Power PROFET Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide

Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
About this document
Scope and purpose
This application note illustrates the achievable current sense accuracy of Infineon’s high-side power switch
family Power PROFET. It provides details to the current sense “default” accuracy explaining relevant
fundamentals and explains thee effects on quantitative examples. The application note illustrates possible
measures to improve system accuracy by means of calibration including recommendations regarding software
implementation.
Intended audience
This application note is targeted for all design engineers, which need to understand and possibly further
improve the system accuracy performance of the Power PROFET current sense functionality.
Application Note
www.infineon.com
Please read the Important Notice and Warnings at the end of this document
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
Abstract
Table of Contents
About this document....................................................................................................................... 1
Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................... 2
1
Abstract ........................................................................................................................ 3
2
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
Introduction.................................................................................................................. 4
Pin Names and Functions ....................................................................................................................... 4
Voltages and Currents ............................................................................................................................. 5
Flowchart Nomenclature ........................................................................................................................ 6
Example Circuit Board Scenario ............................................................................................................. 7
Fundamental Concepts ........................................................................................................................... 7
3
3.1
3.2
“Default” current sense performance ............................................................................. 10
Measureable load current range .......................................................................................................... 11
“Default” current sense accuracy ......................................................................................................... 12
4
4.1
4.2
4.3
Calibration Techniques ................................................................................................. 15
Variation effects .................................................................................................................................... 15
1-point calibration................................................................................................................................. 16
2-point calibration................................................................................................................................. 21
5
Important considerations .............................................................................................. 25
6
6.1
6.2
6.2.1
6.2.2
6.2.3
6.3
Calibrating Power PROFET............................................................................................. 26
Calibration Nomenclature and Equations ........................................................................................... 26
Application Software Implementation ................................................................................................. 27
No Calibration (No Cal) .................................................................................................................... 27
1-point Calibration ........................................................................................................................... 28
2-Point Calibration ........................................................................................................................... 30
Accuracy of Different Calibration Options............................................................................................ 32
7
Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 33
Revision History ............................................................................................................................ 33
Application Note
2
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
Abstract
1
Abstract
Smart, high-side power switches from Infineon® are designed to control all types of resistive, inductive, and
capacitive loads. These devices provide protection and diagnostic functions and are specially designed to drive
loads in harsh automotive environments.
The diagnostic feature analog current sense is often used to diagnose, control and protect the load as well as
to protect and diagnose the overall system including wire harness. Ideally the analog current sense diagnostic
should reflect the load current without any additional error contribution. However in reality analog current
sense diagnostics does always have an inherent inaccuracy associated.
Infineon offers multiple high-side power switches families with different accuracy performance. For specific
high-side power switches additional calibration techniques are supported, which achieve increased levels of
accuracy compared to the specified, “default” overall sense performance.
This application note explains the calibration techniques for the high-side power switch family Power PROFET.
The application note first introduces some fundamental concepts. It explains the dominating sources of
inaccuracy, their observed behavior and how to reduce these by means of calibration. Beside the fundamental
explanation quantitive examples are given for the Power PROFET BTS50015-1TAD. The application note also
details the sense performance constraints which remain after calibration.
Note: The following information is given as an implementation suggestion only, and shall not be regarded as a
description or warranty of a certain functionality, condition, or quality of any device.
Application Note
3
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
Introduction
2
Introduction
Current sensing is implemented within high-side switches to diagnose systems and to protect them in the
event of failures. High-side current sensing is used to protect both the load and the wiring harness, to diagnose
the load so as to ensure proper operation, and to measure the output current for the purpose of controlling the
output power.
Note: Further generic information on high-side switches with diagnostics and protection can be found in the
Application Note: What the designer should know: Short introduction to PROFETTM +12V.
There are two main dominating effects with conventional high-side current sensing solutions which have an
impact on the overall accuracy performance. The first is the inaccuracy which is resulting from an internal
amplifier offset voltage. This offset voltage deteriorates the current sense accuracy especially at lower load
currents. In addition it suppresses the current sense functionality below certain load current thresholds. The
second is the slope (steepness) inaccuracy, which becomes more significant at higher load currents.
The overall current sense performance specified in the Power PROFET datasheet has to cover all possible
combinations of both, offset voltage and slope (steepness) inaccuracy including their variation over
production, life time and specified operating conditions. Whenever the overall specified sense performance
does not meet the accuracy specified, additional calibration techniques can be introduced. In case of Power
PROFET the supported option to further improve sense accuracy is to perform either a 1-point or preferably a
2-point calibration utilizing end-of-line measurement and low application software overhead.
2.1
Pin Names and Functions
Single-channel, high-side power switches of the general type considered in this paper have five pins (GND, IN,
OUT, IS, and VS) as illustrated in Figure 1.
Figure 1
Control input from
microcontroller
IN
Current sense output
to microcontroller
IS
VS
OUT
Main output to
drive the load
GND
Pin names
The functions of these pins are detailed in Table 1.
Table 1
Pin functions
Pin Name
Pin Function
GND
Ground: Ground connection
IN
Input: Digital 3.3V and 5V compatible logic input; activates the power switch if set to
HIGH level (definitions for HIGH and LOW can be found in the parameter tables of the
Application Note
4
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
Introduction
respective device datasheet)
Please Note that PowerPROFET 500xx-1TAD & TMD family offers a VS capable Input
pin which supports in addition control with Voltages above 5V up to VS
OUT
Output: Protected high-side power output
IS
Sense: Analog sense current signal
VS
Supply Voltage: Positive supply voltage for both the logic and power stages
2.2
Voltages and Currents
Figure 2 illustrates the voltages and currents referenced in this application note. The load current IL and the
sense current IIS will be the focus of the following discussions.
VS
VS
IS
IIN
IN
IL
VS
OUT
VIN
VOUT
IIS
IS
VIS
GND
IGND
GND
Figure 2
Definition of currents and voltages
These abbreviations are defined in Table 2.
Table 2
Voltage and current abbreviations
Abbreviation
Meaning
VS
Supply voltage
GND
Ground
VIN
Control input voltage
VOUT
Output voltage driving the load
Application Note
5
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
Introduction
VIS
Sense voltage
IL
Load current
IIS
Sense current
IS
Supply current
IGND
Ground current
2.3
Flowchart Nomenclature
With regard to flowcharts used in this application note, the representation of the five main symbols is
illustrated in Figure 3.
Document / Note
Process / Action
Decision
Pre-defined
Process
(Subroutine)
Figure 3
Application Note
Internal
Storage
Flowchart nomenclature
6
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
Introduction
2.4
Example Circuit Board Scenario
For the purposes of this application note, it is assumed that a circuit board containing a microcontroller and
some number of single-channel, high-side power switches as illustrated in Figure 4.
Circuit board
High-side
power switches
Microcontroller
Figure 4
Example circuit board scenario
The microcontroller is used to turn the high-side power switches ON and OFF, and also to measure the value of
the sense current (IIS) outputs from the switches.
2.5
Fundamental Concepts
In order to understand the problems associated with conventional current sense functionality as also
implemented in Power PROFET, it is first necessary to be familiar with some fundamentals.
The effects which dominate the resulting current sense performance as well as the measures to improve the
overall current sense accuracy can be explained in the following simplified manner utilizing a straight line in
"slope-intercept" form.
The general formula for a straight line in "slope-intercept" form, is presented in Equation (1).
Equation (1)
y = m×x + b
In this case, y is the value on the vertical axis (Y), x is the value on the horizontal axis (X), m is the slope of the
line, and b – which is known as the y-intercept – is the point at which the line intersects the Y-axis. For the
purposes of this application note, both, positive and negative y-intercept values need to be discussed as
illustrated in Figure 5.
Application Note
7
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
Introduction
y
y
y
b
x
x
(a) b = 0
Figure 5
(b) Positive b value
b
x
(c) Negative b value
Generic lines with identical positive slopes
All three lines in Figure 5 have the same m (slope) value. The difference between the lines is the b (y-intercept)
value. The line in Figure 5(a) has a b value of zero; the line in Figure 5(b) has a positive value for b; and the line
in Figure 5(c) has a negative value for b.
Let’s take now a look to the high-level block diagram and the specified diagnosis performance for a
conventional high-side power switch as illustrated in Figure 6.
VS
IN
IIS
IS
Input
circuit
Sense output
circuit
Power Switch
OUT
IL
Diagnosis
and
Protection
GND
Figure 6
High-level block diagram for a conventional high-side power switch
The ideal relationship between the sense current IIS and the load current IL is shown in Figure 7(a). Ideally the
sense current should show a replica of the load current across a load current range. Ideally the sense current
should always be a fixed ratio (or portion) of the load current.
In reality, however, there may be errors involved. These errors will be a slope (steepness) error as illustrated in
Figure 7(b). The slope error is mainly dependent on part-to-part production variation. The effects of slope error
are more pronounced at higher load currents.
Application Note
8
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
Introduction
In addition there may also be a sense offset error. Resulting from an internal amplifier offset voltage. The sense
offset error is strongly dependent on production variation and the operating temperature of the device. The
effects of the offset are more pronounced at lower load currents.
The sense offset error for a Power PROFET may be both, positive and negative. Positive offset errors will result
in a remaining current at the IS pin, even though no load current is flowing. Negative offset error will “disabled”
the sense functionality below a certain load current threshold, which would cause a theoretical negative sense
current. Load currents at this threshold or below will result in no sense current at the IS pin as illustrated by the
horizontal portion of the solid green line in Figure 7(c).
typ IIS
IIS
Slope
(steepness)
error
IIS
typ IIS
typ IIS
IIS
max IIS
Offset
error
min IIS
IL
(a) Ideal curve
IL
(b) With slope error
IL
(c) With offset error
(Offset = 0, Slope = typical)
(Offset = 0)
(Blue = positive; Green = negative)
Figure 7
Relationship between IIS and IL in conventional devices
Figure 8 shows the enhanced illustration of Figure 5 considering both, offset error and slope error. The offset
error varies between a negative and positive offset bMIN and bMAX. The slope error will decrease/increase the
typical slope m towards a minimum slope mMIN and a maximum slope mMAX.
y
m
mMAX
yMAX=mMAX*x+bMAX
y
y
y=mMAX*x-bMIN
mMIN
y=mMIN*x+bMAX
bMAX
yMIN=mMIN*x-bMIN
x
(a) b = 0
Figure 8
Application Note
x
(b) Positive bMAX value
bMIN
x
(c) Negative bMIN value
Generic lines with varying positive slopes
9
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
“Default” current sense performance
3
“Default” current sense performance
For a Power PROFET the relationship between the sense current IIS and the load current IL is expressed using
Equation (2).
Equation (2)
IIS = (
1
d𝑘ILIS
× IL ) + IIS0
Comparing Equation (2) and Equation (1) it can be seen, that

