minimum Controllable On-Time
1000
1150
kHz
94
%
100
ns
ENABLE
EN Input High Threshold Voltage
VEN rising
EN Input Low Threshold Voltage
VEN falling
1.3
0.4
V
V
EN Input Leakage Current
VEN = 5V
1
FA
SKIP
Skip Input High Threshold Voltage
VSKIP rising
Skip Input Low Threshold Voltage
VSKIP falling
1.3
0.4
V
Skip Input Leakage Current
VSKIP = 5V
30
FA
Zero-Crossing Current Threshold
ILX falling
On-Time in Skip Mode
V
0.7
A
335
ns
SOFT-START, PREBIAS
Soft-Start Current
ISS
VSS = 0.45V, sourcing
10
FA
SS Discharge Resistance
RSS
ISS = 10mA, sinking
8.5
I
SS rising
0.58
V
8
Events
1024
Clock
Cycles
SS Prebias Mode Stop Voltage
HICCUP
Number of Consecutive
Current-Limit Events to Hiccup
Timeout
POWER-GOOD OUTPUT
PGOOD Threshold
FB rising
PGOOD Threshold Hysteresis
FB falling
0.54
0.56
25
PGOOD VOL
IPGOOD = 5mA, VFB = 0.5V
22
PGOOD Leakage
VPGOOD = 5V, VFB = 0.68V
0.58
V
mV
100
mV
1
FA
THERMAL SHUTDOWN
Thermal Shutdown Threshold
Thermal Shutdown Hysteresis
Temperature falling
+160
NC
25
NC
Note 4: Specifications are 100% production tested at TA = +25NC. Limits over the operating temperature range are guaranteed by
design and characterization.
_______________________________________________________________________________________ 3
MAX15108
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
Typical Operating Characteristics
(Circuit of Typical Application Circuit, TA = +25NC, unless otherwise noted.)
VOUT = 2.5V
70
VOUT = 3.3V
100
90
80
60
EFFICIENCY (%)
VOUT = 1.8V
VOUT = 0.9V
50
40
VOUT = 1.2V
30
20
VOUT = 1.5V
10
VOUT = 1.8V
70
VOUT = 2.5V
VOUT = 1.5V
60
VOUT = 0.9V
50
VOUT = 1.2V
40
100
90
80
EFFICIENCY (%)
80
EFFICIENCY vs. OUTPUT CURRENT
(VIN = 5V, SKIP MODE)
MAX15108 toc01b
90
MAX15108 toc01a
100
EFFICIENCY vs. OUTPUT CURRENT
(VIN = 3.3V, PWM MODE)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
20
10
10
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
0
VOUT = 0.9V
VOUT = 1.2V
30
20
5
1080
1070
10
6
1060
1050
1040
1030
1020
1010
1000
990
0
980
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
2.7
3.1
3.5
3.9
4.3
4.7
5.1
5.5
OUTPUT CURRENT (A)
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
OUTPUT VOLTAGE vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
(PWM MODE, VOUT = 1.5V)
OUTPUT VOLTAGE vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
(SKIP MODE, VOUT = 1.5V)
1.510
ILOAD = 2A
1.505
1.500
1.495
1.54
1.53
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
1.515
ILOAD = 8A
1.490
MAX15108 toc04b
1.55
MAX15108 toc04a
1.520
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
4
MAX15108 toc03
MAX15108 toc02b
VOUT = 2.5V
VOUT = 1.5V
40
3
OUTPUT CURRENT (A)
SWITCHING FREQUENCY (kHz)
EFFICIENCY (%)
VOUT = 1.8V
2
SWITCHING FREQUENCY
vs. INPUT VOLTAGE
90
50
1
OUTPUT CURRENT (A)
100
60
VOUT = 1.5V
8
EFFICIENCY vs. OUTPUT CURRENT
(VIN = 3.3V, SKIP MODE)
70
VOUT = 1.2V
0
8
OUTPUT CURRENT (A)
80
40
20
0
0
VOUT = 0.9V
50
30
VOUT = 3.3V
VOUT = 1.8V
60
30
0
VOUT = 2.5V
70
ILOAD = 8A
1.52
1.51
1.50
1.49
ILOAD = 2A
1.48
1.47
1.485
1.46
1.480
1.45
2.7
3.1
3.5
3.9
4.3
4.7
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
5.1
MAX15108 toc02a
EFFICIENCY vs. OUTPUT CURRENT
(VIN = 5V, PWM MODE)
EFFICIENCY (%)
MAX15108
High-Efficiency, 8A, Current-Mode
Synchronous Step-Down Switching Regulator
5.5
2.7
3.1
3.5
3.9 4.3 4.7
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
4 _______________________________________________________________________________________
5.1
5.5
7
8
High-Efficiency, 8A, Current-Mode
Synchronous Step-Down Switching Regulator
OUTPUT VOLTAGE vs. OUTPUT CURRENT
(PWM MODE, VOUT = 1.5V)
1.52
1.51
1.50
VIN = 3.3V
1.49
1.48
VIN = 5V
1.51
1.50
VIN = 3.3V
1.49
1.48
1.47
1.47
0.5
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
