A8651 - Allegro MicroSystems, Inc.

A8651
Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
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AEC-Q100 Qualified
Operating voltage range: 2.5 to 5.5 V
UVLO stop threshold: 2.25 V (max)
Dual outputs with up to 2 A output current per regulator
Adjustable output voltage as low as 0.8 V
Internal 80 mΩ high-side switching MOSFET
Internal 55 mΩ low-side switching MOSFET
Adjustable switching frequency ( fSW ): 0.35 to 2.2 MHz
Synchronizes to external clock: 1.2 × to 1.5 × fOSC
180° phase shift between switching regulators
Sleep mode supply current less than 5 μA
Soft start time externally set via the SS pin
Pre-biased startup capable
Externally adjustable compensation
Stable with ceramic output capacitors
Independent enable inputs and NPOR output pins
NPOR delay of 7.5 ms (A8651) or 120 µs (A8651-1)
Adjustable current limiting (OCP) for each regulator
Hiccup mode short-circuit protection (HIC)
Overvoltage and overtemperature protection
Open-circuit and adjacent pin short-circuit tolerant
Short-to-ground tolerant at every pin
Package: 20-pin TSSOP with exposed
thermal pad (suffix LP)
DESCRIPTION
The A8651 is an adjustable frequency, high output current,
PWM regulator that integrates a high-side, P-channel MOSFET
and a low-side, N-channel MOSFET. The A8651 incorporates
current-mode control to provide simple compensation, excellent
loop stability, and fast transient response. The A8651 utilizes
external compensation to accommodate a wide range of power
components to optimize transient response without sacrificing
stability. The A8651 regulates input voltages from 2.5 to 5.5 V,
down to output voltages as low as 0.8 V and is able to supply
up to 2 A of load current per regulator.
The A8651 features include an externally adjustable and
synchronizable switching frequency, an externally-set soft
start time to minimize inrush currents, independent EN inputs,
and independent NPOR outputs with either 7.5 ms (A8651) or
120 µs (A8651-1) delay. The sleep mode current of the A8651
control circuitry is less than 5 μA. Protection features include
VIN undervoltage lockout (UVLO), cycle-by-cycle overcurrent
protection (OCP), hiccup mode short-circuit protection (HIC),
overvoltage protection (OVP), and thermal shutdown (TSD).
In addition, the A8651 provides open-circuit, adjacent pin
short-circuit, and short-to-ground protection at every pin to
satisfy the most demanding automotive applications.
Continued on the next page…
APPLICATIONS:
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Not to scale
5
SYNCin
CSYNC
GPS/Infotainment
Automotive audio
Home audio
Network and telecom
FSET/SYNC
CIN1
EN1
R Z1
C SS1
C P1
R Z2
C SS2
C P2
C Z2
A8651
RFB2
RPU1
NPOR1
LO2
VOUT2
CO2
FB2
14
RFB3
RFB4
RPU2
6
NPOR2
RSET2
Typical Application Diagram
A8651-DS, Rev. 6
NPOR1
15
VIN2
9 PGND2
8
EN2
13
COMP2
12
SS2
7
ISET2
EN2
FB1
RFB1
SW2
11
CIN2
CO1
18
10
RSET1
C Z1
VOUT1
SW1
20 VIN1
16 GND
2
PGND1
3
EN1
17
COMP1
19
SS1
4
ISET1
VIN
LO1
1
RFSET
NPOR2
Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
A8651
DESCRIPTION (CONTINUED)
The A8651 device is available in a 20-pin TSSOP package with
exposed thermal pad for enhanced thermal dissipation (suffix LP).
It is lead (Pb) free, with 100% matte tin leadframe plating.
Selection Guide
Part Number
Operating Ambient Temperature Range
TA, (°C)
Package
Packing*
Leadframe Plating
–40 to 125
20-pin TSSOP with
exposed
thermal pad
4000 pieces per
13-in. reel
100% matte tin
A8651KLPTR-T
A8651KLPTR-T-1
*Contact Allegro™ for additional packing options.
Specifications
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Thermal Characteristics
Top Level Functional Block Diagram
Detailed Functional Block Diagram
Pin-out Diagram and Terminal List
Top Level Functional Block Diagram
Electrical Characteristics
Characteristic Performance
Timing Diagram
Functional Description
Overview
Reference Voltage
Oscillator/Switching Frequency (RFSET, fOSC)
Transconductance Error Amplifier
Slope Compensation
ENX, VINX, and Sleep Mode
Synchronization (FSET/SYNC)
Power MOSFETs
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)
Current Sense Amplifier
Table of Contents
2
3
3
4
5
6
6
7
10
12
13
13
13
13
13
13
14
14
14
14
14
Soft Start (Startup) and Inrush Current Control
Pre-Biased Startup
Active Low Power-On Reset (NPORx)
Protection Features
Undervoltage Lockout (UVLO)
Thermal Shutdown (TSD)
Overvoltage Protection (OVP)
Pulse-by-Pulse Overcurrent Protection (OCP)
Output Short Circuit (Hiccup Mode) Protection
Design and Component Selection
14
15
16
16
16
16
16
16
17
20
20
20
21
22
22
23
24
26
Power Dissipation and Thermal Calculations 28
PCB Component Placement and Routing
30
Package Outline Diagram
33
Setting the Output Voltage (VOUT1 , RFBx )
PWM Switching Frequency (RFSET)
Output Inductor (LO )
Output Capacitors
Input Capacitors
Soft Start and Hiccup Mode Timing (CSS1)
Compensation Components (RZ, CZ, CP)
A Generalized Tuning Procedure
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
2
A8651
Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
SPECIFICATIONS
Absolute Maximum Ratings1
Characteristic
VIN1 and VIN2 to GND
SW1 and SW2 to GND2
All Other Pins
Symbol
Notes
Rating
VIN
VSW
Unit
–0.3 to 6.0
V
Continuous
–0.3 to VIN + 0.3
V
t < 50 ns
–1.0 to VIN +2.0
V
–0.3 to 6.0
V
–
Operating Ambient Temperature
TA
–40 to 125
ºC
Maximum Junction Temperature
TJ(max)
150
ºC
Tstg
–55 to 150
ºC
Storage Temperature
K temperature range
1Operation
at levels beyond the ratings listed in this table may cause permanent damage to the device. The Absolute Maximum ratings are stress ratings only, and
functional operation of the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the Electrical Characteristics table is not implied. Exposure to Absolute
Maximum-rated conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.
2SW1 and SW2 have internal clamp diodes to GND and V . Applications that forward bias these diodes should take care not to exceed the A8651 package power
IN dissipation limits.
Thermal Characteristics may require derating at maximum conditions, see application information
Characteristic
Package Thermal Resistance
Symbol
RθJA
Test Conditions*
On 4-layer PCB based on JEDEC standard
Value
Unit
32
ºC/W
*Additional thermal information available on the Allegro website.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
3
Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
A8651
A8651
VIN 1
VIN1 UVLO
GND
VIN1 START
VIN1 STOP
EN1
ISENSE1
SWITCHER #1
(SW1)
COMP1
ADJUSTABLE
VOUT
SS1
ISET1
SYNCHRONOUS
BUCK
VREF &
POR &
VREF
POR
2
80mΩ
SW1
55mΩ
PGND1
FB1
CLK0°
TSD
Oscillator
180° shift
w/ SYNC
FSET /
SYNC
NPOR1
VIN2
VIN2
UVLO
VIN2 START
VIN2 STOP
EN2
ISENSE2
SWITCHER #2
(SW2)
COMP2
ADJUSTABLE
VOUT
SS2
ISET 2
2
SYNCHRONOUS
BUCK
80mΩ
SW2
55mΩ
PGND2
FB2
CLK180°
TSD
TSD
NPOR2
Note: VIN1 supplies the bandgap(V REF ), oscillator , TSD , and other critical circuits
Top Level Functional Block Diagram
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
4
Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
A8651
A8651
VINx
ISETx
GAIN
CURRENT
VIN
ADJ
Oscillator
CLKx
NON-OVERLAP
Slope
Comp
CLKin
80m
OFF
OCP
ADJ1
Fsw
CLAMP ACTIVE
RESET
DOM
ADJ2
PWM
COMP
ADJ3
S
Q
R
Q
SWx
VIN
-
IF VFB > 400mV, Fsw = CLKx
IF VFB < 400mV, Fsw = CLKx/2
IF VFB < 400mV & CLAMP ACTIVE & OCP, Fsw = CLKx/4
55m
+
OFF
MIN_Toff
PWMoffset
380mV
VREF
PGNDx
VSSoffs
200mV
150nA
ERROR AMP
Clamp
CLAMP ACTIVE
+
COMPx
+
FBx
-
1.5K
TSD
POR
OFF
EN
ENx
CURRENT
+
10ns
100K
ENx
OCP
-
LATCHED
1.65Vtyp
1.25Vtyp
FBx
UVLO
HICCUP
HIC RST
SSx
PROTECTIONS
10uA
FAULT
FAULT = 1 IF:
EN = 0 or
UVLO = 1
EN_OCP_COUNT
UVLOx
2K
OCP
EN / CLR
20uA
HICCUP
HICCUP = 1 IF:
FB < 700mV and
7 OCP EVENTS
GNDx
NPORx
OFF
OFF
+
125ns
UV / OV
OVP
COMP
OV
UV
COMP
UV
115% x VREF
111% x VREF
FBx
+
Falling
Delay
92% x VREF
88% x VREF
Pad
1 of 2 regulators shown
Detailed Functional Block Diagram
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
5
Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
A8651
Pin-out Diagram and Thermal Characteristics
SW1 1
20 VIN1
PGND1 2
19 SS1
EN1 3
18 FB1
ISET1 4
FSET/SYNC 5
NPOR2 6
17 COMP1
PAD
ISET2 7
EN2 8
PGND2 9
SW2 10
16 GND
15 NPOR1
14 FB2
13 COMP2
12 SS2
11 VIN2
Package LP, 20-Pin TSSOP with Exposed Thermal Pad Pin-out Diagram
Terminal List Table
Number
Name
Function
1, 10
SW1, SW2
2, 9
PGND1, PGND2
3, 8
EN1, EN2
4, 7
ISET1, ISET2
Pulse–by-pulse current limit setting pins.
5
FSET/SYNC
A resistor, RFSET, from this pin to GND sets the base PWM switching frequency (fOSC). If an external clock is ACcoupled to this pin by a 22 pF capacitor, the switching frequency of the regulator can be increased higher than fOSC.
