MAXIM MAX1951AESA+

19-4689; Rev 0; 7/09
KIT
ATION
EVALU
E
L
B
A
IL
AVA
1MHz, 2A, 2.6V to 5.5V Input, PWM DC-DC
Step-Down Regulator with Enable
Features
The MAX1951A high-efficiency, DC-DC step-down
switching regulator delivers up to 2A of output current.
The device operates from an input voltage range of 2.6V
to 5.5V and provides an adjustable output voltage from
0.8V to VIN, making the MAX1951A ideal for on-board
postregulation applications. The MAX1951A total output
error is less than ±1.5% over load, line, and temperature.
The MAX1951A operates at a fixed frequency of 1MHz
with an efficiency of up to 94%. The high operating frequency minimizes the size of external components.
Internal soft-start control circuitry reduces inrush current.
Short-circuit and thermal-overload protection improve
design reliability.
The MAX1951A can start up safely with a prebiased or
without a preexisting output. This feature simplifies tracking supply designs for core and I/O applications and
redundant supply designs.
o Compact 0.385in2 Circuit Footprint
The MAX1951A is available in an 8-pin SO package
and operates over the -40°C to +85°C extended temperature range.
o Enable Input Audio Shutdown for Reducing
Power Consumption
Applications
o 10µF Ceramic Input and Output Capacitors, 2µH
Inductor for 2A Output
o Efficiency Up to 94%
o 1.5% Output Accuracy Over Load, Line, and
Temperature
o Guaranteed 2A Output Current
o Operates from 2.6V to 5.5V Supply
o Adjustable Output from 0.8V to VIN
o Internal Digital Soft-Soft
o Short-Circuit and Thermal-Overload Protection
o 1MHz Switching Frequency Reduces Component
Size
o Safe Startup into Prebiased Output
Ordering Information
ASIC/DSP/µP/FPGA Core and I/O Voltages
Set-Top Boxes
PART
Networking and Telecommunications
Servers
MAX1951AESA+
TEMP RANGE
PIN-PACKAGE
-40°C to +85°C
8 SO
+Denotes a lead(Pb)-free/RoHS-compliant package.
TVs
Pin Configuration
Typical Operating Circuit
OUTPUT
0.8V TO VIN, UP TO 2A
INPUT
2.6V TO 5.5V
TOP VIEW
IN
LX
+
VCC
1
EN
2
GND
3
8
MAX1951A
IN
7
LX
6
PGND
VCC
FB
COMP
EN
MAX1951A
FB 4
5
COMP
ON
PGND
GND
OFF
SO
________________________________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products
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.
1
MAX1951A
General Description
MAX1951A
1MHz, 2A, 2.6V to 5.5V Input, PWM DC-DC
Step-Down Regulator with Enable
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
IN, VCC to GND ........................................................-0.3V to +6V
COMP, FB, EN to GND...............................-0.3V to (VCC + 0.3V)
LX Current (Note 1).............................................................±4.5A
PGND to GND..............................................Internally connected
Continuous Power Dissipation (TA = +70°C)
8-Pin SO (derate 12.2mW/°C above +70°C).................976mW
Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance (θJC) (Note 2)
8-Pin SO ........................................................................32°C/W
Operating Temperature Range ...........................-40°C to +85°C
Junction Temperature Range ............................-40°C to +150°C
Storage Temperature Range .............................-65°C to +150°C
Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s) .................................+300°C
Stresses beyond those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional
operation of the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the operational sections of the specifications is not implied. Exposure to
absolute maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.
Note 1: LX has internal clamp diodes to PGND and IN. Applications that forward bias these diodes should take care not to exceed
the IC’s package power dissipation limits.
Note 2: Package thermal resistances were obtained using the method described in JEDEC specification JESD51-7, using a fourlayer board. For detailed information on package thermal considerations, refer to www.maxim-ic.com/thermal-tutorial.
