PRM48DH480T250B03, Apps Word PDF

PRM® Regulator
PRM48DH480T250B03
DC to DC Regulator
FEATURES
DESCRIPTION
 Optimized for VR12.0
 48V (38 to 60 VIN), non-isolated ZVS buck-boost
regulator
 5 to 55 V adjustable output range
 Building block for high efficiency DC-DC systems
 145W Output Power in 0.57 in2 footprint
 97% typical efficiency, at full load
 1,342 W/in3 (82 W/cm3) Power Density
 Enables a 48 V to 1.2 V, 130 A isolated, regulated
solution with total footprint of 1.7in2 (11cm2)
 Flexible “Remote Sense” architecture optimizes
regulation / feedback loop design to fit application
requirements
 Current Feedback signal allows dynamic adjustment of
current limit setpoint
 9.32 MHrs MTBF (MIL-HDBK-217Plus Parts Count)
The VI Chip PRM® Regulator is a high efficiency converter,
operating from a 38 to 60 Vdc input to generate a
regulated 5 to 55 Vdc output. The ZVS Buck – Boost
topology enables high switching frequency (~1.5 MHz)
operation with high conversion efficiency. High switching
frequency reduces the size of reactive components
enabling power density up to 1,342 W/in3.
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS






High Efficiency Server Processor and Memory Power
High Density ATE system DC-DC power
Telecom NPU and ASIC core power
LED drivers
High Density Power Supply DC-DC rail outputs
Non-isolated power converters
The half VI Chip package is compatible with standard pickand-place and surface mount assembly processes with a
planar thermal interface area and superior thermal
conductivity.
In a Factorized Power Architecture™ system, the
PRM48DH480T250B03
and
downstream
VTM™
transformer minimize distribution and conversion losses in
a high power solution.
An external control loop and current sensor maintain
regulation and enable flexibility both in the design of
voltage and current compensation loops to control of
output voltages and currents.
48 V to 1.2 V, 130A Voltage Regulator
PRM® Regulator
Rev 1.2
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PRM48DH480T250B03
1.0 ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
The ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM ratings below are stress ratings only. Operation at or beyond these maximum ratings can cause
permanent damage to device. Electrical specifications do not apply when operating beyond rated operating conditions. All
voltages are specified relative to SG unless otherwise noted. Positive pin current represents current flowing out of the pin.
2.0 ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Specifications apply over all line and load conditions, TJ = 25 ºC and output voltage from 20V to 55V, unless otherwise noted.
Boldface specifications apply over the temperature range of 0 ºC < TJ < 125 ºC.
PRM® Regulator
Rev 1.2
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PRM48DH480T250B03
3.0 SIGNAL CHARACTERISTICS
Specifications apply over all line and load conditions, TJ = 25 ºC and Output Voltage from 20V to 55V, unless otherwise noted.
Boldface specifications apply over the temperature range of 0 ºC < TJ < 125 ºC.
PRM® Regulator
Rev 1.2
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PRM48DH480T250B03
PRM® Regulator
Rev 1.2
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PRM48DH480T250B03
4.0 FUNCTIONAL BLOCK DIAGRAM
+Vin
+Vout
Vcc
PC
PR Vout
Cin
Vcc
3.3V
Linear
Regulator
Internal
Vcc
Regulator
-Vin
Cout
3.3V
Q3
Q1
uC 8051
RE
L
-Vout
16V
+Vout
9V
Q4
Q2
Output
Discharge
(OD)
8.2V
PR
Modulator
PR
93.3k
Enable
Var. Vclamp
2.5mA Min
VTM Vc Start up pulse
0.5mA
14V
VC
10ms
Vcc
100uA
Q
Q
SET
CLR
Fault Logic
TOFF
delay
S
Instant
latch
R
R
Vout
(OV)
5V
2mA max
3V
RE
Latch after
120us
RE
3.3V
Vin
(OV, UV)
Vs
9V
0.01uF
Enable
PC
10uA
PC
VPC_EN
SG
Current Limit
Overtemperature
Protection
TM
3 V @ 27°C
VIF_IL
Overcurrent
Protection
Temperature
dependent voltage
source
IF
2130
Vref
(130°C)
VIF_OC
PRM® Regulator
Rev 1.2
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PRM48DH480T250B03
HIGH LEVEL FUNCTIONAL STATE DIAGRAM
Conditions that cause state transitions are shown along arrows. Sub-sequence activities listed inside the state bubbles.