6, 15
NPOR2, NPOR1
11, 20
VIN2, VIN1
12, 19
SS2, SS1
13, 17
COMP2, COMP1
14, 18
FB2, FB1
16
GND
Ground.
–
PAD
Exposed pad of the package providing enhanced thermal dissipation. This pad must be connected to the ground
plane(s) of the PCB with at least 6 vias, directly in the pad.
The drains of the internal high-side P-channel MOSFETs. The output inductors should be connected to these pins.
The output inductors should be placed as close as possible to these pins and be connected with relatively wide
traces.
Power ground pins for switcher 1 and switcher 2.
Inputs to enable switcher 1 and/or enable switcher 2.
Active low, open-drain fault indication outputs, with fixed delay.
Power inputs for the control circuits and the sources of the internal high-side P-channel MOSFETs. VIN1 is the
primary supply and must be present for the A8651 to operate. At least one high quality ceramic capacitor must be
placed very close to these pins.
Soft-start pins. Connect a capacitor, from these pins to GND to set the soft-start time. These capacitors also
determine the hiccup period during an overcurrent condition.
Outputs of the error amplifiers and compensation nodes for the current mode control loops. Connect a series RC
network from these pins to GND for loop compensation. See the Design and Component Selection section of this
datasheet for further details.
Feedback (negative) inputs to the error amplifiers. Connect a resistor divider from the converter output nodes to
these pins to program the output voltages.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
6
A8651
Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS: valid at VIN1 = VIN2 = 5 V, –40°C ≤ TA = TJ ≤ 125°C; unless otherwise specified
Characteristic
Symbol
Test Conditions
Min.
Typ.
Max.
Unit
2.5
−
5.5
V
Input Voltage Specifications
Operating Input Voltage Range
VIN
Undervoltage Lockout (UVLO)
Start Threshold
VINSTART
VIN1 = VIN2, rising
2.00
2.22
2.45
V
Undervoltage Lockout (UVLO)
Stop Threshold
VINSTOP
VIN1 = VIN2, falling
1.80
2.02
2.25
V
Undervoltage Lockout (UVLO)
Hysteresis
VUVLO(HYS)
−
200
−
mV
VEN1 = VEN2 = 5 V, VFB1 = VFB2 = 1.0 V, no PWM
switching
−
3
6
mA
VINx = VSWx = 5 V, VEN1 = VEN2 ≤ 0.4 V
−
0.2
5
μA
792
800
808
mV
–
–150
–300
nA
Input Currents
Input Quiescent Current
Input Sleep Supply Current
IQ
IQSLEEP
Reference Voltage
Reference (Feedback) Voltage
VREF
2.5 V < VIN1 = VIN2 < 5.5 V, VFBx = VCOMPx
Error Amplifier
Feedback Input Bias Current(1)
Open Loop Voltage Gain(2)
Transconductance
Source Current
Sink Current
Maximum Output Voltage
COMP Pull Down Resistance
IFB
VCOMPx = 1.5 V, VFBx regulated so that
ICOMPx = 0 A
AVOL
gm
ICOMPx = 0 μA, VSSx > 500 mV
−
65
−
dB
550
750
950
μA/V
0 V < VSSx < 500 mV
–
250
–
μA/V
IEA(SRC)
VFBx < 0.8 V, VCOMPx = 1.5 V
−
–50
−
μA
IEA(SINK)
VFBx > 0.8 V, VCOMPx = 1.5 V
VEAVO(max)
RCOMP
FAULT = 1, HICCUP = 1 or VEN1 = VEN2 ≤ 0.4 V
−
+50
−
μA
1.00
1.25
1.50
V
−
1.5
−
kΩ
−
380
−
mV
−
65
105
ns
−
50
100
ns
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)
PWM Ramp Offset
VPWMOFFSET VCOMPx for 0% duty cycle
High-Side MOSFET Minimum
Controllable On-Time
tON(MIN)
Low-Side MOSFET Minimum
On‑Time
tOFF(MIN)
Gate Driver Non-Overlap Time(2)
COMP to SW Current Gain
Slope Compensation(2)
Does not include total gate driver non-overlap
time, 2 x tOFF
tOFF
−
15
−
ns
gmPOWER
−
4.5
−
A/V
SE
RSETx = 41.2 kΩ, fSW = 2.0 MHz
2.1
2.5
2.9
A/μs
RSETx = 41.2 kΩ, fSW = 0.35 MHz
0.36
0.44
0.51
A/μs
RSETx = 30.9 kΩ, fSW = 2.0 MHz
1.0
1.4
1.9
A/μs
RSETx = 30.9 kΩ, fSW = 0.35 MHz
0.17
0.25
0.35
A/μs
Note 1: For input and output current specifications, negative current is defined as coming out of the node or pin (sourcing), positive current is defined
as going into the node or pin (sinking).
Note 2: Ensured by design and characterization, not production tested.
Continued on the next page…
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
7
Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
A8651
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued): valid at VIN1 = VIN2 = 5 V, –40°C ≤ TA = TJ ≤ 125°C; unless otherwise
specified
Characteristic
Symbol
Test Conditions
Min.
Typ.
Max.
Unit
−
80
−
mΩ
−
12
−
ns
VENx ≤ 0.4 V, VSWx = 0 V, VINx = 5 V,
–40˚C < TA = TJ < 85˚C(3)
−
−
4
μA
VENx ≤ 0.4 V, VSWx = 0 V, VINx = 5 V,
TA = TJ = 125˚C
−
−
25
μA
IDSx = 100 mA
−
55
−
mΩ
VENx ≤ 0.4 V, VSWx = 5 V,
–40˚C < TA = TJ < 85˚C (3)
−
−
1
μA
VENx ≤ 0.4 V, VSWx = 5 V, TA = TJ = 125˚C
−
−
10
μA
RFSET = 10.2 kΩ
1.98
2.20
2.45
MHz
RFSET = 24.9 kΩ
0.90
1.00
1.10
MHz
RFSET = 82.5 kΩ
325
375
425
kHz
−
180
−
deg.
MOSFET Parameters
High-Side MOSFET On-Resistance
SW Node Rise Time(2)
High-Side MOSFET Leakage Current
Low-Side MOSFET ON Resistance
Low-Side MOSFET Leakage Current
RDS(on)HS
IDSx = 100 mA
tr(SW)
IDSS(HS)
RDS(on)LS
IDSS(LS)
Oscillator Frequency
Oscillator Frequency
SW1 to SW2 Phase
Delay(2)
fOSC
Φ1,2
FSET/SYNC Input
FSET/SYNC High Threshold
VFSETSYNC(H)
−
−
1.8
V
FSET/SYNC Low Threshold
VFSETSYNC(L)
0.4
−
−
V
FSET/SYNC Pin Voltage
VFSETSYNC Without external SYNCin signal
−
0.8
−
V
FSET/SYNC Pin Current
IFSETSYNC
9
−
90
µA
fSYNCM
−
−
2.5
MHz
fSYNC
1.2 ×
fOSC
−
1.5 ×
fOSC
–
Maximum SYNC Frequency
SYNC Frequency Range(2)
SYNC Duty Cycle (2)
Without external SYNCin signal
DSYNC
50
60
70
%
Synchronization Minimum On-Time
tONSYNC
150
−
−
ns
Synchronization Minimum Off-Time
tOFFSYNC
150
−
−
ns
Enable Inputs
EN High Threshold
VENIH
VENx rising
−
−
1.8
V
EN Low Threshold
VENIL
VENx falling
0.8
−
−
V
EN Hysteresis
EN Input Resistance
EN Shutdown Delay(2)
VENHYS
VENIH – VENIL
REN
tdEN(SD)
From ENX transitioning low to SWx switching
stops
−
200
−
mV
50
100
−
kΩ
0
5
10
µs
Note 2: Ensured by design and characterization, not production tested.
Note 3: Specifications at 25°C or 85°C are ensured by design and characterization, not production tested at these temperatures.
Continued on the next page…
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
8
A8651
Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued): valid at VIN1 = VIN2 = 5 V, –40°C ≤ TA = TJ ≤ 125°C; unless otherwise
specified
Characteristic
Symbol
Test Conditions
Min.
Typ.
Max.
Unit
Overcurrent Protection (OCP) and Hiccup Mode
Pulse-by-Pulse Current Limit
ILIM
RSET = 41.2 kΩ, duty cycle = 5%
3.5
4.1
4.7
A
RSET = 41.2 kΩ, duty cycle = 90%(2)
2.2
3.0
3.8
A
RSET = 30.9 kΩ, duty cycle = 5%
1.9
2.4
2.9
A
RSET = 30.9 kΩ, duty cycle = 90%(2)
1.1
1.8
2.3
A
Hiccup Disable Threshold
VHICDIS
VFBx rising
−
740
−
mV
Hiccup Enable Threshold
VHICEN
VFBx falling
−
700
−
mV
OCPLIMIT
HICCUP enabled (see Functional Block
diagram), OCP pulses
−
7
−
counts
Soft Start Offset Voltage
VSSOFFS
VSSx rising due to ISSSU
100
200
270
mV
Soft Start Fault/Hiccup Reset Voltage
VSSRESET
VSSx falling due to ISSHIC
−
120
185
mV
−10
–20
−30
μA
OCP / HICCUP Count Limit2
Soft Start (SS pin)
Soft Start Startup (Source) Current
ISSSU
VSSx = 1 V, HICCUP = FAULT = 0 (see
Functional Block diagram)
Soft Start Hiccup (Sink) Current
ISSHIC
VSSx = 0.5V, HICCUP = 1 (see Functional Block
diagram)
5
10
20
μA
FAULT (see Functional Block diagram) = 1 or
ENx = 0
−
2
−
kΩ
tSS(DELAY)
CSSx = 10 nF
−
85
−
μs
tSS
CSSx = 10 nF
−
400
−
μs
0 V < VFBx < 400 mV, VCOMPx = VEAVO(max) ,
IDSx > ILIMx (2)
−
fOSC / 4
−
−
0 V < VFBx < 400 mV
−
fOSC / 2
−
−
VFBx > 400 mV
−
fOSC
−
−
Percentage of VREF , VFBx rising
89
92
95
%
Soft Start Input Resistance
Soft Start to VOUT Delay Time
VOUT Soft Start Ramp Time
Soft Start Switching Frequency
RSS
fSW(SS)
NPOR Outputs
NPOR Undervoltage Threshold
NPOR Undervoltage Hysteresis
NPOR Overvoltage Threshold
NPOR Overvoltage Hysteresis
NPOR Rising Delay (A8651)
NPOR Rising Delay (A8651-1)
VNPORUV
VNPORUVhys Percentage of VREF , VFBx falling
VNPOROV
Percentage of VREF , VFBx rising
VNPOROVhys Percentage of VREF , VFBx falling
tNPOR
NPOR Low Output Voltage
VNPOR(L)
NPOR Leakage Current(1)
INPOR(LEAK)
2.5 V < VIN1 = VIN2 < 5 V, INPOR = 4 mA
2
4
6
%
112
115
118
%
2
4
6
%
4.0
7.5
11
ms
65
120
175
µs
—
—
400
mV
VIN1 = VIN2 =1.2 V, INPOR = 2 mA
—
—
800
mV
VNPORx = 3.3 V
—
—
1
µA
Thermal Protection (TSD)
Thermal Shutdown Threshold(2)
TSD(th)
Temperature rising
155
170
185
ºC
Thermal Shutdown Hysteresis(2)
TSD(HYS)
Temperature falling
−
20
−
ºC
Note 1: For input and output current specifications, negative current is defined as coming out of the node or pin (sourcing), positive current is defined
as going into the node or pin (sinking).