OUTPUT CURRENT (A)
OUTPUT VOLTAGE ERROR %
vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
LOAD-TRANSIENT RESPONSE
(VIN = 5V, VOUT = 1.5V)
NORMALIZED AT VIN = 3.3V
0.4
0
OUTPUT CURRENT (A)
0.3
VOUT = 1.2V
VOUT = 2.5V
0.2
8
MAX15108 toc07
MAX15108 toc06
0
OUTPUT VOLTAGE ERROR (%)
MAX15108 toc05b
VIN = 5V
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
1.52
1.53
MAX15108 toc05a
1.53
OUTPUT VOLTAGE vs. OUTPUT CURRENT
(SKIP MODE, VOUT = 1.5V)
VOUT
50mV/div
AC-COUPLED
0.1
0
-0.1
8A
ILOAD
2A/div
VOUT = 0.9V
-0.2
VOUT = 1.5V
-0.3
-0.4
4A
VOUT = 1.8V
ILOAD = 8A
-0.5
2.7
3.1
3.5
3.9
4.3
4.7
5.1
5.5
40µs/div
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
SWITCHING WAVEFORMS
(IOUT = 8A, VIN = 5V)
SOFT-START WAVEFORMS (ILOAD = 8A)MAX15108 toc08
SWITCHING WAVEFORM IN SKIP MODE
(IOUT = 10mA)
MAX15108 toc09
MAX15108 toc11
VEN
2V/div
VLX
2V/div
ILX
5A/div
VOUT
1V/div
VOUT
10mV/div
AC-COUPLED
VOUT
10mV/div
AC-COUPLED
ILX
5A/div
ILX
2A/div
VLX
2V/div
VLX
2V/div
VPGOOD
2V/div
400ns/div
20µs/div
1ms/div
_______________________________________________________________________________________ 5
MAX15108
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(Circuit of Typical Application Circuit, TA = +25NC, unless otherwise noted.)
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(Circuit of Typical Application Circuit, TA = +25NC, unless otherwise noted.)
SHUTDOWN WAVEFORM (ILOAD = 8A)
SOFT-START WAVEFORMS (ILOAD = 8A)
MAX15108 toc10
MAX15108 toc11
VEN
2V/div
VEN
2V/div
VLX
5V/div
VLX
2V/div
ILX
5A/div
ILX
5A/div
VOUT
1V/div
VPGOOD
2V/div
VOUT
VPGOOD
1V/div
10µs/div
1ms/div
INPUT SHUTDOWN CURRENT
vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
INPUT CURRENT vs. INPUT VOLTAGE
NO-LOAD, SKIP MODE
4
INPUT CURRENT (mA)
1.6
1.2
0.8
MAX15108 toc13
5
MAX15108 toc12
2.0
0.4
3
2
1
0
2.7
3.1
3.5
3.9
4.3
4.7
5.1
0
5.5
2.7
3.1
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
3.9
4.3
4.7
5.1
5.5
5.1
5.5
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
RMS INPUT CURRENT
vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
OVERLOAD HICCUP MODE
MAX15108 toc14
1.0
IIN
2A/div
VOUT
1V/div
VOUT = 0V ONLY IN A SHORT
IOUT
10A/div
RMS INPUT CURRENT (A)
0.9
400µs/div
3.5
MAX15108 toc15
INPUT SHUTDOWN CURRENT (µA)
MAX15108
High-Efficiency, 8A, Current-Mode
Synchronous Step-Down Switching Regulator
SHORT-CIRCUIT ON OUTPUT
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
2.7
3.1
3.5
3.9
4.3
4.7
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
6 _______________________________________________________________________________________
High-Efficiency, 8A, Current-Mode
Synchronous Step-Down Switching Regulator
FB VOLTAGE vs. TEMPERATURE
(VOUT = 1.5V)
MAX15108 toc17a
NO LOAD
VIN = 5V, SKIP MODE
0.610
FB VOLTAGE (V)
SOFT-START (PWM MODE)
MAX15108 toc16
0.615
VSS
500mV/div
VOUT
1V/div
VIN = 3.3V, SKIP MODE
0.605
ILX
2A/div
0.600
VIN = 3.3V, PWM MODE
0.595
VPGOOD
2V/div
VIN = 5V, PWM MODE
0.590
0.585
-40
-15
10
35
60
400µs/div
65
TEMPERATURE (°C)
ENABLE INTO PREBIASED 0.5V OUTPUT
(8A LOAD, PWM MODE)
SOFT-START (SKIP MODE)
MAX15108 toc17b
MAX15108 toc18
VSS
500mV/div
VEN
2V/div
VOUT
1V/div
VOUT
1V/div
ILX
2A/div
ILX
5A/div
VPGOOD
2V/div
VPGOOD
2V/div
400µs/div
400µs/div
ENABLE INTO PREBIASED 0.5V OUTPUT
(NO LOAD, PWM MODE)
ENABLE INTO PREBIASED 0.5V OUTPUT
(NO LOAD, SKIP MODE)
MAX15108 toc19a
MAX15108 toc19b
VEN
2V/div
VEN
2V/div
VOUT
1V/div
VOUT
1V/div
ILX
2A/div
ILX
2A/div
VPGOOD
2V/div
VPGOOD
2V/div
400µs/div
400µs/div
_______________________________________________________________________________________ 7
MAX15108
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(Circuit of Typical Application Circuit, TA = +25NC, unless otherwise noted.)
