LTC3769 - 60V Low IQ Synchronous Boost Controller

LTC3769
60V Low IQ Synchronous
Boost Controller
FEATURES
DESCRIPTION
Synchronous Operation for Highest Efficiency and
Reduced Heat Dissipation
n Wide V Range: 4.5V to 60V (65V Abs Max);
IN
Operates Down to 2.3V After Start-Up
n Output Voltage Up to 60V
n ±1% 1.200V Reference Voltage
n R
SENSE or Inductor DCR Current Sensing
n 100% Duty Cycle Capability for Synchronous MOSFET
n Low Quiescent Current: 28μA
n Phase-Lockable Frequency (75kHz to 850kHz)
n Programmable Fixed Frequency (50kHz to 900kHz)
n Power Good Output Voltage Monitor
n Low Shutdown Current: 4µA
n Internal LDO Powers Gate Drive from VBIAS or EXTV
CC
n Thermally Enhanced Low Profile 24-Pin 4mm × 4mm
QFN Package and 20-Lead TSSOP Package
The LTC®3769 is a high performance single output synchronous boost converter controller that drives an all
N-channel power MOSFET stage. Synchronous rectification increases efficiency, reduces power losses and eases
thermal requirements, simplifying high power boost applications. The 28µA no-load quiescent current extends
operating run time in battery-powered systems.
n
APPLICATIONS
A 4.5V to 60V input supply range encompasses a wide
range of system architectures and battery chemistries.
When biased from the output of the boost converter or
another auxiliary supply, the LTC3769 can operate from an
input supply as low as 2.3V after start-up. The operating
frequency can be set within a 50kHz to 900kHz range or
synchronized to an external clock using the internal PLL.
The SS pin ramps the output voltage during start-up. The
PLLIN/MODE pin selects Burst Mode® operation, pulseskipping mode or forced continuous mode at light loads.
L, LT, LTC, LTM, Burst Mode, OPTI-LOOP, Linear Technology and the Linear logo are registered
trademarks of Linear Technology Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their
respective owners. Protected by U. S. Patents, including 5408150, 5481178, 5705919,
5929620, 6177787, 6498466, 6580258, 6611131.
Industrial
nAutomotive
nMedical
nMilitary
n
TYPICAL APPLICATION
120W, 12V to 24V/5A Synchronous Boost Converter
4mΩ
22µF
VBIAS
10nF
15nF
8.66K
220µF
RUN
SENSE+
SS
SENSE–
LTC3769
BG
TG
PLLIN/MODE
FREQ
10
90
1
EFFICIENCY
VOUT FOLLOWS VIN FOR VIN > 24V
ITH
100pF
100
VOUT
24V/5A
80
70
POWER
LOSS
0.1
60
POWER LOSS (W)
DOWN TO 2.3V
AFTER START-UP IF
VBIAS IS POWERED
FROM VOUT
3.3µH
EFFICIENCY (%)
VIN
4.5V TO 60V
Efficiency and Power Loss
vs Output Current
0.01
SW
50
0.1µF
BOOST
40
0.0001
OVMODE
INTVCC
ILIM
4.7µF
232k
0.1
1
0.001
0.01
OUTPUT CURRENT (A)
10
0.001
3769 TA01b
VFB
PGOOD
GND
EXTVCC
12.1k
3769 TA01a
3769fa
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1
LTC3769
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
(Notes 1, 3)
VBIAS......................................................... –0.3V to 65V
BOOST.........................................................–0.3V to 71V
SW................................................................. –5V to 65V
RUN.............................................................. –0.3V to 8V
Maximum Current Sourced into Pin
From Source >8V...............................................100µA
PGOOD, PLLIN/MODE .................................. –0.3V to 6V
INTVCC, (BOOST - SW)...................................–0.3V to 6V
EXTVCC....................................................... –0.3V to 14V
SENSE+, SENSE–......................................... –0.3V to 65V
(SENSE+ - SENSE–).............................................–0.3V to 0.3V
ILIM, SS, ITH, FREQ, PHASMD, VFB...... –0.3V to INTVCC
Operating Junction Temperature
Range (Note 2).........................................–55°C to 150°C
Storage Temperature Range................... –65°C to 150°C
Lead Temperature (Soldering, 10 sec) SSOP......... 300°C
PIN CONFIGURATION
PLLIN/MODE
5
RUN
6
SS
7
14 TG
SENSE–
8
13 SW
SENSE+
9
12 OVMODE
21
GND
VFB 10
16 ITH
25
GND
NC 4
15 VFB
INTVCC 5
14 SENSE+
NC 6
13 SENSE–
11 ITH
FE PACKAGE
20-LEAD PLASTIC TSSOP
TJMAX = 150°C, θJA = 38°C/W
EXPOSED PAD (PIN 21) IS GND, MUST BE SOLDERED TO PCB
17 OVMODE
ILIM 3
16 BG
15 BOOST
TG
17 INTVCC
BOOST
4
18 SW
PGOOD 2
7
8
9 10 11 12
SS
GND
BG
18 EXTVCC
RUN
3
INTVCC
FREQ
24 23 22 21 20 19
VBIAS 1
GND
19 VBIAS
PLLIN/MODE
20 PGOOD
2
GND
1
FREQ
ILIM
INTVCC
GND
TOP VIEW
EXTVCC
TOP VIEW
UF PACKAGE
24-LEAD (4mm × 4mm) PLASTIC QFN
TJMAX = 150°C, θJA = 47°C/W
EXPOSED PAD (PIN 25) IS GND, MUST BE SOLDERED TO PCB
ORDER INFORMATION
LEAD FREE FINISH
TAPE AND REEL
PART MARKING*
PACKAGE DESCRIPTION
TEMPERATURE RANGE
LTC3769EUF#PBF
LTC3769EUF#TRPBF
3769
24-Lead (4mm × 4mm) Plastic QFN
–40°C to 125°C
LTC3769IUF#PBF
LTC3769IUF#TRPBF
3769
24-Lead (4mm × 4mm) Plastic QFN
–40°C to 125°C
LTC3769HUF#PBF
LTC3769HUF#TRPBF
3769
24-Lead (4mm × 4mm) Plastic QFN
–40°C to 150°C
LTC3769MPUF#PBF
LTC3769MPUF#TRPBF
3769
24-Lead (4mm × 4mm) Plastic QFN
–55°C to 150°C
LTC3769EFE#PBF
LTC3769EFE#TRPBF
LTC3769FE
20-Lead Plastic SSOP
–40°C to 125°C
LTC3769IFE#PBF
LTC3769IFE#TRPBF
LTC3769FE
20-Lead Plastic SSOP
–40°C to 125°C
LTC3769HFE#PBF
LTC3769HFE#TRPBF
LTC3769FE
20-Lead Plastic SSOP
–40°C to 150°C
LTC3769MPFE#PBF
LTC3769MPFE#TRPBF
LTC3769FE
20-Lead Plastic SSOP
–55°C to 150°C
Consult LTC Marketing for parts specified with wider operating temperature ranges. *The temperature grade is identified by a label on the shipping container.
