RICHTEK RT9256

RT9256
Preliminary
Actively Alternative Mode Two-Phase / Dual Switching
PWM Controller
General Description
Features
The RT9256 is an analogous current mode design and is
specifically promoted for high power density consideration
platform with MLCC capacitor attached, such as high-end
add-on graphic card core power and DDR SDRAM core
power, etc. A highlight for RT9256 is the RichTek’ s new
innovation of actively alternative mode operation two-phase
power conversion or dual PWM controller operation. Based
on above innovation architecture, the RT9256 provides more
flexibility and higher performance to customer application.
The part is implemented specially for multiple power
sourcing with power budget limitation. The part comes to
small footprint package VQFN-32L 5x5.
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
Ordering Information
z
RT9256
z
Package Type
QV : VQFN-32L 5x5 (V-Type)
Operating Temperature Range
P : Pb Free with Commercial Standard
G : Green (Halogen Free with Commercial Standard)
z
z
z
z
Note :
z
Richtek Pb-free and Green products are :
z
`RoHS compliant and compatible with the current require-
z
Analogous Current Mode Design
Innovative Design for Actively Alternative Mode
Operation :
`Two-Phase Power Conversion
`Dual PWM Controllers
2.5V to 12V Switching Source Power
0.8V to 3.3V Output Voltage Regulation
Multiple Power Sourcing for Power Budget Limitation
Adjustable VIN Feed-Forward Ramp Slope
Adjustable Operation Frequency
Precision Core Voltage Regulation
Precision DCR Current Sensing (with High Quality
Capacitor, X7R)
±1% VREF Accuracy
Input Voltage : 12V or 5V Bias
Enable and PGOOD Function for SequencingConcerned Power
Over Current Protection
Over Voltage Protection
External Soft Start Setting
Operation Frequency Up to 1.0MHz Per Channel
32-Lead VQFN Package
RoHS Compliant and 100% Lead (Pb)-Free
ments of IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020.
`Suitable for use in SnPb or Pb-free soldering processes.
Pin Configurations
`100% matte tin (Sn) plating.
SS1
VCC
VCC5
PGOOD
BOOT1
UGATE1
28
27
26
25
24
PHASE1
2
23
3
22
PGND
LGATE1
FB1
4
21
FB2
5
20
COMP2
CSP2
CSN2
6
19
7
18
33
17
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
BOOT2
UGATE2
8
EN
z
29
RT
z
30
GND
z
31
1
SS2
z
32
CSN1
CSP1
COMP1
RR2
z
Add-on graphic core power card
DDR SDRAM core power
Gaming Console
High power density consideration platform
Desktop/motherboard high power devices
Power sequencing-concerned power application
IMAX2
z
IMAX1
Applications
RR1
(TOP VIEW)
PVCC
PVCC
LGATE2
PGND
PHASE2
VQFN-32L 5x5
DS9256-07 August 2007
www.richtek.com
1
www.richtek.com
2
100uFx3
C7 to C9
C10
0.1uF
DCR
3.3V
R3
3.9k
L3
1uH
C3 to C6
47uFx4
R1
180k
NC
VCC5
UGATE1
16 UGATE2
LGATE1
19 LGATE2
COMP2
FB2
10 IMAX2
6
5
FB1
3
Q2
09N03LT
Q1
06N03LT
R14
R15 22k
22k
NC
C21
820pF
R12 1.8k
C12
0.1uF
4 R13 180k
IMAX1 31
COMP1
0.1uF
C11
13 R10 33k
22
24
25
26
30
32
18/23
14
2
CSP1
1
CSN1
RT
PHASE1
PHASE2
17
BOOT1
SS1
RR1
PGND
PVCC
EN
D1
SS0520
20/21
R8
10
12V
15 BOOT2
R6
22k
R5 180k
R4
RR2
7 CSP2
1.8k 8
CSN2
09N03LT
Q4
06N03LT
Q3
VCC5
GND
29
VCC
NC 11 SS2
27
PGOOD
NC
9
12
C2
1uF
28
C1
1uF
R7
10
5V to 12V
R11
3.9k
L1
1uH
12V
C17
0.1uF
R17
2k
R16
1k
C18 to C20
DCR 100uFx3
C13 to C16
22uFx4
R9
180k
VOUT
1.2V/30A
RT9256
Preliminary
Typical Application Circuit
Figure 1. Two-Phase Application
DS9256-07 August 2007
DS9256-07 August 2007
2.2V/15A
VOUT2
R28
1.2k
R27
2.1k
C10 to C12
100uFx3
C13
0.1uF
DCR
3V to 12V
R3
3.9k
L3
1uH
C14
820pF
Q4
09N03LT
Q3
06N03LT
C5 to C8
47uFx4
R1
180k
R6
22k
NC
R5 180k
R4 1.8k
C4
1uF
VCC5
SS2
RR2
GND
29
VCC
COMP2
R7
22k
C15
0.1uF
3
4
2
1
R12
22k
R13
22k
NC
R11 180k
R10 1.8k
13 R9 33k
22
24
25
26
IMAX1 31
COMP1
FB1
CSN1
CSN2
FB2
CSP1
CSP2
10 IMAX2
6
5
8
RT
LGATE1
19 LGATE2
UGATE1
BOOT1
PHASE1
7
30
32
18/23
14
PGOOD 27 NC
SS1
RR1
PGND
PVCC
EN
D1
SS0520
20/21
12V
PHASE2
17
16 UGATE2
15 BOOT2
C3
0.1uF
11