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(VIN = VCC = VEN = 3.3V, VPGND = VGND = 0V, FB in regulation, TA = -40°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at
TA = +25°C.) (Note 3)
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
IN AND VCC
IN Voltage Range
2.6
Supply Current
Switching with no load, LX floating
Shutdown Current
EN = GND
VCC Undervoltage Lockout
Threshold
When LX starts/stops switching
VIN = 5.5V
VCC rising
VCC falling
5.5
V
7
10
mA
0.1
0.4
mA
2.19
2.32
1.92
2.07
V
COMP
COMP Transconductance
From FB to COMP, VCOMP = 0.8V
40
50
80
COMP Clamp Voltage, Low
VIN = 2.6V to 5.5V, VFB = 0.9V
0.6
1
1.45
µS
V
COMP Clamp Voltage, High
VIN = 2.6V to 5.5V, VFB = 0.7V
1.97
2.13
2.28
V
Output Voltage Range
When using external feedback resistors to drive FB
0.8
VIN
V
FB Regulation Voltage
(Error Amplifier Only)
IOUT = 0A to 1.5A, VIN = 2.6V to
5.5V
FB Input Bias Current
PNP input stage
FB
TA = 0°C to +85°C
0.789
TA = -40°C to +85°C
0.786
0.796
0.804
0.804
-0.1
+0.1
µA
266
mΩ
246
mΩ
V
LX
LX On-Resistance, PMOS
LX On-Resistance, NMOS
2
ILX = -180mA
ILX = 180mA
VIN = 5V
119
VIN = 3.3V
145
VIN = 2.6V
171
VIN = 5V
122
VIN = 3.3V
133
VIN = 2.6V
142
_______________________________________________________________________________________
1MHz, 2A, 2.6V to 5.5V Input, PWM DC-DC
Step-Down Regulator with Enable
(VIN = VCC = VEN = 3.3V, VPGND = VGND = 0V, FB in regulation, TA = -40°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at
TA = +25°C.) (Note 3)
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
0.16
0.24
0.35
Ω
2.2
3.1
4.5
LX Current-Sense
Transimpedance
From LX to COMP, VIN = 2.6V to 5.5V
LX Current-Limit Threshold
Duty = 100%, VIN = 2.6V to 5.5V
LX Leakage Current
VIN = 5.5V
LX Switching Frequency
VIN = 2.6V to 5.5V
0.8
LX Maximum Duty Cycle
VCOMP = 1.5V, LX = Hi-Z, VIN = 2.6V to 5.5V
100
LX Minimum Duty Cycle
VCOMP = 1V, IN = 2.6V to 5.5V
High side
Low side
A
-0.3
VLX = 5.5V
10
VLX = 0V
µA
-10
0.96
1.1
MHz
%
15
%
THERMAL
Thermal Shutdown Threshold
When LX starts/stops switching
TJ rising
165
TJ falling
155
°C
EN
Enable Low Threshold (VIL)
0.8
V
Enable High Threshold (VIH)
EN Input Current
2.0
V
1
µA
Note 3: Specifications to TA = -40°C are guaranteed by design and not production tested.
Typical Operating Characteristics
(Typical values are at VIN = VCC = 5V, VOUT = 1.5V, IOUT = 1.5A, and TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted. See Figure 2.)
EFFICIENCY vs. OUTPUT CURRENT
(VCC = VIN = 5V)
VOUT = 3.3V
VOUT = 2.5V
60
VOUT = 1.5V
50
40
VOUT = 1.8V
VOUT = 1.5V
60
50
40
30
30
20
20
10
10
0
VOUT = 2.5V
70
VOUT = 1.0V
0.4
0.8
1.2
OUTPUT CURRENT (A)
1.6
2.0
1025
1000
975
950
925
900
0
0
1050
MAX1951A toc03
80
EFFICIENCY (%)
70
90
SWITCHING FREQUENCY (kHz)
80
MAX1951A toc02
90
EFFICIENCY (%)
100
MAX1951A toc01
100
SWITCHING FREQUENCY
vs. INPUT VOLTAGE
EFFICIENCY vs. OUTPUT CURRENT
(VCC = VIN = 3.3V)
0
0.4
0.8
1.2
OUTPUT CURRENT (A)
1.6
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
_______________________________________________________________________________________
3
MAX1951A
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(Typical values are at VIN = VCC = 5V, VOUT = 1.5V, IOUT = 1.5A, and TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted. See Figure 2.)