Note 2: Ensured by design and characterization, not production tested.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
9
Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
A8651
Characteristic Performance
Oscillator Frequency versus Temperature
806
804
802
800
798
796
794
792
-50
-25
0
25
50
75
100
125
150
Oscillator Frequency, fOSC (MHz)
Reference Voltage, VREF (mV)
Reference Voltage versus Temperature
808
2.75
2.50
2.25
f OSC = 2.2 MHz
2.00
1.75
1.50
1.25
f OSC = 1 MHz
1.00
0.75
-50
-25
0
Temperature (°C)
25
50
75
100
125
150
Temperature (°C)
NPOR Overvoltage and Undervoltage Thresholds
versus Temperature
VIN UVLO Start and Stop Thresholds
versus Temperature
2.5
120
2.4
115
2.3
Threshold (% of VFB)
Input Voltage, VIN (V)
VNPOROV, VF B rising
UVLO Start Threshold, VINSTART
2.2
2.1
UVLO Stop Threshold, VINSTOP
2.0
1.9
1.8
1.7
110
VNPOROV, VF B f alling
105
100
VNPORUV, VF B rising
95
90
VNPORUV, VF B f alling
85
-50
-25
0
25
50
75
100
125
80
150
-50
-25
0
Temperature (°C)
75
100
125
150
125
150
950
Transconductance, gm (µA/V)
4.5
4.4
Current Limit , ILIM (A)
50
Error Amplifier Transconductance
versus Temperature
Pulse-by-Pulse Current Limit at tON(MIN)
versus Temperature
4.3
4.2
4.1
4.0
3.9
3.8
3.7
3.6
3.5
25
Temperature (°C)
-50
-25
0
25
50
75
Temperature (°C)
100
125
150
900
850
800
750
700
650
600
550
-50
-25
0
25
50
75
100
Temperature (°C)
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10
Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
A8651
Enable High and Low Thresholds
versus Temperature
Soft Start Startup and Hiccup Currents
versus Temperature
25
1.8
23
1.7
SS Pin Current (µA)
EN Pin Threshold (V)
EN High Threshold, VENIH
1.6
1.5
1.4
1.3
EN Low Threshold, VENIL
1.2
1.1
1.0
SS Startup Current, ISSSU
21
19
17
15
13
11
9
SS Hiccup Current, ISSHIC
7
-50
-25
0
25
50
75
Temperature (°C)
100
125
5
150
-50
75
100
125
150
825
Hiccup Threshold (mV)
NPOR Low Output Voltage,
VNPOR(L) (mV)
50
850
0.35
0.30
0.25
INPOR = 4 mA
0.20
0.15
INPOR = 2 mA
0.10
0.05
800
775
Hiccup Disable Threshold, VHICDIS
750
725
700
675
Hiccup Enable Threshold,VHICEN
650
625
600
575
-25
0
25
50
75
Temperature (°C)
100
125
150
550
Input Sleep Supply Current
versus Temperature
-50
-25
0
25
50
75
Temperature (°C)
100
125
150
High- and Low-Side MOSFETs Leakage Current
versus Temperature
4.0
40
3.5
35
Leakage Current (µA)
Input Sleep Supply Current,
IQSLEEP (µA)
25
Hiccup Enable and Disable Thresholds
versus Temperature
0.40
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
30
25
20
15
High-Side MOSFET Leakage Curent, IDSS(HS)
10
Low-Side MOSFET Leakage Curent, IDSS(LS)
5
0.5
0
-50
0
Temperature (°C)
NPOR Low Output Voltage versus Temperature
0
-50
-25
0
-25
0
25
50
75
Temperature (°C)
100
125
150
-50
-25
0
25
50
75
100
125
150
Temperature (°C)
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11
NPORx
COMPx
SSx
VOUTx
SWx
VINx
OCx
HICCUPx
HIC _ENx
TSD
ENx
MODE
F
/
2
SS
NPOR set
below VINSTOP
OFF/UVLO
tNPOR
HICDIS
Fsw
VINSTART
PWM
F
/
4
x7
O
C
F
/
4
x7
S O
S C
Vout shorted to GND
PWMOFFSET
EAVO( max)
VSS,OFFS
VSS,RESET
HICCUP
HICCUP
F
/
2
SS
F
/
2
SS
EN glitches low for
more than tdEN,SD
HICEN
Fsw
ENVIL
PWM
OFF/DISABLED
Fsw
VIN dropout
VINSTOP
PWM
OFF/UVLO
F
/
2
SS
Fsw
PWM
TSD
OFF/TSD
F
/
2
SS
Fsw
PWM
tdEN,SD
OFF/DISABLED
A8651
Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
Timing Diagram (one of two regulators shown)
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115 Northeast Cutoff
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12
A8651
Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
Overview
The A8651 is a dual synchronous PWM regulator that incorporates all the control and protection circuitry necessary to satisfy
a wide range of applications. The A8651 employs current mode
control to provide fast transient response, simple compensation, and excellent stability. The features of the A8651 include,
for each of the two regulators: a precision reference, an adjustable switching frequency, a transconductance error amplifier, an
enable/synchronization input, integrated high-side and low-side
MOSFETs, adjustable Soft Start, pre-bias startup, low current
sleep mode, and a Power-On Reset output (NPOR). The protection features of the A8651 include undervoltage lockout (UVLO),
pulse-by-pulse overcurrent protection (OCP), hiccup mode
short-circuit protection (HIC), overvoltage protection (OVP), and
thermal shutdown (TSD). In addition, the A8651 provides opencircuit, adjacent pin short-circuit, and pin-to-ground short circuit
protection.
Reference Voltage
The A8651 incorporates an internal reference that allows output
voltages as low as 0.8 V. The accuracy of the internal reference is
±1% across the operating temperature range. The output voltage
for each of the regulators is adjusted by connecting a resistor
divider (RFB1‑RFB2 and RFB3‑RFB4 in the Typical Application
diagram) from VOUTx to the corresponding FBx pin of the A8651.
Oscillator/Switching Frequency (RFSET, fOSC)
The PWM switching frequency of the A8651 is adjustable from
350 kHz to 2.2 MHz and has an accuracy of about ±10% across
the operating temperature range. Connecting a resistor ( RFSET )
from the FSET/SYNC pin to GND, as shown in the Typical
Application diagram, sets the base switching frequency, fOSC .
An FSET/SYNC resistor with ±1% tolerance is recommended.
A graph of switching frequency versus RFSET resistor value is
shown in the Design and Component Selection section of this
datasheet.
inputs are used for soft start and regulation. The error amplifier performs an “analog OR” selection between its two positive
inputs. The error amplifier regulates to either the soft start pin
voltage minus 200mV or the A8651’s internal reference, whichever is lower.
To stabilize the regulator, a series RC compensation network
(RZ and CZ ) must be connected from the error amplifier output
(COMPx pin) to GND as shown in the Typical Applications
diagram. In some applications, an additional, low value capacitor
(CP ) may be connected in parallel with the RZ-CZ compensation
network to reduce the loop gain at higher frequencies. However
if the CP capacitor is too large, the phase margin of the converter
may be reduced.
If the regulator is disabled or a fault occurs, the corresponding COMPx pin is immediately pulled to GND via approximately 1.5 kΩ and PWM switching is inhibited. During startup
(VSSx < 500 mV) the transconductance of the error amplifier is
reduced to approximately one-third of the normal operating level
to minimize transients when the system is requesting on-times
less than or equal to the minimum controllable on-time.
Slope Compensation
The A8651 incorporates internal slope compensation to allow
PWM duty cycles above 50% for a wide range of input/output
voltages, switching frequencies, and inductor values. As shown in
the Detailed Functional Block diagram, the slope compensation
signal is added to the sum of the current sense and PWM Ramp
Offset (VPWMOFFSET ). The amount of slope compensation is
scaled directly with the switching frequency.
200 m V
SSx
+
+
Transconductance Error Amplifier
The transconductance error amplifier’s primary function is to
regulate the converter’s output voltage. The error amplifier for
one of the regulators is shown in Figure 1. It is shown as a threeterminal input device with two positive and one negative input.
The negative input is simply connected to the FBx pin and is used
to sense the feedback voltage for regulation. The two positive
Error Amplifier
VREF
800 m V
COMPx
-
FBx
Figure 1: The A8651 Error Amplifier (for one regulator)
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13
A8651
Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
ENX, VINX, and Sleep Mode
Power MOSFETs
The A8651 provides two independent inputs, VIN1 and VIN2,
to sequence the output voltages after the A8651 is powered
up. However, VIN1 is the primary supply input. VIN1 must be
greater than VINSTART or the A8651 will not come out of sleep
mode. VIN2 can start or stop regulator 2 but cannot wake up the
A8651.
The A8651 regulators each include an 80 mΩ, high-side P-channel MOSFET capable of delivering up to 4.1 A at a 5% duty
cycle. The A8651 regulators also each include a 55 mΩ, low-side
N-channel MOSFET to provide synchronous rectification.
If the voltage at EN1 or EN2 is driven below VENIL (800 mV)
for more than tdEN(SD) (approximately 5 µs) the regulator stops
switching.
In sleep mode (EN1< VENVIL ) for more than tdEN(SD) the control
circuits are de-biased and draw less than 5 μA from VIN. However, the total current drawn by the VIN pin will be the sum of
the current drawn by the control circuitry ( IQSLEEP ) plus any
leakage due to the high-side MOSFETs ( IDSS(HS) ).