For more information on lead free part marking, go to: http://www.linear.com/leadfree/
For more information on tape and reel specifications, go to: http://www.linear.com/tapeandreel/
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LTC3769
ELECTRICAL
CHARACTERISTICS
The
l denotes the specifications which apply over the specified operating
junction temperature range, otherwise specifications are at TA = 25°C, VBIAS = 12V, unless otherwise noted (Note 2).
SYMBOL
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
Main Control Loop
VBIAS
Chip Bias Voltage Operating Range
SENSE Pins Common Mode Range (BOOST
VIN
Converter Input Supply Voltage)
Regulated Output Voltage Range
VOUT
Regulated Feedback Voltage
VFB
Feedback Current
Reference Line Voltage Regulation
Output Voltage Load Regulation
(Note 4)
IQ
Error Amplifier Transconductance
Input DC Supply Current (VBIAS Pin)
Pulse-Skipping or Forced Continuous Mode
Sleep Mode
Shutdown
SW Pin Current
UVLO
INTVCC Undervoltage Lockout Thresholds
VRUN
VSENSE(MAX)
RUN Pin ON Threshold
RUN Pin Hysteresis
RUN Pin Hysteresis Current
RUN Pin Current
Soft-Start Charge Current
Maximum Current Sense Threshold
tON(MIN)
SENSE+ Pin Current
SENSE– Pin Current
Top Gate Rise Time
Top Gate Fall Time
Bottom Gate Rise Time
Bottom Gate Fall Time
Top Gate Pull-Up Resistance
Top Gate Pull-Down Resistance
Bottom Gate Pull-Up Resistance
Bottom Gate Pull-Down Resistance
Top Gate Off to Bottom Gate On Switch-On
Delay Time
Bottom Gate Off to Top Gate On Switch-On
Delay Time
Maximum BG Duty Factor
Minimum BG On-Time
MIN
TYP
4.5
2.3
ITH = 1.2V (Note 4)
(Note 4)
VBIAS = 6V to 60V
Measured in Servo Loop;
ΔITH Voltage = 1.2V to 0.7V
Measured in Servo Loop;
ΔITH Voltage = 1.2V to 2V
ITH = 1.2V
(Note 5)
RUN = 5V; VFB = 1.25V (No Load)
RUN = 5V; VFB = 1.25V (No Load)
RUN = 0V
VSW = 12V; VBOOST = 16.5V;
FREQ = 0V, Forced Continuous or
Pulse-Skipping Mode
VINTVCC Ramping Up
VINTVCC Ramping Down
VRUN Rising
60
60
UNITS
V
V
l
1.200
±5
0.002
0.01
60V
1.212
±50
0.02
0.1
V
V
nA
%/V
%
l
–0.01
–0.1
%
l
VIN
1.188
MAX
2
0.9
28
4
700
45
10
CLOAD = 3300pF (Each Driver)
20
20
20
20
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2
30
CLOAD = 3300pF (Each Driver)
30
ns
(Note 7)
96
110
%
ns
VRUN > 1.28V
VRUN < 1.28V
VSS = GND
VFB = 1.1V, ILIM = INTVCC
VFB = 1.1V, ILIM = Float
VFB = 1.1V, ILIM = GND
VFB = 1.1V, ILIM = Float
VFB = 1.1V, ILIM = Float
CLOAD = 3300pF (Note 6)
CLOAD = 3300pF (Note 6)
CLOAD = 3300pF (Note 6)
CLOAD = 3300pF (Note 6)
l
3.6
1.18
l
l
l
7
90
68
42
4.3
mA
µA
µA
µA
V
V
V
mV
µA
µA
µA
mV
mV
mV
µA
µA
ns
ns
ns
ns
Ω
Ω
Ω
Ω
ns
l
l
4.1
3.8
1.28
100
4.5
0.5
10
100
75
50
200
mmho
1.38
13
110
82
56
300
±1
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LTC3769
ELECTRICAL
CHARACTERISTICS
The
l denotes the specifications which apply over the specified operating
junction temperature range, otherwise specifications are at TA = 25°C, VBIAS = 12V, unless otherwise noted (Note 2).
SYMBOL
PARAMETER
INTVCC Linear Regulator
Internal VCC Voltage
INTVCC Load Regulation
Internal VCC Voltage
INTVCC Load Regulation
EXTVCC Switchover Voltage
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
6V < VBIAS < 60V, VEXTVCC = 0
ICC = 0mA to 50mA
6V < VEXTVCC < 13V
ICC = 0mA to 40mA, VEXTVCC = 8.5V
EXTVCC Ramping Positive
5.2
5.4
0.5
5.4
0.5
4.8
5.6
2
5.6
2
5
5.2
l
4.5
EXTVCC Hysteresis
250
UNITS
V
%
V
%
V
mV
Oscillator and Phase-Locked Loop
Lowest Fixed Frequency
RFREQ = 25k
RFREQ = 60k
RFREQ = 100k
VFREQ = 0V
Highest Fixed Frequency
VFREQ = INTVCC
Synchronizable Frequency
PLLIN/MODE = External Clock
PGOOD Voltage Low
IPGOOD = 2mA
PGOOD Leakage Current
VPGOOD = 5V
PGOOD Trip Level
VFB with Respect to Set Regulated Voltage
VFB Ramping Negative
Hysteresis
VFB Ramping Positive
Hysteresis
Programmable Frequency
fLOW
320
105
400
760
350
488
535
335
l
75
380
kHz
kHz
kHz
kHz
585
kHz
850
kHz
0.4
V
±1
µA
–8
%
%
%
%
465
PGOOD Output
0.2
PGOOD Delay
PGOOD Going High to Low
OV Protection Threshold
VFB Ramping Positive, OVMODE = 0V
–12
8
–10
2.5
10
2.5
12
45
1.296
1.32
µs
1.344
V
BOOST Charge Pump
BOOST Charge Pump Available Output
Current
VSW = 12V; VBOOST – VSW = 4.5V;
FREQ = 0V, Forced Continuous or
Pulse-Skipping Mode
Note 1: Stresses beyond those listed under Absolute Maximum Ratings
may cause permanent damage to the device. Exposure to any Absolute
Maximum Rating condition for extended periods may affect device
reliability and lifetime.
