ISL6549xx-EVAL1 User Guide

A Widely-Applicable PWM and Linear Controller
(ISL6549LOW-EVAL1, ISL6549HI-EVAL1)
®
Application Note
October 11, 2005
AN1201.1
Author: Paul N. Dackow
Introduction
Quick Start Evaluation
The PCI-Express is used in many PC’s as the interface to
the graphics card. Although the new format allows much
higher data rate, one consequence is that 5V is no longer
supplied to the interface. This has spawned a new
generation of controller IC’s that use 12V for bias, and can
also use 12V (or any lower voltage) for the input to the
regulators. The ISL6549 can control one PWM and one
linear output for these conditions, but it can also be used in
other systems with 12V available. These EVAL boards
provide a simple way to configure a system, and test it out.
Figure 1 shows a picture of a blank board for reference, and
details the available input and output connections. Each
input (VCC12, VIN1, VIN2) and its GND has binding posts.
Each output has turrets for VOUT and GND, plus a scope
probe socket, for low noise waveforms. JP1 and JP2 are
jumpers, for those cases where voltages are shared. Most of
the important IC signals on the board have a test pin for easy
monitoring (or for making alternate connections). SW1 can
be used to enable/disable the regulator. The CR1 LED lights
when there is activity on the PHASE node.
There are two current ranges that are presently supported:
ISL6549LOW-EVAL1 for higher output voltages, but lower
output currents and ISL6549HI-EVAL1 for lower output
voltages, but higher output currents. The schematic provided
is for the generic board, so the values listed may not match
each board; use the appropriate BOM for the correct values,
and also for which components are populated or not (DNP =
Do Not Populate). Refer to the schematic, Bill Of Materials
(BOM), and board layout (at the end of this document), as
needed.
JP2 (VOUT1 to VIN2)
GND
VIN2
VOUT1
GND
GND
Factory Configuration
The board should be preset from the factory in one of the
following two configurations. The section “More Detailed
Circuit Setup” has more information about the board,
connections, and options for making changes.
1. Low Power (ISL6549LOW-EVAL1):
GND
VOUT1 = 5.0V @ 3A (with VIN1 = VCC12 = 12V, using JP1;
600kHz PWM FSW)
VOUT2 = 3.3V @ 1A (with VIN2 = VOUT1 = 5.0V, using JP2)
Note that VOUT1 supplies 3A PLUS the 1A from VOUT2, for
a total of 4A. Both outputs should be able to run at their rated
currents simultaneously, at room temperature ambient, with
an appropriate 12V supply, rated at 3A. The output current
capability of the linear regulator is determined mainly by the
power dissipation of the pass FET.
2. High Current (ISL6549HI-EVAL1):
VOUT1 = 1.2V @ 20A (with VIN1 = VCC12 = 12V, using JP1;
600kHz PWM FSW)
VOUT2 = 1.6V @ 1A (with VIN2 = 3.3V; JP2 is OPEN (not
used))
1
VOUT2
VCC12
VIN1
GND
JP1 (VIN1 to VCC12)
FIGURE 1. ISL6549EVAL1 INPUT AND OUTPUT CONNECTIONS
It is recommended that, should electronic or higher power
loads not be available, light loads (40Ω or so) are connected
to each output.
Quick Start Setup (light load)
Switch SW1 should be pointing towards the bottom of the
board; this should enable both outputs, and should allow the
LED to light, when VOUT1 is powered up.
Figure 2 shows the simple setup for the ISL6549LOWEVAL1 board. To test the board as shipped, apply the 12V
power input, and the CR1 LED should come up when VOUT1
starts switching.
CAUTION: These devices are sensitive to electrostatic discharge; follow proper IC Handling Procedures.
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Application Note 1201
Input Power Supply Considerations
JP2 POPULATED (VOUT1 to VIN2)
~40Ω
(OPEN)
VIN2
GND
VOUT1
GND
SW1
GND
~40Ω
VOUT2
GND
VCC12
VIN1
GND
+
POWER SUPPLY
12V/0.4A
(OPEN)
JP1 POPULATED (VIN1 to VCC12)
FIGURE 2. TYPICAL ISL6549LOW-EVAL1 HOOK-UP
The ISL6549HI-EVAL1 board requires a 2nd power supply
for VIN2, and removal of JP2, as shown in Figure 3. To test
the board as shipped, apply the 12V power input, and 3.3V
supply to VIN2. The CR1 LED should come up when VOUT1
starts switching.
POWER SUPPLY
3.3V/1.0A
+
JP2 OPEN
~40Ω
VOUT1
VIN2
GND
SW1
GND
GND
~40Ω
VOUT2
GND
VCC12
VIN1
GND
+
POWER SUPPLY
12V/0.4A
(OPEN)
JP1 POPULATED (VIN1 to VCC12)
FIGURE 3. TYPICAL ISL6549LOW-EVAL1 HOOK-UP
In this setup, both outputs can be monitored with a voltmeter
or oscilloscope. It is advisable to verify the board as is first.
Once the basic functionality has been confirmed, more
specific measurements, or changes to the board or setup
can be attempted.
2
This section discusses the circuit functions in more detail;
section Board Modifications discusses changes that can be
done. Make all changes and connections prior to application
of power. For reference, orient the board with the
“ISL6549EVAL1 REV B” label on the right, as shown in
Figure 1 or 2.