High-Efficiency, 8A, Current-Mode
Synchronous Step-Down Switching Regulator
MAX15108
Pin Configuration
BUMP VIEW
MAX15108
5
4
3
2
1
PGND
PGOOD
LX
LX
PGND
A
FB
I.C.
IN
LX
PGND
B
SS
SKIP
IN
LX
PGND
C
COMP
EN
IN
INX
PGND
D
WLP
Pin Description
BUMP
NAME
FUNCTION
A1, A5, B1,
C1, D1
PGND
Power Ground. Low-side switch source terminal. Connect PGND and the return terminals of
input and output capacitors to the power ground plane.
A2, A3,
B2, C2
LX
Inductor Connection. Connect LX to the switching side of the inductor. LX is high impedance
when the device is in shutdown mode.
A4
PGOOD
B3, C3, D3
IN
Input Power Supply. Input supply range is 2.7V to 5.5V. Bypass IN with a minimum 10FF ceramic
capacitor to PGND. See the Typical Application Circuit.
B4
I.C.
Internally Connected. Leave unconnected.
B5
FB
Feedback Input. Connect FB to the center tap of an external resistive voltage-divider from the
output to PGND to set the output voltage from 0.6V to 95% of VIN.
C4
SKIP
C5
SS
Soft-Start. Connect a capacitor from SS to PGND to set the startup time. See the Soft-Start
section for details on setting the soft-start time. SS is also an external reference input. Apply an
external voltage reference from 0V to VIN - 1.5V to drive soft-start externally.
D2
INX
Internally Unconnected. INX is not internally connected to IN. However, do externally connect
INX to IN to increase the area of the power plane for optimal heat dissipation.
D4
EN
Enable Input. EN is a digital input that turns the regulator on and off. Drive EN high to turn on the
regulator. Connect to IN for always-on operation.
D5
COMP
Open-Drain Power-Good Output. PGOOD goes low when VFB is below 530mV.
Skip Mode Input. Connect SKIP to EN to select skip mode or leave unconnected for fixedfrequency PWM operation.
Error Amplifier Output. Connect compensation network from COMP to signal ground (SGND).
See the Compensation Design Guidelines section.
8 _______________________________________________________________________________________
High-Efficiency, 8A, Current-Mode
Synchronous Step-Down Switching Regulator
SKIP
EN
MAX15108
IN
INX
BIAS
GENERATOR
SHDN
EN LOGIC, IN UVLO
THERMAL SHDN
SKIP-MODE
LOGIC
SKPM
HIGH-SIDE
CURRENT LIMIT
VOLTAGE
REFERENCE
LX
CURRENT-SENSE
AMPLIFIER
IN
LX
IN
STRONG PREBIAS
FORCED_START
0.58V
SKPM
SS
CONTROL
LOGIC
LX
CK
SS BUFFER
IN
0.6V
10µA
PGND
ERROR
AMPLIFIER
FB
C
GROUND SENSE
BUFFER
COMP
LOW-SIDE
SOURCE-SINK CURRENT LIMIT
AND ZERO-CROSSING
COMPARATOR
RAMP
OSCILLATOR
RAMP GEN
CK
POWER-GOOD
COMPARATOR
SINK
SOURCE
ZX
PGOOD
SKPM
0.555V RISING,
0.53V FALLING
_______________________________________________________________________________________ 9
MAX15108
Functional Diagram
MAX15108
High-Efficiency, 8A, Current-Mode
Synchronous Step-Down Switching Regulator
Detailed Description
The MAX15108 high-efficiency, current-mode switching
regulator delivers up to 8A of output current. The regulator provides output voltages from 0.6V to (0.95 x VIN)
with 2.7V to 5.5V input supplies, making the device ideal
for on-board point-of-load applications.