9
12
C2
1uF
28
C1
1uF
D2
SS0520
5V to 12V
C23
820pF
09N03LT x2
Q2
Q1
06N03LT
0.1uF
C14
Q5
R14
3.9k
L1
1uH
C19
0.1uF
DCR
3V to 12V
C15 to C18
22uFx4
R8
180k
C20 to C22
100uFx3
R17
2k
R16
1k
VOUT1
1.2V/25A
Preliminary
RT9256
Figure 2. Two-Switcher Application
www.richtek.com
3
RT9256
Preliminary
Function Block Diagram
RT
VCC5
OVP
VCC
GND
To PWM
Logic
Regulator
CLK1
2 Phase oscillator
50 to 1000kHz/phase
VREF
CLK2
POR
SS1
PGOOD
Soft Start & Power Good
SS2
EN
UVP & Mode Select
FB2
EA
+
FB1
EA
+
COMP1
COMP2
Driver
BOOT2
UGATE2
PHASE2
LGATE2
Driver
PWM
Logic
PVCC
PGND
CLK2
RR2
CSP2
+
PWMCP
PWMCP
S/H
OCP
PWM
Logic
PVCC
PGND
Current to
Voltage
Converter
+
+
Current to
Voltage
Converter
+
+
Ramp
Current
generator
CSN2
+
+
To PWM
Logic
IMAX2
OCP
BOOT1
UGATE1
PHASE1
LGATE1
Ramp
Current
generator
S/H
CLK1
RR1
-
CSP1
+
CSN1
IMAX1
Operation
RT9256 is a highly flexible, high performance and high
precision synchronous buck controller specifically
designed for high-end graphic core power supply as well
as DDR applications, with highly reduced external
components and costs.
RT9256 features two controllers that can be configured as
a two-phase buck converter suitable for high power density
applications like core power for GPU. It can also be
configured as two independent buck converters for DDR
power sets.
RT9256 uses RichTek proprietary Analogous Current
ModeTM topology which mimics the traditional peak current
mode by sensing the valley current of the inductor via DCR
sensing techniques and simulating the current ramp with
an artificial ramp set externally. The Analogous Current
Mode topology benefits all the advantages of peak current
www.richtek.com
4
mode converter with much higher noise immunity than
conventional one. Since the compensation is easier and
with less constraint than that in voltage mode, using low
ESR output capacitor as MLCC is possible, which therefore
dramatically reduce the board size as well as the cost and
has better transient response due to higher control
bandwidth. RT9256 also adopts VIN feedfoward for ramp
setting, which decreases the complexity for compensation
by keeping the modulator gain constant along line
variations.
With the nature of current mode converter, current balance
is automatically achieved in two-phase mode. By properly
setting current sense resistors, current ratio other than 1
between two channels is also possible. RT9256 can also
be used to form a single output voltage buck converter
with dual input voltages.
DS9256-07 August 2007
Preliminary
Out-of-phase switching in both two-phase and two-switcher
modes reduces the input current ripple and therefore
reduces the component requirement as well as cost.
The wide input voltage range of the converter ranges from
3.3V to 12V. The output voltage can be set from 0.8V to
3.3V with external resistor divider. The bias voltage of the
chip is VCC5.
The IC integrates two control circuits for two synchronous
buck converters. The default mode of RT9256 is two
switcher mode. The two phase mode can be activated by
pulling FB2 pin high before POR as shown in Figure 3.
RT9256
The external elements selection of RT9256 includes 1: RT
pin resister to GND to set the operation frequency of the
chip. 2: CSN pin resister to set the current gain(ratio of
inductance current IL and sensed current Ix) and current
scaling in two phase mode operation. 3: RR pin resister to
Vin to set the slope of the Vin feed forward ramp and the
effective slope compensation of current mode. 4. IMAX
pin resister to GND to set the over current level 5: capacitor
at SS pin to set the soft-start time 6. type two
compensation at COMP pin.
Power on reset
The POR circuitry monitors the supply voltage of the chip.
When the chip power supply exceeds 4.2V, the chip
releases the reset state and works according to the
settings. Once the supply voltage is lower than 4.0V, POR
circuitry resets the chip.