The sense current IIS in Equation (2) corresponds to y in Equation (1)

the load current IL in Equation (2) corresponds to x in Equation (1)

the slope defined by 1/dkILIS in Equation (2) corresponds to m in Equation (1). If dkILIS varies between a
maximum limit and a minimum limit,

o
the maximum limit of dkILIS(MAX) will result in a minimum slope steepness mMIN and
o
the minimum limit of dkILIS(MIN) will result in a maximum slope steepness mMAX.
the sense offset current IIS0 in Equation (2) corresponds to the y-intercept b in Equation (1).
o
A maximum limit of IIS0(MAX) represents a positive y-intercept bMAX
o
A minimum limit of IIS0(MIN) represents a negative y-intercept bMIN.
The “electrical characterstics” datasheet section “Diagnostic Function: Current Sense Ratio Signal in the
Nominal Area, Stable Current Load Condition” outlines the “default” diagnosis performance of every Power
PROFET device.
All shipped Power PROFET devices will show a sense performance within
 the specified MIN-MAX-range of the slope defined by 1/dkILIS. The slope (steepness) error varies therefore
from a minimum slope mMIN=1/dkILIS(MAX) to a maximum slope mMAX=1/dkILIS(MIN)
 the specified MIN-MAX-range of the calculated sense offset current IIS0. The calculated sense offset error at
zero load current varies therefore between the limits of IIS0(MIN) and IIS0(MAX)
 the specified minimum and maximum sense currents IIS1, IIS2, IIS3 and IIS4 for given load currents IIL1, IIL2, IIL3 and
IIL4.
Note: Due to the nature of the sense circuitry the calculated sense offset current IIS0 may vary for a given device
over temperature (IIS0=f(TJ)). All devices with a negative calculated sense offset current (IIS0<0) will only
provide a current at the IS pin, whenever the load current IL exceeds a threshold IL0, where the resulting sense
current is larger than the sense offset (IL>IL0=-(dkILIS(MAX) x -IIS0 ).
Note: Since the calculated sense offset current IIS0 may vary for a given device over temperature (IIS0=f(TJ)) the load
current threshold IL0 may vary over temperature also (IL0=f(TJ)).
Figure 9 shows the current sense transfer function of the Power PROFET BTS50015-1TAD.
Application Note
10
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
“Default” current sense performance
3.5
dkILIS(min)
3
dkILIS(typ)
2.5
dkILIS(max)
IIS [mA]
2
1.5
1
0.5
IIS0(max)
0
0
20
40
IL1
IL2
60
80
IL3
100
120
140
160
IL4
IL[A]
Figure 9
Power PROFET BTS50015-1TAD current sense
Comparing Figure 9 with Figure 8 it can be seen that the current sense performance of this specific Power
PROFET varies in a range which is limited by

an upper line resulting from a device which has a combination of maximum positive calculated sense
offset current IIS0(MAX) and maximum 1/dkILIS slope (or vice versa a minimum dkILIS(MIN)). This line can be
represented by the general formula yMAX=mMAX*x+bMAX. Applying Power PROFET parameters the formula
changes to IIS(MAX)=1/ dkILIS(MIN)* IL + IIS0(MAX)

a lower line resulting from a device which has a combination of maximum negative calculated internal
sense offset current IIS0(MIN) and minimum 1/dkILIS slope (or vice versa a maximum dkILIS(MAX)). This line can
be represented by the general formula yMIN=mMIN*x-bMIN. . Applying Power PROFET parameters the
formula changes to IIS(MIN)=1/ dkILIS(MAX)* IL + IIS0(MIN) (with IIS0(MIN) being negative).
Note: Connecting the points of the maximum sense current limits for given load currents ([IISi;IILi] with i=1..4) will
form the upper limiting line (blue line according Figure 7 and Figure 8). Connecting the points of the
minimum sense current limits ([IISi;IILi] with i=1..4) will form the lower limiting line (green line according Figure
7 and Figure 8).
Note: Any negative offset error IIS0 will not result in sense current that is sinked by the IS pin. The IS pin can only
source a sense current. Any negative offset error will disable the load current sense function once the load
current is less than a certain threshold.
The variation of this “default” current sense performance brings some limitations in terms of measurable load
current range and accuracy.
3.1
Measureable load current range
In general the measurable load current range is limited towards a lower load current threshold and towards an
upper load current threshold.
Application Note
11
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
“Default” current sense performance

The lower load current threshold results from the limiting lower line (yMIN=mMIN*x-bMIN) where the line
intercepts the x-Axis. In order to guarantee any variation in x will result in a variation of y, a lower
threshold of x>-(-bMIN/mMIN) needs to be exceeded.

Applying Power PROFET parameters the formula changes to the lower load current threshold
IL> IL0=-(IIS0(MIN)*dkILIS(MAX)) (with IIS0(MIN) being negative).
Note: Looking at Figure 9 bottom solid dILIS(MAX) line it can also be seen, that for the example of a Power PROFET
BTS50015-1TAD only load currents of IL0>~9A will result in a sense current at the IS pin.

The upper load current threshold results from the limiting upper line (yMAX=mMAX*x+bMAX) which can be
reliably provided to peripheral readout ciruit.