PRM® Regulator
Rev 1.2
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PRM48DH480T250B03
5.0 TIMING DIAGRAMS
Module Inputs are shown in blue; Module Outputs are shown in brown; Timing diagrams assumes the following:
 Single PRM® (no array)
 VS powers error amplifier
 RE powers voltage reference and output current transducer
 IOUT is sensed, scaled, and fed back to IF pin such that IF = 2.00 V at full load
2
1
Start up with
1.2V/ms < dVIN/dt < maximum
VIN
OV
TOFF
3
4
Quick OC Input OV
(t<TBLNK)
Input OV
recovery
5
6
PC
disable
PC
release
7
8
Full load Load release and
applied Output OV (slow f/b)
TON
UV
18 V
Vpr_max
TBLNK
Input
PR
Vpr_min
t < TBLNK
VIF_OC
IFVIF_IL
Input /
Output
TOFF
PC
TON
TOFF
TPROT
TBLNK
Vpc
Vpc_en
VC Vvc
TVC
VOUT
TPROT
OV
1V
Output
RE
TVS_RE
TPC_RE
TPC_RE
Vre_amb
TBLNK
Vvs_amb
VS
TM
OT
Vtm_amb
PRM® Regulator
Rev 1.2
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TPC_RE
PRM48DH480T250B03
Input
Output
Input / Output
PRM® Regulator
Rev 1.2
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PRM48DH480T250B03
6.0 APPLICATIONS CHARACTERISTICS
The following figures present typical performance at TC = 25ºC, unless otherwise noted. See associated figures for general
trend data.
No Load Power Dissipation vs. Line
Module Enabled - Nominal VOUT
Power Dissipation vs. Line
Module Disabled, PC=Low
0.4
Power Dissipation [W]
3.0
2.0
1.0
38
40
42
44
46
48
50
52
54
56
58
0.3
0.2
0.1
60
38
40
42
44
Input Voltage [V]
-40 ºC
TCASE:
25 ºC
100 ºC
10
8
6
4
2
Efficiency [%]
12
Power Dissipation [W]
Efficiency [%]
14
2
2.5
3
38
48
60
3.5
38
4
Rev 1.2
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58
60
100 ºC
12
10
8
6
4
2
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
Load Current [A]
VIN:
48
25 ºC
14
4.5
60
Figure 3 – Total efficiency and power dissipation vs. VIN and
IOUT, VOUT = 20V, TCASE = -40ºC
PRM® Regulator
56
16
0
Load Current [A]
VIN:
54
98
96
94
92
90
88
86
84
82
80
78
76
74
72
70
0
1.5
52
Efficiency & Power Dissipation
TCASE = -40 ºC
VOUT = 48 V
96
94
92
90
88
86
84
82
80
78
76
74
72
70
68
1
50
Figure 2 - Power dissipation vs. VIN, module disabled
Efficiency & Power Dissipation
TCASE = -40 ºC
VOUT = 20 V
0.5
48
-40 ºC
TCASE:
Figure 1 - No load power dissipation vs. VIN, module
enabled
0
46
Input Voltage [V]
Power Dissipation [W]
Power Dissipation [W]
4.0
38
48
60
38
48
60
Figure 4 – Total efficiency and power dissipation vs. VIN and
IOUT, VOUT = 48V, TCASE = -40ºC
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PRM48DH480T250B03
Efficiency & Power Dissipation
TCASE = 25 ºC
VOUT = 20 V
16
12
10
8
6
4
Efficiency [%]
14
2
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
0.5
1
1.5
38
48
60
38
48
VIN:
60
Figure 5 – Total efficiency and power dissipation vs. VIN and
IOUT, VOUT = 55V, TCASE = -40ºC
38
12
10
8
6
4
Efficiency [%]
14
Power Dissipation [W]
Efficiency [%]
16
2
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
48
48
60
4.5
48
10
8
6
4
2
0.5
1
8
6
4
Efficiency [%]
10
Power Dissipation [W]
Efficiency [%]
12
2
3
38
3.5
4
48
38
48
60
2
2.5
3
3.5
38
Rev 1.2
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38
48
60
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
4.5
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
Load Current [A]
48
60
Figure 9 – Total efficiency and power dissipation vs. VIN and
IOUT, VOUT = 20V, TCASE = 100ºC
PRM® Regulator
60
98
96
94
92
90
88
86
84
82
80
78
76
74
72
70
Load Current [A]
VIN:
1.5
Efficiency & Power Dissipation
TCASE = 100 ºC
VOUT = 48 V
14
2.5
60
Figure 8 – Total efficiency and power dissipation vs. VIN and
IOUT, VOUT = 55V, TCASE = 25ºC
16
2
48
12
VIN:
60
18
1.5
38
Load Current [A]
38
98
96
94
92
90
88
86
84
82
80
78
76
74
72
70
68
66
1
60
14
Efficiency & Power Dissipation
TCASE = 100 ºC
VOUT = 20 V
0.5
4.5
16
0
Figure 7 – Total efficiency and power dissipation vs. VIN and
IOUT, VOUT = 48V, TCASE = 25ºC