POR
FB2
2PH
2SW
Figure 3
The power sequence of RT9256 includes: 1: POR function
2: VIN power supply detection 3: EN pin setting to enable
the whole chip. 4: PG to indicate the power good condition
of the chip The chip will detect the voltage at FB pin
when SS pass Vcc5 − 1.3 and send a PG high signal if
FB > 0.6V. The power sequence of the chip is shown in
Figure 4.
VIN detection
The VIN detection circuitry monitors the switching power
source when power up. As VIN > 1.8V, RR pin is enable for
ramp setting and the chip is in ramp setting mode. The
voltage at RR pin will be about 0.55V. Otherwise, the chip
will be in VIN detection mode and RR pin is disable for
ramp setting until VIN > 1.8V. In VIN detection mode, the
UGATE and LGATE will be off and SS will be pulled low by
a constant current of 10uA. The chip will enter the ramp
setting mode and SS will re-softstart when VIN > 1.8V.
In two switcher mode, the detection function work
independently. In two phase mode, ramp setting mode will
be activated when both channel’ s VIN are ready.
EN
POR
Enable
VIN detection
Vin
> VCC5 - 1.3
SS
After POR reset, the chip monitors the voltage of EN pin.
When VEN is higher than 0.8V, the chip is enabled. The
chip is disabled when VEN is lower than 0.8V. With a
precision threshold voltage, the EN pin can be used for
power sequence.
SSH
> 0.6V
FB
PG
Figure 4
DS9256-07 August 2007
www.richtek.com
5
RT9256
Preliminary
Modes of operation
The default mode of RT9256 is two-switcher mode. Two
buck controllers consisting of independent error amplifiers,
PWM modulators, current sense amplifiers and ramp
generators operate independently. The two-phase mode
is activated by pulling FB2 high when POR. In two-phase
mode, error amplifier of channel 1 performs the
compensator of the converter for both channels. SS2 and
COMP2 are also disabled in this mode.
In two-phase mode, the single output control loop consists
of one error amplifier shared with two pulse width
modulators, two sets of current feed back components,
two gate drivers and power components. The error amplifier
at channel one with pins COMP1 and FB1 is used to control
the pulse width modulator. The PWM signals of each
channel are generated by comparison of the error amplifier
output and the independent split-channel current ramp
signals.
Soft-start
A constant current of 10uA starts to charge the capacitor
connected to SS pins right after the chip has been powered
up and enabled. The ramp voltage on SS pins is also used
to clamp the comp voltage during soft-start, which
automatically constraints the output current due to the
nature of current mode topology. This brings up smaller
inrush current and smooth output voltage ramp. When the
voltages on SS pins exceed VCC5-1.3V, the controller
starts to monitor the voltage on FB pins. Once VFB is
higher than 0.6V, the open drain PGOOD pin will be turned
off, i.e. released indicating power good. The SS pins are
also used as the timer during OCP and UVP hiccup.
Frequency setting
The converter switching frequency is programmed by
connecting a resistor from the RT pin to GND. The
frequency vs. R plot is shown in “Typical Operating
Characteristics”.
Output voltage setting and control
In two-switcher mode, both control loops consist of an
independent error amplifier, a pulse width modulator, current
feed back components, a gate driver and power
components. The internal high accuracy bias provides the
reference voltage of 0.8V at the non-inverting input of both
error amplifiers. The output voltage is programmed by using
a voltage divider at output and feeding the voltage division
back to corresponding error amplifiers. As conventional
current mode PWM controller, the output voltage is locked
at the VREF of error amplifier and the error signal is used as
the control signal of pulse width modulator. The PWM
signals are generated by comparison of EA output and
current ramp waves. Power stage transforms VIN to output
by PWM signal on-time ratio.
www.richtek.com
6
DS9256-07 August 2007
Preliminary
RT9256
Functional Pin Description
CSN1 (Pin 1), CSN2 (Pin 8)
RT (Pin 13)
Current Sense Negative Input. These pins are negative input
nodes of the current sense amplifiers used for DCR current
sensing. Connect this pin with a resistor to the output
node.
Timing Resistor. Connect a resistor from RT to GND to set
the clock frequency.
CSP1 (Pin 2), CSP2 (Pin 7)
Current Sense Positive Input. These pins are positive input
nodes of the current sense amplifiers used for DCR current
sensing. Connect this pin to the junction of the filter resistor
and capacitor.
COMP1 (Pin 3), COMP2 (Pin 6)
Compensation Pin. In dual switching mode, these pins
are output nodes of the error amplifiers. In two phase mode,
only COMP1 is active.