The output load current needed determines the number and
kind of FETs required for any given application. This
evaluation board has numerous FET footprints that can be
used (all are connected in parallel, so only use one
configuration at a time). If the factory-supplied board doesn’t
meet the needs, substitute other FETs. The inductor is
initially sized for the maximum current expected;
substitutions can be made if desired.
The ISL6549 has two general purpose outputs, and the
evaluation board allows for a lot of flexibility. It was designed
for the PCI-Express (where 12V and 3.3V are available, but
5V is not), but can be used in many other applications as
well. The ISL6549 requires a 12V input for VCC12 bias; it
creates its own internal 5.4V rail for bias and gate drivers.
Either input (VIN1 for the switcher, and VIN2 for the linear)
can use 12V, or any available voltage down to just above the
0.8V reference, including 3.3V, 5V (if available), or other
regulator outputs.
The input voltages (and their GNDs) have binding posts for
connections. For the most flexibility, this evaluation board
has three sets (power and GND) of binding posts, one each
for VCC12, VIN1 and VIN2. All of the input and output GND
posts are tied together (to the internal GND plane), but use
the local one associated with each input or output for the
best performance. In addition, two jumpers are available to
tie common connections together.
If VIN1 and VCC12 share a common 12V supply, then JP1
should be shorted; if not, leave it open. If VIN1 is not 12V, or
if VIN1 is not to be shared with VCC12, then connect a
separate 12V power supply (typically no more than ~100mA,
depending on FETs and PWM switching frequency) to the
VCC12 post and its GND, and remove the JP1 shunt. The
VIN1 post is next to the upper FETs for a high current, low
resistance path; do not use the VCC12 post and JP1 instead
of the VIN1 post, when the input voltage is provided from the
same supply.
VIN2 is the input voltage for the linear regulator; connect its
supply to the VIN2 post (J2) on the top left side of the board.
Make sure JP2 shunt is not populated, unless VOUT1 is to
be used as the VIN2 supply. (Note: VOUT1 must be a higher
voltage than VOUT2, in order to be used as VIN2; VOUT1
must also be able to supply the extra current).
For full-load testing, use input power supplies that can
supply the current required for the desired maximum output
load conditions; 5A rating is recommended for the high
current board (VIN1 = 12V = VCC12). Since VOUT2 is a linear
AN1201.1
October 11, 2005
Application Note 1201
regulator, VIN2 must be able to supply the full load current
directly. An electronic load on the outputs is generally
recommended for its ease of use evaluating different loads.
Circuit Setup Options
Each output can be programmed with a resistor divider, to
any voltage between its input voltage (12V maximum) and its
internal reference voltage (0.8V). The input capacitors for
both regulators are rated at 16V, for use with a 12V supply.
The bulk output capacitors are rated at only 10V, and some
of the ceramic output capacitors are only rated for 6.3V. See
Adjusting the Output Voltage paragraph in the Board
Modifications section for the details.
The frequency of the switching regulator can be set as low
as 150kHz, and as high as 1MHz. The switching frequency
plays into the output ripple current, and the selection of the
output inductor and capacitors. A single resistor (R7) to GND
programs the frequency; see datasheet for details.
The IC used on the evaluation board is the 14 Ld SOIC
version. Dummy footprints for the 16 Ld QFN and
16 Ld QSOP packages are provided for size comparison.
Smaller packages have tighter pin spacings, which may limit
how tightly one can pack components around them, and still
allow for proper trace routing. While the electrical
performance of all three packages should be quite similar,
the QFN should showcase best thermal performance in an
application.
A switch (SW1) is connected from FS_DIS pin to GND, as a
means to disable the controller IC when grounded. An LED
(CR1) is lit whenever there is voltage on the phase node,
offering a visual cue that the switching regulator is operating.
The compensation used for the switcher is type-2, but
footprints are available for a type-3 network, as well. The
compensation components have been chosen for the given
inductor and capacitor values (and its ESR), and operating
frequency. If any of these components or parameter changes,
then the compensation may need to be adjusted accordingly,
to maintain stable operation (see datasheet for details).
The linear regulator does not require external compensation
for most conditions, but footprints are available for the those
cases where it may be needed (generally, only when ceramic
output capacitors are used). Other optional component
footprints include series gate resistors, an RC snubber and a
freewheeling diode on the switcher’s phase node.
Performance Waveforms
Figures 4 through 19 depict the evaluation board’s
performance during typical operational situations, as well as
during fault conditions. Examples are usually shown for just
one version of the board (low or high current); results on the
other board should be similar, unless noted. Loading of the
output can be most easily done via an electronic load;
however, any other method will work as well.
3
Power-up
Up to 3 power supplies (VCC12, VIN1, VIN2) may be needed
to power up the board, but some inputs can share a single
supply, or the output of one regulator can be used as the
input to the other.
Power-up can be performed in any order. In order to
commence normal operation, however, the VCC12 supply
must be above the VCC12 pin’s rising POR trip level, the
internal 5.4V supply (on the VCC5 pin) must also be above its
rising POR trip level, and FS must not be held low. Once all
conditions are met, the IC will start a soft-start cycle, and ramp
up both outputs. The soft-starting of the outputs takes ~6.8ms
when running at 600kHz. Should VIN not be ready, or should
there be an undervoltage condition detected on either output,
the entire IC shuts off, and attempts to re-start following one
soft-start period off. See Fault Handling for more information.