LOAD TRANSIENT (90% TRANSIENT)
LOAD TRANSIENT (50% TRANSIENT)
LOAD REGULATION
0.40
0.30
MAX1951A toc06
MAX1951A toc05
MAX1951A toc04
0.50
OUTPUT VOLTAGE DEVIATION (%)
MAX1951A
1MHz, 2A, 2.6V to 5.5V Input, PWM DC-DC
Step-Down Regulator with Enable
IOUT
1A/div
IOUT
1A/div
VOUT
(AC-COUPLED)
500mV/div
VOUT
(AC-COUPLED)
200mV/div
VOUT = 2.5V
0.20
0.10
0
-0.10
-0.20
VOUT = 1.8V
VOUT = 1.5V
-0.30
VOUT = 2.5V
-0.40
-0.50
0
0.4
0.8
1.2
1.6
2.0
40Fs/div
40Fs/div
OUTPUT CURRENT (A)
SOFT-START WAVEFORMS
(VIN = 3.3V, VOUT = 1.8V)
SWITCHING WAVEFORMS
(VIN = 3.3V, VOUT = 1.8V, RL = 1I)
MAX1951A toc08
MAX1951A toc07
ILX
500mA/div
EN
2V/div
LX
2V/div
VOUT
1V/div
VOUT
(AC-COUPLED)
10mV/div
400ns/div
1ms/div
SOFT-START WAVEFORMS
(VIN = 3.3V, VOUT = 0.8V)
STARTUP INTO PREBIASED
OUTPUT
MAX1951A toc09
MAX1951A toc10
EN
5V/div
EN
2V/div
LX
5V/div
VOUT = 2.5V
VOUT
500mV/div
1ms/div
4
VOUT = 1.5V
1ms/div
_______________________________________________________________________________________
VOUT
2V/div
1MHz, 2A, 2.6V to 5.5V Input, PWM DC-DC
Step-Down Regulator with Enable
SHUTDOWN WAVEFORMS
(VIN = 3.3V, VOUT = 2.5V, RL = 1.5I)
MAX1951A toc11
SUPPLY CURRENT vs. INPUT VOLTAGE
MAX1951A toc12
8
7
EN
5V/div
SUPPLY CURRENT (mA)
EN
2V/div
LX
5V/div
VOUT = 3.3V
VOUT = 2.5V
MAX1951A toc13
STARTUP INTO PREBIASED
OUTPUT
LX
2V/div
VOUT
2V/div
6
5
4
3
2
VOUT
2V/div
1
0
1ms/div
2.5
20Fs/div
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
FEEDBACK VOLTAGE
vs. TEMPERATURE
CASE TEMPERATURE
vs. AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
160
140
CASE TEMPERATURE (NC)
803
801
799
797
MAX1951A toc15
180
MAX1951A toc14
FEEDBACK VOLTAGE (mV)
805
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
-20
795
-40
-40
-15
10
35
TEMPERATURE (NC)
60
85
-40
-15
10
35
60
85
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE (NC)
_______________________________________________________________________________________
5
MAX1951A
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(Typical values are at VIN = VCC = 5V, VOUT = 1.5V, IOUT = 1.5A, and TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted. See Figure 2.)
MAX1951A
1MHz, 2A, 2.6V to 5.5V Input, PWM DC-DC
Step-Down Regulator with Enable
Pin Description
PIN NAME
FUNCTION
1
VCC
Supply Voltage. Bypass with a 0.1µF capacitor
to ground and a 10Ω resistor to IN.
2
EN
Enable Input. Connect to VCC for normal
operation. Connect to GND to disable the
MAX1951A.
3
GND
4
FB
Feedback Input. Connect an external resistordivider from the output to FB and GND to set
the output to a voltage between 0.8V and VIN.
5
COMP
Regulator Compensation. Connect series RC
network to GND.
6
Power Ground. Internally connected to GND.
PGND Keep power ground and signal ground planes
separate.
7
8
Signal Ground
LX
Inductor Connection. Connect an inductor
between LX and the regulator output.