0
4
98
96
94
92
90
88
86
84
82
80
78
76
74
72
70
Load Current [A]
38
VIN:
3.5
Efficiency & Power Dissipation
TCASE = 25 ºC
VOUT = 55 V
98
96
94
92
90
88
86
84
82
80
78
76
74
72
70
0.5
3
Figure 6 – Total efficiency and power dissipation vs. VIN and
IOUT, VOUT = 20V, TCASE = 25ºC
Efficiency & Power Dissipation
TCASE = 25 ºC
VOUT = 48 V
0
2.5
Load Current [A]
Load Current [A]
VIN:
2
Power Dissipation [W]
0.5
16
Power Dissipation [W]
0
18
98
96
94
92
90
88
86
84
82
80
78
76
74
72
70
68
66
Power Dissipation [W]
98
96
94
92
90
88
86
84
82
80
78
76
74
72
70
Power Dissipation [W]
Efficiency [%]
Efficiency & Power Dissipation
TCASE = -40 ºC
VOUT = 55 V
VIN:
38
48
60
38
48
60
Figure 10 – Total efficiency and power dissipation vs. VIN
and IOUT, VOUT = 48V, TCASE = 100ºC
vicorpower.com
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PRM48DH480T250B03
VPR vs. Case Temperature
VIN = 48 V; VOUT = 48 V
5.0
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
4.5
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
4.41
3.15
3.18
2.86
2.5
2.0
-40
3.5
-20
0
Load Current [A]
38
VIN:
48
60
4.08
3.5
3.0
2
0
4.32
4.0
VPR [V]
98
96
94
92
90
88
86
84
82
80
78
76
74
72
70
Power Dissipation [W]
Efficiency [%]
Efficiency & Power Dissipation
TCASE = 100 ºC
VOUT = 55 V
20
40
60
80
100
Temperature [ºC]
38
48
2.0827
IOUT:
60
Figure 11 – Total efficiency and power dissipation vs. VIN
and IOUT, VOUT = 55V, TCASE = 100ºC
4.1673
Figure 12 – Typical control node voltage vs. TCASE, and IOUT;
VIN = 48V, VOUT = 48V
Powertrain switching frequency and periodic
output charge vs. input voltage - Full load
12
fsw
1400
10
1200
8
1000
6
800
4
C
2
600
Total output charge per
switching cycle [C]
fSW [kHz]
1600
0
400
38
40
42
44
46
48
50
52
54
56
58
60
Input Voltage [V]
20
VOUT:
Figure 13 – Typical output voltage ripple waveform, 200
mV/div, 500 ns/div TCASE = 30ºC, VIN = 48V, VOUT = 48V, IOUT
= 3.2 A, no external output capacitance.
55
20
48
55
Figure 14 – Powertrain switching frequency and periodic
output charge vs. VIN, VOUT; IOUT = 3.2 A
Powertrain switching frequency and periodic
input charge vs. input voltage - Full load
210
1400
10
5.50
180
1200
8
5.00
150
4.50
120
1000
6
4.00
90
3.50
60
3.00
30
800
4
C
2
600
Output Current [A]
fsw
Total input charge per
switching cycle [C]
6.00
0
400
38
40
42
44
46
48
50
52
54
56
58
2.50
60
VOUT:
48
55
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
Output Voltage [V]
Input Voltage [V]
20
0
5
20
48
Figure 15 – Powertrain switching frequency and periodic
input charge vs. VIN, VOUT; IOUT = 3.2 A
PRM® Regulator
Rev 1.2
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7/2015
IOUT Continuous
POUT Continuous
55
IOUT 5 s
POUT 5 s
Figure 16 – DC Output Safe Operating Area
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60
Output Power [W]
DC Safe Operating Area
12
1600
fSW [kHz]
48
PRM48DH480T250B03
350
10
89
6
300
8
76
250
6
gPR [dBS]
gpr
req_out []
8
4
gPR [dBS]
DC modulator gain and powertrain equivalent
output resistance vs. output current, VOUT = 20V
2
200
0
150
-2
100
0
50
-2
0
-4
req_out
-4
-6
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
gpr
4
50
2
37
3.5
45
11
-2
0
0.5
1
1.5
38
45
60
Figure 17 – Powertrain characteristics vs. IOUT;
Resistive load, VOUT = 55V, various VIN
300
4
250
gpr
2
200
0
150
-2
100
req_out
50
Effective capacitance [F]
6
0
-6
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
45
38
45
4
4
4.5
60
38
45
60
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
4.5
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
Voltage [V]
60
38
45
60
Figure 19 – Powertrain characteristics vs. IOUT;
Resistive load, VOUT = 48V, various VIN
Figure 20 – Effective internal input and output capacitance
vs. voltage – ceramic type
Powertrain equivalent input resistance
vs. output current, VOUT = 55V
Output Power vs. VPR
VIN = 48V, VOUT = 48V, TC=25ºC
36
200
32