For Power PROFET in general the upper load current threshold is the specified maximum load current
IL4. Load currents above IL4 may already trigger the activation of protection mechanisms or the resulting
maximum sense current IIS4(MAX) may start to saturate.
Note: Looking at Figure 9 it can be seen that for the example of a Power PROFET BTS50015-1TAD only load currents
up to IL4=135A are specified. Checking BTS50015-1TAD datasheet limits of the “Current Trip Detection Level”
(P_6.1.35) and and “Sense Signal Saturation Current” (P_6.1.75) will show, that at higher load currents the
device may already switch off from over current or that the sense current may already saturate.
3.2
“Default” current sense accuracy
The “default” accuracy depends on the load current.
For the “default” accuracy is of general interest, in which error limits the x value may vary, assuming a certain y
value is read and processed.
Figure 10 illustrates the xi error for a given yi value
yMAX=mMAX*x+bMAX
y
y=m*x
MinError
MaxError
yi
bMAX
bMIN
Figure 10
yMIN=mMIN*x-bMIN
xi(MIN)
xi
xi(MAX)
x
X-Axis error for generic lines with varying positive slopes
The general absolute error for any xi value will range between a minimum value xi(MIN) and a maximum xi(MAX).
The minimum error results from the limiting upper line (yMAX=f(x)=mMAX*x+bMAX) in relation to the typical line
(y=f(x)=m*x).
The maxmum error results from the limiting lower line (yMIN=f(x)=mMIN*x-bMIN) in relation to the typical line
(y=f(x)=m*x).
Application Note
12
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
“Default” current sense performance
In general the absolute minimum x- error-value can be calculated from solving the equation (x=f(yMAX))-(x=f(y)).
The absolute minimum x- error-value (MinError=xi(MIN)- xi) can be calculated according Equation (3)
Equation (3)
𝑥×(𝑚−𝑚𝑀𝐴𝑋 )−𝑏𝑀𝐴𝑋
MinAbsError =
𝑚𝑀𝐴𝑋
The relative minimum x-error (MinRelError=( xi(MIN)- xi)/xi) can be calculated according Equation (4)
Equation (4)
MinRelError =
𝑚×𝑥−𝑏𝑀𝐴𝑋
𝑚𝑀𝐴𝑋 ×𝑥
𝑚
−1=
𝑚𝑀𝐴𝑋
𝑏𝑀𝐴𝑋
−
𝑚𝑀𝐴𝑋 ×𝑥
−1
The absolute maximum x- error-value (MaxError=xi(MAX)- xi) can be calculated according Equation (5)
Equation (5)
MaxAbsError =
𝑥×(𝑚−𝑚𝑀𝐼𝑁 )+𝑏𝑀𝐼𝑁
with bMIN being an absolute number.
𝑚𝑀𝐼𝑁
The relative maximum x-error (MaxRelError=( xi(MAX)- xi)/xi) can be calculated according Equation (6)
Equation (6)
MaxRelError =
𝑚×𝑥+𝑏𝑀𝐼𝑁
𝑚𝑀𝐼𝑁 ×𝑥
−1=
𝑚
𝑚𝑀𝐼𝑁
+
𝑏𝑀𝐼𝑁
−1
𝑚𝑀𝐼𝑁 ×𝑥
with
bMIN
being
an
absolute
number
Applying Power PROFET parameters to Equation (3) to Equation (6) results in Equation (7) to Equation (10).
Equation (7)
1
MinAbsError = (𝐼𝐿 × (
𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑇𝑌𝑃)
−
1
𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑀𝐼𝑁)
)−
𝐼𝐼𝑆0(𝑀𝐴𝑋)
106
) × 𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑀𝐼𝑁)
with IIS0(MAX) as µA value
𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑀𝐼𝑁)
Equation (8)
MinRelError =
Equation (9)
MaxAbsError = (𝐼𝐿 × (
𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑇𝑌𝑃)
−
𝐼𝐼𝑆0(𝑀𝐴𝑋) ×𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑀𝐼𝑁)
𝐼𝐿×106
1
𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑇𝑌𝑃)
−
1
𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑀𝐴𝑋)
−1
)−
𝐼𝐼𝑆0(𝑀𝐼𝑁)
106
) × 𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑀𝐴𝑋)
with IIS0(MIN) as µA value being negative
Equation (10)
MaxRelError =
𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑀𝐴𝑋)
𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑇𝑌𝑃)
−
𝐼𝐼𝑆0(𝑀𝐼𝑁) ×𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑀𝐴𝑋)
𝐼𝐿×106
− 1 with IIS0(MIN) as µA value being negative
Table 3 shows the calculated absolute and relative errors for certain load currents for the example of
BTS50015-1TAD. These values can alternatively also be graphically derived from Figure 9, estimating the load
current difference for any, fixed sense current between the typical, dashed line in comparison to the limiting
upper and lower solid line.
Application Note
13
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
“Default” current sense performance
Table 3
ILoad
minimum absolute minimum relative
ILoad error
ILoad error
Maximum
maximum relative
absolute ILoad error ILoad error
10A
-10A
-98%
+11A
+107%
20A
-11A
-55%
+12A
+60%
40A
-13A
-34%
+14A
+36%
60A
-16A
-26%
+17A
+28%
80A
-18A
-23%
+19A
+24%
100A
-21A
-21%
+22A
+22%
In terms of accuracy it can be seen, that the “default” accuracy reaches at nominal current just ~35..40%. This
accuracy deteriorates further towards lower load current. At high load a “default” accuracy of about 22% can
be achieved.
Note: The above example outlines approximated values to show the general accuracy trend. For full system
performance additional contributors like board leakage currents, variation of sense resistor RIS, error
contribution of uC for analog digital conversion etc. need to be considered.
Application Note
14
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
Calibration Techniques
4
Calibration Techniques
Whenever the “default” sense performance does not meet the system accuracy targets, additional calibration
techniques can be introduced.
4.1
Variation effects
During the development of Power PROFET Infineon performed intense stress and characterization efforts to
understand the overall sense performance after calibration. The investigations revealed the following findings:

the 1/dkILIS(i) slope of any calibrated Power Profet varies after calibration for each individual Power
PROFET (i) over temperature and stress within certain limits. These limits vary depending on the Power
PROFET product type / respective family member. The maximum variation per calibrated Power
PROFET product type will remain within the limits of the Parameter (dKILIS(CAL)) (see datasheet
parameter P_6.1.47).

devices, which show after calibration an individual dkILIS(i) value, which is close to the absolute limits of
the Current Sense Differential Ratio dKILIS (Parameter 6.4.41), will not violate these limits over
temperature and stress

The calculated sense offset current IIS0(i) of any calibrated Power Profet varies after calibration for each
individual Power PROFET (i) over temperature and stress within certain limits. These limits vary
depending on the Power PROFET product type / respective family member. The maximum variation per
Power PROFET product type will remain within the specified temperature dependant calculated sense
offset current limits (see datasheet limits of Parameter P_6.1.42).

devices, which show after calibration an individual calculated sense offset current IIS0(i) which is close to
the absolute limits of the calculated sense offset current IIS0 (Parameter 6.4.42), will not violate these
limits over temperature and stress
Based on the example of Power PROFET BTS50015-1TAD this means:

According to datasheet parameter P_6.1.47 the individual 1/dkILIS(i) slope of any calibrated BTS500151TAD varies after calibration for each individual BTS50015-1TAD (i) over temperature and stress a
maximum of +/-5%.
To give an example, assuming an individual dkILIS(i)=50000 (or vice versa 1/dkILIS(i)=2E-5) has been derived
by means of calibration at Tj=25°C, the device specific dkILIS(i) will maximum vary over life time and
temperature (-40°C<=Tj<=+150°C) between
47500<=dkILIS<=52500 (or vice versa 2.105E-5>=1/dkILIS>=1.9E-5).

BTS50015-1TAD (i), which have an individual dkILIS(i) value close to the minimum limit of parameter
6.1.41 of 45300, will not violate this limit over temperature and stress. BTS50015-1TAD (i), which have
an individual dkILIS(i) value close to the maximum limit of parameter 6.1.41 of 57700, will not violate this
limit over temperature and stress.