Figure 4 shows a typical power-up sequence, using the high
current evaluation board. A 12V supply is used for both
VCC12 bias and VIN1, while a separate 3.3V supply (not
shown) ramps up with the 12V, and is used for VIN2. As
VCC12 ramps up, the VCC5 pin follows, until the internal
regulator curbs its rise at around 5.4V. When VCC12 exceeds
its POR rising trip point (~9.5V), both outputs commence their
soft-start ramps. Both outputs start and complete their softstart ramps at the same time, and the waveforms should look
the same, regardless of the load current.
VCC12 > ~9.5V
VCC12
VCC5
VOUT2
VOUT1
FIGURE 4. TYPICAL POWER-UP WAVEFORMS
Soft-start Detail and Pre-charged Outputs
Figure 5 details a typical ISL6549EVAL1 output soft-start
ramp in more detail. For this scope capture, the supply
powering the board is turned on prior to time T0. At time T0,
SW1 is enabling the circuit for operation and a soft-start
sequence is initiated, after an initial delay of 64 switching
cycles. The soft-start ramp is internally generated, using a
digital approach, and it consists of 64 discrete steps,
incremented every 64 switching cycles, to approximate a
linear ramp. The output voltage is thusly stepped up
gradually to its set value.
AN1201.1
October 11, 2005
Application Note 1201
FS_DIS
A second (and less likely) scenario is for the output to be precharged above the resistor-divider set point, as shown in
Figure 7. In this situation, the ISL6549 keeps the MOSFETs
off until the end of the SS ramp. Once the end of the soft-start
ramp is reached (at time T2), the output drivers are enabled
for operation, and the output is subjected to an abrupt
correction down to the expected set-point level (5.0V here).
VOUT2
VOUT1
T0
UGATE
PRE-CHARGED TO ~6.1V
LGATE
FIGURE 5. ISL6549EVAL1 NORMAL START-UP DETAIL
Special consideration is given to the PWM output’s start-up
into a pre-charged output. Under such circumstances, the
ISL6549 keeps off both MOSFETs until the internal reference
is ramped past the output voltage sensed at the FB pin. By
using this approach, the output voltage ramp-up promptly
commences at the pre-charge level, with little to no
disturbance being inflicted, as detailed in Figure 6. The
circuit is enabled, similar to Figure 5, at time T0 (FS_DIS
signal not shown). VOUT1 is precharged to ~4V; and as the
internal ramp exceeds the magnitude of the output voltage at
time T1, the MOSFETs drivers are enabled. The output
voltage ramps up in a seamless fashion from the preexistent level to the final level of 5.0V, reached at time T2.
VOUT2 is also shown, for timing reference.
VOUT2 = 3.3V
T0
T2
FIGURE 7. ISL6549EVAL1 START-UP INTO AN OVERCHARGED OUTPUT
Fault Handling: Undervoltage Response
The ISL6549 protects the output against undervoltage (UV)
events. UV monitoring is disabled during the first 16 softstart steps. Once enabled, if a UV event is detected on either
output, the ISL6549 turns off both outputs, waits for a time
period equaling one internal SS cycle, and then attempts an
output soft-start. The behavior of the circuit in UV repeats
until the fault condition is removed or the circuit is disabled.
Review the appropriate datasheet sections for more details.
Figure 8 displays a pattern of typical circuit behavior when
encountering an UV situation. In this example, VIN1 is not
powered, so VOUT1 doesn’t turn on, and should fail for UV.
UGATE
LGATE
VOUT1 = 5.0V
PRE-CHARGED TO ~4V
T0
VOUT1 = 5.0V
VOUT2 = 3.3V
T1
T2
FIGURE 6. ISL6549EVAL1 START-UP INTO A PARTIALLY
CHARGED OUTPUT
4
A soft-start cycle begins at time T0; VOUT2 ramps up 1/4 of
the way (~ 0.825V out of the expected 3.3V output), at which
time the UV comparators are enabled. Since VIN1 is not
present, VOUT1 is not following the soft-start ramp up, and it
trips the UV protection, shutting down both outputs.
Following an internal wait period equal to one soft-start
interval, from T1 to T0, the circuit initiates a new SS cycle,
attempting to bring the outputs back within regulation limits.
As the output voltage tries to increase, if it is held back by a
short-circuit (or in this case, the lack of an input voltage), the
UV protection is tripped again, at time T2, resulting in the
repeat of the shut-down/wait/re-start cycle.
AN1201.1
October 11, 2005
Application Note 1201
PHASE rising above 2V, is less than 20ns. Shorter
deadtimes improve the switching efficiency.
T0 T1
T2
PHASE
6.4ms
1.6ms
LGATE
VOUT2
~17ns
UGATE-PHASE
VOUT1
FIGURE 8. ISL6549EVAL1 UNDER-VOLTAGE PROTECTION
The example in Figure 8 shows a 1.6ms ramp up, and a
6.4ms off time, before the next ramp starts. Thus, the total
period of 8ms is based on 1.25 soft-start cycles (one-quarter
of the first ramp, and then one full time-out, at a clock period
of around 1.6µs).
FIGURE 10. ISL6549 RISING UGATE EDGE
Similar detail, but this time captured at the falling PHASE
edge is shown in Figure 11. Internal adaptable circuitry not
only protects against shoot-through events, but also yields
desirable dead times in the sub-20ns interval.
Switching Waveforms
The following figures show the gate driver signals in the low
current board, with a light output load (~600mA). The
grounding of the scope probes is important in capturing
waveforms representative of actual board signals. The
following waveforms were not optimally captured, as they
used the test pins and the nearest ground connection for the
scope probe’s ground connection, resulting in some extra
ringing and overshoot being picked up due to the setup.