180
Typical min
160
Nominal
28
140
Typical max
24
req_in [ ]
Output Power [W]
3.5
4.5
Output Current [A]
VIN:
3
Effective internal capacitance vs. applied
voltage, Input (CIN_INT) and output (COUT_INT)
req_out []
gPR [dBS]
350
1
2.5
Figure 18 – Powertrain characteristics vs. IOUT;
Resistive load, VOUT = 20V, various VIN
8
0.5
38
VIN:
DC modulator gain and powertrain equivalent
output resistance vs. output current, VOUT = 48V
0
2
Output Current [A]
60
-4
24
req_out
Output Current [A]
38
VIN:
63
req_out [ ]
DC modulator gain and powertrain equivalent
output resistance vs. output current, VOUT = 55V
120
100
80
60
20
16
12
8
40
4
20
0
0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
0
4.5
0.5
1
VIN:
PRM® Regulator
Rev 1.2
Page 12 of 23
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2
2.5
3
3.5
Output Current [A]
PR Voltage [V]
Figure 21 – Output Power vs. VPR; VIN = 48V, VOUT = 48V,
TCASE = 25ºC
1.5
38
45
60
Figure 22 – Magnitude of powertrain dynamic input
impedance vs. VIN, IOUT; VOUT = 55V
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Powertrain equivalent input resistance
vs. output current, VOUT = 48V
400
45
350
40
300
35
30
250
req_in [ ]
req_in [ ]
Powertrain equivalent input resistance
vs. output current, VOUT = 20V
200
150
25
20
15
100
10
50
5
0
0
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
0
4.5
0.5
1
Output Current [A]
VIN:
38
45
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
Output Current [A]
60
VIN:
Figure 23 – Magnitude of powertrain dynamic input
impedance vs. VIN, IOUT; VOUT = 20V
38
45
60
Figure 24 – Magnitude of powertrain dynamic input
impedance vs. VIN, IOUT; VOUT = 48V
7.0 GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
Specifications apply over all line and load conditions, TJ = 25 ºC and Output Voltage from 20V to 55V, unless otherwise noted.
Boldface specifications apply over the temperature range of 0 ºC < TJ < 125 ºC.
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
Specifications apply over all line and load conditions, and output Voltage from 20V to 55V unless otherwise noted;
Boldface specifications apply over the temperature range of -40 ºC < TJ < 125 ºC (T-Grade); All Other specifications are at TJ = 25 ºC unless otherwise noted.
Conditions / Notes
Attribute
Symbol
Min
MECHANICAL
Typ
Max
Unit
Length
L
21.8 / [0.86] 22.0 / [0.87] 22.3 / [0.88] mm / [in]
Width
W
16.3 / [0.64] 16.5 / [0.65] 16.8 / [0.66] mm / [in]
Height
H
Volume
Weight
Vol
W
[0.255]
No Heatsink
Nickel
Palladium
Gold
Lead Finish
[0.265]
[0.275]
mm / [in]
cm 3 / [in3]
2.44 / [0.15]
7
g
0.51
0.02
0.003
2.03
0.15
0.050
0
0
125
100
m
THERMAL
Operating Temperature
Operating Case Temperature
Thermal Capacity
ASSEMBLY
Peak Compressive Force Applied to
Case (Z-axis)
Storage Temperature
ESD Rating
TJ
TC
Any operating condition
5
3
5.33
125
Supported by J-Lead only
TST
ESDHBM
ESDCDM
Human Body Model, "JEDEC JESD 22-A114C.01"
Charged Device Model, "JEDEC JESD 22-C101D"
-40
1000
400
ºC
ºC
Ws/ºC
lbs
lbs / in 2
ºC
V
SOLDERING
Peak Temperature During Reflow
MSL 4 (Datecode 1528 and later)
245
Maximum Time Above [217] ºC
Peak Heating Rate During Reflow
Peak Cooling Rate Post Reflow
1.5
2.5
150
2
3
ºC
ºC
s
ºC / s
ºC / s
SAFETY and RELIABILITY
MTBF
Agency Approvals / Standards
Telcordia Issue 2 - Method I Case 1; Ground Benign, Controlled
MIL-HDBK-217Plus Parts Count - 25C Ground Benign, Stationary, Indoors / Computer Profile
C TUV US
CE Mark
CE Marked for Low Voltage Directive and RoHS Recast Directive, as applicable
PRM® Regulator
Rev 1.2
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5.41
6.22
MHrs
MHrs
PRM48DH480T250B03
PRODUCT OUTLINE DRAWING AND RECOMMENDED PCB FOOTPRINT
PRM® Regulator
Rev 1.2
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PRM48DH480T250B03
highest at full load and lowest at minimum load. Figure 25
shows a reference AC small-signal model.