In case a calibrated BTS50015-1TAD (i) shows a positive calculated current sense offset, IIS0(cal)>0, then
this individual sense offset will vary over temperature and stress towards the differences between the
room temperature maximum limit and the respective maximum limits at “cold” (Tj=-40°C) and “hot”
(Tj=+150°C).
To give an example, assuming an individual positive calculated current sense offset, IIS0(cal)=50µA, has
been derived by means of calibration at Tj=25°C, the device specific IIS0(cal) will vary over life time and
temperature (-40°C<=Tj<=+150°C) between the MAX datasheet limits of IIS0.
This results in a
lower difference of IIS0(MAX)(@TJ=150°C)−IIS0(MAX)(@TJ=25°C)=60µA-125µA=-65µA and an
Application Note
15
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
Calibration Techniques
upper difference of IIS0(MAX) (@TJ=-40°C)−IIS0(MAX)(@TJ=25°C)=190µA-125µA=+65µA.
So the individual calculated current sense offset will vary over life time and temperature from typically
50µA down towards -15µA (50µA-65µA) and up to +115µA (50µA+65µA).

In case a calibrated BTS50015-1TAD (i) shows a negative calculated current sense offset, IIS0(cal)<0, then
this individual sense offset will vary over temperature and stress towards the differences between the
room temperature minimum limit and the respective minimum limits at “cold” (Tj=-40°C) and “hot”
(Tj=+150°C)..
To give an example, assuming an individual negative calculated current sense offset, IIS0(cal)=-100µA, has
been derived by means of calibration at Tj=25°C, the device specific IIS0(cal) will vary over life time and
temperature (-40°C<=Tj<=+150°C) between the MIN datasheet limits of IIS0.
This results in an
upper difference of IIS0(MIN)(@TJ=150°C)−IIS0(MIN)(@TJ=25°C)=-65µA-(-115µA)=+50µA and a
lower difference of IIS0(MIN)(@TJ=-40°C)−IIS0(MIN)(@TJ=25°C)=-165µA-(-115µA)=-50µA.
So the individual calculated current sense offset will vary over life time and temperature from typically
-100µA down towards -150µA (100µA-50µA) and up to -50µA (-100µA+50µA).
4.2
1-point calibration
One option to improve the current sense performance is to perform a 1-point calibration. The idea of 1-point
calibration is to perform a manufacturing test that measures the sense current IIS(x1) at a defined load current
IL(x1), where ideally IL(x1) is in the load current range where the highest accuracy needs to be achieved. Usually
this manufacturing test is performed at an ambient temperature of 25°C. The measured values will be stored in
the microcontroller’s non-volatile memory to be used by the application software.
To state it upfront, although the 1-point calibration offers the lowest measurement effort during
manufacturing of all possible calibration options, the accuracy improvements of a 1-point calibration remain in
the special case of Power PROFET moderate. This results from the circumstance, that the device specific slope
and offset remains unknown. Therefore certain assumptions have to be made which will under worst case
conditions contribute to a remaining error. Nevertheless 1-point calibration achieves an improved current
sense function compared to “default” sense accuracy. In case of Power PROFET, it specifically helps to reduce
the offset error as it will be shown in the later BTS50015-1TAD example.
The fundamental aspects of the 1-point calibration will be explained in the remaining portion of this section.
However, if a significant accuracy improvement is required, the 2-poin calibration should be applied (and the
reader should directly jump to the next chapter).
In general mathematical terms 1-point calibration means, that first the point x1,y1 needs to be identified. As
stated in chapter 3.1, x needs to be chosen in a way that x>-(-bMIN/mMIN) will be fulfilled. Since the slope m can
not be derived from 1-point calibration and hence remains unknown, it has to be assumed that the slope m will
be typical mTYP. The resulting y-intercept can then be calculated by changing Equation (1) to Equation (11)
Equation (11)
b = y − mTYP x
Although calculated, b remains in the end an estimated value only. With the assumed values of slope m=m TYP
and offset b (y-intercept) these values can be substituted into the generic equation for a line as defined in
Equation (1), and then this equation can be used to determine the (x, y) values of any other point on the line.
To derive the achievable accuracy of 1-point calibtarion the following aspects have to be considered. Since the
typical assumed slope m can vary between certain limits, mMIN1 and mMAX1, two extreme y intercepts, b1 and b2,
need to be derived for the accuracy investigation. Assuming, that the possible, individual slopes m MIN1 and mMAX1
will further vary over lifetime stress and temperaure, mMIN1 between a lower slope mMIN12 and an upper slope
mMIN11, and mMAX1 between a lower slope mMAX12 and an upper slope mMAX11, certain error ranges already appear in
case the extreme y-intercepts b1 and b2 would remain constant. Assuming that in addition the y-Intercepts b1
Application Note
16
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
Calibration Techniques
and b2 will additionally vary within certain limits over lifetimes stress and temperature , b1 between a lower
offset b1-b1 and upper offset b1+b1, and b2 between a lower offset b2-b2 and upper offset b2+b2, these error
ranges further increase defining the limiting conditions for the final achievable accuracy of 1-point calibration.
Figure 11 illustrates these effects.
m
y
y
Slope MAX1
(steepness)
error
mMIN1
y
m
(x1, y1)
(x1, y1)
(a) Identify one point
Figure 11
(x1, y1)
b1
b2
b
x
mMIN11
mMAX11
mMAX1
mMAX12
mMIN1
mMIN12
x
(b) Consider worst
case slope
x
(c) Determine y-intercept
y1=mMIN11*x+b1+b1
y2=mMAX11*x+b2+b2
y
(2)
(4)
(1)
b1+b1
y4=mMIN12*x+b1-b1
b2-b2
(3) y3=mMAX12*x+b2-b2
x
(d) Derive worst case xaxis error slopes
X-Axis error for generic lines with varying positive slopes and offsets
As it can be seen Figure 11 (d), the xi error for a given yi value will be determined by the four limiting functions

y1=f(x)=mMIN11*x+b1+b1

y2=f(x)=mMAX11*x+b2+b2

y3=f(x)=mMAX12*x+b2-b2 and

y4=f(x)=mMIN12*x+b1+b1.