Synchronization (FSET/SYNC)
By using a 22 pF capacitor (CSYNC ) to AC-couple an external
clock to the FSET/SYNC pin, as shown in Figure 2, the switching frequency of the A8651 can by increased from 1.2 × fOSC
to 1.5 × fOSC. In these equations, fOSC is the typical frequency
determined by the RFSET resistor. The applied SYNC waveform
must satisfy the conditions shown in the Electrical Characteristics
table. The SYNC waveform must simultaneously satisfy three
conditions for all operating frequencies: duty cycle (DSYNC),
minimum on-time (tONSYNC), and minimum off-time (tOFFSYNC).
At relatively low frequencies (<1 MHz), the duty cycle will be
the primary specification to satisfy; however, at higher frequencies (>2 MHz), the minimum on-time and minimum off-time will
be the primary specifications to satisfy.
SYNCin
CSYNC
22 pF
FSET/SYNC
RFSET
Figure 2: FSET/SYNC AC-Coupling
The low-side MOSFET continues to conduct when the inductor current crosses zero to maintain constant conduction mode
(CCM). This helps minimize EMI/EMC for noise sensitive applications by eliminating the SW high-frequency ringing associated
with discontinuous conduction mode (DCM).
When the A8651 is disabled, via the ENx input or a fault condition, the A8651 output stage is tri-stated by turning off both the
high-side and low-side MOSFETs.
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)
A high-speed PWM comparator, capable of pulse widths less than
105 ns, is included in each A8651 regulator. The inverting input
of the comparator is connected to the output of the error amplifier. The non-inverting input is connected to the sum of the current sense signal, the slope compensation, and the PWM Ramp
Offset (VPWMOFFSET ).
At the beginning of each PWM cycle, the CLK signal sets the
PWM flip-flop and the upper MOSFET is turned on. When the
summation of the DC offset, the current sense signal, and the
slope compensation rises above the error amplifier voltage, the
comparator resets the PWM flip-flop and the high-side MOSFET
is turned off. If the output voltage of the error amplifier drops
below the PWM Ramp Offset (VPWMOFFSET ) then a zero percent
PWM duty cycle (pulse skipping) operation is achieved.
Current Sense Amplifier
A high-bandwidth current sense amplifier monitors the current
in the high-side MOSFETs. The PWM comparator, the pulseby-pulse current limiter, and the hiccup mode up/down counter
require the current signal.
Soft Start (Startup) and Inrush Current Control
Inrush currents to the converter are controlled by the soft start
function of the A8651. When the A8651 is enabled and all faults
are cleared, the soft start (SSx) pins source approximately 20 μA
(ISSSU ) and the voltage on the soft start capacitors (CSSx ) ramp
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14
Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
A8651
upward from 0 V. When the voltage on a soft start pin exceeds
the Soft Start Offset Voltage (VSSOFFS , typically 200 mV measured at the SSx pin) the output of the error amplifier is released
and shortly thereafter the high-side and low-side MOSFETs
begin switching. As shown in figure 3, there is a short delay
(tSS(DELAY) ) between when the enable (ENx) pin transitions high
and when the soft start voltage reaches 200 mV to initiate PWM
switching.
When the A8651 begins PWM switching, the error amplifier
regulates the voltage at the FBx pin to the soft start (SSx) pin
voltage minus the soft start offset voltage (VSSOFFS ). When PWM
switching starts, the voltage at the SSx pin rises from 200 mV to
1000 mV, a difference of 800 mV, the voltage at the FBx pin rises
from 0 V to 800 mV, and the regulator output voltage rises from
0 V to the target setpoint determined by the feedback resistor
divider (RFB1-RFB2 or RFB3-RFB4).
When the voltage at the soft start pin reaches approximately
1000 mV the error amplifier begin regulating using the A8651
internal reference, 800 mV. The voltage at the soft start pin continues to rise to approximately VIN . The soft start functionality is
shown in Figure 3.
If the A8651 is disabled or a fault occurs, the internal fault latch
is set and the soft start (SSx) pin is pulled to ground via approximately 2 kΩ. The A8651 clears the internal fault latch when the
voltage at the SSx pin decays to approximately 120 mV (VSSRESET).
If the A8651 enters hiccup mode, the capacitor (CSSx ) on the soft
start pin is discharged by a 10 μA current sink (ISSHIC ). Therefore, the soft start pin capacitor value (CSSx ) controls the time
between soft start attempts. Hiccup mode operation is discussed
in more detail in the Output Short Circuit (Hiccup Mode) Protection section of this datasheet.
When FBx > 400 mV the PWM switching frequency is fSW .
If FBx < 300 mV the PWM switching frequency is reduced to
fSW / 2 to provide the low duty cycles and accurate, stable control
required during initial startup (when VOUT ≈ 0 V). Also, if FBx
< 400 mV and COMPx = VEAVO(max) , it can be assumed the regulator output is shorted to ground. In this case the PWM switching
frequency is further reduced to only fSW / 4 to allow more off-time
between PWM pulses. This is done to prevent stair-casing of
the output inductor current, which could result in damage to the
inductor or the A8651. This is especially important when the
input voltage is relatively high and the output of the regulator is
either shorted or soft starting a relatively high output capacitance.
Pre-Biased Startup
If the output capacitors are pre-biased to some voltage, the A8651
modifies the normal startup routine to prevent discharging the
output capacitors. Normally, the COMPx pin becomes active and
PWM switching starts when the voltage at the soft start (SSx) pin
reaches 200 mV. With pre-bias at the output, the pre-bias voltage is sensed at the FBx pin. The A8651 does not start switching
until the voltage at the soft-start pin increases to approximately
VFBx + 200 mV. At this soft start pin voltage, the error amplifier
output is released, the voltage at the COMPx pin rises, PWM
1.2 V
1.2 V
VOUT
tSS
VOUT
1000 mV
VCOMP
VSS
VEN
200 mV
Switching starts when
VCOMP > 350 mV
tSS(DELAY)
Figure 3: Startup to VOUTx = 1.2 V, 2.0 A, with CSS =
22 nF
VOUT rises from 0.6 V
COMP pin released at
VSS = VFB+200 mV
1000 mV
VCOMP
VSS
Switching starts when
VCOMP > 350 mV
200 mV
VEN
Figure 4: Startup to VOUTx = 1.2 V, 2.0 A, with VOUT prebiased to 0.6 V
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15
A8651
Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
switching starts, and VOUT ramps upward, starting from the
pre-bias level. Figure 4 shows startup when the output voltage is
pre-biased to 0.9 V.
Active Low Power-On Reset (NPORx)
The NPORx pins are open drain outputs, so an external pull-up
resistor must be connected to each. An internal comparator monitors the voltage at the FBx pin and controls the open drain device
at the NPORx pins. NPORx is pulled high by the external resistor approximately 7.5 ms after VOUTx is within regulation. The
NPORx output is pulled low if:
• VFBx(RISING) < 92% of the reference voltage, or
• VFBx(RISING) > 115% of the reference voltage, or
• EN is low, or
• VIN UVLO occurs, or
• Thermal shutdown (TSD) occurs.
If the A8651 is running and VINx transitions low, then NPORx
transitions low and remains low only as long as the internal
circuitry is able to enhance the open-drain output device. When
VIN fully collapses, the NPORx pin returns to the high impedance
state. The NPOR comparator incorporates hysteresis to prevent
chattering due to voltage ripple at the FBx pin.
Protection Features
UNDERVOLTAGE LOCKOUT (UVLO)
An undervoltage lockout (UVLO) comparator monitors the voltage at the VIN pin and keeps the regulator disabled if the voltage
is below the lockout threshold (VINSTART ). The UVLO comparator incorporates enough hysteresis (VUVLO(HYS) ) to prevent
on-off cycling of the regulator due to IR drops in the VIN path
during heavy loading or during startup.
THERMAL SHUTDOWN (TSD)
The A8651 protects itself from overheating with an internal thermal monitoring circuit. If the junction temperature exceeds the
upper thermal shutdown threshold (TSD(th) , nominally 170°C),
the voltages at the soft start (SSx) and COMPx pins is pulled to
GND and both the high-side and low-side MOSFETs are turned
off. The A8651 stops PWM switching, but it does not enter the
shutdown or sleep mode supply current levels. The A8651 automatically restarts when the junction temperature decreases more
than the thermal shutdown hysteresis (TSD(HYS) , 20°C (typ) ).
OVERVOLTAGE PROTECTION (OVP)
The A8651 uses the FBx pins to provide a basic level of overvoltage protection. An overvoltage condition could occur if the load
decreases very quickly or the COMPx pin or the regulator output
are pulled high by some external voltage. When an overvoltage
condition is detected, (1) NPORx is pulled low, and (2) PWM
switching stops (the SWx node becomes high impedance). The
COMPx and SSx pin voltages are not affected by OVP. If the
regulator output decreases back to the normal operating range,
NPORx transitions high and PWM switching resumes.
PULSE-BY-PULSE OVERCURRENT PROTECTION (OCP)
The A8651 monitors the current in the high-side P-channel
MOSFET and if the current exceeds the pulse-by-pulse current
overcurrent threshold (ILIM), then the high-side MOSFET is
turned off. Normal PWM operation resumes on the next clock
pulse from the oscillator. The A8651 includes leading edge blanking to prevent false triggering of the pulse-by-pulse current limit
when the high-side MOSFET is turned on. Pulse-by-pulse current
limiting is always active.
A key feature of the A8651 is the ability to adjust the peak switch
current limit. This can be useful when the full current capability
of the regulator is not required for a given application. A smaller
current limit may allow the use of power components with lower
current ratings, thus saving space and reducing cost. A single
resistor between the ISET pin and ground controls the current
limit. Resistor values should be set in the range between 30.9 kΩ
(for the lowest current limit setting) and 41.2 kΩ (for the highest
current limit setting).
The maximum switch current is affected by slope compensation
via the duty cycle. The A8651 is conservatively rated to deliver
2.0 ADC for most applications. However, the exact current the
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16
Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
A8651
A8651 supports is heavily dependent on duty cycle, ambient
temperature, thermal resistance of the PCB, airflow, component
selection, and nearby heat sources.
The A8651 is designed to deliver more current at lower duty
cycles and slightly less current at higher duty cycles. For example, the pulse-by-pulse current limit at 20% duty cycle is typically
3.85 A, but at 80% duty cycle the pulse limit is typically 3.10 A.
Use Table 1a and Figure 5a, and Table 1b and Figure 5b to determine the real current limit given the duty cycle required for each
application. Take care to do a careful thermal solution or thermal
shutdown can occur.