The IC delivers current-mode control architecture using a
high gain transconductance error amplifier. The currentmode control architecture facilitates easy compensation
design and ensures cycle-by-cycle current limit with fast
response to line and load transients.
The regulator features a 1MHz fixed switching frequency, allowing for all-ceramic capacitor designs with
fast transient responses. The high operating frequency
minimizes the size of external components. The IC is
available in a 2.5mm x 2mm (4 x 5 array), 0.5mm pitch
WLP package.
The regulator offers a selectable skip-mode function to
reduce current consumption and achieve a high efficiency at light output loads. The low RDS(ON) integrated
switches ensure high efficiency at heavy loads while
minimizing critical inductance, making the layout design
a much simpler task than that of discrete solutions. The
IC’s simple layout and footprint assure first-pass success
in new designs.
The IC features PWM current-mode control, allowing for
an all-ceramic capacitor solution. The regulator offers
capacitor-programmable soft-start to reduce input inrush
current. The device safely starts up into a prebiased
output. The IC includes an enable input and open-drain
PGOOD output for sequencing with other devices.
Controller Function—PWM Logic
The controller logic block determines the duty cycle of
the high-side MOSFET under different line, load, and
temperature conditions. Under normal operation, where
the current-limit and temperature protection are not triggered, the controller logic block takes the output from
the PWM comparator to generate the driver signals for
both high-side and low-side MOSFETs. The control logic
block controls the break-before-make logic and all the
necessary timing.
the current-mode ramp derived from the inductor current
(current sense block). The high-side MOSFET also turns
off if the maximum duty cycle exceeds 95%, or when the
current limit is reached. The low-side MOSFET turns on
for the remainder of the switching cycle.
Starting into a Prebiased Output
The IC can soft-start into a prebiased output without discharging the output capacitor. In safe prebiased startup,
both low-side and high-side MOSFETs remain off to
avoid discharging the prebiased output. PWM operation
starts when the voltage on SS crosses the voltage on FB.
The IC can start into a prebiased voltage higher than
the nominal set point without abruptly discharging the
output. Forced PWM operation starts when the SS voltage reaches 0.58V, forcing the converter to start. When
the low-side sink current-limit threshold of 1A is reached,
the low-side switch turns off before the end of the clock
period. The low-side sink current limit is 1A. The highside switch turns on until one of the following conditions
is satisfied:
• High-side source current hits the reduced high-side
current limit (14A). The high-side switch turns off for
the remaining time of clock period.
• The clock period ends.
Reduced high-side current limit is activated in order to
recirculate the current into the high-side power switch
rather than into the internal high-side body diode, which
can cause damage to the device. The high-side current
limit is set to 14A.
Low-side sink current limit protects the low-side switch
from excessive reverse current during prebiased
operation.
Enable Input
The IC features independent device enable control
and power-good signal that allow for flexible power
sequencing. Drive the enable input (EN) high to enable
the regulator, or connect EN to IN for always-on operation. Power-good (PGOOD) is an open-drain output that
deasserts when VFB is above 555mV, and asserts low if
VFB is below 530mV.
The high-side MOSFET turns on at the beginning of the
oscillator cycle and turns off when the COMP voltage
crosses the internal current-mode ramp waveform. The
internal ramp is the sum of the compensation ramp and
10 �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
High-Efficiency, 8A, Current-Mode
Synchronous Step-Down Switching Regulator
events. The control logic then discharges SS, stops both
high-side and low-side MOSFETs and waits for a hiccup
period (1024 clock cycles) before attempting a new softstart sequence. The hiccup-mode also operates during
soft-start.
Error Amplifier
The IC contains an internal thermal sensor that limits the
total power dissipation to protect it in the event of an
extended thermal fault condition. When the die temperature exceeds +160NC, the thermal sensor shuts down
the device, turning off the DC-DC converter to allow the
die to cool. After the die temperature falls by 25NC, the
device restarts, following the soft-start sequence.
A high-gain error amplifier provides accuracy for the
voltage feedback loop regulation. Connect a compensation network between COMP and SGND. See the
Compensation Design Guidelines section. The error
amplifier transconductance is 1.4mS. COMP clamp low
is set to 0.93V, just below the PWM ramp compensation
valley, helping COMP to rapidly return to the correct set
point during load and line transients.
PWM Comparator
The PWM comparator compares COMP voltage to the
current-derived ramp waveform (LX current to COMP
voltage transconductance value is 25A/V). To avoid
instability due to subharmonic oscillations when the duty
cycle is around 50% or higher, a compensation ramp
is added to the current-derived ramp waveform. The
compensation ramp slope (0.3V x 1MHz = 0.3V/Fs) is
equivalent to half of the inductor current down-slope in
the worst case (load 2A, current ripple 30% and maximum duty-cycle operation of 95%). The compensation
ramp valley is set to 1V.