Note 2: The LTC3769 is tested under pulsed load conditions such that
TJ ≈ TA. The LTC3769E is guaranteed to meet specifications from
0°C to 85°C junction temperature. Specifications over the –40°C to
125°C operating junction temperature range are assured by design,
characterization and correlation with statistical process controls. The
LTC3769I is guaranteed over the –40°C to 125°C operating junction
temperature range, the LTC3769H is guaranteed over the –40°C to 150°C
operating temperature range and the LTC3769MP is tested and guaranteed
over the full –55°C to 150°C operating junction temperature range. High
junction temperatures degrade operating lifetimes; operating lifetime
is derated for junction temperatures greater than 125°C. Note that the
maximum ambient temperature consistent with these specifications is
determined by specific operating conditions in conjunction with board
layout, the rated package thermal impedance and other environmental
factors. The junction temperature (TJ, in °C) is calculated from the ambient
55
µA
temperature (TA, in °C) and power dissipation (PD, in Watts) according to
the formula: TJ = TA + (PD • θJA), where θJA = 47°C/W for the QFN package
and θJA = 38°C/W for the TSSOP package.
Note 3: This IC includes overtemperature protection that is intended to
protect the device during momentary overload conditions. The maximum
rated junction temperature will be exceeded when this protection is active.
Continuous operation above the specified absolute maximum operating
junction temperature may impair device reliability or permanently damage
the device.
Note 4: The LTC3769 is tested in a feedback loop that servos VFB to the
output of the error amplifier while maintaining ITH at the midpoint of the
current limit range.
Note 5: Dynamic supply current is higher due to the gate charge being
delivered at the switching frequency.
Note 6: Rise and fall times are measured using 10% and 90% levels. Delay
times are measured using 50% levels.
Note 7: See Minimum On-Time Considerations in the Applications
Information section.
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LTC3769
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
TA = 25°C unless otherwise noted.
Efficiency and Power Loss
vs Output Current
Efficiency and Power Loss
vs Output Current
100
100
10
10
90
80
VIN = 12V
0.01
VOUT = 24V
FIGURE 8 CIRCUIT
FCM EFFICIENCY
0.001
FCM LOSS
PULSE-SKIPPING EFFICIENCY
PULSE-SKIPPING LOSS
0.0001
0.1
1
10
OUTPUT CURRENT (A)
40
30
20
10
0
0.01
EFFICIENCY (%)
0.1
50
80
POWER
LOSS
70
60
0.01
VIN = 12V
VOUT = 24V
FIGURE 8 CIRCUIT
50
40
0.0001
0.1
1
0.001
0.01
OUTPUT CURRENT (A)
3769 G01
100
ILOAD = 2A
FIGURE 8 CIRCUIT
99
EFFICIENCY (%)
98
VOUT = 24V
97
96
95
93
INDUCTOR
CURRENT
5A/DIV
LOAD STEP
2A/DIV
INDUCTOR
CURRENT
5A/DIV
VOUT
500mV/DIV
VOUT
500mV/DIV
VIN = 12V
200µs/DIV
VOUT = 24V
LOAD STEP FROM 200mA TO 2.5A
FIGURE 8 CIRCUIT
94
0
5
10
15
20
0.001
Load Step
Burst Mode Operation
LOAD STEP
2A/DIV
VOUT = 12V
10
3769 G02
Load Step
Forced Continuous Mode
Efficiency vs Input Voltage
0.1
POWER LOSS (W)
60
1
EFFICIENCY
POWER LOSS (W)
70
EFFICIENCY (%)
90
1
3769 G04
VIN = 12V
200µs/DIV
VOUT = 24V
LOAD STEP FROM 200mA TO 2.5A
FIGURE 8 CIRCUIT
3769 G05
25
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
3769 G03
Load Step
Pulse-Skipping Mode
Inductor Currents at Light Load
LOAD STEP
2A/DIV
INDUCTOR
CURRENT
5A/DIV
Soft Start-Up
FORCED
CONTINUOUS
MODE
Burst Mode
OPERATION
5A/DIV
PULSESKIPPING MODE
VOUT
500mV/DIV
VIN = 12V
200µs/DIV
VOUT = 24V
LOAD STEP FROM 200mA TO 2.5A
FIGURE 8 CIRCUIT
3769 G06
VOUT
5V/DIV
VIN = 12V
5µs/DIV
VOUT = 24V
ILOAD = 200µA
FIGURE 8 CIRCUIT
3769 G07
VRUN
5V/DIV
0V
20ms/DIV
VIN = 12V
VOUT = 24V
FIGURE 8 CIRCUIT
3769 G08
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LTC3769
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
Soft-Start Pull-Up Current
vs Temperature
Regulated Feedback Voltage
vs Temperature
6.0
5.5
1.206
1.203
1.200
1.197
1.194
SHUTDOWN CURRENT (µA)
1.209
SOFT-START CURRENT (µA)
10.5
10.0
9.5
1.191
9.0
–60 –35 –10 15 40 65 90 115 140
TEMPERATURE (°C)
3769 G09
4.5
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
Shutdown (RUN) Threshold
vs Temperature
1.40
50
VIN = 12V
45 VFB = 1.25V
RUN = GND
QUIESCENT CURRENT (µA)
7.5
5.0
2.5
1.35
40
35
30
25
20
5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
3769 G12
10
–60 –35 –10 15 40 65 90 115 140
TEMPERATURE (°C)
3769 G13
Undervoltage Lockout Threshold
vs Temperature
1.20
RUN FALLING
1.10
–60 –35 –10 15 40 65 90 115 140
TEMPERATURE (°C)
3769 G14
5.4
INTVCC RISING
5.3
INTVCC VOLTAGE (V)
4.1
4.0
3.8
1.25
5.5
4.3
3.9
RUN RISING
INTVCC Line Regulation
4.4
4.2
1.30
1.15
15
INTVCC VOLTAGE (V)
3769 G11
Quiescent Current vs Temperature
VIN = 12V
10.0
0
5.0
1.0
–60 –35 –10 15 40 65 90 115 140
TEMPERATURE (°C)
3769 G10
Shutdown Current vs Input Voltage
12.5
VIN = 12V
1.5
1.188
–60 –35 –10 15 40 65 90 115 140
TEMPERATURE (°C)
RUN PIN VOLTAGE (V)
REGULATED FEEDBACK VOLTAGE (V)
Shutdown Current vs Temperature
11.0
1.212
SHUTDOWN CURRENT (µA)
TA = 25°C unless otherwise noted.