Table 1a. Pulse-by-Pulse Current Limit versus
Duty Cycle
RSET = 41.2 kΩ, fSW = 2 MHz
OUTPUT SHORT CIRCUIT (HICCUP MODE) PROTECTION
Hiccup mode protects the A8651 when the load is either too high
or when the output of the converter is shorted to ground. When
the voltage at the FBx pin is below the Hiccup Enable Threshold
(VHICEN , 700 mV (typ)), hiccup mode protection is enabled.
When the voltage at the FBx pin is above the Hiccup Disable
Threshold (VHICDIS, 740 mV (typ)) hiccup mode protection is
disabled.
Hiccup mode overcurrent protection monitors the number of
overcurrent events using an up/down counter. An overcurrent
pulse increments the counter by 1 and a PWM cycle without an
Table 1b. Pulse-by-Pulse Current Limit versus
Duty Cycle
RSET = 30.9 kΩ, fSW = 2 MHz
Pulse-by-Pulse Current Limit
(A)
Duty Cycle
(%)
Min.
Typ.
Max.
5
3.42
4.04
20
3.17
40
Duty Cycle
(%)
Min.
Typ.
Max.
4.65
5
1.85
2.37
2.87
3.86
4.51
20
1.69
2.27
2.77
2.83
3.61
4.31
40
1.49
2.13
2.64
60
–
3.37
4.12
60
1.28
2.00
2.52
80
–
3.12
3.92
80
–
1.86
2.39
90
–
3.00
3.83
90
–
1.80
2.32
4.8
3.0
4.6
2.8
4.4
2.6
4.0
2.4
3.8
2.2
3.6
ILIM (A)
ILIM (A)
4.2
3.4
3.2
2.0
1.8
1.6
3.0
2.8
Max., fSW = 350 kHz
Max., fSW = 2.00 MHz
1.4
2.4
Typ., fSW = 350 kHz
Typ., fSW = 2.00 MHz
1.2
2.2
Min., fSW = 350 kHz
Min., fSW = 2.00 MHz
2.6
2.0
Pulse-by-Pulse Current Limit
(A)
5
Max., fSW = 350 kHz
Max., fSW = 2.00 MHz
Typ., fSW = 350 kHz
Typ., fSW = 2.00 MHz
1.0
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100
Duty Cycle (%)
Figure 5a: Current Limit versus Duty Cycle, with RSET =
41.2 kΩ
0.8
Min., fSW = 350 kHz
Min., fSW = 2.00 MHz
5
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100
Duty Cycle (%)
Figure 5b: Current Limit versus Duty Cycle, with RSET =
30.9 kΩ
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17
A8651
Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
overcurrent pulse decrements the counter by 1. If more than 7
consecutive overcurrents are detected then the Hiccup latch is
set and PWM switching is stopped. The Hiccup signal causes
the COMPx pin to be pulled low with a relatively low resistance
(1.5 kΩ). Hiccup mode also enables a current sink connected to
the soft start (SSx) pin (ISSHIC,10 µA), so when hiccup initially
occurs, the voltage at the soft start pin ramps downward. Hiccup
mode operation is shown in Figure 6.
When the voltage at the soft start pin decays to a low level
(VSSRESET , 120 mV (typ) ), the hiccup latch is cleared and the
10 µA soft start pin current sink is turned off. The soft start pin
resumes charging the soft start capacitor with 20 µA, and the
voltage at the soft start pin ramps upward.
When the voltage at the soft start pin exceeds the soft start offset
voltage (VSSOFFS , 200 mV (typ)) the low resistance pull-down
at the COMPx pin is turned off. The error amplifier forces the
voltage at the COMPx pin to ramp up quickly, and PWM switching begins. If the short circuit at the converter output remains,
another hiccup cycle occurs. Hiccup cycles repeat until the short
circuit is removed or the converter is disabled. If the short circuit
is removed the A8651 soft starts normally and the output voltage
ramps to the operating level, as shown in Figure 6.
Short removed
VOUT
VCOMP
VSS
≈ 4.1 A
200 mV
120 mV
IL
Figure 6: Hiccup Mode Operation and Recovery
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A8651
Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
Table 2: Summary of A8651 Fault Modes and Operation
Fault Mode
VSS
VCOMP
High-Side Switch
Low-Side Switch
NPOR
Reset Condition
Active during tOFF ,
off during hiccup
Depends on VOUT
Automatic, remove
the short
Output hard short
to ground (VOUT
and VFB = 0 V)
Hiccup after VCOMP
≈ 1.25 V and
7 OC faults
Clamped to
≈1.25 V for ILIM ,
then pulled low
during hiccup
Controlled by
VCOMP, fSW / 2 if
0 < VFB< 400 mV,
fSW / 4 if COMP
≈1.25 V and ILIM
Output overcurrent
and VFB < VHICDIS
Hiccup after VCOMP
≈ 1.25 V and
7 OC faults
Clamped to
≈1.25 V for ILIM ,
then pulled low
during hiccup
Controlled by
VCOMP, fSW / 2 if
0 < VFB
< 400 mV, fSW / 4
if VCOMP ≈1.25 V
and ILIM
Active during tOFF,
off during hiccup
Depends on VOUT
Automatic,
decrease the load
current
SW hard short to
ground
Ramps to VIN ,
hiccup may occur
when the short is
removed
Clamped to
≈1.25 V, pulled low
if hiccup occurs
Controlled by
VCOMP, turn off
if VSW ≈ 0 V and
blanking time
expires, fSW / 4
Active during tOFF ,
off if hiccup occurs
when the short is
removed
Depends on VOUT
Automatic, remove
the short
SW soft short to
ground
Hiccup after VCOMP
≈1.25 V and
7 OC faults
Clamped to
≈1.25 V for ILIM,
then pulled low
during hiccup
Controlled by
VCOMP, fSW / 2 if 0 <
VFB < 400 mV, fSW /
4 if VCOMP ≈1.25 V
and ILIM
Active during tOFF ,
off during hiccup
Depends on VOUT
Automatic, remove
the short
FB pin open (VFB
floats high due
to negative bias
current)
Not affected
Transitions low via
loop response as
VFB floats high
Off, fSW / 2 if 0 <
VFB < 400 mV, fSW
if 300 mV < VFB
Off, disabled if
VCOMP < 200 mV
Pulled low
whenVFB > 115%
× VREF
Automatic, connect
the FB pin
Output overvoltage
(VFB > 115% ×
VREF)
Not affected
Transitions low
via loop response
because VFB >
VREF
Off, fSW / 2 if 0 <
VFB < 400 mV, fSW
if 300 mV < VFB
Off, disabled if
VCOMP< 200 mV
Pulled low when
VFB > 115% × VREF
Automatic, VFB
returns to the
normal range
Active during tOFF
Pulled low when
VFB < 92% × VREF
Automatic, VFB
returns to the
normal range
Off
Pulled low
Automatic, after
the junction cools
down
Output
undervoltage
Not affected
Transitions high via
loop response
Controlled by
VCOMP , fSW / 2 if 0
< VFB < 400 mV,
fSW if 300 mV
< VFB
Thermal shutdown
(TSD)
Pulled low and
latched until
VSS < VSSRESET
Pulled low and
latched until VSS >
VSS(RELEASE)
Off
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19
A8651
Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
DESIGN AND COMPONENT SELECTION
This section shows how to design and select external component
values. For simplicity, the naming convention used here refers
only to regulator 1, but the same design methods can be used for
regulator 2.
RFB1
FB1 PIN
RFB2
Setting the Output Voltage (VOUT1 , RFBx )
The output voltage of the A8651 is determined by connecting a
resistor divider from the output node (VOUT1) to the FB1 pin as
shown in Figure 7. There are trade-offs when choosing the value
of the feedback resistors. If the series combination (RFB1+RFB2 )
is relatively low then the light load efficiency of the regulator is
reduced. So, to maximize the efficiency it is best to choose high
values of resistors. On the other hand, if the parallel combination
(RFB1 // RFB2 ) is too high, then the regulator may be susceptible
to noise coupling into the FB1 pin.
Figure 7: Connection for the Feedback Divider
Table 3. Recommended Feedback Resistors
In general, the feedback resistors must satisfy the ratio shown in
equation 1 to produce an output voltage, VOUT1:
(1)
Table 3 shows the most common output voltages and recommended feedback resistors, assuming less than 0.2% efficiency
loss at a light load of 100 mA and a parallel combination of 4 kΩ
presented to the FB1 pin. For optimal system accuracy, it is recommended that the feedback resistors have ≤1% tolerances.
PWM Switching Frequency (RFSET)
The PWM switching frequency is set by connecting a resistor
from the FSET/SYNC pin to ground. Figure 8 is a graph showing
the relationship between the typical switching frequency (y-axis)
and the FSET resistor (x-axis).
VOUT1
(V)
RFB1
(VOUT1 to FB1 pin)
(kΩ)
RFB2
(FB1 pin to GND)
(kΩ)
1.2
6.04
12.1
1.5
7.50
8.45
1.8
9.09
7.15
2.5
12.4
5.76
3.3
16.5
5.23
2250
2000
Oscillator Frequency (kHz)
RFB1
VOUT1
–1
=
RFB2 0.8 (V)
V OUT1
1750
1500
1250
1000
750
500
250
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
RFSET (kΩ)
Figure 8. PWM Switching Frequency versus RFSET
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Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
A8651
To set a specific oscillator frequency (fosc ), the RFSET resistor can
be calculated as follows:
RFSET =
(
fOSC
15456
)
– 1.186
(2)
where fosc is in kHz and RFSET is in kΩ.
When the PWM switching frequency is chosen, the designer
should be aware of the minimum controllable on-time (tON(MIN) )
of the A8651. If the application system required on-time is less
than the A8651 minimum controllable on-time, then switch node
jitter occurs and the output voltage has increased ripple or oscillations.
The PWM switching frequency should be calculated as follows:
fSWMAX =
VOUT1
tON(MIN) ×VIN1(MAX)
SE = (0.054 × RSET – 0.96) × fSW
(4b)
where RSET is in kΩ, fSW is in MHz, and the calculated SE is in
A/µs.
Another limitation is shown in equation 5. This is based on a
formula to calculate the amount of slope compensation required
to critically damp the double poles at half the PWM switching
frequency (this approach includes the duty cycle (D), which
should be calculated at the minimum input voltage to insure
optimal stability):
LO1 ≥
VOUT1
VIN1(MIN)
1 – 0.18 ×
SE
VOUT1
(5)
(3)
where VOUT1 is the output voltage, tON(MIN) is the minimum
controllable on-time of the A8651 (worst case is 105 ns), and
VIN1(MAX) is the maximum required operational input voltage to
the A8651 (not the peak surge voltage).