UGATE
PHASE
~19ns
LGATE
UGATE-PHASE
Figure 9 depicts one typical switching cycle. The switching
frequency is measured at 622kHz, and the duty cycle is
~41%, matching the 5V/12V output to input ratio.
FIGURE 11. ISL6549 FALLING UGATE EDGE
Duty Cycle Jitter
UGATE
PHASE
LGATE
BOOT
FIGURE 9. ISL6549LOW-EVAL1 SWITCHING WAVEFORMS
Switching detail coinciding with the rising edge of the
PHASE node is pictured in Figure 10. The dead-time,
defined here as from LGATE falling below 2V to UGATE-
5
While jitter may look undesirable, small amounts don’t
significantly affect circuit performance. In certain
applications, jitter is actually desired, as it has the beneficial
effect of lowering the EMI emissions by spreading the
energy across a broader spectrum of frequencies.
The duty cycle variation in a switching converter is a natural
occurrence. Duty cycle is varied during soft-start to increase the
output voltage, and both increased and decreased, as required
to modulate the inductor current and keep the output at the set
regulation point. During DC steady-state operating conditions,
the duty cycle should ideally be a fixed value. However, normal
perturbations in the output and input supplies, noise captured
by the feedback loop, as well as the natural switching frequency
ripple fed through the error amplifier, all can result in duty cycle
variations. Figure 12 details the typical jitter of the
AN1201.1
October 11, 2005
Application Note 1201
ISL6549LOW-EVAL1. The rising edge of UGATE is used for
triggering.
Output Transient Response
Figure 14 details the circuit’s response to a load step transient
on the switching output, VOUT1, of the low current board. The
current transient applied to VOUT1 has a magnitude of 4A.
VARIABLE
EDGE
UGATE
TRIGGER
EDGE
PHASE
VOUT2 (DC offset)
VOUT1 (DC offset)
LGATE
IVOUT1
FIGURE 12. ISL6549LOW-EVAL1 JITTER MEASUREMENT;
STATISTICS AND INFINITE PERSISTENCE
FIGURE 14. ISL6549EVAL1 LOAD TRANSIENT RESPONSE
Output Ripple Voltage
Figure 13 shows a typical output ripple voltage waveform for
the ISL6549LOW-EVAL1 board. The ripple voltage is
commensurate with the product of the inductor ripple current
current (~1A) multiplied by the ESR (13mΩ) of the output
capacitor used. Various tradeoffs are possible in order to
adjust the resulting output voltage ripple. Increasing the
value of the output inductor or the switching frequency leads
to reductions in the inductor ripple. However, all other
parameters being equal, such measures may have other
less benefic effects, like larger inductor magnetic structures
or increased switching losses.
Figure 15 shows the effect of a 1A load transient on the
linear output, VOUT2. As in Figure 14, some of the
perturbation trickles into the cascaded regulator.
VOUT2 (DC offset)
VOUT1 (DC offset)
IVOUT2
VOUT2 (DC offset)
VOUT1 (DC offset)
FIGURE 15. ISL6549EVAL1 LOAD TRANSIENT RESPONSE
LGATE
PWM Conversion Efficiency
FIGURE 13. ISL6549LOW-EVAL1 OUTPUT SWITCHING
RIPPLE VOLTAGE
6
Figure 16 highlights the ISL6549HI-EVAL1 board’s
conversion efficiency, including all bias power. The
measurements were performed with the board operating at
room temperature under natural convection and with VIN1 =
5V. Three solid-line curves are shown, where measurements
were performed with two MOSFETs for both upper and lower
switch, at 3 different output voltages. Two dotted-line curves
showcase efficiency with single MOSFETs for both switches,
at two output voltages. Compared to the dual-MOSFET-perswitch curves, the single-MOSFET efficiencies are better at
lower currents due to lower driving power losses and faster
switching; however, single-MOSFET efficiencies drop off
sooner than for the dual-MOSFETs at higher currents, as the
AN1201.1
October 11, 2005
Application Note 1201
higher rDS(ON) of the single transistors lead to larger
conduction losses as the output current increases. Due to
the increased power dissipation, the single-MOSFET circuit
is limited to a lower maximum output current level.
95
94
93
200kHz
92
95
91
2.5V SINGLE
600kHz
90
Efficiency ( % )
`
2.5V DUAL
90
1MHz
88
85
1.8V DUAL
87
1.8V SINGLE
86
80
1.2V DUAL
75
0
5
10
15
Load Current ( A)
20
25
FIGURE 16. ISL6549HI-EVAL1 MEASURED EFFICIENCY, WITH
SEVERAL OUTPUT VOLTAGE AND FET
COMBINATIONS, AT 600kHz.
The range of curves displayed in Figure 17 were collected
off the ISL6549LOW-EVAL1 board. The same MOSFET is
used in each case, but the output voltage is varied.
100
95
9.0V
5.0V
90
3.3V
2.5V
2.0V
85
80
75
89
`
85
0.00
0.50
1.00
1.50
2.00
2.50
3.00
3.50
4.00
4.50
5.00
FIGURE 18. ISL6549LOW-EVAL1 MEASURED EFFICIENCY,
VOUT1 = 5V, AT SEVERAL SWITCHING
FREQUENCIES
Boot Refresh
In the event the PWM switching output reaches and sustains
a 100% duty cycle for an extended period of time, there is a
risk that the BOOT capacitor may discharge below an
acceptable threshold. To prevent against this possibility, the
ISL6549 will detect if UGATE has been at 100% duty cycle
for 32 clock pulses, and force one full switching period
LGATE pulse, to refresh the charge on the BOOT capacitor.