IN
Power-Supply Voltage. Input voltage range
from 2.6V to 5.5V. Bypass with a 10µF (min)
ceramic capacitor to GND and a 10Ω resistor
to VCC.
Detailed Description
The MAX1951A high-efficiency switching regulator is a
small, simple, current-mode DC-DC step-down converter capable of delivering up to 2A of output current. The
device operates in pulse-width modulation (PWM) at a
fixed frequency of 1MHz from a 2.6V to 5.5V input voltage and provides an output voltage from 0.8V to VIN,
making the MAX1951A ideal for on-board postregulation applications. The high switching frequency allows
for the use of smaller external components, and an
internal synchronous rectifier improves efficiency and
eliminates the typical Schottky free-wheeling diode.
Using the on-resistance of the internal high-side MOSFET to sense switching currents eliminates currentsense resistors, further improving efficiency and cost.
The MAX1951A total output error over load, line, and
temperature (-40°C to +85°C) is less than 1.5%.
Controller Block Function
The MAX1951A step-down converter uses a PWM current-mode control scheme. An open-loop comparator
compares the integrated voltage-feedback signal against
the sum of the amplified current-sense signal and the
slope compensation ramp. At each rising edge of the
6
internal clock, the internal high-side MOSFET turns on
until the PWM comparator trips. During this on-time, current ramps up through the inductor, sourcing current to
the output and storing energy in the inductor. The currentmode feedback system regulates the peak inductor current as a function of the output-voltage error signal. Since
the average inductor current is nearly the same as the
peak inductor current (< 30% ripple current), the circuit
acts as a switch-mode transconductance amplifier. To
preserve inner-loop stability and eliminate inductor staircasing, a slope-compensation ramp is summed into the
main PWM comparator. During the second half of the
cycle, the internal high-side p-channel MOSFET turns off,
and the internal low-side n-channel MOSFET turns on.
The inductor releases the stored energy as its current
ramps down while still providing current to the output. The
output capacitor stores charge when the inductor current
exceeds the load current, and discharges when the
inductor current is lower, smoothing the voltage across
the load. Under overload conditions, when the inductor
current exceeds the current limit (see the Current Limit
section), the high-side MOSFET does not turn on at the
rising edge of the clock and the low-side MOSFET
remains on to let the inductor current ramp down.
Current Sense
An internal current-sense amplifier produces a current
signal proportional to the voltage generated by the
high-side MOSFET on-resistance and the inductor current (RDS(ON) x ILX). The amplified current-sense signal
and the internal slope compensation signal are
summed together into the comparator’s inverting input.
The PWM comparator turns off the internal high-side
MOSFET when this sum exceeds the output from the
voltage-error amplifier.
Current Limit
The internal high-side MOSFET has a current limit of 3.1A
(typ). If the current flowing out of LX exceeds this limit, the
high-side MOSFET turns off and the synchronous rectifier
turns on. This lowers the duty cycle and causes the output
voltage to droop until the current limit is no longer exceeded. A synchronous rectifier current limit of -0.6A (typ) protects the device from current flowing into LX. If the
negative current limit is exceeded, the synchronous rectifier turns off, forcing the inductor current to flow through
the high-side MOSFET body diode, back to the input, until
the beginning of the next cycle or until the inductor current drops to zero. The MAX1951A utilizes a pulse-skip
mode to prevent overheating during short-circuit output
conditions. The device enters pulse-skip mode when the
FB voltage drops below 300mV, limiting the current to 3A
(typ) and reducing power dissipation. Normal operation
resumes upon removal of the short-circuit condition.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
1MHz, 2A, 2.6V to 5.5V Input, PWM DC-DC
Step-Down Regulator with Enable
MAX1951A
POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE CURRENT LIMITS
VCC
IN
OSC
CLOCK
CURRENT SENSE
PWM
CONTROL
RAMP GEN
SLOPE
COMP
LX
PREBIAS
CLAMP
ERROR
SIGNAL
THERMAL
SHUTDOWN
PGND
ZEROCROSSING
DETECTOR
FB
gm
COMP
SOFT-START/
UVLO
EN
DAC
BANDGAP
REF
1.25V
MAX1951A
GND
Figure 1. Functional Diagram
VCC Decoupling
Due to the high switching frequency and tight output
tolerance (1.5%), decouple VCC with a 0.1µF capacitor
connected from VCC to GND, and a 10Ω resistor connected from VCC to IN. Place the capacitor as close as
possible to VCC.