If the A8651 synchronization function is employed, then the base
switching frequency should be chosen such that jitter does not
result at the maximum synchronized switching frequency according to equation 3: 1.5 × fSW < fSWMAX calculated by equation 3.
Output Inductor (LO )
To avoid dropout (saturation of the buck regulator), VIN1(MIN)
must be approximately 0.75 to 1.0 V above VOUT1 when calculating the inductor value with equation 5.
If equations 4a or 5 yield an inductor value that is not a standard
value then the next closest available value should be used. The
final inductor value should allow for 10% to 20% of initial tolerance and 10% to 20% of inductor saturation.
The saturation current of the inductor should be higher than the
peak current capability of the A8651. Ideally, for output short
circuit conditions, the inductor should not saturate given the highest pulse-by-pulse current limit at minimum duty cycle (ILIM(5%));
4.7 A. This may be too costly. At the very least, the inductor
should not saturate given the peak operating current according to
the following equation:
For a peak current mode regulator it is common knowledge
that, without adequate slope compensation, the system becomes
unstable when the duty cycle is near or above 50%. However, the
slope compensation in the A8651 is a fixed value (SE ). Therefore,
it is important to calculate an inductor value such that the falling
slope of the inductor current (SF) works well with the A8651
slope compensation.
Equations 4a and 4b can be used to calculate a range of values for
the output inductor based on the well known approach of providing slope compensation that matches 50% to 100% of the down
slope of the inductor current.
VOUT1
VOUT1
≤ LO1 ≤
2 × SE
SE
where LO is in µH and the slope compensation (SE ) is a function
of switching frequency, as follows:
(4a)
IPEAK = 4.1 –
SE × VOUT1
1.15 × fSW × VIN1(MAX)
(6)
where VIN1(MAX) is the maximum continuous input voltage, such
as 5.5 V.
Starting with equation 6 and subtracting half of the inductor
ripple current provides us with an interesting equation to predict
the typical DC load capability of the regulator at a given duty
cycle (D = VOUT1 / VIN1):
SE × D VOUT1 × (1 – D )
–
IOUT1(DC) ≤ 4.1 –
(7)
fSW
2 × fSW × LO1
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Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
A8651
After an inductor is chosen it should be tested during output short
circuit conditions. The inductor current should be monitored
using a current probe. A good design should ensure the inductor
or the regulator are not damaged when the output is shorted to
ground at maximum input voltage and the highest expected ambient temperature.
Output Capacitors
The output capacitors filter the output voltage to provide an
acceptable level of ripple voltage and they store energy to help
maintain voltage regulation during a load transient. The voltage
rating of the output capacitors must support the output voltage
with sufficient design margin.
The output voltage ripple (ΔVOUT1 ) is a function of the output
capacitors parameters: COUT1, ESRCOUT1, and ESLCOUT1 :
∆VOUT1 = ∆IL1 × ESRCOUT1
V – VOUT1
+ IN1
× ESLCOUT1
LO1
∆IL1
+
8 fSW C OUT1
(8)
∆IL1
8 fSW C OUT1
(9)
To reduce the voltage ripple of a design using ceramic output
capacitors simply: increase the total capacitance, reduce the
inductor current ripple (that is, increase the inductor value), or
increase the switching frequency.
For electrolytic output capacitors the value of capacitance will be
relatively high, so the third term in equation 8 will be very small
and the output voltage ripple will be determined primarily by the
first two terms of equation 8:
∆VOUT1 = ∆IL1 × ESRCOUT1 +
VIN1
LO1
× ESLCOUT1
The ESR of some electrolytic capacitors can be quite high so
Allegro recommends choosing a quality capacitor for which the
ESR or the total impedance is clearly documented in the capacitor datasheet. Also, the ESR of electrolytic capacitors usually
increases significantly at cold ambients, as much as 10 X, which
increases the output voltage ripple and, in most cases, reduces the
stability of the system.
The transient response of the regulator depends on the quantity
and type of output capacitors. In general, minimizing the ESR of
the output capacitance will result in a better transient response.
The ESR can be minimized by simply adding more capacitors
in parallel or by using higher quality capacitors. At the instant
of a fast load transient (di/dt), the output voltage changes by the
amount:
∆VOUT1 = ∆IL1 × ESRCOUT1 +
The type of output capacitors determines which terms of equation 8 are dominant. For ceramic output capacitors the ESRCOUT1
and ESLCOUT1 are virtually zero, so the output voltage ripple will
be dominated by the third term of equation 8:
∆VOUT1 ≤
by using a high(er) quality capacitor, or add more capacitors in parallel, or reduce the inductor current ripple (that is,
increase the inductor value).
COUT1
(10)
To reduce the voltage ripple of a design using electrolytic output
capacitors simply: decrease the equivalent ESRCOUT1 and ESL-
di
dt
× ESLCOUT1 (11)
After the load transient occurs, the output voltage will deviate
from its nominal value for a short time. The length of this time
depends on the system bandwidth, the output inductor value, and
output capacitance. Eventually, the error amplifier brings the
output voltage back to its nominal value.
The speed at which the error amplifier brings the output voltage
back to the setpoint depends mainly on the closed-loop bandwidth of the system. A higher bandwidth usually results in a
shorter time to return to the nominal voltage. However, a higher
bandwidth system may be more difficult to obtain acceptable gain
and phase margins. Selection of the compensation components
(RZ , CZ , and CP ) are discussed in more detail in the Compensation Components section of this datasheet.
Input Capacitors
Three factors should be considered when choosing the input
capacitors. First, the capacitors must be chosen to support the
maximum expected input surge voltage with adequate design
margin. Second, the capacitor rms current rating must be higher
than the expected rms input current to the regulator. Third, the
capacitors must have enough capacitance and a low enough ESR
to limit the input voltage dV/dt to something much less than the
hysteresis of the UVLO circuitry (nominally 200 mV for the
A8651) at maximum loading and minimum input voltage.
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22
Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
The input capacitor(s) must limit the voltage deviations at the
VIN1 pin to something significantly less than the device UVLO
hysteresis during maximum load and minimum input voltage.
The following equation allows us to calculate the minimum input
capacitance:
CIN1 ≥
IOUT1 × D × (1– D)
0.85 × fSW × ∆VIN1(MIN)
(12)
where ΔVIN1(MIN) is chosen to be much less than the hysteresis
of the VIN1 UVLO comparator (ΔVIN1(MIN) ≤ 100 mV is recommended), and fSW is the nominal PWM frequency.
The D × (1–D) term in equation 12 has an absolute maximum
value of 0.25 at 50% duty cycle. So, for example, a very conservative design based on IOUT1 = 2.0 A, fSW = 85% of 2 MHz,
D × (1–D) = 0.25, and ΔVIN1 = 100 mV yields:
2.0 (A) × 0.25
= 2.9 µF
1.7 (MHz) × 100 (mV)
The input capacitors must deliver an rms current (IRMS) according to the following formula:
CIN ≥
IRMS = IOUT1 D × ( 1 – D)
(13)
where the duty cycle (D) is defined as:
D = VOUT1 / VIN1(14)
Figure 9 shows the normalized input capacitor rms current versus
duty cycle. To use this graph, simply find the operational duty
cycle (D) on the x-axis and determine the input/output current
multiplier on the y-axis. For example, at a 20% duty cycle, the
input/output current multiplier is 0.40. Therefore, if the regulator is delivering 2.0 A of steady-state load current, the input
capacitor(s) must support 0.40 × 2.0 A or 0.8 Arms.
A good design should consider the DC-bias effect on a ceramic
capacitor: as the applied voltage approaches the rated value, the
capacitance value decreases. This effect is very pronounced with
the Y5V and Z5U temperature characteristic devices (as much as
90% reduction), so these types should be avoided. The X5R and
X7R type capacitors should be the primary choices due to their
stability versus both DC bias and temperature.
For all ceramic capacitors, the DC-bias effect is even more pronounced on smaller sizes of device case, so a good design uses
the largest affordable case size (such as 1206 or 1210). Also, it is
advisable to select input capacitors with plenty of design margin
in the voltage rating to accommodate the worst case transient
input voltage.
Soft Start and Hiccup Mode Timing (CSS1)
The soft start time of the A8651 is determined by the value of the
capacitance at the soft start pin, CSS1. When the A8651 is enabled
the voltage at the soft start pin (SS1) starts from 0 V and is
charged by the soft start current, ISSSU1 . However, PWM switching does not begin instantly because the voltage at the soft start
pin must rise above 200 mV. The soft start delay (tSS(DELAY)) can
be calculated using the following equation:
tSS(DELAY) = CSS1×
200 (mV)
ISSSU
(15)
If the A8651 is starting into a very heavy load a very fast soft
start time may cause the regulator to exceed the cycle-by-cycle
overcurrent threshold. This occurs because the total of the full
load current, the inductor ripple current, and the additional current required to charge the output capacitors:
IRMS / IOUT1
A8651
0.55
0.50
0.45
0.40
0.35
0.30
0.25
0.20
0.15
0.10
0.05
0.00
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Duty Cycle, D (%)
70
80
90
100
Figure 9: Normalized Input Capacitor Ripple versus
Duty Cycle
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23
Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
A8651
ICOUT1 = COUT1 × VOUT1 / tSS(16)
is higher than the cycle-by-cycle current threshold, as shown in
figure 10. This phenomena is more pronounced when using high
value electrolytic type output capacitors. To avoid prematurely
triggering hiccup mode the soft start capacitor, CSS1 , should be
calculated according to:
I
V
C
CSS1 ≥ SSSU × OUT1 × OUT1
0.8 (V) × ICOUT1
(17)
where VOUT1 is the output voltage, COUT1 is the output capacitance, ICOUT1 is the amount of current allowed to charge the
output capacitance during soft start (recommend 0.1 A < ICOUT1
< 0.3 A). Higher values of ICOUT1 result in faster soft start times.
However, lower values of ICOUT1 ensure that hiccup mode is not
inappropriately triggered. Allegro recommends starting the design
with an ICOUT1 of 0.1 A and increasing it only if the soft start time
is too slow. If a non-standard capacitor value for CSS1 is calculated, the next larger value should be used.