The waveforms in Figure 19 show exactly this scenario. To
force this special case, VIN1 was set at 5V, just above the
VOUT1 setting of 4.9V. The measured forced LGATE pulse
period is 1.6µs, resulting in an effective 96% maximum duty
cycle.
1.6V
70
1.2V
65
1.0V
0.8V
60
0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00
FIGURE 17. ISL6549LOW-EVAL1 MEASURED EFFICIENCY,
WITH VIN1 = 12V, @575kHz, AT MULTIPLE
OUTPUT VOLTAGES
Figure 18 shows the variation in efficiency with switching
frequency. Note that the board components were originally
optimized for 600kHz, and were not adjusted for the other
switching frequency settings. In general, lower frequencies
result in less switching losses. However, lowering the
frequency without adjusting the output inductor value results
in increased ripple current which lowers the recorded
efficiency; this very effect is clearly evident in the lower
current range of the 200kHz measurement. capacitors. All
the switching efficiency data was collected with the linear
regulator output (VOUT2) unloaded.
7
UGATE
LGATE
FIGURE 19. ISL6549 BOOT REFRESH
AN1201.1
October 11, 2005
Application Note 1201
Board Modifications
Any of the following changes should be made with the board
powered down. Please refer to the ISL6549 datasheet as
needed for more details.
purposes, it is usually recommended to keep its value in the
1-5kΩ range.
R1 ⋅ 0.8V
R4 = ---------------------------------------VOUT1 – 0.8V
Power Supplies and Jumper Settings
The jumpers are for the user’s convenience; they do not
have to be used. There can be up to 3 power supplies
(VCC12, VIN1, VIN2); but some of them can be shared if
desired. The output of either regulator can be used as the
input to the other (assuming the voltages and currents are
compatible). The input supplies can be ramped up in any
sequence, but in order to avoid restart cycles, it is
recommended that the VCC12 supply be the last one to be
brought up. If the order of the supplies cannot be changed,
then another approach is to hold the FS_DIS pin low, via
SW1, until all the input supplies are ready.
Down-Converting From a Different Input Voltage
The ISL6549EVAL1 switcher design is primarily set up to
use a 12V input supply as a bias and down-conversion
source. If experimenting with a lower input voltage, be
mindful of a few aspects (primarily for the switcher output):
• The minimum input voltage for down-conversion is
dependent upon the output voltage setting and the power
conversion efficiency of the PWM circuit at the given
operating conditions. To have the circuit operate properly
in a given set of operating conditions, the minimum
voltage differential required between the input and the
output of the PWM circuit increases with decreasing
efficiency.
• The input-RMS current increases and reaches its peak as
the duty cycle converges toward 50%.
• As the evaluation board (as shipped) was optimized for
the specific operating parameters described in this app
note; should these change, closely monitor the board
temperatures and increase the output current only as
allowed by the board thermal situation.
• A reduced input voltage will decrease the amount of loop
gain the modulator contributes to the feedback loop; as a
result, a more sluggish transient response can be
expected.
For safety reasons, and to protect the board from
inadvertent short-circuits, DO NOT TURN ON THE INPUT
POWER UNTIL ALL OF THE INPUT AND OUTPUT
CONNECTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE.
Adjusting the Output Voltage
The output voltage can be adjusted via the external resistordivider, according to the following equations. VOUT1 is
determined by R1 and R4 (See Figure 20); VOUT2 is
determined by R5 and R6 (See Figure 21). In order to avoid
degradation of the input regulation DC setpoint, 1% resistors
are recommended in the DC feedback path. Note that R1 is
also part of the compensation network, so, for practical
8
R5 ⋅ 0.8V
R6 = ---------------------------------------VOUT2 – 0.8V
+12V
12VCC
VIN1
CIN1
ISL6549
+
Q1
LOUT
VOUT1
UGATE
PHASE
COUT1
+
Q2
FB
C2
R1
R3
LGATE
COMP
C3
R2
R4
C1
R1
V OUT1 = 0.8 ×  1 + --------
R4
FIGURE 20. ADJUSTING VOUT1
VIN2
CIN2
+
Q3
LDO_DR
VOUT2
COUT2
LDO_FB
+
R5
R6
ISL6549
R5
V OUT2 = 0.8 ×  1 + --------

R6
FIGURE 21. ADJUSTING VOUT2
Adjusting the Switching Frequency
The frequency of the switching regulator can be set as low
as 150kHz, and up to 1MHz. The switching frequency helps
determine the output ripple current, and the selection of the
output inductor and capacitors. A single resistor (R7) to
ground programs the frequency; see the datasheet for
curves of frequency versus resistor values.
Alternate FETs (VOUT1 switcher)
There are four current ranges identified that this board can
support, based on the MOSFETs used. The ranges are
approximate, and depend upon the exact FET used, thermal
AN1201.1
October 11, 2005
Application Note 1201
used to slow down the turn on/off of the upper MOSFET,
the LGATE resistor is seldom to be employed.
conditions (PCB area for heat-spreading, location of other
heat sources, maximum ambient temperature, airflow, etc.),
VIN and VOUT combinations, switching frequency, etc. The
FET footprints are all connected in parallel, so only use one
configuration at a time. The four ranges are as follows:
• a schottky free-wheeling diode on the PHASE node (D1)
can be used if the lower MOSFET has a fairly poor body
diode, resulting in excessive negative ringing.