INTVCC FALLING
3.7
5.2
5.1
5.0
4.9
4.8
3.6
4.7
3.5
4.6
3.4
–60 –35 –10 15 40 65 90 115 140
TEMPERATURE (°C)
3769 G15
4.5
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
3769 G16
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LTC3769
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
EXTVCC Switchover and INTVCC
Voltages vs Temperature
INTVCC vs INTVCC Load Current
6.0
VIN = 12V
EXTVCC = 0V
5.35
5.30
5.25
EXTVCC = 6V
5.15
5.10
5.05
5.00
0
FREQ = INTVCC
550
5.6
INTVCC
5.4
5.2
5.0
EXTVCC RISING
4.8
4.6
4.4
EXTVCC FALLING
4.2
MAXIMUM CURRENT SENSE VOLTAGE (mV)
356
354
352
350
348
346
344
342
5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
3769 G20
260
240
220
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
120
PULSE-SKIPPING MODE
Burst Mode
OPERATION
60
40
20
ILIM = GND
ILIM = FLOAT
ILIM = INTVCC
0
–20
FORCED CONTINUOUS MODE
–40
–60
0
0.2
0.4
0.6 0.8 1.0
ITH VOLTAGE (V)
SENSE Pin Input Current
vs ITH Voltage
VSENSE = 12V
SENSE+ PIN
SENSE – PIN
0
0.5
ILIM = INTVCC
ILIM = FLOAT
ILIM = GND
ILIM = INTVCC
ILIM = FLOAT
ILIM = GND
2
1.5
1
ITH VOLTAGE (V)
2.5
3
3769 G23
FREQ = GND
SENSE Pin Input Current
vs Temperature
100
80
400
3769 G19
Maximum Current Sense
Threshold vs ITH Voltage
SENSE CURRENT (µA)
340
SENSE CURRENT (µA)
OSCILLATOR FREQUENCY (kHz)
358
FREQ = GND
450
300
–60 –35 –10 15 40 65 90 115 140
TEMPERATURE (°C)
3769 G18
Oscillator Frequency
vs Input Voltage
500
350
4.0
–60 –35 –10 15 40 65 90 115 140
TEMPERATURE (°C)
20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
INTVCC LOAD CURRENT (mA)
3769 G17
360
FREQUENCY (kHz)
INTVCC VOLTAGE (V)
5.40
5.20
600
5.8
EXTVCC AND INTVCC VOLTAGE (V)
5.45
Oscillator Frequency
vs Temperature
SENSE CURRENT (µA)
5.50
TA = 25°C unless otherwise noted.
1.2
1.4
3769 G21
260
240
220
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
260
VSENSE = 12V
240
ILIM = FLOAT
220
SENSE+ PIN
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
SENSE – PIN
0
–60 –35 –10 15 40 65 90 115 140
TEMPERATURE (°C)
3769 G22
SENSE Pin Input Current
vs VSENSE Voltage
SENSE+ PIN
ILIM = INTVCC
ILIM = FLOAT
ILIM = GND
SENSE– PIN
ILIM = INTVCC
ILIM = FLOAT
ILIM = GND
5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65
VSENSE COMMON MODE VOLTAGE (V)
3769 G24
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LTC3769
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
Charge Pump Charging Current
vs Operating Frequency
70
ILIM = FLOAT
80
60
ILIM = GND
40
20
0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
DUTY CYCLE (%)
T = –60°C
70
T = –45°C
60
50
T = 25°C
40
T = 130°C
30
T = 155°C
20
10
0
50
150 250 350 450 550 650 750
OPERATING FREQUENCY (kHz)
3769 G26
3769 G25
PIN FUNCTIONS
CHARGE PUMP CHARGING CURRENT (µA)
ILIM = INTVCC
100
0
Charge Pump Charging Current
vs Switch Voltage
80
120
CHARGE PUMP CHARGING CURRENT (µA)
MAXIMUM CURRENT SENSE VOLTAGE (mV)
Maximum Current Sense
Threshold vs Duty Cycle
TA = 25°C unless otherwise noted.
FREQ = GND
60
FREQ = INTVCC
50
40
30
20
10
0
5
15
25
35
45
SWITCH VOLTAGE (V)
55
65
3769 G27
(QFN/TSSOP)
VBIAS (Pin 1/Pin 19): Main Supply Pin. It is normally
tied to the input supply VIN or to the output of the boost
converter. A bypass capacitor should be tied between this
pin and the signal ground pin. The operating voltage range
on this pin is 4.5V to 60V (65V abs max).
PGOOD (Pin 2/Pin 20): Power Good Indicator. Open-drain
logic output that is pulled to ground when the output voltage is more than ±10% away from the regulated output
voltage. To avoid false trips the output voltage must be
outside the range for 45μs before this output is activated.
ILIM (Pin 3/Pin 1): Current Comparator Sense Voltage
Range Input. This pin is used to set the peak current
sense voltage in the current comparator. Connect this
pin to SGND, leave floating or connect to INTVCC to set
the peak current sense voltage to 50mV, 75mV or 100mV,
respectively.
INTVCC (Pins 5, 22/Pins 2, 17): Output of Internal 5.4V LDO.
Power supply for control circuits and gate drivers. Decouple pin 22/17 to GND with a minimum 4.7μF low ESR
ceramic capacitor. Connect pin 5/2 to pin 22/17 with a
trace on the printed circuit board.
FREQ (Pin 7/Pin 3): Frequency Control Pin for the Internal
VCO. Connecting the pin to GND forces the VCO to a fixed
low frequency of 350kHz. Connecting the pin to INTVCC
forces the VCO to a fixed high frequency of 535kHz. The
frequency can be programmed from 50kHz to 900kHz
by connecting a resistor from the FREQ pin to GND. The
resistor and an internal 20μA source current create a voltage used by the internal oscillator to set the frequency.
Alternatively, this pin can be driven with a DC voltage to
vary the frequency of the internal oscillator.
GND (Pin 8, 10, 24, Exposed Pad Pin 25/ Pin 4, Exposed
Pad Pin 21): Ground. All ground pins must be connected
and the exposed pad must be soldered to the PCB for
rated electrical and thermal performance.
PLLIN/MODE (Pin 9/Pin 5): External Synchronization
Input to Phase Detector and Forced Continuous Mode
Input. When an external clock is applied to this pin, the
phase-locked loop will force the rising edge of BG to be
synchronized with the rising edge of the external clock.
When an external clock is applied to this pin, the OVMODE
pin is used to determine how the LTC3769 operates at light
load. When not synchronizing to an external clock, this
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For more information www.linear.com/LTC3769
LTC3769
PIN FUNCTIONS
(QFN/TSSOP)
input determines how the LTC3769 operates at light loads.
Pulling this pin to ground selects Burst Mode operation.
An internal 100k resistor to ground also invokes Burst
Mode operation when the pin is floated. Tying this pin
to INTVCC forces continuous inductor current operation.
Tying this pin to a voltage greater than 1.2V and less than
INTVCC – 1.3V selects pulse-skipping operation. This can
be done by adding a 100k resistor between the PLLIN/
MODE pin and INTVCC.
RUN (Pin 11/Pin 6): Run Control Input. Forcing this pin
below 1.28V shuts down the controller. Forcing this pin
below 0.7V shuts down the entire LTC3769, reducing
quiescent current to approximately 4µA. An external
resistor divider connected to VIN can set the threshold
for converter operation. Once running, a 4.5µA current is
sourced from the RUN pin allowing the user to program
hysteresis using the resistor values.
SS (Pin 12/Pin 7): Output Soft-Start Input. A capacitor to
ground at this pin sets the ramp rate of the output voltage
during start-up.