The typical function, assuming a typical slope mTYP will follow the formula y=mTYP*x+b.
For low x and low y values the error of the typical function y=mTYP*x+b will vary towards a lower error. This error
can be calculated solving the equation MinAbsError=(x=f(y1))-(x=f(y)). The error will also vary towards an upper
error. This error can be calculated solving the equation MaxAbsError=(x=f(y3))-(x=f(y)).
Whenever formula y4=f(x) results in a lower y value for a certain x value compared to y3=f(x), the maximum error
will vary to an upper error, which can be calculated solving the equation MaxAbsError=(x=f(y4))-(x=f(y)).
For high x value and high y values / whenever formula y2=f(x) results in a higher y value for a certain x value
compared to y1=f(x), the lower error can be calculated solving the equation MinAbsError=(x=f(y2))-(x=f(y)).
The absolute minimum x- error-value (MinAbsError=xi(MIN)- xi) can be calculated according Equation (12) and
Equation (13).
Equation (12)
MinAbsError𝐶𝐴𝑆𝐸(1) =
𝑚𝑇𝑌𝑃 𝑥×+𝑏−𝑏1 −∆𝑏1
Equation (13)
MinAbsError𝐶𝐴𝑆𝐸(2) =
𝑚𝑇𝑌𝑃 𝑥×+𝑏−𝑏2 −∆𝑏2
Application Note
𝑚𝑀𝐼𝑁11
𝑚𝑀𝐴𝑋11
− 𝑥 with b1 being an absolute number
− 𝑥 with b2 being an absolute number
17
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
Calibration Techniques
The absolute maximum x- error-value (MaxAbsError=xi(MAX)- xi) can be calculated according Equation (14) and
Equation (15).
Equation (14)
MaxAbsError𝐶𝐴𝑆𝐸(3) =
𝑚𝑇𝑌𝑃 𝑥×+𝑏−𝑏2 +∆𝑏2
Equation (15)
MaxAbsError𝐶𝐴𝑆𝐸(4) =
𝑚𝑇𝑌𝑃 𝑥×+𝑏−𝑏1 +∆𝑏1
𝑚𝑀𝐴𝑋12
𝑚𝑀𝐼𝑁12
− 𝑥 with b2 being an absolute number
− 𝑥 with b1 being an absolute number
In addition it has to be considered, that there are enveloping conditions which will never be exceeded. In
reference to Figure 10 positive values resulting from y1=f(x) and y2=f(x) will never exceed yMAX=f(x)=mMAX*x+bMAX.
So whenever y1=f(x) and y2=f(x) would cause a higher y-value for a given-x value, y will be limited to
yMAX=mMAX*x+bMAX.
In reference to Figure 10 negative values resulting from y3=f(x) or y4=f(x) will never “exceed”
yMIN=f(x)=mMIN*x+bMIN. (with bMIN being negative). So whenever y3=f(x) or y4=f(x) would cause a lower y-value for a
given-x value, y will be limited to yMIN=mMIN*x+bMIN.
These beneficial circumstances and high mMAX and bMAX as well as low mMIN and bMIN values will however have no
effect on the maximum achievable accuracy since the overall accuracy will be defined by possible devices that
will neither violate yMAX=f(x)=mMAX*x+bMAX nor yMIN=f(x)=mMIN*x+bMIN.
To show the possible accuracy improvement another BTS50015-1TAD example is outlined. Although the
example is based on a very specific sense current measurement, the resulting load current errors are valid also
for other sense current measurements as long as the load current IL(cal) , the IIS0(cal) and (dkKILIS(cal)) values
remain.
Assuming an individual sense current of a BTS50015-1TAD was measured at Tj=25°C and IL=20A and showed a
value of IIS=0.5mA. Considering that according to the datasheet

the current sense differential ratio dkILIS (Parameter P_6.1.41) varies in a range of MIN 45300, TYP51500
and MAX57700

the current sense ratio spread of (dkKILIS(CAL)) varies between MIN-5% and MAX+5% and that

IIS0(CAL) for any positive calculated sense offset current varies according to the differences of the
temperature dependent limits of Parameter P_6.1.42 between -65µA up to +65µA
The following values can be derived:
The assumed typical current sense function follows the formula:
IIS=IL/dkILIS(TYP)+IIS(0)=IL/51500+1.117E-4
with IIS(0)= IIS(x1)- IL(x1)/dkILIS(TYP)=0.0005-20/51500=1.117E-4
To derive the achievable accuracy of 1-point calibration

mMAX1, mMAX11 and mMAX12 can be derived from dkILIS(MIN) and (dkKILIS(CAL)).
mMAX11=1/dkILIS(MIN)=1/45300=2.20751E-5,
mMAX1=(1-(dkKILIS(cal)))/dkILIS(MIN)=0.95*mMAX11=2.097E-5,
mMAX12=(1-(dkKILIS(cal)))/dkILIS(MIN)/(1+(dkKILIS(CAL)))=mMAX1/1.05=1.9973E-5
Application Note
18
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
Calibration Techniques

mMIN1, mMIN11 and mMIN12 can be derived from dkILIS(MAX) and (dkKILIS(CAL)).
mMIN12=1/dkILIS(MAX)=1/57700=1.7331E-5
mMIN1=(1+(dkKILIS(cal)))/dkILIS(MAX)=1.05*mMIN12=1.82E-5
mMIN11=(1+(dkKILIS(cal)))/dkILIS(MAX)/(1-(dkKILIS(cal))=mMIN1/0.95=1.91553E-5

the offset calculation will result in b=1.117E-4, b1=1.36E-4 and b2=8.057E-5
Table 4 shows the calculated absolute and relative errors for certain load currents for the example of
BTS50015-1TAD with a calibration at Tj=25°C and IL=20A
Application Note
19
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
Calibration Techniques
Table 4
ILoad
minimum absolute minimum relative
ILoad error
ILoad error
Maximum
maximum relative
absolute ILoad error ILoad error
10A
-4.5A
-45%
+4.5A
+45%
20A
-4.4A
-22%
+4.8A
+24%
40A
-6.4A
-16%
+7.2A
+18%
60A
-8.8A
-15%
+9.6A
+16%
80A
-11.2A
-14%
+12A
+15%
100A
-13.6A
-14%
+14.1A
+14%
Table 5 shows the calculated absolute and relative errors for certain load currents for an additional example of
BTS50015-1TAD with a calibration at Tj=25°C and IL=40A.
Table 5
ILoad
minimum absolute minimum relative
ILoad error
ILoad error
Maximum
maximum relative
absolute ILoad error ILoad error
10A
-5.8A
-58%
+6.1A
+61%
20A
-5.7A
-28%
+5.8A
+29%
40A
-5.4A
-13%
+5.8A
+14%
60A
-7.4A
-12%
+8.2A
+14%
80A
-9.8A
-12%
+10.6A
+13%
100A
-12.2A
-12%
+13A
+13%
Table 6 shows the calculated absolute and relative errors for certain load currents for an additional example of
BTS50015-1TAD with a calibration at Tj=25°C and IL=10A.
Table 6
ILoad
minimum absolute minimum relative
ILoad error
ILoad error
Maximum
maximum relative
absolute ILoad error ILoad error
10A
-3.9A
-39%
+4.3A
+43%
20A
-4.6A
-23%
+5.5A
+27%
40A
-7.1A
-18%
+7.9A
+20%
60A
-9.5A
-16%
+10.3A
+17%
80A
-11.9A
-15%
+12.7A
+16%
100A
-14.3A
-14%
+15.1A
+15%
Application Note
20
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
Calibration Techniques
Comparing the content of 0 to Table 6 with Table 3 it can be seen that:

1-point calibration does improve the accuracy compared to “default” performance

accuracy improves compared to “default” performance mostly near the load current, where the
calibration was performed

a calibration at a load current just above IL0 (see chapter 3.1) is recommended, since the accuracy
improvements at medium and high currents (IL>=40) will reach similar accuracy improvements
compared to higher load current calibrations and the manufacturing test can be performed at more
moderate load currents in relation to the test equipment capability.
4.3
2-point calibration
The recommended option to optimally improve the current sense performance is to perform a 2-point
calibration. The idea of 2-point calibration is to perform a manufacturing test that measures two sense currents
IIS(x1) and IIS(x2) at two different, defined load currents IL(x1) and IL(x1). Ideally IL(x1) is just above IL0 (see chapter 3.1).
IL(x2) should be chosen in a way, that IIS(x2) will sufficiently differ from IIS(x1). Usually this manufacturing test is
performed at an ambient temperature of 25°C. The measured values will be stored in the microcontroller’s
non-volatile memory to be used by the application software.
The fundamental aspects of the 2-point calibration will be explained in the following. In general mathematical
terms 2-point calibration means, that first the point x1,y1 needs to be identified followed by the second point
x2, y2.
Note: As stated in chapter 3.1, x1 needs to be chosen in a way that x>-(-bMIN/mMIN) will be fullfilled.
With the values of x1, y1, x2 and y2 the individual slope m2 can be derived as illustrated in Figure 12 and
Equation (16).
y
(x2, y2)
(x1, y1)
y
y
(x2, y2)
m2
(x2, y2)
m2
(x1, y1)
(x1, y1)
b2
x
(a) Identify two points
Figure 12
Equation (16)
Application Note
x
(b) Determine slope
x
(c) Determine y-intercept
Determining the characteristics of a straight line
m2 =
y2 −y1
x2 −x1
21
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
Calibration Techniques
Once the slope has been determined as illustrated in Figure 12(b), this value can be used to calculate the yintercept (b2) as illustrated in Figure 12(c). This can be accomplished by picking the (x,y) values for any point
and solving for the y-intercept using Equation (17).
Equation (17)
b2 = y − m2 × x
After m2 (slope) and b2 (y-intercept) have been determined, these values can be substituted into the generic
equation for a line as defined in Equation (1), and then this equation can be used to determine the (x, y) values
of any other point on the line.
To derive the achievable accuracy of 2-point calibration the following aspects have to be considered. According
to chapter 4.1 the derived slope m2 may vary between certain limits mMIN2 and mMAX2. Also the derived yIntercepts b2 may vary within certain limits towards a lower offset b2-b and an upper offset b2+b. Special
attention has to be paid here that the variation of b may vary depending on the case, whether b2 is positive or
negative.
Figure 13 illustrates these effects for an example where b2 is positive.
y
Slope mMAX2
(steepness)
y
error
(x2, y2)
(x2, y2)
mMIN2
m2
(x1, y1)
(x1, y1)
b2
x
x
(b) Derive offset and
consider worst case slope
(a) Identify two points
Figure 13
y
b2+b
b2
b2-b
y1=mMAX2*x+b2+b
y=m2*x+b2
y2=mMIN2*x+b2-b
x
(c) Derive worst case xaxis error slopes
X-Axis error for generic lines with varying positive slopes and offsets
As it can be seen, the xi error for a given yi value will be determined by two limiting functions y1=f(x) and y2=f(x).