Soft-Start
The MAX1951A employs digital soft-start circuitry to
reduce supply inrush current during startup conditions.
When the device exits undervoltage lockout (UVLO)
shutdown mode, or restarts following a thermal-overload event, or EN is driven high, the digital soft-start circuitry slowly ramps up the voltage to the error-amplifier
noninverting input.
Undervoltage Lockout
If VCC drops below 2.07V, the UVLO circuit inhibits
switching. Once V CC rises above 2.19V, the UVLO
clear and the soft-start sequence activates.
Shutdown Mode
Use the enable input, EN, to turn on or off the MAX1951A.
Connect EN to VCC for normal operation. Connect EN to
GND to place the device in shutdown. Shutdown causes
the internal switches to stop switching and forces LX into
a high-impedance state. In shutdown, the MAX1951A
draws 500µA of supply current. The device initiates a
soft-start sequence when brought out of shutdown.
Thermal-Overload Protection
Thermal-overload protection limits total power dissipation
in the device. When the junction temperature exceeds
TJ = +165°C, a thermal sensor forces the device into
shutdown, allowing the die to cool. The thermal sensor
turns the device on again after the junction temperature
cools by 9°C, resulting in a pulsed output during continuous overload conditions. Following a thermal-shutdown
condition, the soft-start sequence begins.
Safe Startup into Prebiased Output
The MAX1951A can start up safely even with a prebiased output. A zero crossover detection (ZCD) circuit
turns on the switches only after the soft-start ramping
voltage equals the prebiased output voltage. If the prebiased output voltage is greater than the set voltage,
the ZCD circuit turns on the low-side switch (after the
soft-start period is over) to discharge the output capacitor until its voltage equals the set voltage.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
7
MAX1951A
1MHz, 2A, 2.6V to 5.5V Input, PWM DC-DC
Step-Down Regulator with Enable
Design Procedure
Adjustable Output Voltage
The MAX1951A provides an adjustable output voltage
between 0.8V and VIN. Connect FB to output for 0.8V
output. To set the output voltage of the MAX1951A to a
voltage greater than VFB (0.8V typ), connect the output
to FB and GND using a resistive divider, as shown in
Figure 2. Choose R2 between 2kΩ and 20kΩ, and set
R3 according to the following equation:
R3 = R2 x [(VOUT/VFB) - 1]
The MAX1951A PWM circuitry is capable of a stable
minimum duty cycle of 18%. This limits the minimum
output voltage that can be generated to 0.18 VIN with
an absolute minimum of 0.8V. Instability may result for
VIN/VOUT ratios below 0.18.
Output Inductor Design
Use a 2µH inductor with a minimum 2A-rated DC current for most applications. For best efficiency, use an
inductor with a DC resistance of less than 20mΩ and a
saturation current greater than 3A (min). See Table 2
for recommended inductors and manufacturers. For
most designs, derive a reasonable inductor value
(LINIT) from the following equation:
LINIT = VOUT x (VIN - VOUT)/(VIN x LIR x IOUT(MAX) x fSW)
where fSW is the switching frequency (1MHz typ) of the
oscillator. Keep the inductor current ripple percentage
LIR between 20% and 40% of the maximum load current for the best compromise of cost, size, and performance. Calculate the maximum inductor current as:
IL(MAX) = (1 + LIR/2) x IOUT(MAX)
Check the final values of the inductor with the output
ripple voltage requirement. The output ripple voltage is
given by:
VRIPPLE = VOUT x (VIN - VOUT) x ESR/(VIN x LFINAL x fSW)
where ESR is the equivalent series resistance of the
output capacitors.
Input Capacitor Design
The input filter capacitor reduces peak currents drawn
from the power source and reduces noise and voltage
ripple on the input caused by the circuit’s switching.