SENSE– (Pin 13/Pin 8): Negative Current Sense Comparator
Input. The (–) input to the current comparator is normally
connected to the negative terminal of a current sense
resistor connected in series with the inductor.
SENSE+ (Pin 14/Pin 9): Positive Current Sense Comparator
Input. The (+) input to the current comparator is normally
connected to the positive terminal of a current sense resistor. The current sense resistor is normally placed at the
input of the boost controller in series with the inductor.
This pin also supplies power to the current comparator.
The common mode voltage range on SENSE+ and SENSE–
pins is 2.3V to 60V (65V abs max).
VFB (Pin 15/Pin 10): Error Amplifier Feedback Input. This
pin receives the remotely sensed feedback voltage from
an external resistive divider connected across the output.
ITH (Pin 16/Pin 11): Current Control Threshold and Error
Amplifier Compensation Point. The voltage on this pin sets
the current trip threshold.
OVMODE (Pin 17/Pin 12): Overvoltage Mode Selection
Input. This pin is used to select how the LTC3769 operates
when the output feedback voltage (VFB) is overvoltage
(>110% of its normal regulated point of 1.2V). It is also
used to determine the light-load mode of operation when
the LTC3769 is synchronized to an external clock through
the PLLIN/MODE pin.
When OVMODE is tied to ground, overvoltage protection
is enabled and the top MOSFET gate (TG) is turned on
continuously until the overvoltage condition is cleared.
When OVMODE is grounded, the LTC3769 operates in
forced continuous mode when synchronized. There is an
internal weak pull-down resistor that pulls the OVMODE
pin to ground when it is left floating.
When OVMODE is tied to INTVCC, overvoltage protection
is disabled and TG is not forced on during an overvoltage event. Instead, the state of TG is determined by the
mode of operation selected by the PLLIN/MODE pin and
the inductor current. See the Operation section for more
details. When OVMODE is tied to INTVCC, the LTC3769
operates in pulse-skipping mode when synchronized.
SW (Pin 18/Pin 13): Switch Node. Connect to the source
of the synchronous N-channel MOSFET, the drain of the
main N-channel MOSFET and the inductor.
TG (Pin 19/Pin 14): Top Gate. Connect to the gate of the
synchronous N-channel MOSFET.
BOOST (Pin 20/Pin 15): Floating power supply for the
synchronous N-channel MOSFET. Bypass to SW with a
capacitor and supply with a Schottky diode connected
to INTVCC.
BG (Pin 21/Pin 16): Bottom Gate. Connect to the gate of
the main N-channel MOSFET.
EXTVCC (Pin 23/Pin 18): External Power Input to an internal
LDO Connected to INTVCC. This LDO supplies INTVCC power,
bypassing the internal LDO powered from VBIAS whenever
EXTVCC is higher than 4.7V. See EXTVCC Connection in the
Applications Information section. Do not float or exceed
14V on this pin. Connect to ground if not used.
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9
LTC3769
BLOCK DIAGRAM
INTVCC
S
Q
R
SHDN
SWITCHING
LOGIC
AND
CHARGE
PUMP
20µA
FREQ
VCO
CLK
0.425V
+
BOOST
DB
TG
CB
VOUT
SW
INTVCC
COUT
BG
SLEEP
PGND
–
PFD
–
ICMP
+
– +
+
IREV
–
+ –
2mV
OVMODE
SENSE –
2.8V
0.7V
5M
PLLIN/
MODE
SYNC
DET
ILIM
SENSE+
SLOPE COMP
SENS LO
100k
VIN
–
CIN
2.3V
VFB
CURRENT
LIMIT
–
EA +
+
SHDN
EXTVCC
5.4V
LDO
EN
5.4V
LDO
EN
–
OV
+
3.8V
10µA
INTVCC
1.32V
11V
SGND
RUN
+
–
1.32V
CC
+
PGOOD
CC2
RC
–
VFB
SHDN
1.2V
SS
ITH
0.5µA/
4.5µA
+
–
RSENSE
+
VBIAS
4.8V
L
SENS
LO
SS
1.08V
+
–
3769 BD
CSS
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LTC3769
OPERATION
Main Control Loop
The LTC3769 uses a constant-frequency, current mode
step-up architecture. During normal operation, each
external bottom MOSFET is turned on when the clock for
that channel sets the RS latch, and is turned off when the
main current comparator, ICMP, resets the RS latch. The
peak inductor current at which ICMP trips and resets the
latch is controlled by the voltage on the ITH pin, which is
the output of the error amplifier EA. The error amplifier
compares the output voltage feedback signal at the VFB
pin (which is generated with an external resistor divider
connected across the output voltage, VOUT , to ground), to
the internal 1.200V reference voltage. In a boost converter,
the required inductor current is determined by the load
current, VIN and VOUT . When the load current increases,
it causes a slight decrease in VFB relative to the reference,
which causes the EA to increase the ITH voltage until the
average inductor current in each channel matches the new
requirement based on the new load current.
After the bottom MOSFET is turned off each cycle, the
top MOSFET is turned on until either the inductor current
starts to reverse, as indicated by the current comparator,
IREV, or the beginning of the next clock cycle.
INTVCC/EXTVCC Power
Power for the top and bottom MOSFET drivers and most
other internal circuitry is derived from the INTVCC pin.
When the EXTVCC pin is tied to a voltage less than 4.8V,
the VBIAS LDO (low dropout linear regulator) supplies
5.4V from VBIAS to INTVCC. If EXTVCC is taken above
4.8V, the VBIAS LDO is turned off and an EXTVCC LDO is
turned on. Once enabled, the EXTVCC LDO supplies 5.4V
from EXTVCC to INTVCC. Using the EXTVCC pin allows the
INTVCC power to be derived from an external source, thus
removing the power dissipation of the VBIAS LDO.
Shutdown and Start-Up (RUN and SS Pins)
The LTC3769 can be shut down using the RUN pin. Pulling
this pin below 1.28V shuts down the main control loops.
Pulling this pin below 0.7V disables the controller and
most internal circuits, including the INTVCC LDOs. In this
state, the LTC3769 draws only 4μA of quiescent current.
NOTE: Do not apply a heavy load to the boost converter for
an extended time while the LTC3769 is in shutdown. The
top MOSFET is turned off during shutdown and the output
load may cause excessive dissipation in the body diode.
The RUN pin may be externally pulled up or driven directly
by logic. When driving the RUN pin with a low impedance
source, do not exceed the absolute maximum rating of
8V. The RUN pin has an internal 11V voltage clamp that
allows the RUN pin to be connected through a resistor to
a higher voltage (for example, VIN), as long as the maximum current into the RUN pin does not exceed 100μA.
An external resistor divider connected to VIN can set the
threshold for converter operation. Once running, a 4.5μA
current is sourced from the RUN pin allowing the user to
program hysteresis using the resistor values.