y1=f(x)=mMAX2*x+b2+b

y2=f(x)=mMIN2*x+b2-b

The typical function, assuming a typical slope m2 will follow the formula y=m2*x+b2.
Comparing Figure 13 with Figure 10 it can be seen, that the general absolute error for any xi value will again
range between a minimum value xi(MIN) and a maximum xi(MAX). Compared to “default” current sense
performance however the error variation will reduce as following:
The absolute minimum x- error-value (MinError=xi(MIN)- xi) can be calculated according Equation (18)
Equation (18)
Application Note
MinAbsError =
𝑥×(𝑚2 −𝑚𝑀𝐴𝑋2 )−∆𝑏
𝑚𝑀𝐴𝑋2
22
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
Calibration Techniques
The relative minimum x-error (MinRelError=( xi(MIN)- xi)/xi) can be calculated according Equation (19)
Equation (19)
MinRelError =
𝑚2 𝑥×−∆𝑏
𝑚𝑀𝐴𝑋2 ×𝑥
−1 =
𝑚2
𝑚𝑀𝐴𝑋2
−
∆𝑏
𝑚𝑀𝐴𝑋2 ×𝑥
−1
The absolute maximum x- error-value (MaxError=xi(MAX)- xi) can be calculated according Equation (20)
Equation (20)
MaxAbsError =
𝑥×(𝑚2 −𝑚𝑀𝐼𝑁2 )+∆𝑏
with b being an absolute number.
𝑚𝑀𝐼𝑁2
The relative maximum x-error (MaxRelError=( xi(MAX)- xi)/xi) can be calculated according Equation (21)
Equation (21)
MaxRelError =
𝑚2 𝑥×+∆𝑏
𝑚𝑀𝐼𝑁2 ×𝑥
−1=
𝑚2
𝑚𝑀𝐼𝑁2
+
∆𝑏
𝑚𝑀𝐼𝑁2 ×𝑥
− 1 with
b
being
an
absolute
number
Applying Power PROFET parameters to Equation (18) to Equation (21) results in Equation (22) to Equation (25).
Equation (22)
(1 +
MinAbsError = (𝐼𝐿 × (
1
𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑐𝑎𝑙)
1
−
𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑐𝑎𝑙) ×(1+
𝑀𝑖𝑛.∆(𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑐𝑎𝑙) )
100%
)−
∆𝐼𝐼𝑆0(𝑐𝑎𝑙)
106
)
) × 𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑐𝑎𝑙) ×
𝑀𝑖𝑛.∆(𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑐𝑎𝑙) )
100%
)
with Min.(dKIILIS(cal)) being a negative % value and with IIS0(cal) as µA value.
𝑀𝑖𝑛.∆(𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑐𝑎𝑙) )
Equation (23)
MinRelError =
𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑐𝑎𝑙) ×(1+
100%
)
−
𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑐𝑎𝑙)
∆𝐼𝐼𝑆0(𝑐𝑎𝑙) ×𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑐𝑎𝑙) ×(1+
𝑀𝑖𝑛.∆(𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑐𝑎𝑙) )
100%
)
𝐼𝐿 ×106
−1
with Min.(dKIILIS(cal)) being a negative % value and with IIS0(cal) as µA value.
Equation (24)
(1 +
MaxAbsError = (𝐼𝐿 × (
1
𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑐𝑎𝑙)
1
−
𝑀𝑎𝑥.∆(𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑐𝑎𝑙) )
𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑐𝑎𝑙) ×(1+
100%
)−
)
∆𝐼𝐼𝑆0(𝑐𝑎𝑙)
106
) × 𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑐𝑎𝑙) ×
𝑀𝑎𝑥.∆(𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑐𝑎𝑙) )
100%
)
with Max.(dKIILIS(cal)) being a positive % value and with IIS0(cal) as µA value being negative.
Equation (25)
MaxRelError =
𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑐𝑎𝑙) ×(1+
𝑀𝑎𝑥.∆(𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑐𝑎𝑙) )
100%
)
−
𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑐𝑎𝑙)
∆𝐼𝐼𝑆0(𝑐𝑎𝑙) ×𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑐𝑎𝑙) ×(1+
𝑀𝑎𝑥.∆(𝑑𝐾𝐼𝐿𝐼𝑆(𝑐𝑎𝑙) )
100%
𝐼𝐿×106
)
−1
with Max.(dKIILIS(cal)) being a positive % value and with IIS0(cal) as µA value being negative.
To show the possible accuracy improvement another BTS50015-1TAD example is outlined. Although the
example is based on a very specific sense current measurement, the resulting load current errors are valid also
for other sense current measurements as long as the IIS0(cal) and (dkKILIS(cal)) values remain.
Application Note
23
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
Calibration Techniques
Assuming an individual sense current of a BTS50015-1TAD was measured at Tj=25°C and IL1=10A and IL2=20A
showed a values of IIS1=0.3mA and IIS2=0.51mA. Considering that according the datasheet

the current sense ratio spread of (dkKILIS(cal)) varies between MIN-5% and MAX+5% and that

IIS0(cal) for any positive calculated sense offset current varies according to the differences of the
temperature dependant limits of Parameter P_6.1.42 between -65µA<=IIS0(cal)<=+65µA (see also chapter
4.1)
The following values can be drived:
The assumed typical current sense function follows the formula:
IIS=IL/dkILIS(cal)+IIS(0)=IL/47620+9E-5
with m=(y2-y1)/(x2-x1)= =(IIS(2)- IIS(1))/( IL(2)- IL(1))=( (5.1E-4-3E-4)/(20-10)=2.1E-5 or dkILIS(cal)=1/m=47620
And with IIS(0)= IIS(x1)- IL(x1)/dkILIS=0.0003-10/47620=9E-5
To derive the achievable accuracy of 1-point calibtarion

mMAX2 can be derived from m2 and (dkKILIS(cal)).
mMAX2=m2/(1-(dkKILIS(cal)))=2.1E-5/0.95=2.211E-5 or dkILIS(MIN)=1/mMAX2=45238

mMIN2 can be derived from m2 and (dkKILIS(CAL)).
mMIN2 m2/(1+(dkKILIS(cal)))= 2.1E-5/1.05=2E-5 or dkILIS(MIN)=1/mMAX2=50000

the offset calculation will result in b2+b=9E-5+6.5E-5=1.55E-4 and b2-b=9E-5-6.5E-5=-2.5E-5
Table 7shows the calculated absolute and relative errors for certain load currents for the example of BTS500151TAD with a calibration at Tj=25°C and at IL1=10A and IL2=20A.
Table 7
ILoad
minimum absolute minimum relative
ILoad error
ILoad error
Maximum
maximum relative
absolute ILoad error ILoad error
10A
-3.4A
-34%
+3.8A
+38%
20A
-3.9A
-20%
+4.3A
+21%
40A
-4.9A
-12%
+5.3A
+13%
60A
-5.9A
-10%
+6.3A
+10%
80A
-6.9A
-9%
+7.3A
+9%
100A
-7.9A
-8%
+8.3A
+8%
Comparing the content of Table 7 with 0 to Table 6 and Table 3 it can be seen that:

2-point calibration does achieve the best accuracy

Also at 2-point calibration the accuracy does depend on the load current. The higher the load current
is, the smaller the relative error and the better the overall accuracy will be. At very high load currents an
accuracy of ~8% can be achieved.
Application Note
24
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
Important considerations
5
Important considerations
In order to utilize the sense performance of Power PROFET, independent whether calibration is applied or not,
the following conditions have to be maintained:
 voltage conditions: in order to ensure that the sense circuitry works in the specified range a voltage drop
between the VS pin and the IS pin of minimum 5V is required (VS-VIS>=5V). This condition can have an impact
on the selection of the external Sense Resistor RIS especially if the Power PROFET has to operate at low
supply voltages (VS<=10V provided the IS signal is read and processed by a 5V micro controller).
 measurement range: the load current range, in which the current sense function can be used – independent
whether or not calibration is applied - is limited towards a lower load current IL0 and towards an upper load
current IL4 (see chapter 3.1).
 timings:
o whenever the Power Profet is commanded on by applying a positive IN signal, a certain time
has to be considered to allow the device to switch on and to allow the sense current to provide
a stable sense signal. According to the datasheet parameter P_6.1.48 the sense pin will provide
a 90% value of the final steady state value within the time tpIS(ON)_90. According to the datasheet
parameter P_6.1.49 the sense pin will provide the steady state value latest after tpIS(ON).
o whenever the Power Profet is already in on-state and the load current changes, a certain time
has to be considered to allow the sense circuit to adjust the sense current to the new, steady
state sense signal. According to the datasheet parameter P_6.1.51 the sense pin will provide
the new, steady state value within the time tpIS(LC).
Application Note
25
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
Calibrating Power PROFET
6
Calibrating Power PROFET
6.1
Calibration Nomenclature and Equations
The nomenclature used in the high-side power switch datasheets and the information presented earlier in this
application note references calibration information in terms of current. However, the analog-to-digital
converter (ADC) in the microcontroller that is used to monitor the IS (sense current) output from the high-side
switch reads voltages, not currents. Thus, the calibration techniques discussed below are presented in terms of
voltages because these are what the manufacturing test and application software read.
Consider the reference circuit illustrated in Figure 14 (the resistors RINPUT and RSENSE are for protection and have
no or minimal effect on the calibration calculations).
VS
+5V
RINPUT
VS
IN
µC
(e.g. XC866)
IL
OUT
RSENSE
IS
GND
IIS
+
VIS
–
IL
RL
RIS
GND
Figure 14
Reference circuit for calibration nomenclature
The analog sense current signal IIS flows through resistor RIS. The corresponding voltage potential VIS, which is
developed across this resistor, and which is seen by the microcontroller’s ADC input, is determined by Ohm’s
law as shown in Equation (26).
Equation (26)
VIS = IIS x R IS
With the exception of the No Calibration scenario discussed later in this application note, the initial values for
dkILIS(cal) and VIS0(cal) will be determined by manufacturing test and stored in the microcontroller’s non-volatile
memory for use by the application software.
Note: This application note assumes that manufacturing test will store VIS0(cal) (the voltage value in ADC counts) in
the microcontroller’s non-volatile memory; that is, it is assumed that manufacturing test will NOT store IIS0(cal)
(the current value).
Application Note
26
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
Calibrating Power PROFET
In case of a 1-point calibration dkILIS(cal) is assumed to be dkILIS(TYP), i.e. the typical value of datasheet parameter
P_6.1.41.
Equation (27)
d𝑘ILIS(cal) = d𝑘ILIS(TYP)
The individual offset is calculated
Equation (28)
VIS0(cal) = IIS0(cal) ∗ R IS = (IIS(x1) −
IL(x1)
dkILIS(TYP)
) ∗ R IS
with VIS0(cal) being positive or negative
In case of a 2-point calibration dkILIS(cal) is calculated as shown in Equation (29).
Equation (29)
d𝑘ILIS =
IL1 − IL2
V (I )
V (I )
( IS L1 ⁄R )− ( IS L2 ⁄R )
IS
IS
The load current IL can be calculated changing Equation (2) as following
Equation (30)
IL = d𝑘ILIS(cal) x (IIS − IIS0(cal) )
Considering and Equation (26) and Equation (28) the load current can be calculated by
Equation (31)
IL = d𝑘ILIS(cal) x (
VIS
RIS
−
VIS0(cal)
RIS
)
Factoring Equation (31) allows the application software to calculate the load current IL as shown in Equation
(32).
Equation (32)
IL =
𝑑𝑘KLIS(cal)
RIS
x (VIS − VIS0(cal) ) with VIS0(cal) being positive or negative
6.2
Application Software Implementation
6.2.1
No Calibration (No Cal)
With this calibration option, no calibration is performed by manufacturing test; thus, no individual varying
device values for VIS0(cal) and dkILIS(cal) are stored in the microcontroller’s non-volatile memory. Instead, the
application developer simply sets VIS0(cal) to zero, dkILIS(TYP) as specified in the datasheet and RIS according the
Application Note
27
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
Calibrating Power PROFET
used value. This scheme is the least expensive in terms of time and manufacturing cost, but it also yields the
least accuracy.
The term DUT (Device Under Test) refers to the high-side power switch that is being calibrated by
manufacturing test or measured by the application software. The flowchart in Figure 15 summarizes the
process used by the application software when the No Calibration option is being used.
During normal
output turn ON
Use
dkILIS(TYP) from
datasheet
Use
VIS0(cal)=0 from
NVM
Use
RIS from
NVM
Delay for
t > tsIS(ON)_90
(ideally t > tsIS(ON))
Convert/Read
DUT (VIS) with
µC ADC
Calculate IL using
Equation (32)
Figure 15
Use result IL for
diagnostics and
protection
Application software procedure for No Calibration option
During normal device/load turn-on cycles, the software reads the IS pin from the ADC after delaying for the
current sense settling time. It then uses the datasheet values for dkILIS(TYP) to calculate the load current IL using
Equation (32).
The application software would then compare the calculated load current value to diagnostic threshold limits
stored in the microcontroller’s non-volatile memory to determine the load condition (normal, short-to-battery,
short-to-ground, etc.)
6.2.2
1-point Calibration
With this calibration option, manufacturing test measures the value of VIS(x1) at load current IL(x1) at an ambient
temperature of 25°C. This measured value will be further processed into “calculated”, calibrated sense offset
VIS0(cal) which will be stored in the microcontroller’s non-volatile memory along with the typical datasheet value
of dkILIS(cal)=dkILIS(TYP) and RIS. These are the values that will be used by the application software.
Single-point calibration involves switching a known load at a known temperature (typically 25°C) and then
measuring the analog sense current. With conventional high-side switches, the polarity of the offset must be
determined and tracked such that the software can add or subtract the offset value from the measured values.
Figure 16 summarizes the process used by manufacturing test when the 1-point calibration option is being
used.
Application Note
28
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
Calibrating Power PROFET
Switch in Load #1
(IL1) to DUT output
to calibrate
Figure 16
Turn DUT output
ON to calibrate
Calculate VIS0(cal)
using
Equation (28)
Delay for
t > tsIS(ON)
Store VIS0(cal)
for future
calculations
Convert/Read
DUT ( VIS(IL1) )
With µC ADC
Store
RIS & dKILIS(TYP)
in NVM
Manufacturing test procedure for the 1-point calibration option
The manufacturing test turns the device input ON with a known load connected to the device, delays for the
current sense settling time and then reads and stores the corresponding VIS(IL1) value. Next the manufacturing
test software calculates the offset using Equation (28) and stores this value plus the datasheet values of