Overcurrent Protection and Hiccup
When the converter output is connected to ground or the
device is overloaded, each high-side MOSFET currentlimit event (14A) turns off the high-side MOSFET and
turns on the low-side MOSFET. A 3-bit counter increments on each current-limit event. The counter is reset
after three consecutive events of high-side MOSFET
turn-on without reaching the current limit. If the currentlimit condition persists, the counter fills up reaching eight
Thermal Shutdown Protection
Skip Mode Operation
The IC operates in skip mode when SKIP is connected
to EN. When in skip mode, LX output becomes high
impedance when the inductor current falls below 0.7A.
The inductor current does not become negative. During
a clock cycle, if the inductor current falls below the 0.7A
threshold (during off-time), the low side turns off. At the
next clock cycle, if the output voltage is above the set
point the PWM logic keeps both high-side and low-side
MOSFETs off. If instead the output voltage is below the
set point, the PWM logic drives the high-side on for a
minimum fixed on-time (330ns). In this way, the system
skips cycles, reducing the frequency of operations, and
switches only as needed to service load at the cost of
an increase in output voltage ripple. See the Skip Mode
Frequency and Output Ripple section for details. In
skip mode, power dissipation is reduced and efficiency
improved at light loads because the internal power
MOSFETs do not switch at every clock cycle. Skip mode
must be decided before or at the same time that the part
is enabled. Changing of skip mode operation with the
part operating is not allowed.
______________________________________________________________________________________ 11
MAX15108
Programmable Soft-Start (SS)
The IC utilizes a soft-start feature to slowly ramp up the
regulated output voltage to reduce input inrush current
during startup. Connect a capacitor from SS to SGND to
set the startup time. See the Setting the Soft-Start Startup
Time section for capacitor selection details.
MAX15108
High-Efficiency, 8A, Current-Mode
Synchronous Step-Down Switching Regulator
Applications Information
Setting the Output Voltage
Connect a voltage-divider (R1 and R2, see Figure 1)
from OUT to FB to PGND to set the DC-DC converter
output voltage. Choose R1 and R2 so that the DC errors
due to the FB input bias current do not affect the outputvoltage precision. With lower value resistors, the DC
error is reduced, but the amount of power consumed in
the resistive divider increases. A typical tradeoff value
for R2 is 5kI, but values between 1kI and 20kI are
acceptable. Once R2 is chosen, calculate R1 using:
Choose the inductor with the following formula:
L=
where fSW is the internally fixed 1MHz switching frequency, and DIL is the estimated inductor ripple current
(typically set to 0.3 x ILOAD). In addition, the peak inductor current, IL_PK, must always be below the high-side
current-limit value, IHSCL, and the inductor saturation
current rating, IL_SAT.
Ensure that the following relationship is satisfied:
V

R1 = R 2 ×  OUT - 1
V
 FB

IL_PK = ILOAD +
Inductor Selection
A large inductor value results in reduced inductor ripple
current, leading to a reduced output ripple voltage. A
high-value inductor is of a larger physical size with a
higher series resistance (DCR) and a lower saturation
current rating. Choose inductor values to produce a
ripple current equal to 30% of the load current.
For a step-down converter, the input capacitor CIN helps
to keep the DC input voltage steady, in spite of discontinuous input AC current. Use low-ESR capacitors to
minimize the voltage ripple due to ESR.
Size CIN using the following formula:
ILOAD
V
× OUT
fSW × ∆VIN_RIPPLE
VIN
CIN =
POWER MODULATOR
ERROR AMPLIFIER
COMPENSATION
RAMP
VOUT
R1
1
× ∆IL < MIN(IHSCL ,IL_SAT )
2
Input Capacitor Selection
where the feedback threshold voltage VFB = 0.6V.
FEEDBACK
DIVIDER
 V

VOUT
× 1- OUT 
fSW × ∆IL 
VIN 
C
FB
OUTPUT FILTER
AND LOAD
VIN
gMC
COMP
QHS
CONTROL
LOGIC
R2
gMV
ROUT
RC
PWM
COMPARATOR
*CCC
VOUT
LO
QLS
DCR
IL
ESR
COUT
CC
VCOMP
ROUT = AVEA/gMV
REF
*CCC IS OPTIONAL.
GMOD
VOUT
IL
NOTE: THE GMOD STAGE SHOWN ABOVE MODELS THE AVERAGE CURRENT OF
THE INDUCTOR INJECTED INTO THE OUTPUT LOAD. THIS REPRESENTS A
SIMPLIFICATION FOR THE POWER MODULATOR STAGE DRAWN ABOVE.