The start-up of the controller’s output voltage VOUT is
controlled by the voltage on the SS pin. When the voltage
on the SS pin is less than the 1.2V internal reference, the
LTC3769 regulates the VFB voltage to the SS pin voltage
instead of the 1.2V reference. This allows the SS pin to
be used to program a soft-start by connecting an external
capacitor from the SS pin to SGND. An internal 10μA
pull‑up current charges this capacitor creating a voltage
ramp on the SS pin. As the SS voltage rises linearly from
0V to 1.2V (and beyond up to INTVCC), the output voltage
rises smoothly to its final value.
Light Load Current Operation—Burst Mode Operation,
Pulse-Skipping or Continuous Conduction
(PLLIN/MODE Pin)
The LTC3769 can be enabled to enter high efficiency Burst
Mode operation, constant-frequency, pulse-skipping
mode or forced continuous conduction mode at low
load currents. To select Burst Mode operation, tie the
PLLIN/MODE pin to ground (e.g., SGND). To select
forced continuous operation, tie the PLLIN/MODE pin to
INTVCC. To select pulse-skipping mode, tie the PLLIN/
MODE pin to a DC voltage greater than 1.2V and less
than INTVCC – 1.3V.
When the controller is enabled for Burst Mode operation, the minimum peak current in the inductor is set to
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11
LTC3769
OPERATION
approximately 30% of the maximum sense voltage even
though the voltage on the ITH pin indicates a lower value.
If the average inductor current is higher than the required
current, the error amplifier EA will decrease the voltage
on the ITH pin. When the ITH voltage drops below 0.425V,
the internal sleep signal goes high (enabling sleep mode)
and both external MOSFETs are turned off.
In sleep mode much of the internal circuitry is turned off
and the LTC3769 draws only 28μA of quiescent current.
In sleep mode the load current is supplied by the output
capacitor. As the output voltage decreases, the EA’s output
begins to rise. When the output voltage drops enough, the
sleep signal goes low and the controller resumes normal
operation by turning on the bottom external MOSFET on
the next cycle of the internal oscillator.
When the controller is enabled for Burst Mode operation,
the inductor current is not allowed to reverse. The reverse
current comparator (IREV) turns off the top external MOSFET
just before the inductor current reaches zero, preventing
it from reversing and going negative. Thus, the controller
operates in discontinuous current operation.
In forced continuous operation or when clocked by an
external clock source to use the phase-locked loop (see
the Frequency Selection and Phase-Locked Loop section),
the inductor current is allowed to reverse at light loads or
under large transient conditions. The peak inductor current is determined by the voltage on the ITH pin, just as
in normal operation. In this mode, the efficiency at light
loads is lower than in Burst Mode operation. However,
continuous operation has the advantages of lower output
voltage ripple and less interference to audio circuitry, as
it maintains constant-frequency operation independent
of load current.
When the PLLIN/MODE pin is connected for pulse-skipping
mode, the LTC3769 operates in PWM pulse-skipping mode
at light loads. In this mode, constant-frequency operation
is maintained down to approximately 1% of designed
maximum output current. At very light loads, the current
comparator ICMP may remain tripped for several cycles
and force the external bottom MOSFET to stay off for
the same number of cycles (i.e., skipping pulses). The
inductor current is not allowed to reverse (discontinuous
operation). This mode, like forced continuous operation,
exhibits low output ripple as well as low audio noise and
reduced RF interference as compared to Burst Mode
operation. It provides higher low current efficiency than
forced continuous mode, but not nearly as high as Burst
Mode operation.
Frequency Selection and Phase-Locked Loop
(FREQ and PLLIN/MODE Pins)
The selection of switching frequency is a trade-off between
efficiency and component size. Low frequency operation increases efficiency by reducing MOSFET switching
losses, but requires larger inductance and/or capacitance
to maintain low output ripple voltage.
The switching frequency of the LTC3769’s controllers can
be selected using the FREQ pin.
If the PLLIN/MODE pin is not being driven by an external
clock source, the FREQ pin can be tied to SGND, tied to
INTVCC, or programmed through an external resistor. Tying
FREQ to SGND selects 350kHz while tying FREQ to INTVCC
selects 535kHz. Placing a resistor between FREQ and SGND
allows the frequency to be programmed between 50kHz
and 900kHz, as shown in Figure 7.
A phase-locked loop (PLL) is available on the LTC3769
to synchronize the internal oscillator to an external clock
source that is connected to the PLLIN/MODE pin. The
LTC3769’s phase detector adjusts the voltage (through an
internal lowpass filter) of the VCO input so that the turn-on
of the external bottom MOSFET is 180° out-of-phase to
the rising edge of the external clock source. When synchronized, the LTC3769 will operate in forced continuous
mode of operation if the OVMODE pin is grounded. If the
OVMODE pin is tied to INTVCC, the LTC3769 will operate
in pulse-skipping mode of operation when synchronized.
The VCO input voltage is prebiased to the operating frequency set by the FREQ pin before the external clock is
applied. If prebiased near the external clock frequency,
the PLL loop only needs to make slight changes to the
VCO input in order to synchronize the rising edge of the
external clock’s to the rising edge of BG1. The ability to
prebias the loop filter allows the PLL to lock-in rapidly
without deviating far from the desired frequency.
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LTC3769
OPERATION
The typical capture range of the LTC3769’s PLL is from
approximately 55kHz to 1MHz, and is guaranteed to lock
to an external clock source whose frequency is between
75kHz and 850kHz.
The typical input clock thresholds on the PLLIN/MODE
pin are 1.6V (rising) and 1.2V (falling). The recommended
maximum amplitude for low level and minimum amplitude
for high level of external clock are 0V and 2.5V, respectively.
Operation When VIN > Regulated VOUT
Power Good
The PGOOD pin is connected to an open drain of an
internal N-channel MOSFET. The MOSFET turns on and
pulls the PGOOD pin low when the VFB pin voltage is not
within ±10% of the 1.2V reference voltage. The PGOOD
pin is also pulled low when the corresponding RUN pin
is low (shut down). When the VFB pin voltage is within
the ±10% requirement, the MOSFET is turned off and the
pin is allowed to be pulled up by an external resistor to a
source of up to 6V (abs max).
When VIN rises above the regulated VOUT voltage, the boost
controller can behave differently depending on the mode,
inductor current and VIN voltage. In forced continuous
mode, the control loop works to keep the top MOSFET on
continuously once VIN rises above VOUT. The internal charge
pump delivers current to the boost capacitor to maintain
a sufficiently high TG voltage. The amount of current the
charge pump can deliver is characterized by two curves
in the Typical Performance Characteristics section.
Overvoltage Mode Selection
In pulse-skipping mode, if VIN is between 100% and
110% of the regulated VOUT voltage, TG turns on if the
inductor current rises above a certain threshold and turns
off if the inductor current falls below this threshold. This
threshold current is set to approximately 6%, 4% or
3% of the maximum ILIM current when the ILIM pin is
grounded, floating or tied to INTVCC, respectively. If the
controller is programmed to Burst Mode operation under
this same VIN window, then TG remains off regardless of
the inductor current.