8.0 PRODUCT DETAILS AND DESIGN GUIDELINES
8.1
Control pins description and characteristics
Current feedback (IF) is the input for the module output
overcurrent protection and current limit features (see
functional block diagram in section 4.0). A voltage
proportional to the powertrain output current must be
applied to IF in order for overcurrent protection to operate
properly.
If the IF voltage exceeds the IF pin’s overcurrent
protection threshold, the powertrain will stop switching. If
the IF voltage falls below the overcurrent protection
threshold within TBLANK time, then the powertrain will
immediately resumes switching. Otherwise a fault is
latched.
The current limit threshold for the IF pin is set lower than
the protection threshold. When the IF pin average voltage
exceeds the current limit threshold, an internal integrator
will activate a clamp amplifier which overrides the
modulator input maximum level. This causes the
powertrain to maintain a constant output current.
The bandwidth of this current limit integrator is significantly
slower than that of the PR control node input. Therefore
this current limit can not be used in lieu of properly
compensating the (external) PR control loop to avoid
exceeding maximum current or power ratings for the
device.
If the IF pin is not driven, it must be resistively terminated
to SG. A 1k resistor to SG is recommended in this case.
Control node (PR) is the input to the control node which
determines the powertrain timing and ultimately the
module output power (Figure 21). An internal 0.5mA
current sink is always active. The bi-directional buffer
between PR and the control node has two states. In
normal operation, PR will be above the 0.79V switching
threshold, and will drive the control node through the
buffer. An internal 7.4V clamp determines the maximum
output power that can be requested of the modulator.
When PR falls below 0.79 V, the converter will stop
switching. An internal circuit clamps the modulator input
control node to 0.79 V, and a buffer will source up to 2.5
mA out of the pin at that clamp level. For this reason, the
output impedance of the amplifier driving PR must be
taken into account. A rail-to-rail operational amplifier with
low output impedance is always recommended.
The powertrain small signal (plant) response consists of a
single pole determined by the load resistance, the
powertrain equivalent output resistance, and the total
output capacitance (internal and external to the module).
Both the modulator gain and the equivalent output
resistance vary as a function of line, load and output
voltage, as shown in Figures 17, 18 and 19. As the load
increases, the powertrain pole moves to higher frequency.
As a result, the closed loop crossover frequency will be the
+
PRM48DH480T250B03
CIN_INT
VIN
rEQ_IN
VPR · GIN
+
+
VPR
+
RPR
IPR_Low
-
VPR · GPR
COUT_INT
rEQ_OUT
VOUT
-
Figure 25 – PRM48DH480T250B03 AC small signal model
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VTM Control (VC) pin supplies an initial VCC voltage to
downstream VTMs, enabling them and synchronizing their
startup with the PRM®. The VCC voltage is a pulse, typically
10 ms duration at 14 V.
If VC is not loaded by a VTM, it must be terminated with a
1 kresistor to –VOut.
Primary Control (PC) is both an input and an output. It
can provide the following features:
• Delayed start: upon application of voltage (>UVLO) to the
module power input and after TOFF, the PC pin will source
a constant 90 μA current.
• Output disable: PC may be pulled down externally in
order to disable the module. Pull down resistance should
be less than 300 μ to SG.
• Fault detection flag: The PC 5 V voltage source is
internally turned off when a fault condition is latched. Note
that aside from the Short Circuit fault condition, PC does
not have significant current sinking capability. Therefore in
the case of an array of PRMs with interconnected PC pins,
PC does not in general reflect the fault state of all PRMs.
The common PC line will not disable neighboring modules
when a fault is detected except for a latched Output Short
Circuit fault. Conversely any unit in the array latching a
Short Circuit fault will disable the array for TSCR.
Signal Ground (SG) pin provides a Kelvin connection to
the PRM’s internal signal ground. It should be used as the
reference for PR, TM, IF, and should return all PC, VS and
RE pin currents. In array configurations with common
ground control circuits, a series resistor (~1 ) is
recommended in order to decouple power and signal
current returns.
8.2 Control circuit requirements and design procedure
The PRM48DH480T250B03 is an intelligent powertrain
module designed to fully exploit external output voltage
feedback and current sensing sub-circuits. These two
external circuits are illustrated in Figure 26, which shows
an example of the PRM in a standalone application with
local voltage feedback and high side current sensing.