Figure 1. Peak Current-Mode Regulator Transfer Model
12 �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
RLOAD
High-Efficiency, 8A, Current-Mode
Synchronous Step-Down Switching Regulator
IRMS = I O ×
VOUT × (VIN - VOUT )
VIN
ISS, the soft-start current, is 10FA, and VFB, the output
feedback voltage threshold, is 0.6V. When using large
COUT capacitance values, the high-side current limit can
trigger during the soft-start period. To ensure the correct
soft-start time, tSS, choose CSS large enough to satisfy:
If necessary, use multiple capacitors in parallel to meet
the RMS current rating requirement.
Output Capacitor Selection
Use low-ESR ceramic capacitors to minimize the voltage
ripple due to ESR. Use the following formula to estimate
the total output voltage peak-to-peak ripple:
∆VOUT =

VOUT  VOUT  
1
× 1
 × R ESR_COUT +
fSW × L 
VIN  
8 × fSW × C OUT 
Select the output capacitors to produce an output ripple
voltage that is less than 2% of the set output voltage.
Setting the Soft-Start Startup Time
C SS >> C OUT ×
VOUT × I SS
(IHSCL_MIN - IOUT ) × VFB
IHSCL_MIN is the minimum high-side switch current-limit
value.
An external tracking reference with steady-state value
between 0V and VIN - 1.5V can be applied to SS. In this
case, connect an RC network from external tracking reference and SS as in Figure 2. Set RSS to approximately
1kI. In this application, RSS is needed to ensure that,
during hiccup period, SS can be internally pulled down.
When an external reference is connected to SS, the softstart must be provided externally.
The soft-start feature ramps up the output voltage slowly,
reducing input inrush current during startup. Size the
CSS capacitor to achieve the desired soft-start time, tSS,
using:
In skip mode, the switching frequency (fSKIP) and output
ripple voltage (VOUT-RIPPLE) shown in Figure 3 are calculated as follows:
I
x t SS
C SS = SS
VFB
tON is a fixed time by design (330ns, typ); the peak
inductor current reached is:
Skip Mode Frequency and Output Ripple
V − VOUT
I SKIP −LIMIT = IN
× t ON
2×L
RSS
VREF_EXT
tOFF1 is the time needed for the inductor current to reach
the zero-crossing (~0A):
SS
CSS
MAX15108
t OFF1 =
L × I SKIP-LIMIT
VOUT
Figure 2. Setting Soft-Start Time
IL
ISKIP-LIMIT
ILOAD
tON
tOFF1
tOFF2 = n x tCK
VOUT
VOUT-RIPPLE
Figure 3. Skip-Mode Waveforms
______________________________________________________________________________________ 13
MAX15108
Make sure that the selected capacitance can accommodate the input ripple current given by:
MAX15108
High-Efficiency, 8A, Current-Mode
Synchronous Step-Down Switching Regulator
During tON and tOFF1, the output capacitor stores a
charge equal to:
1
1 
2 
L × (I SKIP-LIMIT - ILOAD ) × 
+

 VIN - VOUT VOUT 
∆Q OUT =
2
During tOFF2 (= n x tCK, number of clock cycles
skipped), the output capacitor loses this charge:
t OFF2 =
∆Q OUT
→
ILOAD
closed-loop system. The basic regulator loop consists
of a power modulator (comprising the regulator’s pulsewidth modulator, compensation ramp, control circuitry,
MOSFETs, and inductor), the capacitive output filter
and load, an output feedback divider, and a voltageloop error amplifier with its associated compensation
circuitry. See Figure 1.
The average current through the inductor is expressed
as:
IL = G MOD × VCOMP
where IL is the average inductor current and GMOD is
the power modulator’s transconductance.
1
1 
2 
L × (I SKIP-LIMIT - ILOAD ) × 
+

 VIN - VOUT VOUT 
t OFF2 =
2 × ILOAD
For a buck converter:
Finally, frequency in skip mode is:
where RLOAD is the equivalent load resistor value.
Combining the above two relationships, the power modulator’s transfer function in terms of VOUT with respect
to VCOMP is:
fSKIP =
1
t ON + t OFF1 + t OFF2
Output ripple in skip mode is:
VOUT-RIPPLE = VCOUT-RIPPLE + VESR-RIPPLE =
(ISKIP-LIMIT - ILOAD ) × t ON + R
ESR,COUT × (I SKIP-LIMIT - ILOAD )
C OUT
VOUT-RIPPLE =
 L × ISKIP-LIMIT

+ R ESR,COUT  × (ISKIP-LIMIT - ILOAD )

C OUT × (VIN - VOUT )

Size COUT based on the above formula to limit output
ripple in skip mode.