High Power: ~12A-20A. This configuration uses LFPAK or
thermally-enhanced SO-8 packages, one/two upper FETs
(Q1, Q3 on top of board); one/two lower MOSFETs (Q2, Q4
on bottom of board). The number of MOSFETs depends on
the exact conditions, such as the current, and the duty cycle.
• an RC snubber on the PHASE node (R31, C32) helps
absorb some of the energy in the PHASE node transitions
and cut down on ringing. As the snubber works by
dissipating energy, its employment results in decreased
conversion efficiency
Medium Power: ~5A-12A. This configuration uses LFPAK or
thermally-enhanced SO-8 packages, with one upper and one
lower MOSFET. The same footprints as above are used; Q1
on top, and Q2 on the bottom of the board are preferred, as
they are closer to the IC.
• the linear output should not require external compensation
(R30, C30, C33), but these component footprints are
provided in case either the output capacitor value or its
ESR is too low, such as if only a ceramic capacitor is used.
See the datasheet for more details.
Low Power: ~1A-5A. This configuration uses a dual
MOSFET (two devices in one thermally-enhanced SO-8
package) - use Q7 footprint on the bottom of the board.
Very Low Power: <1A. This configuration uses SOT-23
single MOSFETs for both upper and lower switches. Use Q8
for upper (bottom of board) and Q9 for lower (top of board).
Alternate FETs (VOUT2)
Separate from the above switcher ranges, the Linear output
(VOUT2) has two options:
Low Power: ~1W PD. This configuration can use Q5, on top
of the board, which can be an LFPAK or SO-8 FET. The power
dissipation is limited primarily by the θJA of the package.
Higher Power: ~3W PD. This configuration can use Q6, on
the bottom of the board (TO-252). Monitor the FET
temperature carefully as the load current is increased.
Alternate CIN, LOUT, or COUT
These components can be changed for both regulators as
desired. Capacitors might be changed for a different value or
ESR, but make sure the voltage rating matches the output
setting. The inductor can be changed for a different value,
different DCR, or for a different maximum current; ensure the
maximum load current (plus ripple current) is less than the
saturation rating of the inductor under all conditions. Any
change in any of the above components warrants a review of
the suitability of the existing compensation component network.
Optional Component Footprints
As some applications may benefit from one of these features,
footprints are provided on the board for the following:
• a UGATE series resistor (R8; 0Ω) or an LGATE series
resistor (R9; 0Ω). While the UGATE resistor is sometimes
9
Adjust Compensation
Any significant change to the switcher circuit may require a
re-calculation of the compensation network. Footprints are
available for both type-2 and type-3. There are tools
available for calculating compensation - inquire with your
local Intersil contact for such assistance.
Board Layout
The evaluation board is built on 1-ounce, 4-layer, printed
circuit board (see the layout plots at the end of this
document). The high-current board is designed to support a
continuous output current level of up to 20A, while operating
at room temperature, under natural convection cooling.
This board uses the recommended layout practices, within
the constraints of also providing for input and output
hardware, test points, and alternate FET footprints. The
following list summarizes the most important ones, along
with some references to the layout plots.
• The critical IC components (decoupling capacitors,
compensation, FB resistor dividers, frequency resistor)
are located next to the IC (or directly under it), with short
traces to the IC pins. Pay special attention to the FB node
of the compensation; it connects up to 5 components, with
as short a trace as possible.
• The UGATE, LGATE and BOOT traces are wider than
minimum and kept as short as reasonable, for low
resistance.
• The IC section has a local “quiet” GND for these
components (both on top and bottom layers) with vias to
the GND plane (layer 2). This is meant to keep the GND
for all of the quiet components close to the GND pin of the
IC. The GND and PGND pins of the IC are both tied here.
In addition, this GND is away from the FET switching
GND, and out of the path of the FET GND current back to
the VIN1 GND post.
AN1201.1
October 11, 2005
Application Note 1201
• The 12V to the VCC12 pin of the IC is somewhat isolated
from the VIN1 (if also 12V) through JP1; this keeps some
of the switching noise of VIN1 from the IC.
• The GND plane (layer 2) is one solid plane, except for
openings for hardware and vias. There are additional GND
straps on other layers as well.
• The various inputs and outputs use wide plane areas (on
multiple layers in parallel) for low resistance and
inductance. The VIN and PHASE planes also act as
heatsinks for the drains of each FET (including the linear).
• The PHASE planes are the noisiest (high frequency and
voltage), and do not overlap other planes (which could
pick up the noise) except for the GND plane. The trace
from the PHASE plane to the IC pin is carefully drawn (on
bottom layer) to keep it away from sensitive signals; the
BOOT capacitor is under the IC (bottom layer), between
the BOOT and PHASE pins.
Conclusion
The ISL6549EVAL1 evaluation board showcases a versatile,
simple to implement, high-performance dual regulator,
suitable for providing power management and control in a
variety of 12V applications. The high-current PWM MOSFET
drivers of the ISL6549 yield a highly efficient power
conversion solution with a reduced number of external
components in a compact footprint, while the linear controller
offers the means to implement a second, lower current
output.
References
Data sheet: FN9168
Visit us on the internet, at: http://www.intersil.com
• There is very tight coupling between the FETs (Q1, Q3 on
top layer; Q2 and Q4 on bottom layer) and the VIN1
ceramic capacitors (C15, C20 on top layer). The bulk
capacitor C13 is also nearby.