In general, these circuits include a precision voltage
reference, an operational amplifier which provides closed
loop feedback compensation, and a high side current
sense circuit which includes a shunt and current sense IC.
The following design procedures refer to the circuit shown
in Figure 26.
8.2.1
Setting the output voltage level
Temperature Monitor (TM) pin outputs a voltage
proportional to the absolute temperature of the converter
analog control IC. It can be used to accomplish the
following functions:
• Monitor the control IC temperature: The gain and setpoint
of TM are such that the temperature, in Kelvin, of the PRM
controller IC is equal to the voltage on the TM pin scaled
by 100. (i.e. 3.0 V = 300 K = 27 ºC).
• Closed loop thermal management at the system level
(e.g. variable speed fans or coolant flow)
• Fault detection flag: The TM voltage source is turned off
as soon as a fault is detected. For system monitoring
purposes (microcontroller interface) faults are detected on
falling edges of TM.
The output voltage setpoint is a function of the voltage
reference and the output voltage sense ratio. With
reference to Fig. 26, R1 and R2 form the output voltage
sensing divider which provides the scaled output voltage
to the negative input of the error amplifier; a dedicated
reference IC provides the reference voltage to the positive
input of the error amplifier. Under normal operation, the
error amplifier will keep the voltages at the inverting and
non-inverting inputs equal, and therefore the output
voltage is defined by:
Reference Enable (RE) pin outputs a regulated 3.3 V, 8
mA voltage source. It is enabled only after successful
startup of the PRM powertrain (see chapters 5.0 and 6.0.)
RE is intended to power the output current transducer and
also the voltage reference for the control loop. Powering
the reference generator with RE helps provide a controlled
startup, since the output voltage of the system is able to
track the reference level as it comes up.
Note that the component R1 will also factor into the
compensation as described in a later section.
Voltage Source (VS) pin outputs a gated (e.g. mirrors PC
status), non-isolated, regulated 9 V, 5 mA voltage source.
It can be used to power external control circuitry; it always
leads RE.
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VOUT  Vref 
R1  R 2
R2
It is important to apply proper slew rate to the reference
voltage rise when the control loop is initially enabled. The
recommended range for reference rise time is 1 ms to 9
ms. The lower rise time limit will ensure optimized
modulator timing performance during startup, and to allow
the current limit feature (through IF pin) to fully protect the
device during power-up. The upper rise time limit is
needed to guarantee a sufficient factorized bus voltage is
provided to any downstream VTM input before the end of
the VC pulse.
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8.2.2 Setting the output current limit and overcurrent
protection level
The current limit and overcurrent protection set points are
linked, and scale together against the current sense shunt,
and the gain of the current sense amplifier. The output of
the current sense IC provides the IF voltage which has
VIF_IL and VIF_OC thresholds for the two functions
respectively. The set points are therefore defined by:
I IL 
VIF _ IL
RS  GCS
Powertrain equivalent resistance rEQ: See Figures
17, 18, 19
 Internal output capacitance: see Figure 20
 External output capacitance value
In the case of ceramic capacitors, the ESR can be
considered low enough to push the associated zero well
above the frequency of interest. Applications with high
ESR capacitor may require a different type of
compensation, or cascade control.
The system poles and zeros of the closed loop can then
be defined as follows:


Powertrain pole, assuming the external capacitor
ESR can be neglected:
and
I OC 
VIF _ OC
RCOUT _ EXT 
RS  GCS

where GCS is the gain of the current sense amplifier.
8.2.3
Control loop compensation requirements
1) Phase Margin > 45º : for the closed loop response, the
phase should be greater than 45º where the gain crosses
0dB.
2) Gain Margin > 10dB : The closed loop gain should be
lower than -10dB where the phase crosses 0º.
3) Gain Slope = -20dB / decade : The closed loop gain
should have a slope of -20dB / decade at the crossover
frequency.
The compensation characteristics must be selected to
meet these stability criteria. Refer to Figure 27 for a local
sense, voltage-mode control example based on the
configuration in Figure 26. In this example, it is assumed
that the maximum crossover frequency (FCMAX) has been
selected to occur between B and C. Type-2 compensation
(Curve IJKL) is sufficient in this case.
The following data must be gathered in order to proceed:
 Modulator Gain GPR: See Figures 17, 18, 19
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
rEQ _ OUT  RLOAD
Main pole frequency:
FP 
In order to properly compensate the control loop, all
components which contribute to the closed loop frequency
response should be identified and understood. Figure 25
shows the AC small signal model for the module.
Modulator DC gain GPR and powertrain equivalent
resistance rEQ_OUT are shown. These modeling parameters
will support a design cut-off frequency up to 50 kHz.