VOUT = R LOAD × IL
R
×I
= LOAD L = RLOAD × G MOD
VCOMP
IL
G MOD
VOUT
Having defined the power modulator’s transfer function
gain, the total system loop gain can be written as follows
(see Figure 1):
α=
R OUT × (sC CR C + 1)
s(C C + C CC )(R C + R OUT ) + 1 ×
s(C C || C CC )(R C || R OUT ) + 1
Compensation Design Guidelines
The IC uses a fixed-frequency, peak-current-mode control scheme to provide easy compensation and fast transient response. The inductor peak current is monitored
on a cycle-by-cycle basis and compared to the COMP
voltage (output of the voltage error amplifier). The regulator’s duty cycle is modulated based on the inductor’s
peak current value. This cycle-by-cycle control of the
inductor current emulates a controlled current source.
As a result, the inductor’s pole frequency is shifted
beyond the gain bandwidth of the regulator. System
stability is provided with the addition of a simple series
capacitor-resistor from COMP to PGND. This pole-zero
combination serves to tailor the desired response of the
β = G MOD × R LOAD ×
Gain =
(sC OUTESR + 1)
sC OUT (ESR + R LOAD ) + 1
R2
A
× VEA × α × β
R1 + R 2 R OUT
where ROUT is the quotient of the error amplifier’s DC
gain, AVEA, divided by the error amplifier’s transconductance, gMV; ROUT is much larger than RC.
R2
V
= FB
R1 + R 2 VOUT
14 �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
High-Efficiency, 8A, Current-Mode
Synchronous Step-Down Switching Regulator
fP2 =
C C + C CC ≈ C C
and
C C || C CC ≈ C CC
Rewriting:
Gain =
(sC CR C + 1)
VFB
A VEA ×
×
VOUT

 A VEA  
sC
1
sC
R
1
+
×
+
 C
  ( CC C )
 gMV  

G MOD R LOAD ×
(sC OUTESR + 1)
sC OUT (ESR + R LOAD ) + 1
GAIN
gMV
AVEA_dB/20
2π × 10
×C
1
2π × C OUT (ESR + R LOAD )
fP3 =
1
2π × C CCR C
fZ1 =
1
2π × C CR C
fZ2 =
1
2π × C OUTESR
The order of pole-zero occurrence is:
fP1 < fP2 < fZ1 < fZ2 ≤ fP3
The dominant poles and zeros of the transfer loop gain
are shown below:
fP1 =
MAX15108
Also, CC is much larger than CCC, therefore:
Under heavy load, fP2, approaches fZ1. A graphical
representation of the asymptotic system closed-loop
response, including dominant pole and zero locations is
shown in Figure 3.
C
1ST ASYMPTOTE
VFB x VOUT -1 x 10AVEA[dB]/20 x GMOD x RLOAD
2ND ASYMPTOTE
VFB x VOUT -1 x gMV x (CC)-1 x GMOD x RLOAD
3RD ASYMPTOTE
VFB x VOUT -1 x gMV x (CC)-1 x GMOD x RLOAD x (COUT(ESR + RLOAD))-1
4TH ASYMPTOTE
VFB x VOUT -1 x gMV x RC x GMOD x RLOAD x (COUT(ESR + RLOAD))-1
3RD POLE
(CCCRC)-1
2ND ZERO
(COUTESR)-1
UNITY
1ST POLE
gMV x (10AVEA[dB]/20 CC)-1
RAD/S
1ST ZERO
(CCRC)-1
CO
2ND POLE
(COUT(ESR + RLOAD))-1
5TH ASYMPTOTE
VFB x VOUT -1 x gMV x RC x GMOD x (ESR || RLOAD)
6TH ASYMPTOTE
VFB x VOUT -1 x gMV x (CCC)-1 x GMOD x (ESR || RLOAD)
Figure 4. Asymptotic Loop Response of Peak Current-Mode Regulator
______________________________________________________________________________________ 15
MAX15108
High-Efficiency, 8A, Current-Mode
Synchronous Step-Down Switching Regulator
If COUT is large, or exhibits a lossy equivalent series
resistance (large ESR), the circuit’s second zero
might come into play around the crossover frequency
(fCO = ω/2G). In this case, a third pole can be induced
by a second (optional) small compensation capacitor (CCC), connected from COMP to PGND. The loop
response’s fourth asymptote (in bold, Figure 4) is the
one of interest in establishing the desired crossover frequency (and determining the compensation component
values). A lower crossover frequency provides for stable
closed-loop operation at the expense of a slower load
and line transient response. Increasing the crossover
frequency improves the transient response at the (potential) cost of system instability. A standard rule of thumb
sets the crossover frequency P 1/10th of the switching
frequency. First, select the passive and active power
components that meet the application’s requirements.
Then, choose the small-signal compensation components to achieve the desired closed-loop frequency
response and phase margin as outlined in the Closing
the Loop: Designing the Compensation Circuitry section.