FB1 (Pin 4), FB2 (Pin 5)
Feedback Pin. In dual-switching mode, these pins are
negative input pins of the error amplifiers.When SS pass
VCC5 − 1.3 and FB1 or FB2 < 0.6V, the UV protection
function will be activated. The two-phase mode is activated
by pulling FB2 above 4V when POR. The UV protection
function will be enabled if FB1 < 0.6 when the SS pass
VCC5 − 1.3.
RR2 (Pin 9), RR1 (Pin 32)
Ramp resistor. These pins are used to set the ramp
voltages. Connecting a resistor from this pin to its converter
input power sets the ramping slope of the control loop of
the converter. Since it is connected to converter input power,
the ramp slope is input-feed-forwarded. As VIN > 1.8V, RR
pin is enable for ramp setting.
EN (Pin 14)
Enable Pin. Pull the EN pin above 0.8V at POR (VCC5 > 4.2V),
the whole chip function will be enabled.
BOOT2 (Pin 15), BOOT1 (Pin 26)
Bootstrap Power Pin. These pins power the high-side
MOSFET drivers. Connect this pin to the junction of the
bootstrap capacitor with the cathode of the bootstrap diode.
Connect the anode of the bootstrap diode to the PVCC
pin.
UGATE2 (Pin 16), UGATE1 (Pin 25)
Upper Gate Drive. These pins drive the gates of the highside MOSFETs.
LGATE2 (Pin 19), LGATE1 (Pin 22)
Lower Gate Drive. These pins drive the gates of the lowside MOSFETs.
PHASE2 (Pin 17), PHASE1 (Pin 24)
These pins are return nodes of the high-side drivers.
Connect these pins to high-side MOSFET sources together
with the low-side MOSFET drains and the inductor.
GND (Pin 12)
Chip Ground.
PGND (Pin 18 and 23)
Driver Ground.
IMAX2 (Pin 10), IMAX1 (Pin 31)
PVCC (Pin 20 and 21)
Maximum Current Setting. These pins set the current
limiting levels. Connect these pins with resistors to ground
to set the current limit.
Driver Power.
SS2 (Pin 11), SS1 (Pin 30)
Soft-start Pin. These pins provide soft-start function for
their respective controllers. The COMP voltage of the
converter follows the ramping voltage on the SS pin.
DS9256-07 August 2007
VCC5 (Pin 28), VCC (Pin 29)
The VCC5 pin is the internal 5.2V regulator output powered
from the external voltage (VCC). VCC5 is dedicated for
RT9256 internal use only and not for external power source.
www.richtek.com
7
RT9256
Preliminary
PGOOD (Pin 27)
Power Good. In two-switcher mode, PGOOD is an open
drain output used to indicate the status of the voltages on
all SS pins, FB pins and VIN (by detecting RR at POR).
PGOOD pulled low when
1. SS1 or SS2 < VCC5 − 1.3
2. FB1 or FB2 < 0.6V
In two-phase mode (FB2 pulled high), PGOOD is an open
drain output used to indicate the status of the voltages on
SS1 pin and FB1 pin.
PGOOD pulled low when
1. SS1 < VCC5 − 1.3
2. FB1 < 0.6V
NC [Exposed Pad (33)]
No Internal Connection.
www.richtek.com
8
DS9256-07 August 2007
RT9256
Preliminary
Absolute Maximum Ratings
(Note 1)
Supply Voltage --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- −0.3V to 16V
Storage Temperature Range ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- −65°C to 150°C
z PHASE to GND
DC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- −5V to 15V
< 200ns ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ −10V to 30V
z BOOT to PHASE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 15V
z BOOT to GND
DC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- −0.3V to VCC+15V
< 200ns ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ −0.3V to 42V
z Input, Output or I/O Voltage ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GND−0.3V to 7V
z Power Dissipation, PD @ TA = 25°C
VQFN-32L 5x5 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.923W
z Package Thermal Resistance (Note 4)
VQFN-32L 5x5, θJA ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 52°C/W
z Operation Junction Temperature Range -------------------------------------------------------------------------- −40°C to 125°C
z Junction Temperature ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 150°C
z ESD Susceptibility (Note 2)
HBM (Human Body Mode) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.5kV
MM (Machine Mode) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 150V