Standard Bode analysis should be used for calculating the
error amplifier compensation and analyzing the closed
loop stability. The recommended stability criteria are as
follows:
rEQ _ OUT  RLOAD
1
2 π
rEQ _ OUT  RLOAD
rEQ _ OUT  RLOAD
Compensation Mid-Band Gain:
G MB  20 log

R3
R1
[1]
Compensation Zero:
FZ1 

 COUT _ INT  COUT _ EXT 
1
2 π R 3  C1
[2]
Compensation Pole:
FP 2 
1
R C C
2 π 3 1 2
C1  C2
and for FP2>>FZ1 (C1 + C2 ≈ C1):
FP 2 
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1
2  R3  C2
[3]
PRM48DH480T250B03
8.2.4
8.2.5
Midband Gain Design (R1,R3):
Compensation Zero Design (C1):
With reference to Figure 27: curve EFG is the:
 maximum output voltage in the application
 minimum input voltage expected in the application
 minimum load in the application
PRM open loop response, and is where the minimum
crossover frequency FCMIN occurs. Based on stability
criteria, the compensation must be in the mid-band at the
minimum crossover frequency, therefore FCMIN will occur
where EFG is equal and opposite of GMB. C1 can be
selected using Equation [2] so that FZ1 occurs prior to
FCMIN.
With reference to Figure 27: curve ABC is the:
 minimum output voltage in the application
 maximum input voltage expected in the application
 maximum load
PRM® open loop response, and is where the maximum
crossover frequency occurs. In order for the maximum
crossover frequency to occur at the design choice FCMAX,
the compensation gain must be equal and opposite of the
powertrain gain at this frequency. For stability purposes,
the compensation should be in the Mid-band (J-K) at the
crossover. Using Equation [1], the mid-band gain can be
selected appropriately.
C2
C1
R3
+
Vref
R2
R1
F1
+IN
CIN_EXT
CIN_INT
-IN
Vref
Vref IC
VS
IF RE
PR
RS
+OUT
PRM
COUT_EXT
COUT_INT
SG
-OUT
I sense
IC
Figure 26 – Control circuit example
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Open Loop Gain vs. Frequency
80
60
Gain (dB)
40
20
10MHz GBW
I
Compensation Gain
F
E
PRM Open Loop Min Load
B
A
PRM Open Loop Max Load
J
K
L
FCMIN
0
FCMAX
-20
C
G
-40
Frequency (Hz)
Figure 27 – reference asymptotic Bode plot for the considered system
8.2.6
based on the ratio of the “kick” to “droop” (as defined in
Fig. 28).
High Frequency Pole Design (C2):
Using Equation [3], C2 should be selected so that FP2 is at
least one decade above FCMAX and prior to the gain
bandwidth product of the operational amplifier (10MHz for
this example). For applications with a higher desired
crossover frequency the use of a high gain bandwidth
product amplifier may be necessary to ensure that the real
pole can be set at least one decade above the maximum
crossover frequency.
8.2.7
Verifying Stability:
The preferred method for verifying stability is to use a
network analyzer, measuring the closed loop response
across various lines and load conditions.
In the absence of a network analyzer, a load step transient
response can be used in order to estimate stability.
Figure 28 illustrates an example of a load step response.
Equation [4] can be used to predict the phase margin
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Figure 28 – load step response example and “droop”
vs. “kick” definition
PRM48DH480T250B03
Figure 20 provides the effective internal capacitance of the
module. A conservative estimate of input and output peakpeak voltage ripple at nominal line and trim is provided by
equation [5]:
2
 k
 ln 
 d
 m  100
2
 k
2
ln

 
 d
[4]
QTOT 
V 
8.3
Burst Mode Operation:
At light loads, the PRM® will operate in a burst mode due
to minimum timing constraints.
An example burst
operation waveform is illustrated in Figure 29.
For very light loads, and also for higher input voltages, the
minimum time power switching cycle from the powertrain
will exceed the power required by the load. In this case the
external error amplifier will periodically drive PR below the
switching threshold in order to maintain regulation.
Switching will cease momentarily until the error amplifier
once again drives PR voltage above the threshold.
CINT
I FL  0.4
f SW
 C EXT
[5]
QTOT is the total input (Fig. 15) or output (Fig. 14) charge
per switching cycle at full load, while CINT is the module
internal effective capacitance at the considered voltage
(Fig. 20) and CEXT is the external effective capacitance at
the considered voltage.
8.5
Input filter stability
The PRM can provide very high dynamic transients. It is
therefore very important to verify that the voltage supply
source as well as the interconnecting line are stable and
do not oscillate. For this purpose, the converter dynamic
input impedance magnitude rEQ _ IN is provided in Figures
22, 23, 24. It is recommended to provide adequate design
margin with respect to the stability conditions illustrated in
10.5.1 and 10.5.2.