The OVMODE pin is a logic input that should normally be
tied to INTVCC or grounded. Alternatively, the pin can be
left floating, which allow a weak internal resistor to pull
it down to ground.
If the OVMODE pin is grounded and VIN rises above 110%
of the regulated VOUT voltage in any mode, the controller
turns on TG regardless of the inductor current. In Burst
Mode operation, however, the internal charge pump turns
off if the chip is asleep. With the charge pump off, there
would be nothing to prevent the boost capacitor from
discharging, resulting in an insufficient TG voltage needed
to keep the top MOSFET completely on. To prevent excessive power dissipation across the body diode of the top
MOSFET in this situation, the chip can be switched over
to forced continuous mode to enable the charge pump;
a Schottky diode can also be placed in parallel with the
top MOSFET.
The OVMODE pin is used to select how the LTC3769
operates during an overvoltage event, defined as when
the output feedback voltage (VFB) is greater than 110%
of its normal regulated point of 1.2V. It is also used to
determine the light-load mode of operation when the
LTC3769 is synchronized to an external clock through the
PLLIN/MODE pin.
OVMODE = INTVCC: An overvoltage event causes the
error amplifier to pull the ITH pin low. In Burst Mode
operation, this causes the LTC3769 to go to sleep and TG
and BG are held off. In pulse-skipping mode, BG is held
off and TG will turn on if the inductor current is positive.
In forced continuous mode, TG (and BG) will switch on
and off as the LTC3769 will regulate the inductor current
to a negative peak value (corresponding to ITH = 0V) to
discharge the output.
When OVMODE is tied to INTVCC, the LTC3769 operates
in pulse-skipping mode when synchronized.
In summary, with OVMODE = INTVCC, the inductor current is not allowed to go negative (reverse from output to
input) except in forced continuous mode, where it does
reverse current but in a controlled manner with a regulated
negative peak current. OVMODE should be tied to INTVCC
in applications where the output voltage may sometimes
be above its regulation point (for example, if the output
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13
LTC3769
OPERATION
is a battery or if there are other power supplies driving
the output) and no reverse current flow from output to
input is desired.
OVMODE Grounded or Left Floating: When OVMODE is
grounded or left floating, overvoltage protection is enabled
and TG is turned on continuously until the overvoltage
condition is cleared, regardless of whether Burst Mode
operation, pulse-skipping mode, or forced continuous
mode is selected by the PLLIN/MODE pin. This can cause
large negative inductor currents to flow from the output
to the input if the output voltage is higher than the input
voltage.
Note however that in Burst Mode operation, the LTC3769
is in sleep during an overvoltage condition, which disables
the internal oscillator and BOOST-SW charge pump. So the
BOOST-SW voltage may discharge (due to leakage) if the
overvoltage conditions persists indefinitely. If BOOST-SW
discharges, then by definition TG would turn off.
When OVMODE is grounded or left floating, the LTC3769
operates in forced continuous mode when synchronized.
OVMODE should be tied to ground or left floating in circuits, such as automotive applications, where the input
voltage can often be above the regulated output voltage
and it is desirable to turn on TG to “pass through” the
input voltage to the output.
Operation at Low SENSE Pin Common Mode Voltage
The current comparator in the LTC3769 is powered directly
from the SENSE+ pin. This enables the common mode
voltage of the SENSE+ and SENSE– pins to operate at as
low as 2.3V, which is below the UVLO threshold. Figure 10
shows a typical application in which the controller’s VBIAS
is powered from VOUT while the VIN supply can go as low
as 2.3V. If the voltage on SENSE+ drops below 2.3V, the
SS pin will be held low. When the SENSE voltage returns
to the normal operating range, the SS pin will be released,
initiating a new soft-start cycle.
BOOST Supply Refresh and Internal Charge Pump
The top MOSFET driver is biased from the floating bootstrap
capacitor, CB, which normally recharges during each cycle
through an external diode when the bottom MOSFET turns
on. There are two considerations for keeping the BOOST
supply at the required bias level. During start-up, if the
bottom MOSFET is not turned on within 200μs after UVLO
goes low, the bottom MOSFET will be forced to turn on for
~400ns. This forced refresh generates enough BOOST-SW
voltage to allow the top MOSFET ready to be fully enhanced
instead of waiting for the initial few cycles to charge up.
There is also an internal charge pump that keeps the required
bias on BOOST. The charge pump always operates in both
forced continuous mode and pulse-skipping mode. In Burst
Mode operation, the charge pump is turned off during sleep
and enabled when the chip wakes up. The internal charge
pump can normally supply a charging current of 55μA.
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LTC3769
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
The Typical Application on the first page is a basic LTC3769
application circuit. The LTC3769 can be configured to use
either inductor DCR (DC resistance) sensing or a discrete
sense resistor (RSENSE) for current sensing. The choice
between the two current sensing schemes is largely a
design trade-off between cost, power consumption and
accuracy. DCR sensing is becoming popular because it
does not require current sensing resistors and is more
power-efficient, especially in high current applications.
However, current sensing resistors provide the most
accurate current limits for the controller. Other external
component selection is driven by the load requirement,
and begins with the selection of RSENSE (if RSENSE is used)
and inductor value. Next, the power MOSFETs are selected.
Finally, input and output capacitors are selected.
SENSE+ and SENSE– Pins
The SENSE+ pin also provides power to the current comparator. It draws ~200μA during normal operation. There
is a small base current of less than 1μA that flows into
the SENSE– pin. The high impedance SENSE– input to the
current comparators allows accurate DCR sensing.
Filter components mutual to the sense lines should be
placed close to the LTC3769, and the sense lines should
run close together to a Kelvin connection underneath the
current sense element (shown in Figure 1). Sensing current elsewhere can effectively add parasitic inductance
and capacitance to the current sense element, degrading
the information at the sense terminals and making the
programmed current limit unpredictable. If DCR sensing
is used (Figure 2b), resistor R1 should be placed close to
the switching node, to prevent noise from coupling into
sensitive small-signal nodes.
The SENSE+ and SENSE– pins are the inputs to the current comparators. The common mode input voltage range
of the current comparators is 2.3V to 60V. The current
sense resistor is normally placed at the input of the boost
controller in series with the inductor.
TO SENSE FILTER,
NEXT TO THE CONTROLLER
VIN
INDUCTOR OR RSENSE
3769 F01
Figure 1. Sense Lines Placement with
Inductor or Sense Resistor
VBIAS
VBIAS
VIN
VIN
SENSE+
SENSE+
C1
(OPTIONAL)
R2
DCR
SENSE–
SENSE–
INTVCC
INTVCC
LTC3769
LTC3769
BOOST
BOOST
TG
TG
L
INDUCTOR
VOUT
SW
VOUT
SW
R1
BG
BG
GND
GND
3769 F02b
3769 F02a
PLACE C1 NEAR SENSE PINS
(2a) Using a Resistor to Sense Current
(R1||R2) • C1 =
L
DCR
RSENSE(EQ) = DCR •
R2
R1 + R2
(2b) Using the Inductor DCR to Sense Current
Figure 2. Two Different Methods of Sensing Current
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15
LTC3769
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
Sense Resistor Current Sensing
A typical sensing circuit using a discrete resistor is shown
in Figure 2a. RSENSE is chosen based on the required
output current.