z
z
Recommended Operating Conditions
z
z
(Note 3)
Supply Input Voltage -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5V to 14V
Junction Temperature Range ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- −20°C to 70°C
Electrical Characteristics
(VIN = 12V, TA = 25°C, Unless Otherwise specification)
Parameter
Symbol
Test Condition
Min
Typ
Max
Units
Supply Input
Supply Voltage
VCC
4.5
12
14
V
Power On Reset
VCC5V
4.0
4.2
4.4
V
0.1
0.3
0.5
V
Power On Reset Hysteresis
Enable
On
VEN
0.75
0.8
0.85
V
Threshold
Supply Current
Hysteresis
VEN
ICC
20
3
50
5
100
10
mV
mA
8
10
15
uA
RT=33kΩ
270
300
330
kHz
RT= 5k to 50kΩ
Per phase
-10
50
-300
10
1000
%
kHz
Per phase
70
75
80
%
RR = 120kΩ
0.3
0.5
0.7
V
VCC =12V, VSS= 0V
Soft Start
Soft Start Current
ISS
Oscillator
Frequency
Frequency
Variation
Frequency Range
FOSC
Maximum Duty Cycle
Up-ramp setting pin
VRR
To be continued
DS9256-07 August 2007
www.richtek.com
9
RT9256
Parameter
Preliminary
Symbol
Test Condition
Min
Typ
Max
Units
0.792
0.8
0.808
V
70
88
--
dB
6
10
--
MHz
630
660
--
uA/V
300
360
--
uA
Rsense = 2kΩ
90
--
--
uA
Maximum Upper Driver Source IUGATE
BOOT-PHASE = 12V
--
1.3
--
A
Upper Driver Sink
VUGATE = 1V
--
3
6
Ω
Maximum Lower Driver Source ILGATE
PVCC=12V
--
1.5
--
A
Lower Driver Sink
RLGATE
VLGATE = 1V
--
1.5
3
Ω
IMAX Voltage
VIMAX
RIMAX = 15kΩ
0.95
1.0
1.05
V
Under Voltage Protection
VFB
0.55
0.60
0.65
V
Reference Voltage
Feedback Voltage
VFB
Error Amplifier
DC Gain
Gain-Bandwidth Product
GBW
CLOAD = 5pF
Trans-conductance
GM
RLOAD = 20kΩ
Maximum Output Current
(source & sink)
ICOMP(MAX) VCOMP=1/2 x VCC5
Current Sense GM
Maximum Output Current
(source)
IGM(MAX)
Gate Driver
RUGATE
Protection
Power Sequence
Power Good Threshold
Power Good Sink Capability
VSS
VSS pin rising
VCC5−1.6 VCC5−1.3 VCC5−1
IPGOOD = 4mA
--
0.05
0.2
V
V
Note 1. Stresses listed as the above "Absolute Maximum Ratings" may cause permanent damage to the device. These are for
stress ratings. 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 remain possibility to affect device reliability.
Note 2. Devices are ESD sensitive. Handling precaution recommended.
Note 3. The device is not guaranteed to function outside its operating conditions.
Note 4. θJA is measured in the natural convection at TA = 25°C on a high effective thermal conductivity test board of
JEDEC 51-7 thermal measurement standard.
www.richtek.com
10
DS9256-07 August 2007
RT9256
Preliminary
Typical Operating Characteristics
FB Voltage vs. Output Current
FB Voltage vs. Input Voltage
0.81
0.82
VIN = VCC
IOUT = 0A
0.81
FB Voltage (V)
0.805
FB Voltage (V)
VIN = VCC = 12V
0.8
0.8
0.79
0.795
0.78
0.79
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
0
2.5
5
7.5
10
12.5
17.5
Input Voltage (V)
Output Current (A)
Switching Frequency vs. RT Resistance
Load Transient Response
1200
Switching Frequency (kHz)
15
20
IOUT = 0 to 20A
1000
800
VOUT (50mV/Div)
IL1 (5A/Div)
IL2 (5A/Div)
600
400
200
0
0
20
40
60
80
100
Time (10us/Div)
RT Resistance (k
(kΩ))
Load Transient Response
Load Transient Response
IOUT = 20 to 0A
IOUT = 0 to 20A
IL1 (5A/Div)
IL1 (10A/Div)
IL2 (5A/Div)
IL2 (10A/Div)
VOUT (50mV/Div)
Time (10us/Div)
DS9256-07 August 2007
VOUT (50mV/Div)
Time (200us/Div)
www.richtek.com
11
RT9256
Preliminary
Turn On
Power Up
VIN = 12V
IOUT = 20A
EN (5V/Div)
PGOOD
(5V/Div)
VOUT (1V/Div)
VOUT (500mV/Div)
IL1 (10A/Div)
IL2 (10A/Div)
SS1 (2V/Div)
Time (10ms/Div)
Time (2ms/Div)
Power Up
Power Off
VIN = 12V
IOUT = 10A
VOUT (1V/Div)
VIN (2V/Div)
VIN (10V/Div)
PGOOD (5V/Div)
SS1 (2V/Div)
PGOOD (2V/Div)
SS1 (2V/Div)
VIN = 12V
IOUT = 20A
VOUT (1V/Div)
Time (10ms/Div)
Time (100us/Div)
Dead Time
Dead Time
VIN = 12V
IOUT = 10A
VIN = 12V
IOUT = 10A
UGATE1 (5V/Div)
UGATE1 (5V/Div)
PHASE1 (5V/Div)
PHASE1 (5V/Div)
LGATE1 (5V/Div)
LGATE1 (5V/Div)
Time (20ns/Div)
www.richtek.com
12
Time (20ns/Div)
DS9256-07 August 2007
RT9256
Preliminary
Dead Time
Dead Time
VIN = 5V
IOUT = 10A
VIN = 5V
IOUT = 10A
UGATE1 (2V/Div)
UGATE1 (2V/Div)
PHASE1 (2V/Div)
PHASE1 (2V/Div)
LGATE1 (2V/Div)
LGATE1 (2V/Div)
Time (20ns/Div)
Time (20ns/Div)