• On top layer, there is a separate low current trace from
VOUT1 (near the load) to the FB1 resistor divider (R1, R4);
this places the point that is regulated as close to the load
as practical. The VOUT2 trace on top layer to the LDO_FB
resistor divider (R5, R6) is not as isolated.
10
AN1201.1
October 11, 2005
Application Note 1201
ISL6549EVAL1 Rev B Schematic
J6
GND
J3
VCC12
J1
VIN1
2
1
J4
GND
VIN1
JP1
8
9
R7
2
45.3k
5
6
DR2
TP9
C6 10uF
VCC12
PVCC5
VCC5
BOOT
FS_DIS
UGATE
LDO_DR
LGATE
LDO_FB
PGND
FB
FB2
TP8
DR2
7
GND
COMP
10
Q1
Q3
C15
C20
22uF
22uF
+ C13
150uF
TP1
VOUT1
1 C7 0.22uF
14
R8
0
11 R9
0
13
TP4
PH
R10
12
TP6
FB1
4
3
ISL6549 14-narrow SOIC
Q2
TP7
C1
2
680
CR1
Q4
Green LED ON
when switching
TP5
LGR
L1
J2
VIN2
R1
R3
C3
2
VOUT1
C2
+ C11
560uF
C16
C18
100uF
0.01uF
1uF
2
4
J8
GND
J5
GND
+ C14
C1
150uF
Q6
R4
C17
1
JP2
R2
VOUT1
Probe Socket
TPS1
R6
VOUT1
J7
VOUT1
1
TP12
GND
R5
VOUT2
10
U1
PHASE
TP10
FS
TP3
UGR
1
R12
C5 10uF
Disable
SPST SW1
3
1
TP13
PVCC5
3
TP11
VCC5
C4 1uF
TP2
VOUT2
J9
VOUT2
VOUT2
DR2
+ C12
C19
1uF
2
4
3
560uF
1
Q6 is bottom layer
(under Q5)
J10
GND
Probe Socket
TPS2
VIN1
7
8
Q7
2
PH
D3
Q8
UGR
Q7 is optional dual FET
(bottom layer) for
upper and lower FET
(under part of Q1)
DNP
Q8 is optional FET
(bottom layer) for
upper FET
(under Q1)
D1
DNP
N
G1
S1
D2
4
DNP
D4
5
C32
S2
Q9 is optional FET
(top layer) for
lowerFET
over Q2)
DNP
DNP uF
3
Q9
LGR
N
G2
PH
1
6
R31
DNP
Q7 or Q8/Q9 are optional FETs
for smaller VOUT1 currents
VIN2
DNP
D1
DNP
C32 and R31 are
optional snubber.
D1 is optional
schottky clamp.
Q5 is optional FET
(top layer) for
linear VOUT2
(over Q5)
DR2
DNP
DR2
VOUT2
Q5
C21
DNP
DNP uF
C21 is optional
for ceramic only
input capacitor
(top layer)
11
VOUT2 optional
external comp.
R30, C30, C31
(bottom)
R30
C30
DNP
DNP uF
DNP
DNP
DNP
FB2
C33
DNP uF
AN1201.1
October 11, 2005
Application Note 1201
ISL6549LOW-EVAL1 (Rev B) Bill of Materials
Low (1A - 5A) Current; VOUT1 = 5V@1A, VOUT2 = 3.3V@1A
REFERENCE
PART NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
FOOTPRINT
MANUFACTURER QUANTITY
C1
33nF Capacitor, X7R, 6.3V
0603
1
C2
0.022nF Capacitor, X7R, 6.3V
0603
1
C4
1µF Capacitor, X7R, 16V
0805
1
C5, 6
10µF Capacitor, X7R, 6.3V
0805
2
C7
0.1µF Capacitor, X7R, 6.3V
0603
1
C11, 12
10SVP560M or similar
C13, 14
16SVP150M or similar
560µF OS-CON Capacitor, 10V, ESR = 13mΩ F12
Sanyo
150µF OS-CON Capacitor, 16V, ESR = 30mΩ F8
Sanyo
2
2
C15
22µF Capacitor, X7R, 16V
1206
1
C16
100µF Capacitor, X7R, 6.3V
1206
1
C17, 19
1µF Capacitor, X7R, 6.3V
0603
2
C18
0.01µF Capacitor, X7R, 6.3V
0603
1
C3, 30, 32, 33
0603
DNP
C20, 21
1206
DNP
CR1
CMD91-21VGC/TR10
LED, green
JP1, 2
68000-2336, 71363-102
2 pin header and shunt
Berg
2
J1-3
111-0102-001
Binding posts (red)
Johnson
3
J4-6
111-0103-001
Binding posts (black)
Johnson
3
J7-10
1514-2
Turrets
L1
SD1201 (or similar)
Inductor, 4.7µH, 9.5mΩ, 8A
Q6
MTD3055VL or similar
180mΩ max at 5.0V, 6A;
Q7
IRF7313 or similar
46mΩ max at 4.5V, 4.7A;
D1
1
SMA
DNP
3
Falco
1
DPAK
ON
1
SOIC-8
IR
1
Q1-5
LFPAK
DNP
Q8, 9
SOT23
DNP
R1, 5
Resistor, 1.00kΩ, 1%
0603
2
R2
Resistor, 14.7kΩ, 1%
0603
1
R4
Resistor, 191Ω, 1%
0603
1
R6
Resistor, 324Ω, 1%
0603
1
R7
Resistor, 45.3kΩ, 1%
0603
1
R8, 9