The input capacitor must meet the ripple current
requirement (IRMS) imposed by the switching currents
defined by the following equation:
IRMS = (1 VIN ) × (IOUT 2 × VOUT × (VIN − VOUT ))
For duty ratios less than 0.5, the input capacitor RMS
current is higher than the calculated current. Therefore,
8
use a +20% margin when calculating the RMS current
at lower duty cycles. Use ceramic capacitors for their
low ESR and equivalent series inductance (ESL).
Choose a capacitor that exhibits less than 10°C temperature rise at the maximum operating RMS current for
optimum long-term reliability.
After determining the input capacitor, check the input
ripple voltage due to capacitor discharge when the
high-side MOSFET turns on. Calculate the input ripple
voltage as follows:
VIN_RIPPLE = (IOUT x VOUT)/(fSW x VIN x CIN)
Keep the input ripple voltage less than 3% of the input
voltage.
Output Capacitor Design
The key selection parameters for the output capacitor
are capacitance, ESR, ESL, and the voltage rating
requirements. These affect the overall stability, output
ripple voltage, and transient response of the DC-DC
converter. The output ripple occurs due to variations in
the charge stored in the output capacitor, the voltage
drop due to the capacitor’s ESR, and the voltage drop
due to the capacitor’s ESL. Calculate the output voltage
ripple due to the output capacitance, ESR, and ESL as:
VRIPPLE = VRIPPLE(C) + VRIPPLE(ESR) + VRIPPLE(ESL)
where the output ripple due to output capacitance,
ESR, and ESL is:
VRIPPLE(C) = IP-P/(8 x COUT x fSW)
VRIPPLE(ESR) = IP-P x ESR
VRIPPLE(ESL) = (IP-P/tON) x ESL or (IP-P/tOFF) x ESL,
whichever is greater
and IP-P the peak-to-peak inductor current is:
IP-P = [(VIN – VOUT )/fSW x L)] x VOUT/VIN
Use these equations for initial capacitor selection, but
determine final values by testing a prototype or evaluation circuit. As a rule, a smaller ripple current results in
less output-voltage ripple. Since the inductor ripple
current is a factor of the inductor value, the outputvoltage ripple decreases with larger inductance. Use
ceramic capacitors for their low ESR and ESL at the
switching frequency of the converter. The low ESL of
ceramic capacitors makes ripple voltages negligible.
Load-transient response depends on the selected
output capacitor. During a load transient, the output
instantly changes by ESR x ∆ILOAD. Before the controller can respond, the output deviates further,
depending on the inductor and output capacitor values. After a short time (see the Load Transient graph in
the Typical Operating Characteristics), the controller
responds by regulating the output voltage back to its
_______________________________________________________________________________________
1MHz, 2A, 2.6V to 5.5V Input, PWM DC-DC
Step-Down Regulator with Enable
Compensation Design
The double pole formed by the inductor and output
capacitor of most voltage-mode controllers introduces a
large phase shift that requires an elaborate compensation
network to stabilize the control loop. The MAX1951A utilizes a current-mode control scheme that regulates the
output voltage by forcing the required current through the
external inductor, eliminating the double pole caused by
the inductor and output capacitor, and greatly simplifying
the compensation network. A simple type 1 compensation with single compensation resistor (R1) and compensation capacitor (C2) in Figure 2 creates a stable and
high-bandwidth loop.
An internal transconductance error amplifier compensates the control loop. Connect a series resistor and
capacitor between COMP (the output of the error amplifier) and GND to form a pole-zero pair. The external
inductor, internal current-sensing circuitry, output
capacitor, and the external compensation circuit determine the loop system stability. Choose the inductor and
output capacitor based on performance, size, and cost.
Additionally, select the compensation resistor and
capacitor to optimize control-loop stability. The component values shown in the typical application circuit
(Figure 2) yield stable operation over a broad range of
input-to-output voltages.
The basic regulator loop consists of a power modulator,
an output feedback divider, and an error amplifier. The
power modulator has DC gain set by gmc x RLOAD, with
a pole-zero pair set by RLOAD, the output capacitor
(COUT), and its ESR. The following equations define the
power modulator:
Modulator gain:
GMOD = ∆VOUT/∆VCOMP = gmc x RLOAD
Modulator pole frequency:
fpMOD = 1/(2 x π x COUT x (RLOAD + ESR))
Modulator zero frequency:
fzESR = 1/(2 x π x COUT x ESR)
where RLOAD = VOUT/IOUT(MAX) and gmc = 4.2S.