Turn On @OCP
OCP
VIN = 12V
VIN = 12V
UGATE1
(20V/Div)
EN (5V/Div)
UGATE1
(20V/Div)
SS1
(2V/Div)
SS1
(2V/Div)
V OUT
(500mV/Div)
Time (20ms/Div)
V OUT
(500mV/Div)
Time (20ms/Div)
Ripple & Noise
VOUT (10mV/Div)
UGATE1
(10V/Div)
LGATE1
(10V/Div)
Time (1us/Div)
DS9256-07 August 2007
www.richtek.com
13
RT9256
Preliminary
Application Information
VXSH = I XSH x 24k
Where
Current Sense, Ramp Setting, Current Balance and
Current Scaling
RT9256 senses the inductor current through inductor DCR
and feeds the current signal back to the control loop. The
current sensing circuitry, as in Figure 5 consists of an RC
filter, a current sensing GM together with two external
resistors. The current flowing the inductor as well as the
DCR causes a ripple voltage proportional to inductor ripple
current across the equivalent inductor DCR as in Figure 5,
The ripple voltage can be obtained using an RC filter in
parallel with the inductor, if the component values satisfy
the following relationships.
L
DCR
ESR
C
0.5 (VIN − VOUT )TON ⎞ DCR VOUT
⎛
I XSH = ⎜ IOUT −
+
⎟x
L
⎠ R CSN R DC
⎝
IOUT : output current
VIN : input voltage
VOUT : output voltage
L: inductance value
TON : on time, TON = DxTs theoretically, D: duty cycle, Ts:
switching clock period.
The external resistor RR is used to sets the internal ramp
voltage proportional to current. The simulated ramp voltage
is also used to implement the slope compensation set
together using a single resistor RR. The relationships
between RR and the internal voltage ramp is:
(
+
GM
-
CSP(Pin)
CSN(Pin)
IX
RCSN
RDC
VIN − VOUT
V
DCR
+ k OUT )
24k
L
L R CSN
=
VIN − VRR
÷ 64p
RR
RR = (VIN − VRR ) x
R CSN
V − VOUT
V
DCR
÷ ( IN
+ k OUT ) ÷
64p
L
L
24k
Where
Figure 5
L
= ESR x C
DCR
The current sense GM converts the voltage drop on the
capacitor in the DCR sensing network together with the
resistor RCSN connected from the VOUT to the CSN pin.
RCSN defines the trans-conductance of the GM stage. An
extra external resistor connected from RCSN to GND is
recommended to offer the capability of sensing negative
inductor current in applications where negative currents
are possible at light load conditions. The sensed current
Ix is:
I × DCR VOUT , at steady state.
IX = L
+
R CSN
RDC
IX =
IL × DCR
, provided RDC is left opened.
R CSN
The valley of the sensed current Ix is sampled and held
and converted to a DC voltage as a baseline of the current
feedback ramp. The sampled and held baseline voltage
converted from the sensed current is:
www.richtek.com
14
VRR: the voltage at RR pin to 0.55V
RR : the resistance at RR pin
k : the slope compensation coefficient, which is the ratio
of the desired compensation slope to the down ramp slope.
The ramp voltage is summed up with the sensed baseline
voltage to form a complete current feedback signal. The
simulated ramp signal is fed to the comparator of the PWM
modulator, comparing with error amplifier output to generate
PWM pulses.
For two-phase mode with single input voltage and equal
inductor currents, with the low offsets between internal
sensing circuits built in RT9256 and the nature of current
mode control loop, perfect current balance can be reached
by simply using identical external components.
For the applications in two-phase mode with single input
voltage and unequal inductor currents, the valley current
ratio between two channels are programmed by setting
the ratio of the sensing resistors of these two channels.
The relationship of the resistances and the current ratio is:
DS9256-07 August 2007
RT9256
Preliminary
IL1_VALLEY R CSN1
=
IL2_VALLEY R CSN2
The ramp slope of both channels can be set the same.
Note that using unequal currents will cause unequal
modulator gain for different channels. Normally, if the current
ratio is slightly deviated from 1, compensation should be
taken care of for the channel with higher modulator gain,
that is, the one with smaller current gain, in other words,
the channel with higher current. However, if the current
ratio is set too large, the channel with too much slope
compensation will move its control loop towards voltage
mode.