Determine CC by selecting the desired first system zero,
fZ1, based on the desired phase margin. Typically, setting fZ1 below 1/5th of fCO provides sufficient phase
margin.
f
1
fZ1 =
≤ CO
2π × C CR C
5
Therefore:
CC ≥
If the ESR output zero is located at less than one-half
the switching frequency, use the (optional) secondary
compensation capacitor, CCC, to cancel it, as follows:
1
1
= fP3 = fZ2 =
2π × C CCR C
2π × C OUTESR
therefore:
C CC =
Closing the Loop:
Designing the Compensation Circuitry
Select the desired crossover frequency. Choose fCO
approximately 1/10th of the switching frequency fSW, or
fCO ≈ 100kHz.
Select RC using the transfer-loop’s fourth asymptote
gain (assuming fCO > fP1, fP2, and fZ1 and setting the
overall loop gain to unity) as follows:
V
1 = FB × gMV × R C × G MOD × R LOAD ×
VOUT
1
2π × fCO × C OUT × (ESR + R LOAD )
Therefore:
2π × fCO × C OUT × (ESR + R LOAD )
V
R C = OUT ×
VFB
gMV × G MOD × R LOAD
For RLOAD much greater than ESR, the equation can be
further simplified as follows:
V
2π × fCO × C OUT
R C = OUT ×
VFB
gMV × G MOD
5
2π × fCO × R C
C OUT × ESR
RC
If the ESR zero exceeds 1/2 the switching frequency,
use the following equation:
fP3 =
f
1
= SW
2π × C CCR C
2
Therefore:
C CC =
2
2π × fSW × R C
Overall CCC detracts from the overall system phase
margin. Place this third pole well beyond the desired
crossover frequency to minimize the interaction with the
system loop response at crossover. Ignore CCC in these
calculations if CCC is smaller than 10pF.
Power Dissipation
The IC is available in a 20-bump WLP package and can
dissipate up to 745.5mW at TA = +70NC. When the die
temperature exceeds +160NC, the thermal-shutdown
protection is activated. See the Thermal Shutdown
Protection section.
where VFB is equal to 0.6V.
16 �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
High-Efficiency, 8A, Current-Mode
Synchronous Step-Down Switching Regulator
1) Connect input and output capacitors to the power
ground plane.
2) Place bypass capacitors as close to IN and the softstart capacitor as close to SS as possible.
4) Connect IN, LX, and PGND separately to a large
copper area to help cool the IC to further improve
efficiency.
5) Ensure all feedback connections are short and
direct. Place the feedback resistors and compensation components as close as possible to the IC.
6) Route high-speed switching nodes (such as LX)
away from sensitive analog areas (such as FB,
COMP, SGND, and SS). See the MAX15108 EV Kit
layout for a tested layout example.
3) Keep the high-current paths as short and wide as
possible. Keep the path of switching current short
and minimize the loop area formed by LX, the output
capacitors, and the input capacitors.
Typical Application Circuit
SKIP
2.7V TO
5.5V
LX
SKIP
EN
OUTPUT
LOUT
33µH
COUT1
47µF
COUT2
47µF
COUT1
0.1µF
PGND
IN
CIN2
22µF
CIN2
22µF
MAX15018
RPULL
100kI
FB
INX
R1
8.06kI
PGOOD
COMP
REXT_REF
1kI
CSS
33nF
REA
2.43kI
SS
CEA2
100pF
R2
5.36kI
CEA
4700pF
______________________________________________________________________________________ 17
MAX15108
Layout Procedure
Careful PCB layout is critical to achieve clean and
stable operation. It is highly recommended to duplicate
the MAX15108 evaluation kit layout for optimum performance. If deviation is necessary, follow these guidelines
for good PCB layout:
MAX15108
High-Efficiency, 8A, Current-Mode
Synchronous Step-Down Switching Regulator
Package Information
Chip Information
PROCESS: BiCMOS
For the latest package outline information and land patterns
(footprint), go to www.maxim-ic.com/packages. Note that a
“+”, “#”, or “-” in the package code indicates RoHS status only.
Package drawings may show a different suffix character, but
the drawing pertains to the package regardless of RoHS status.
PACKAGE
TYPE
PACKAGE
CODE
OUTLINE
NO.
LAND
PATTERN NO.
20 WLP
W202D2Z+1
21-0505
Refer to
Application
Note 1891
18 �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
High-Efficiency, 8A, Current-Mode
Synchronous Step-Down Switching Regulator
REVISION
NUMBER
REVISION
DATE
0
6/11
DESCRIPTION
Initial release
PAGES
CHANGED
—
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. The parametric values (min and max limits) shown in the Electrical
Characteristics table are guaranteed. Other parametric values quoted in this data sheet are provided for guidance.
Maxim Integrated Products, 120 San Gabriel Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 408-737-7600
© 2011
Maxim Integrated Products 19
Maxim is a registered trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
MAX15108
Revision History