8.5.1 Inductive source and local, external input
decoupling capacitance with negligible ESR (i.e.: ceramic
type)
Figure 29 – light load burst mode of operation
Note that during the bursts of switching, the powertrain
frequency is constant, but the number of pulses as well as
the time between bursts is variable. The variability
depends on many factors including input voltage, output
voltages, load impedance, and external error amplifier
output impedance.
In burst mode, the gain of the PR input to the plant which
is modeled in the previous sections is time varying.
Therefore the small signal analysis can not be directly
applied to burst mode operation.
8.4
Input and Output filter design
Figures 14 and 15 provide the total input and output
charge per cycle, as well as switching frequency, of the
PRM at full load under various input and output voltages
conditions.
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The voltage source impedance can be modeled as a
series RlineLline circuit. The high performance ceramic
decoupling capacitors will not significantly damp the
network because of their low ESR; therefore in order to
guarantee stability the following conditions must be
verified:
Rline 
(C IN _ INT
Rline  rEQ _ IN
Lline
 C IN _ EXT )  rEQ _ IN
[6]
[7]
It is critical that the line source impedance be at least an
octave lower than the converter’s dynamic input
resistance, [7]. However, Rline cannot be made arbitrarily
low otherwise equation [6] is violated and the system will
show instability, due to under-damped RLC input network.
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8.5.2 Inductive source and local, external input
decoupling capacitance with significant RCIN_EXT ESR (i.e.:
electrolytic type)
In order to simplify the analysis in this case, the voltage
source impedance can be modeled as a simple inductor
Lline. Notice that, the high performance ceramic capacitors
CIN_INT within the PRM should be included in the external
electrolytic capacitance value for this purpose. The
stability criteria will be

array. Imbalances in sharing are not only due to
current sharing accuracy specifications, but also
temperature differences among PRMs, Vin
variations, and error terms in the buffering of the
error amplifier output to the PR pins.
Control loop compensation procedures above will
hold for an array, in general, although many
parameters must be scaled against the number of
PRMs in the system.
Please contact Vicor Applications for assistance.
rEQ _ IN  RC IN _ EXT
[8]
Lline
 rEQ _ IN
C IN _ EXT  RC IN _ EXT
[9]
8.7
Equation [9] shows that if the aggregate ESR is too small
– for example by using very high quality input capacitors
(CIN_EXT) – the system will be under-damped and may even
become destabilized. Again, an octave of design margin in
satisfying [8] should be considered the minimum.
8.6
Arrays
Up to ten PRMs of the same type may be placed in
parallel to expand the power capacity of the system. The
following high-level guidelines must be followed in order
for the resultant system to start up and operate properly,
and to avoid overstress or exceeding any absolute
maximum ratings.
 –IN pins of all PRMs must be connected together.
Both inductance and resistance from the common
power source to each PRM should be minimized,
and matched.
 Input voltage to all PRMs must be the same.
Independent fuses for each PRM are
recommended.
 PC pins must be connected together for
synchronization and proper fault response.
 Reference supply to the control loop voltage
reference and current sense circuitry must be
enabled when all modules’ RE pins have reached
their operational voltage levels.
 There must be one single external voltage control
loop. The control loop must drive each PR pin
relative to each module’s SG pin, and the local PR
voltage must be the same across all modules.
 Each PRM must have its own local current shunt
and current sense circuitry to drive its IF pin.
 The number of PRMs required to achieve a given
array capacity must consider all sources of
mismatch to avoid overstress of any PRM in the
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Input Fuse Recommendations
A fuse should be incorporated at the input to each PRM, in
series with the +IN pin. A 10 A or smaller input fuse
(Littelfuse® NANO2® 451/453 Series, or equivalent) is
required to safety agency conditions of acceptability.
Always ascertain and observe the safety, regulatory, or
other agency specifications that apply to your specific
application.
8.8
Layout considerations
Application Note AN:005 details board layout using V•I
Chip components. Additional consideration must be given
to the external control circuit components.
The current sense shunt signal voltage is highly sensitive
to noise. As such, current sensing circuitry should be
located close to the shunt to minimize the length of the
sense signals. A Kelvined connection at the shunt is
recommended for best results.
The control signal from a remote voltage sense circuit to
the PRM should be shielded. Avoid routing this, or other
control signals directly underneath the PRM, if possible.
Components that tie directly to the PRM should be located
close to their respective pins. It is also critical that all
control components be referenced to SG, and that SG not
be tied to any other ground in the system, including –IN or
–OUT of the PRM.
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