In two-phase mode with dual input voltages and equal
output currents, because the simulated ramp voltage is
VIN feedforwarded in RT9256, typically by setting identical
RR and RCSN for both channels, balanced modulator gains
and inductor currents are automatically achieved. With
larger difference in input voltages, the voltage at RR pin,
which is around 0.55V, can be taken into considerations
as previous calculations for the ramp settings.
In two-phase mode with dual input voltages and unequal
channel currents, the ramp setting is the same as that in
dual-input, equal output currents conditions, and the current
setting consideration is similar to that in single-input,
unequal output currents conditions.
Gate control
a. Before SS signal reach the bottom of the ramp voltage,
UGATE and LGATE will be off.
b. If EN pin is pulled low UGATE and LGATE will be off.
c. UV protection function caused by FB < 0.6V or
VIN < 1.8V will activate the Vin detection mode. In Vin
detection mode, the UG LG will be off and SS will be
pulled low until ramp setting mode is activated. In two
switcher mode, the detection function work
independently. In two phase mode, ramp setting mode
will be activated when both channel are ready.
d. When OC function occurs and SS > VCC5 − 1.3, a
constant current of 10μA starts to discharge the
capacitor connected to SS pin right away. When OC
occurs, UGATE and LGATE will be off. When the voltage
at the capacitor connected to SS pin pass about 0.4V,
a constant current of 10uA starts to charge the capacitor.
DS9256-07 August 2007
The PWM signal is enable to pass to UGATE and
LGATE. In two switcher mode, OCP function is
independent monitor. OCP function in two phase mode
monitors both channels, either one can activate OCP. If
the OC protection occurs three times, OCSD will be
activated and shut down the chip.
e. When fault conditions occur or SS < 0.4V, the current
sense function will be disable.
Power good
PG = 1 when soft-start voltage >= (VCC5 − 1.3), and no
fault conditions.
a. In two-switcher mode, both channels’ condition should
satisfy.
b. In two-phase mode, only are fault conditions related to
SS2, FB2 omitted.
Feedback Loop Compensation
First, the ramp signal applied to the PWM comparator is
proportional to the input voltage provided via the VIN pin.
This keeps the modulator gain constant when the input
voltage varies. Second, the inductance valley current
proportional signal is derived from the voltage drop across
the ESR of the inductance is added to the ramp signal.
This effectively creates an internal current control loop.
The resistor connected to the CSN pin sets the gain in the
current feedback loop. The following expression estimates
the required value of the current sense resistor depending
on the maximum load current and the value of the
inductance ESR.
LESR
RCSN = IMAX x
90 μA
Due to implemented current feedback, the modulator has
a single pole response with -1 slope at a frequency
determined by the load,
FPO =
1
2π x RO x CO
where RO is load resistance and CO is load capacitance.
For this type of modulator, a Type 2 compensition circuit
is usually sufficient.
RT9256 is a simulated current mode buck converter using
the high gain error amplifier with transconductance (OTA,
Operational Transconductance Amplifier)
www.richtek.com
15
RT9256
Preliminary
The Transconductance
ΔIOUT
GM =
ΔVM
The mid - frequency gain.
ΔVOUT = ΔIOUTZOUT = GMΔVINZOUT
ΔVOUT
G=
= GMZOUT
ΔVIN
ZOUT is the shut impedance at the output node to ground
(see Figure 6 and 7)
Pole and Zero :
FP =
1
1
; FZ =
2π x R1 x C2
2π x R1 x C1
Converter
EA
Modulator
GM
FZ
VOUT
C1
FP
FC
FPO
C2
R1
Figure 6. A Type 2 Error Amplifier with Shut Network to
Ground
VOUT
EA+
EA-
+
GM
-
+
RO
Figure 7. Equivalent Circuit
Gain (dB)
Open Loop, Unloaded Gain
Closed Loop, Unloaded Gain
A
FZ
FP
Figure 9. Feedback Loop Compensation
Figure 9 shows the type two amplifier and its response
along with the response of the current modulator and the
converter.
There is another type of compensation called type three
compensation that adds a pole-zero pair to the type two
network.
As shown in Figure 10, adding a network between VOUT
and VFB in addition to the original type two compensation
can result in type three compensation. Figure 11 shows
the difference of their AC response. Type three compensation has an additional pole-zero pair that causes a gain
boost at the flat gain region.
Pole and Zero :
1
1
FP =
; FZ =
2π x [R1//R2] x C
2π x R1 x C
But the gain boosted is limited by the ratio (R1+R2)/R2.
Gain = GMP1
B
VOUT
R1
Frequency (Hz)
Figure 8. Gain
Figure 8 shows a type two amplifier and its response along
with a non-compensated one.