The output voltage ramp time, tSS , can be calculated by using
either of the following methods:
tSS = VOUT1 ×
or
COUT1
(18)
ICOUT1
tSS = 0.8 (V) × CSS1
ISSSU
(19)
When the A8651 is in hiccup mode, the soft start capacitor is
used as a timing capacitor and sets the hiccup period. The soft
start pin charges the soft start capacitor with ISSSU during a
startup attempt, and discharges the same capacitor with ISSHIC
}
I LIM
I LOAD1
Output
capacitor
current, I COUT1
t SS
Figure 10. Output Current (ICOUT1) During Startup
between startup attempts. Because the ratio ISSSU / ISSHIC is
approximately 2:1, the time between hiccups is about two times
as long as the startup time. Therefore, the effective duty-cycle of
the A8651 is very low and the junction temperature is kept low.
Compensation Components (RZ, CZ, CP)
To compensate the system, it is important to understand where
the buck power stage, load resistance, and output capacitance
form their poles and zeros in frequency. Also, it is important
to understand that the (Type II) compensated error amplifier
introduces a zero and two more poles, and where these should be
placed to maximize system stability, provide a high bandwidth,
and optimize the transient response.
First, consider the power stage of the A8651, the output capacitors, and the load resistance. This circuitry is commonly referred
as the control-to-output transfer function. The low frequency gain
of this circuitry depends on the COMP1 to SW1 current gain
( gmPOWER ), and the value of the load resistor (RL1 ). The DC gain
(GCO(0HZ) ) of the control-to-output is:
GCO(0Hz) = gmPOWER × RL1(20)
The control-to-output transfer function has a pole (fP1), formed
by the output capacitance (COUT1) and load resistance (RL1 ),
located at:
fP1 =
1
2� × RL1× COUT1
(21)
The control-to-output transfer function also has a zero (fZ1)
formed by the output capacitance (COUT1) and its associated
ESR:
fZ1 =
1
2� × ESRCOUT1× COUT1
(22)
For a design with very low-ESR type output capacitors (such as
ceramic capacitors), the ESR zero, fZ1, is usually at a very high
frequency so it can be ignored. On the other hand, if the ESR zero
falls below or near the 0 dB crossover frequency of the system
(as happens with electrolytic output capacitors), then it should
be cancelled by the pole formed by the CP capacitor and the RZ
resistor (discussed and identified later as fP3 ).
A Bode plot of the control-to-output transfer function for the
schematic shown in figure 15, with VOUT1 = 1.2 V, IOUT1 = 1.5 A,
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Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
A8651
and RL1 = 0.8 Ω, is shown in Figure 11. The pole at fP1 can easily be seen at 8.8 kHz while the ESR zero, fZ1 , occurs at a very
high frequency, 4 MHz (this is typical for a design using ceramic
output capacitors). Note, there is more than 90° of total phase
shift because of the double-pole at half the switching frequency.
Next, consider the feedback resistor divider, (RFB1 and RFB2), the
error amplifier (gm), and its compensation network RZ-CZ-CP .
It greatly simplifies the transfer function derivation if RO >> RZ,
and CZ >> CP . In most cases, RO > 2 MΩ, 1 kΩ < RZ <100 kΩ,
220 pF < CZ < 47 nF, and CP < 50 pF, so the following equations
are very accurate.
The low frequency gain of the control section (GC(0Hz) ) is formed
by the feedback resistor divider and the error amplifier. It can be
calculated as:
GC(0Hz) =
=
=
RFB2
RFB1 +RFB2
VFB1
VOUT1
VFB1
× gm × RO
fP2 =
fZ2 =
(23)
VFB is the reference voltage (0.8 V),
RO is the error amplifier output impedance (AVOL/gm ).
80
f P1 = 8.8 kHz
fz1 = 4 MHz
Gain (dB)
Gain (dB)
40
(26)
40
GCO(0Hz) = 58 dB
fz2 = 16 kHz
f P2 = 45 Hz
fP2 ≈ 1.1 MHz
-40
180
90
Phase (°)
Phase (°)
1
2� × RZ × CP
0
-80
180
Double Pole at
1 MHz
0
-90
-180
10
(25)
Finally, consider the combined Bode plot of both the control-tooutput and the compensated error amplifier (Figure 13). Careful
examination of this plot shows that the magnitude and phase
of the entire system (red curve) are simply the sum of the error
gm is the error amplifier transconductance (750 µA/V ), and
-40
1
2� × RZ × CZ
A Bode plot of the error amplifier and its compensation network
is shown in Figure 12, where fP2, fP3, and fZ2 are indicated on the
Gain plot. Notice that the zero (fZ2 at 16 kHz) has been placed so
that it is just above the pole at fP1 previously shown at 8.8 kHz
in the control-to-output Bode plot (Figure 11). Placing fZ2 just
above fP1 results in excellent phase margin, but relatively slow
transient recovery time, as we will see later.
VOUT is the output voltage,
GCO(0Hz) = 12 dB
(24)
Lastly, the transfer function of the Type-II compensated error
amplifier has a (very) high frequency pole (fP3) dominated by the
RZ resistor and the CP capacitor:
fP3 =
where
0
1
2� × RO × CZ
The transfer function of the Type-II compensated error amplifier
also has frequency zero (fZ2) dominated by the RZ resistor and
the CZ capacitor:
× gm × RO
× AVOL
VOUT1
The transfer function of the Type-II compensated error amplifier
has a (very) low frequency pole (fP2 ) dominated by the output
error amplifier output impedance (RO) and the CZ compensation
capacitor:
135
90
-45
100
103
10×103
Frequency (Hz)
100×103
1.06
Figure 11: Control-to-Output Bode Plot
106
0
10
100
103
10×103
Frequency (Hz)
100×103
1.06
106
Figure 12: Type-II Compensated Error Amplifier Bode
Plot
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Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
A8651
amplifier response (blue curve) and the control to output response
(green curve). As shown in Figure 13, the bandwidth of this system (fc ) is 72 kHz, the phase margin is 73 degrees, and the gain
margin is 27 dB.
A Generalized Tuning Procedure
This section presents a methodology to systematically apply
design considerations provided above.
1. Choose the system bandwidth (fC ). This is the frequency at
which the magnitude of the gain crosses 0 dB. Recommended
values for fC, based on the PWM switching frequency, are in
the range fSW / 20 < fC < fSW / 7.5. A higher value of fC generally
provides a better transient response, while a lower value of fC
generally makes it easier to obtain higher gain and phase margins.
2. Calculate the RZ resistor value. This sets the system bandwidth (fC):
2� ×COUT1
RZ = fC × VOUT1 ×
(27)
VFB1
gmPOWER × gm
3. Determine the frequency of the pole (fP1). This pole is
formed by COUT and RL. Use equation 21 (repeated here):
fP1 =
4. Calculate a range of values for the CZ capacitor. Use the following:
4
1
< CZ <
(28)
2� × RZ × fC
2� × RZ × 1.5 × fP1
To maximize system stability (that is, to have the greatest gain
margin), use a higher value of CZ . To optimize transient recovery
time, although at the expense of some phase margin, use a lower
value of CZ .
5. Calculate the frequency of the ESR zero (fZ1 ) formed by the
output capacitor(s) by using equation 22 (repeated here):
fZ1 =
1
2� × ESRCOUT1× COUT1
If fZ1 is at least 1 decade higher than the target crossover frequency (fC ) then fZ1 can be ignored. This is usually the case for
a design using ceramic output capacitors. Use equation 26 to
calculate the value of CP by setting fP3 to either 5 × fC or fSW / 2,
whichever is higher.
Alternatively, if fZ1 is near or below the target crossover frequency (fC ), then use equation 26 to calculate the value of CP by
setting fP3 equal to fZ1. This is usually the case for a design using
high ESR electrolytic output capacitors.
1
2� × RL1× COUT1
(V)
1.840
100
Gain (dB)
1.820
fC = 72 kHz
0
GM = 27 dB
1.800
-100
1.780
Phase (°)
180
PM = 73 deg
90
1.760
0
-90
-180
1.740
10
100
103
10×103
Frequency (Hz)
100×103
1.06
Figure 13: Bode Plot of the Complete System
(red curve)
106
1.725
240
250
260
270
280
290
(µs)
300
310
320
330
Figure 14: Transient Recovery Comparison for fZ2 at
16 kHz/69° and 50 kHz/51°
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26
Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
A8651
Csync22pF
SYNCin
5
Vin
20
RFSET
11.3K
CIN1
3.3uF
1206
CIN2
0.1uF
0805
CIN3
10nF
0603
EN1
CP1
68pF
VIN1
CSS1
22nF
GND
PGND1
SW1
FB1
11
CIN5
0.1uF
0805
CZ2
1.8nF
CO2
0.1uF
0805
CO3
10nF
0603
RPU1
10K
NPOR1
15
LO2
1.5uH
10
1
RFB3
6.04K
VIN2
1.2V / 1.5A
2
14
CO5
10uF
1206
CO6
10uF
1206
CO7
10uF
1206
CO8
0.1uF
0805
CO9
10nF
0603
3.3V
8
13
12
7
RZ2
5.62K
CO1
10uF
1206
3.3V
FB2
9
CP2
68pF
18
RFB2
5.23K
NPOR1
CIN6
10nF
0603
EN2
3.3V / 1.5A
2
RFB1
16.5K
SW2
CIN4
3.3uF
1206
1
EN1
COMP1
SS1
ISET1
RSET1
34.8K
CZ1
1.8nF
U1
1
A8651
16
2
3
17
19
4
RZ1
4.99K
LO1
3.3uH
FSET/SYNC
CSS2
22nF
RFB4
12.1K
PGND2
EN2
COMP2
SS2
ISET2
RPU2
10K
NPOR2
6
NPOR2
RSET2
34.8K
Figure 15: Typical Application Circuit for VIN = 5 V at TA = 125°C: VOUT 3.3 V/1.5 A and 1.2 V /1.5 A at 2 MHz
CSYNC are only required if synchronizing to an external clock
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27
Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
A8651
POWER DISSIPATION AND THERMAL CALCULATIONS
The power dissipated in the A8651 is the sum of the power dissipated from the VIN supply current (PIN ) and the power dissipated by the two regulators. The regulator power dissipation
is composed of: the power dissipated due to the switching of the
high-side power MOSFET (PSW(HS) ), the power dissipated due
to the rms current being conducted by the high-side and low-side
MOSFETs (PCOND(HS) and PCOND(LS) ), and the power dissipated
by the low-side body diode (PNO ) during the non-overlap time.
The power dissipated from the VIN supply current can be calculated using the following equation:
PIN = VIN1 × IQ+ (VIN1 + VIN2 ) × (QG(HS) + QG(LS) ) × fSW (29)
where
VINx are the input voltages,
IQ is the input quiescent current drawn by the device (nominally
2 mA),
tion:
2
PCOND(HS) = Irms(FET)
× RDS(on)HS
=
Note: The calculation after this point refers only to regulator 1.