The feedback divider has a gain of GFB = VFB/VOUT,
where VFB is equal to 0.8V. The transconductance error
amplifier has a DC gain, GEA(DC), of 70dB. The compensation capacitor, C2, and the output resistance of
the error amplifier, R OEA (20MΩ), set the dominant
pole. C2 and R1 set a compensation zero. Calculate the
dominant pole frequency as:
fpEA = 1/(2π x C2 x ROEA)
Determine the compensation zero frequency as:
fzEA = 1/(2π x C2 x R1)
For best stability and response performance, set the
closed-loop unity-gain frequency much higher than the
modulator pole frequency. In addition, set the closedloop crossover unity-gain frequency less than, or equal
to 1/5 of the switching frequency. However, set the
maximum zero crossing frequency to less than 1/3 of
the zero frequency set by the output capacitance and
its ESR when using POSCAP, SPCAP, OSCON, or other
electrolytic capacitors. The loop-gain equation at the
unity-gain frequency is:
GEA(fc) x GMOD(fc) x VFB/VOUT = 1
where GEA(fc) = gmEA x R1, and GMOD(fc) = gmc x
RLOAD x fpMOD/fC, where gmEA = 60µS.
R1 calculated as:
R1 = VOUT x K/(gmEA x VFB x GMOD(fc))
where K is the correction factor due to the extra phase
introduced by the current loop at high frequencies
(>100kHz). K is related to the value of the output
capacitance (see Table 1 for values of K vs. C). Set the
error-amplifier compensation zero formed by R1 and C2
at the modulator pole frequency at maximum load. C2
is calculated as follows:
C2 = (2 x VOUT x COUT/(R1 x IOUT(MAX))
As the load current decreases, the modulator pole also
decreases; however, the modulator gain increases
accordingly, resulting in a constant closed-loop unitygain frequency. Use the following numerical example to
calculate R1 and C2 values of the typical application
circuit of Figure 2.
VOUT = 1.5V
IOUT(MAX) = 2A
Table 1. K Value
DESCRIPTION
COUT (µF)
10
22
K
Values are for output inductance from 1.2µH
0.55 to 2.2µH. Do not use output inductors larger
0.47 than 2.2µH. Use fC = 200kHz to calculate R1.
COUT = 10µF
RESR = 0.010Ω
gmEA = 60µS
gmc = 4.2S
fSWITCH = 1MHz
_______________________________________________________________________________________
9
MAX1951A
nominal state. The controller response time depends on
the closed-loop bandwidth. A higher bandwidth yields
a faster response time, thus preventing the output from
deviating further from its regulating value.
MAX1951A
1MHz, 2A, 2.6V to 5.5V Input, PWM DC-DC
Step-Down Regulator with Enable
RLOAD = VOUT/IOUT(MAX) = 1.5V/2A = 0.75Ω
fpMOD = [1/(2π x COUT x (RLOAD + RESR)]
= [1/(2 x π x10 x10-6 x (0.75 + 0.01)] = 20.9Hz.
fzESR = [1/(2π x COUT x RESR)]
= [1/(2 x π x 10 x10-6 x 0.01)] = 1.59MHz.
For a 2µH output inductor, pick the closed-loop unitygain crossover frequency (fC) at 200kHz. Determine the
power modulator gain at fC:
GMOD(fc) = gmc x RLOAD x fpMOD/fC = 4.2 x 0.75 x
20.9kHz/200kHz = 0.33
then:
R1 = VO x K/(gmEA x VFB x GMOD(fC)) = (1.5 x
0.55)/(60 x 10-6 x 0.8 x 0.33) ≈ 52.3kΩ (1%)
C2 = (2 x VOUT x COUT)/R1 x IOUT(MAX)
= (2 x 1.5 x 10 x 10-6)/(52.3kΩ x 2)
≈ 143pF, choose 150pF, 10%
Applications Information
PCB Layout Considerations
Careful PCB layout is critical to achieve clean and stable operation. The switching power stage requires particular attention. Follow these guidelines for good PCB
layout:
1) Place decoupling capacitors as close as possible to
the IC. Keep the power ground plane (connected to
PGND) and signal ground plane (connected to
GND) separate.