Resistor, 0Ω
0603
2
R10
Resistor, 680Ω
0603
1
R12
Resistor, 10Ω
0603
1
0603
DNP
R3, 30, 31
SW1
SPST GT12MSCKE
SPST Switch
C&K
TPS1, 2
TP1-13
131-4353-00
Probe socket
Tektronix
5002
Test pins
U1
ISL6549
PWM and Linear Controller
U3
U4
12
1
2
13
SOIC-14
Intersil
1
QSOP-16
DNP
QFN (4x4) - 16
DNP
ISL6549EVAL1revB PCB board
1
Rubber feet
4
AN1201.1
October 11, 2005
Application Note 1201
ISL6549HI-EVAL1 (Rev B) Bill of Materials
High (12A - 25A) Current; VOUT1 = 1.2V @20A, VOUT2 = 1.6V@1A
REFERENCE
PART NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
FOOTPRINT
MANUFACTURER QUANTITY
C1
33nF Capacitor, X7R, 6.3V
C2
0.022nF Capacitor, X7R, 6.3V
0603
1
C4
1µF Capacitor, X7R, 16V
0805
1
C5, 6
10µF Capacitor, X7R, 6.3V
0805
2
C7
0603
1
0.22µF Capacitor, X7R, 6.3V
0603
C11, 12
10SVP560M or similar
560µF OS-CON Capacitor, 10V, ESR = 13mΩ
F12
Sanyo
1
2
C13, 14
16SVP150M or similar
150µF OS-CON Capacitor, 16V, ESR = 30mΩ
F8
Sanyo
2
C15, 20
22µF Capacitor, X7R, 16V
1206
2
C16
100µF Capacitor, X7R, 6.3V
1206
1
C17, 19
1µF Capacitor, X7R, 6.3V
0603
2
C18
0.01µF Capacitor, X7R, 6.3V
0603
1
C21
1206
DNP
C3, 30, 32, 33
0603
DNP
SMA
DNP
CR1
CMD91-21VGC/TR10
LED green CMD91-21VGC/TR10
D1
1
JP1, 2
68000-2336, 71363-102
2 pin jumper and shunt
Berg
2
J1-3
111-0102-001
Binding posts (red)
Johnson
3
Johnson
3
J4-6
111-0103-001
Binding posts (black)
J7-10
1514-2
Turrets
L1
IHLP-5050EZ-01
Inductor, 1.5µH, 3.4 23A
3
Vishay
1
Q1, 3
HAT2168
13.5mΩ max at 4.5V, 15A, Qgd = 2.4 nC
LFPAK
Renesas
2
Q2, 4
HAT2165H
5.3mΩ max at 4.5V, 27.5A, Qgd = 7.1 nC
LFPAK
Renesas
2
Q6
MTD3055VL or similar
180mΩ max at 5.0V, 6A;
DPAK
ON
1
Q5
LFPAK
DNP
Q7
SOIC-8
DNP
Q8, 9
SOT23
DNP
R1, 5, 6
Resistor, 1.00kΩ, 1%
0603
3
R2
Resistor, 14.7kΩ, 1%
0603
1
R4
Resistor, 2.00kΩ, 1%
0603
1
R7
Resistor, 45.3kΩ, 1%
0603
1
R8, 9
Resistor, 0Ω
0603
2
R10
Resistor, 680Ω,
0603
1
R12
Resistor, 10Ω
0603
1
Resistor, TBDkΩ, 1%
0603
R3, 30, 31
DNP
SW1
SPST GT12MSCKE
SPST Switch
C&K
1
TPS1, S2
131-4353-00
Probe socket
Tektronix
2
TP1-13
5002
Test pins
U1
ISL6549
ISL6549
U3
U4
13
13
SOIC-14
Intersil
1
QSOP-16
DNP
QFN (4x4) - 16
DNP
ISL6549EVAL1revB PCB board
1
Rubber feet
4
AN1201.1
October 11, 2005
Application Note 1201
ISL6549EVAL1 Layout
TOP SILK SCREEN
VIN2
GND
VOUT1
GND
GND
VOUT2
VIN1
VCC12
GND
GND
TOP LAYER (1st)
VIN2
GND
VOUT1
GND
GND
PHASE
GND
VOUT2
VCC12
GND
14
VIN1
GND
AN1201.1
October 11, 2005
Application Note 1201
ISL6549EVAL1 Layout (Continued)
GROUND LAYER (2nd)
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
POWER LAYER (3rd)
VIN2
GND
VOUT1
GND
GND
VOUT2
VCC12
GND
15
VIN1
GND
AN1201.1
October 11, 2005
Application Note 1201
ISL6549EVAL1 Layout (Continued)
BOTTOM LAYER (4th)
VIN2
GND
VOUT1
GND
GND
PHASE
VOUT2
GND
VIN1
VCC12
GND
BOTTOM SILK SCREEN
GND
VIN2
VOUT1
GND
GND
VOUT2
GND
VCC12
VIN1
GND
Intersil Corporation reserves the right to make changes in circuit design, software and/or specifications at any time without notice. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned to
verify that the Application Note or Technical Brief is current before proceeding.
For information regarding Intersil Corporation and its products, see www.intersil.com
16
AN1201.1
October 11, 2005