The power dissipated by the internal high-side MOSFET during
PWM switching can be calculated using the following equation:
PSW1 =
VIN × IOUT × (tr + tf ) × fSW
2
(30)
where
VIN is the input voltage,
IOUT is the output current,
fSW is the PWM switching frequency, and
tr and tf are the rise and fall times measured at the SW node.
The exact rise and fall times at the SW node depend on the
external components and PCB layout so each design should be
measured at full load. Approximate values for both tr and tf range
from 10 to 15 ns. The fall time is usually about 50% faster than
the rise time.
The conduction losses dissipated by the high-side MOSFET
while it is conducting can be calculated using the following equa-
(31)
where
IOUT is the regulator output current,
ΔIL is the peak-to-peak inductor ripple current, and
RDS(on)1 is the on-resistance of the high-side MOSFET.
The conduction losses dissipated by the low-side MOSFET can
be calculated as:
2
PCOND2 = Irms(FET)
× RDS(on)2
QG(HS) and QG(LS) are the internal high- and low-side
MOSFET gate charges (approximately 3.3 nC and 1.4 nC, respectively), and
fSW is the PWM switching frequency.
VOUT
∆IL2
2
× IOUT + 12 × RDS(on)HS
VIN
= 1–
VOUT
∆IL2
2
× IOUT + 12 × RDS(on)2
VIN
(32)
where
IOUT is the regulator output current,
ΔIL is the peak-to-peak inductor ripple current, and
RDS(on)1 is the on-resistance of the high-side MOSFET.
The RDS(on)of the MOSFETs has some initial tolerance plus an
increase from self-heating and elevated ambient temperatures.
A conservative design should accommodate an RDS(on) with
at least a 15% initial tolerance plus 0.39%/°C increase due to
temperature.
The power dissipated by the low-side MOSFETs body diode during the non-overlap time can be calculated as:
PNO = VSD × IOUT × 2 × tNO × fSW (33)
where
The deadtime is the same for the rising and falling edges of SW,
VSD is the source-to-drain voltage of the low-side MOSFET (typically 0.60 V), and tNO is the non-overlap time (typically 15 ns),
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A8651
Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
Finally, the total power dissipated by the device (PTOTAL) is the
sum of the previous equations:
PTOTAL = PIN + PREGULATOR1 + PREGULATOR2(35)
where
PREGULATOR1 = PSW + PCOND(HS) + PCOND(LS) + PNO(36)
The average junction temperature can be calculated with the following equation:
TJ = PTOTAL × RθJA + TA (37)
where
PTOTAL is the total power dissipated as described in equation 35,
TA is the ambient temperature.
The maximum junction temperature is dependent on how efficiently heat can be transferred from the PCB to ambient air. It is
critical that the thermal pad on the bottom of the IC should be
connected to a at least one ground plane using multiple vias.
As with any regulator, there are limits to the amount of heat that
can be dissipated before risking thermal shutdown. There are
trade-offs among: ambient operating temperature, input voltage,
output voltage, output current, switching frequency, PCB
thermal resistance, airflow, and other nearby heat sources.
Even a small amount of airflow will reduce the junction temperature considerably.
RθJA is the junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (48°C/W on a
4-layer PCB), and
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29
A8651
Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
PCB COMPONENT PLACEMENT AND ROUTING
A good PCB layout is critical if the A8651 is to provide clean,
stable output voltages. Follow these guidelines to insure a good
PCB layout. Figure 16 shows a typical buck converter schematic
with the critical power paths/loops. Figure 17 shows an example
PCB component placement and routing with the same critical
power paths/loops from the schematic.
1. Place the ceramic input capacitors as close as possible to
the VINx pins and ground the capacitors at the PGNDx pins.
The ceramic input capacitors and the A8651 must be on the
same layer. Connect the input capacitors, the VINx pins, and the
PGNDx pins with a wide trace. This critical loop is shown as a
red trace in Figures 16 and 17.
2. Place the output inductor (LOx ) as close as possible to the
SWx pins. The output inductor and the A8651 must be on the
same layer. Connect the SWx pins to the output inductor with a
relatively wide trace or polygon. For EMI/EMC reasons, its best
to minimize the area of this trace/polygon. This critical trace is
shown as a green trace in Figure 16. Also, keep low level analog
signals (like FB and COMP) away from the SW metal.
3. Place the output capacitors relatively close to the output
inductor and the A8651. Ideally, the output capacitors, output
inductor and the A8651 should be on the same layer. Connect the
output inductor and the output capacitors with a fairly wide trace.
The output capacitors must use a ground plane to make a very
low inductance connection back to the PGND pin. These critical
connections are shown in blue in Figures 16 and 17.
4. Place the feedback resistor dividers (RFB1-RFB2 ) very close
to the FB pin. Orient RFB2 such that its ground is as close as possible to the A8651.
5. Place the compensation components (RZ, CZ, and CP) as
close as possible to the COMP pin. Orient CZ and CP such that
their ground connections are as close as possible to the A8651.
6. Place and ground the FSET resistor as close as possible to
the FSET pin.
7. The output voltage sense trace (from VOUT to RFB1) should
be connected as close as possible to the load to obtain the best
load regulation.
8. The thermal pad under the IC should be connected a ground
plane (preferably on the bottom layer) with as many vias as possible. Allegro recommends vias with approximately a 10-15 mil
hole and a 5-7 mil ring.
9. Place the soft start capacitor (CSS) as close as possible to the
SS pin. Place a via to the GND plane as close as possible to this
component.
10. When connecting the input and output ceramic capacitors
to a power or ground plane, use multiple vias and place the vias
as close as possible to the component’s pads. Do not use thermal
reliefs (spokes) around the pads for the input and output ceramic
capacitors.
11. EMI/EMC issues are always a concern. Allegro recommends
having locations for an RC snubber from SW to ground. The
snubber components can be placed on the back of the PCB and
populated only if necessary. The resister should be 0805 or 1206
size.
12. Allegro strongly recommends the use of current steering
(a cut in the ground plane) to prevent current from SW1 from
disturbing SW2 and vice versa. Notice the horizontal cut in the
ground plane as shown in Figure 17.
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Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
A8651
VIN
RFB1
A8651 SW1
FB
CIN
RFB2
SS
FSET
COMP
RFSET
CP
Lo
RZ
Cout
LOAD
Css
SW
CZ
GND
PGND
SINGLE POINT GROUND
Could be the therm al/ground pad under the IC
Figure 16: Typical Synchronous Buck Converter with Critical Paths/Loops Shown
Notice the cut in the
GND plane
Figure 17: Example PCB Component Placement and Routing
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31
Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
A8651
VIN = 5V, fSW = 2 MHz
2.5
2
2
1.5
3.3Vo
1
1.5Vo
Current Rating (A)
Current Rating (A)
VIN = 5V, fSW = 400 kHz
2.5
1.5
3.3Vo
1
1.5Vo
0.5
0.5
0
0
75
80
85
90
95
100
105
110
115
120
75
125
80
85
90
VIN = 5V, fSW = 400 kHz
2.5
2.5
2
2
1.5
3.3Vo
1
1.5Vo
Current Rating (A)
Current Rating (A)
95
100
105
110
115
120
125
Ambient Temperature (°C)
Ambient Temperature (°C)
VIN = 5V, fSW = 2 MHz
1.5
3.3Vo
1
1.5Vo
0.5
0.5
0
0
75
80
85
90
95
100
105
Ambient Temperature (°C)
110
115
120
125
75
80
85
90
95
100
105
110
115
120
125
Ambient Temperature (°C)
Figure 16: Current Derating Curve versus Output Voltages, Switching Frequency, and Ambient Temperature
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32
Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
A8651
PACKAGE OUTLINE DIAGRAM
For Reference Only – Not for Tooling Use
(Reference MO-153 ACT)
Dimensions in millimeters – NOT TO SCALE
Dimensions exclusive of mold flash, gate burrs, and dambar protrusions
Exact case and lead configuration at supplier discretion within limits shown
6.50 ±0.10
0.45
8º
0º
4.20
0.65
20
20
0.20
0.09
1.70
C
3.00
4.40 ±0.10 6.40 ±0.20
3.00
6.10
A
0.60 ±0.15 1.00 REF
1
2
1
20X
C
1.20 MAX
0.10 C
0.30
0.19
SEATING
PLANE
2
4.20
0.25 BSC
SEATING PLANE
GAUGE PLANE
B
PCB Layout Reference View
0.65 BSC
0.15
0.00
A
Terminal #1 mark area
B
Reference land pattern layout (reference IPC7351 SOP65P640X110-21M);
all pads a minimum of 0.20 mm from all adjacent pads; adjust as necessary
to meet application process requirements and PCB layout tolerances; when
mounting on a multilayer PCB, thermal vias at the exposed thermal pad land
can improve thermal dissipation (reference EIA/JEDEC Standard JESD51-5)
C
NNNNNNN
YYWW
LLLLLLL
1
Exposed thermal pad (bottom surface)
B
Standard Branding Reference View
N = Device part number
= Supplier emblem
Y = Last two digits of year of manufacture
W = Week of manufacture
L = Lot number
Figure 17: Package LP, 20-Pin TSSOP with Exposed Thermal Pad
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33
A8651
Low Input Voltage, Adjustable Frequency Dual Synchronous
2 A / 2 A Buck Regulator with Synchronization, 2x EN, and 2x NPOR
Revision History
Revision
Revision Date
1
July 2, 2014
Description of Revision
2
September 25, 2014
Revised equation 2
3
September 29, 2014
Revised Switching Frequency values
4
February 20, 2015
Removed references to DSYNC
Revised equation 4b
5
April 17, 2015
Added -1 option
6
June 10, 2015
Revised soft start fault/hiccup reset voltage values
Copyright ©2013-2015, Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC reserves the right to make, from time to time, such departures from the detail specifications as may be required to
permit improvements in the performance, reliability, or manufacturability of its products. Before placing an order, the user is cautioned to verify that
the information being relied upon is current.
Allegro’s products are not to be used in any devices or systems, including but not limited to life support devices or systems, in which a failure of
Allegro’s product can reasonably be expected to cause bodily harm.
The information included herein is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, Allegro MicroSystems, LLC assumes no responsibility for its
use; nor for any infringement of patents or other rights of third parties which may result from its use.
For the latest version of this document, visit our website:
www.allegromicro.com
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115 Northeast Cutoff
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34