10
2) Connect input and output capacitors to the power
ground plane; connect all other capacitors to the
signal ground plane.
3) Keep the high-current paths as short and wide as
possible. Keep the path of switching current (C1 to IN
and C1 to PGND) short. Avoid vias in the switching
paths.
4) If possible, connect IN, LX, and PGND separately to
a large copper area to help cool the IC to further
improve efficiency and long-term reliability.
5) Ensure all feedback connections are short and
direct. Place the feedback resistors as close as possible to the IC.
6) Route high-speed switching nodes away from sensitive analog areas (FB, COMP).
Thermal Considerations
See the MAX1951A Evaluation Kit for an optimized layout example. Thermal performance can be further
improved with one of the following options:
1) Increase the copper areas connected to GND, LX,
and IN.
2) Provide thermal vias next to GND and IN, to the
ground plane and power plane on the back side of
PCB with openings in the solder mask next to the
vias to provide better thermal conduction.
3) Provide forced-air cooling to further reduce case
temperature.
______________________________________________________________________________________
1MHz, 2A, 2.6V to 5.5V Input, PWM DC-DC
Step-Down Regulator with Enable
IN
C4
0.1µF
MAX1951A
L1
2µH
2.6V TO 5.5V
1.5V AT 2A
LX
R4
10Ω
MAX1951A
FB
VCC
R1
51.1kΩ
EN
ON
R3
13.0kΩ
1%
OFF
COMP
C1
10µF
GND
C2
220pF
PGND
R2
15.0kΩ
1%
C3
10µF
OUTPUT
COMPONENT VALUES
VOLTAGE (V) R1 (kΩ) R2 (kΩ) R3 (kΩ) C2 (pF)
470
SHORT
OPEN
0.8
10
150
13
15
1.5
52.3
150
31.6
15
2.5
86.6
150
46.4
15
3.3
115
Figure 2. MAX1951A Adjustable Output Typical Application Circuit
______________________________________________________________________________________
11
MAX1951A
1MHz, 2A, 2.6V to 5.5V Input, PWM DC-DC
Step-Down Regulator with Enable
Table 2. External Components List
COMPONENT (FIGURE 2)
FUNCTION
DESCRIPTION
L1
Output inductor
C1
Input filtering capacitor
10µF ±20%, 6.3V X5R capacitor
Taiyo Yuden JMK316BJ106ML or
TDK C3216X5R0J106MT
C2
Compensation capacitor
220pF ±10%, 50V capacitor
Murata GRM1885C1HZZ1JA01 or
Taiyo Yuden UMK107CH221KZ
C3
Output filtering capacitor
10µF ±20%, 6.3V X5R capacitor
Taiyo Yuden JMK316BJ106ML or
TDK C3216X5R0J106MT
C4
VCC bypass capacitor
0.1µF ±20%, 16V X7R capacitor
Taiyo Yuden EMK107BJ104MA,
TDK C1608X7R1C104K, or
Murata GRM188R171C104KA01
R1
Loop compensation resistor
Figure 2
R2
Feedback resistor
Figure 2
R3
Feedback resistor
Figure 2
R4
Bypass resistor
2µH ±20% inductor
Sumida CDRH4D28-1R8 or
TOKO A915AY-2R0M
10Ω ±5% resistor
Table 3. Component Suppliers
MANUFACTURER
Murata Electronics North America, Inc.
WEBSITE
www.murata-northamerica.com
Sumida Corp.
www.sumida.com
Taiyo Yuden
www.t-yuden.com
TDK Corp.
www.component.tdk.com
TOKO America, Inc.
www.tokoam.com
Chip Information
PROCESS: BiCMOS
Package Information
For the latest package outline information and land patterns, go
to www.maxim-ic.com/packages.
PACKAGE TYPE
PACKAGE CODE
DOCUMENT NO.
8 SO
S8-6F
21-0041
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.
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