dkIILIS(typ) and the RIS value in the microcontroller’s non-volatile memory (NVM).
Figure 17 summarizes the process used by the application software when the 1-point calibration option is being
used.
During normal
output turn ON
Use
dkILIS(TYP) from
NVM
Use
VIS0(cal)) from
NVM
Use
RIS from
NVM
Delay for
t > tsIS(ON)_90
(ideally t > tsIS(ON))
Convert/Read
DUT (VIS) with
µC ADC
Calculate IL using
Equation (32)
Figure 17
Application Note
Use result IL for
diagnostics and
protection
Application software procedure for the 1-point calibration option
29
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
Calibrating Power PROFET
During normal device/load turn-on cycles, the software reads the IS pin from the ADC after delaying for the
current sense settling time. It then uses the values for dkILIS(TYP), VIS0(cal) and RIS stored in the microcontroller’s
non-volatile memory to calculate the load current IL using Equation (32). This load current is then compared to
normal or faulted threshold limits to determine the condition of the load.
6.2.3
2-Point Calibration
With this calibration option, manufacturing test measures two values of VIS(x) at two different load currents IL(x)
at an ambient temperature of 25°C. Both of these measured values, VIS(x1) at low load current IL(x1) and VIS(x2) at
higher load current IL(x2) will be stored in the microcontroller’s non-volatile memory to be used by the
application software.
Figure 18 summarizes the process used by manufacturing test when the 2-Point calibration option is being
used.
Figure 18
Switch in Load #1
(IL1) to DUT output
to calibrate
Switch in Load #2
(IL2) to DUT output
to calibrate
Turn DUT output
ON to calibrate
Delay for
t > tsIS(LC)
Delay for
t > tsIS(ON)
Convert/Read
DUT ( VIS(IL2) )
With µC ADC
Convert/Read
DUT ( VIS(IL1) )
With µC ADC
Store VIS(IL2)
for future
calculations
Calculate VIS(cal)
using
Equation (28)
Store VIS(IL1)
for future
calculations
Calculate dkILIS(cal)
using
Equation (29)
Store dkILIS0(cal),
VIS0(cal), RIS
in NVM
Manufacturing test procedure for the 2-Point calibration option
The manufacturing test turns the device input ON with a known load connected to the device, delays for the
current sense settling time, and then reads and stores the corresponding VIS(IL1) value. Then manufacturing test
changes to a higher current rated load, delays for the current sense settling time, and then reads and stores the
corresponding VIS(IL2) value again. Next the manufacturing test software calculates the slope using Equation
(29) and the offset using Equation (28) and stores these value plus the RIS value in the microcontroller’s nonvolatile memory (NVM).
Application Note
30
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
Calibrating Power PROFET
Figure 19 summarizes the process used by the application software when the 2-Point calibration option is being
used.
During normal
output turn ON
Use
dkILIS(cal) from
NVM
Use
VIS0(cal)) from
NVM
Use
RIS from
NVM
Delay for
t > tsIS(ON)_90
(ideally t > tsIS(ON))
Convert/Read
DUT (VIS) with
µC ADC
Calculate IL using
Equation (32)
Figure 19
Use result IL for
diagnostics and
protection
Application software procedure for the 2-Point calibration option
During normal device/load turn-on cycles, the software reads the IS pin from the ADC after delaying for the
current sense settling time. It then uses the values for dkILIS(cal), VIS0(cal) and RIS stored in the microcontroller’s nonvolatile memory to calculate the load current IL using Equation (32). This load current is then compared to
normal or faulted threshold limits to determine the condition of the load.
Application Note
31
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
Calibrating Power PROFET
6.3
Accuracy of Different Calibration Options
Figure 20 illustrates the accuracy provided by the various calibration options discussed above. In the case of
the sense current graphs, the red lines represent the typical slopes, the blue lines represent the maximum
deviation from typical, and the green lines represent the minimum deviation from typical.
Sense current
Sense current percentage error
+150%
+100%
+50%
0%
-50%
-100%
-150%
IIS
(a) No calibration
IL
IL
+150%
+100%
+50%
0%
-50%
-100%
-150%
IIS
(b) 1-Point
IL
(c) 2-Point
IL
Figure 20
~+15%
~-15%
IL
+150%
+100%
+50%
0%
-50%
-100%
-150%
IIS
~+22%
~-22%
~+8%
~-8%
IL
Accuracy of different calibration options
The sense current percentage error graphs clearly shows that 2-point calibration, although it requires the
highest effort during manufacturing test, offers the best accuracy performance.
Application Note
32
V1.0
2016-04-07
Improved SENSE Calibration and Benefits Guide
Conclusion
7
Conclusion
Current sensing is a well-accepted feature in high-side power switches. Devices with a traditional concept, to
which also Power PROFET belongs, have an offset current that deteriorates the current sense accuracy,
especially at lower load currents, and that may disable the current sense functionality below certain load
current thresholds IL(0).
In case of Power PROFET the “default” current sense performance offers a moderate accuracy. Whenever this
accuracy needs to be improved, 1-point or 2-point calibration can bring a significant accuracy improvement
especially at higher load currents thanks to the nature of Power PROFET sense variations. Nevertheless, even
with calibration the measureable load current range remains in the exact same range of IL = IL(0) to IL(4) as in the
case of the “default” sense performance.
Revision History
V1.0, 2016-04-07 (Major changes since the last revision)
Page or Reference
Application Note
Description of change
33
V1.0
2016-04-07
Trademarks of Infineon Technologies AG
µHVIC™, µIPM™, µPFC™, AU-ConvertIR™, AURIX™, C166™, CanPAK™, CIPOS™, CIPURSE™, CoolDP™, CoolGaN™, COOLiR™, CoolMOS™, CoolSET™, CoolSiC™,
DAVE™, DI-POL™, DirectFET™, DrBlade™, EasyPIM™, EconoBRIDGE™, EconoDUAL™, EconoPACK™, EconoPIM™, EiceDRIVER™, eupec™, FCOS™, GaNpowIR™,
HEXFET™, HITFET™, HybridPACK™, iMOTION™, IRAM™, ISOFACE™, IsoPACK™, LEDrivIR™, LITIX™, MIPAQ™, ModSTACK™, my-d™, NovalithIC™, OPTIGA™,
OptiMOS™, ORIGA™, PowIRaudio™, PowIRStage™, PrimePACK™, PrimeSTACK™, PROFET™, PRO-SIL™, RASIC™, REAL3™, SmartLEWIS™, SOLID FLASH™,
SPOC™, StrongIRFET™, SupIRBuck™, TEMPFET™, TRENCHSTOP™, TriCore™, UHVIC™, XHP™, XMC™
Trademarks updated November 2015
Other Trademarks
All referenced product or service names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Edition 2016-04-07
Published by
Infineon Technologies AG
81726 Munich, Germany
©ifx1owners.
2016 Infineon Technologies AG.
All Rights Reserved.
Do you have a question about this
document?
Email: [email protected]
Document reference
IMPORTANT NOTICE
The information contained in this application note
is given as a hint for the implementation of the
product only and shall in no event be regarded as a
description or warranty of a certain functionality,
condition or quality of the product. Before
implementation of the product, the recipient of this
application note must verify any function and other
technical information given herein in the real
application.
Infineon
Technologies
hereby
disclaims any and all warranties and liabilities of
any kind (including without limitation warranties of
non-infringement of intellectual property rights of
any third party) with respect to any and all
information given in this application note.
The data contained in this document is exclusively
intended for technically trained staff. It is the
responsibility of customer’s technical departments
to evaluate the suitability of the product for the
intended application and the completeness of the
product information given in this document with
respect to such application.
For further information on the product, technology,
delivery terms and conditions and prices please
contact your nearest Infineon Technologies office
(www.infineon.com).
WARNINGS
Due to technical requirements products may
contain dangerous substances. For information on
the types in question please contact your nearest
Infineon Technologies office.
Except as otherwise explicitly approved by Infineon
Technologies in a written document signed by
authorized
representatives
of
Infineon
Technologies, Infineon Technologies’ products may
not be used in any applications where a failure of
the product or any consequences of the use thereof
can reasonably be expected to result in personal
injury.