The type two amplifier, in addition to the pole at origin, has
a zero-pole pair that cause a flat gain region at frequency
between the zero and pole
www.richtek.com
16
C
VFB
R2
Figure 10. Additional Network of Type Three
Compensation Adding at VOUT and VFB
DS9256-07 August 2007
RT9256
Preliminary
OCP
Pole
Add type three compensation
Zero
Original type two compensation
Figure 11. AC Response Curve of Type Two and Three
C2
C1
VIN
C3
R2
R3
-
R1
+
VOUT
Figure 12. Type Three Compensation Network
Type three compensation can also be done as shown in
Figure 12. It has a pole at the origin, two poles, and two
zeros.
1
1
Zero : FZ1 =
; FZ2 =
2π x [R1 + R3] x C3
2π x R2 x C1
1
1
Poles : FP1 =
; FP2 =
2π x R2 x C1 x C2
2π x R3 x C3
With small value of R3 and proper chosen poles-zeros,
the gain boost will be less limited and obvious than that of
the first kind of type three compensation.
Protection
VIN detection
The VIN detection circuitry monitors the switching power
source when power up. As VIN > 1.8V, RR pin is enable for
ramp setting and the chip is in ramp setting mode. The
voltage at RR pin will be about 0.55V. Otherwise, the chip
will be in VIN detection mode and RR pin is disable for
ramp setting until VIN > 1.8V. In VIN detection mode, the
UGATE and LGATE will be off and SS will be pulled low by
a constant current of 10uA. The chip will enter the ramp
setting mode and SS will re-softstart when VIN > 1.8V. In
two switcher mode, the detection function work
independently. In two phase mode, ramp setting mode will
be activated when both channel’ s VIN are ready.
DS9256-07 August 2007
The RT9256 use cycle by cycle current comparison. The
over current level is set by IMAX pin. When OC function
occurs and SS > VCC5 − 1.3, a constant current of 10uA
starts to discharge the capacitor connected to SS pin right
away. When OC occurs UGATE and LGATE will be off.
When the voltage at the capacitor connected to SS pin
pass about 0.4V, a constant current of 10uA starts to charge
the capacitor. The PWM signal is enable to pass to the
UGATE and LGATE. In two switcher mode, OCP function
is independent monitoring. OCP function in two phase
mode monitors both channels, either one can activate OCP.
If the OC protection occurs three times, OCSD will be
activated and shut down the chip.
RT9256 uses an external resistor RIMAX to set a programmable over current trip point. OCP comparator compares
each inductor current with this reference current. RT9256
uses hiccup mode to eliminate fault detection of OCP or
reduce output current when output is shorted to ground.
VIMAX
DCR × IL VCSN
⇔ IX =
+
RIMAX
R CSN
RDC
OCP comparator
IMAX
IX
+
-
Figure 13
UVP
By detecting voltage at FB pin when SS > VCC5 − 1.3. If
FB < 0.6, the chip will enter the VIN detection mode. In VIN
detection mode, the UGATE and LGATE will be off and SS
will be pulled low by a constant current of 10uA. A constant
current oh 10uA starts to charge capacitor at SS pin when
SS pass 0.4V.
In two switcher mode, the detection function work
independently. In two phase mode, ramp setting mode will
be activated when both channel are ready.
OTP
Monitor the temperature near the driver part within the chip.
Shutdown the chip when OTP.
www.richtek.com
17
RT9256
Preliminary
Outline Dimension
D2
D
SEE DETAIL A
L
1
E
E2
e
b
1
1
2
2
A
A1
A3
DETAIL A
Pin #1 ID and Tie Bar Mark Options
Note : The configuration of the Pin #1 identifier is optional,
but must be located within the zone indicated.
Symbol
Dimensions In Millimeters
Dimensions In Inches
Min
Max
Min
Max
A
0.800
1.000
0.031
0.039
A1
0.000
0.050
0.000
0.002
A3
0.175
0.250
0.007
0.010
b
0.180
0.300
0.007
0.012
D
4.950
5.050
0.195
0.199
D2
3.400
3.750
0.134
0.148
E
4.950
5.050
0.195
0.199
E2
3.400
3.750
0.134
0.148
e
L
0.500
0.350
0.020
0.450
0.014
0.018
V-Type 32L QFN 5x5 Package
Richtek Technology Corporation
Richtek Technology Corporation
Headquarter
Taipei Office (Marketing)
5F, No. 20, Taiyuen Street, Chupei City
8F, No. 137, Lane 235, Paochiao Road, Hsintien City
Hsinchu, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Taipei County, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Tel: (8863)5526789 Fax: (8863)5526611
Tel: (8862)89191466 Fax: (8862)89191465
Email: [email protected]
www.richtek.com
18
DS9256-07 August 2007