The current comparator has a maximum threshold
VSENSE(MAX). When the ILIM pin is grounded, floating or
tied to INTVCC, the maximum threshold is set to 50mV,
75mV or 100mV, respectively. The current comparator
threshold sets the peak of the inductor current, yielding
a maximum average inductor current, IMAX, equal to the
peak value less half the peak-to-peak ripple current, ΔIL.
To calculate the sense resistor value, use the equation:
RSENSE =
VSENSE(MAX)
ΔI
IMAX + L
2
Using the inductor ripple current value from the inductor value calculation section, the target sense resistor
value is:
RSENSE(EQUIV) =
The actual value of IMAX depends on the required output
current IOUT(MAX) and can be calculated using:
IMAX = IOUT(MAX) •
If the external R1||R2 • C1 time constant is chosen to be
exactly equal to the L/DCR time constant, the voltage drop
across the external capacitor is equal to the drop across
the inductor DCR multiplied by R2/(R1 + R2). R2 scales the
voltage across the sense terminals for applications where
the DCR is greater than the target sense resistor value.
To properly dimension the external filter components, the
DCR of the inductor must be known. It can be measured
using a good RLC meter, but the DCR tolerance is not
always the same and varies with temperature. Consult
the manufacturers’ data sheets for detailed information.
VOUT
VIN
When using the controller in low VIN and very high voltage
output applications, the maximum inductor current and
correspondingly the maximum output current level will
be reduced due to the internal compensation required to
meet stability criterion for boost regulators operating at
greater than 50% duty factor. A curve is provided in the
Typical Performance Characteristics section to estimate
this reduction in peak inductor current level depending
upon the operating duty factor.
Inductor DCR Sensing
For applications requiring the highest possible efficiency
at high load currents, the LTC3769 is capable of sensing
the voltage drop across the inductor DCR, as shown in
Figure 2b. The DCR of the inductor can be less than 1mΩ
for high current inductors. In a high current application
requiring such an inductor, conduction loss through a
sense resistor could reduce the efficiency by a few percent
compared to DCR sensing.
VSENSE(MAX)
ΔI
IMAX + L
2
To ensure that the application will deliver full load current
over the full operating temperature range, choose the
minimum value for the maximum current sense threshold
(VSENSE(MAX)).
Next, determine the DCR of the inductor. Where provided,
use the manufacturer’s maximum value, usually given at
20°C. Increase this value to account for the temperature
coefficient of resistance, which is approximately 0.4%/°C.
A conservative value for the maximum inductor temperature
(TL(MAX)) is 100°C.
To scale the maximum inductor DCR to the desired sense
resistor value, use the divider ratio:
RD =
RSENSE(EQUIV)
DCRMAX at TL(MAX)
C1 is usually selected to be in the range of 0.1μF to 0.47μF.
This forces R1|| R2 to around 2k, reducing error that might
have been caused by the SENSE– pin’s ±1μA current.
The equivalent resistance R1|| R2 is scaled to the room
temperature inductance and maximum DCR:
R1||R2 =
L
(DCR at 20°C)•C1
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The sense resistor values are:
R1=
R1||R2
R1•RD
; R2 =
RD
1−RD
The maximum power loss in R1 is related to duty cycle,
and will occur in continuous mode at VIN = 1/2VOUT :
PLOSS_R1 =
(VOUT − VIN )• VIN
R1
Ensure that R1 has a power rating higher than this value.
If high efficiency is necessary at light loads, consider this
power loss when deciding whether to use DCR sensing or
sense resistors. Light load power loss can be modestly
higher with a DCR network than with a sense resistor, due
to the extra switching losses incurred through R1. However,
DCR sensing eliminates a sense resistor, reduces conduction losses and provides higher efficiency at heavy loads.
Peak efficiency is about the same with either method.
Inductor Value Calculation
The operating frequency and inductor selection are interrelated in that higher operating frequencies allow the
use of smaller inductor and capacitor values. Why would
anyone ever choose to operate at lower frequencies with
larger components? The answer is efficiency. A higher
frequency generally results in lower efficiency because
of MOSFET gate charge and switching losses. Also, at
higher frequency the duty cycle of body diode conduction
is higher, which results in lower efficiency. In addition to
this basic trade-off, the effect of inductor value on ripple
current and low current operation must also be considered.
The inductor value has a direct effect on ripple current.
The inductor ripple current ΔIL decreases with higher
inductance or frequency and increases with higher VIN:
ΔIL =
VIN ⎛
V ⎞
1− IN ⎟
⎜
f •L ⎝ VOUT ⎠
Accepting larger values of ΔIL allows the use of low
inductances, but results in higher output voltage ripple
and greater core losses. A reasonable starting point for
setting ripple current is ΔIL = 0.3(IMAX). The maximum
ΔIL occurs at VIN = 1/2VOUT.
The inductor value also has secondary effects. The transition to Burst Mode operation begins when the average
inductor current required results in a peak current below
25% of the current limit determined by RSENSE. Lower
inductor values (higher ΔIL) will cause this to occur at
lower load currents, which can cause a dip in efficiency in
the upper range of low current operation. In Burst Mode
operation, lower inductance values will cause the burst
frequency to decrease. Once the value of L is known, an
inductor with low DCR and low core losses should be
selected.
Power MOSFET Selection
Two external power MOSFETs must be selected for the
LTC3769: one N-channel MOSFET for the bottom (main)
switch, and one N-channel MOSFET for the top (synchronous) switch.
The peak-to-peak gate drive levels are set by the INTVCC
voltage. This voltage is typically 5.4V during start-up
(see EXTVCC pin connection). Consequently, logic-level
threshold MOSFETs must be used in most applications.
Pay close attention to the BVDSS specification for the
MOSFETs as well; many of the logic level MOSFETs are
limited to 30V or less.
Selection criteria for the power MOSFETs include the
on-resistance RDS(ON), Miller capacitance CMILLER, input
voltage and maximum output current. Miller capacitance,
CMILLER, can be approximated from the gate charge curve
usually provided on the MOSFET manufacturer’s data
sheet. CMILLER is equal to the increase in gate charge
along the horizontal axis while the curve is approximately
flat divided by the specified change in VDS. This result
is then multiplied by the ratio of the application applied
VDS to the gate charge curve specified VDS. When the IC
is operating in continuous mode, the duty cycles for the
top and bottom MOSFETs are given by:
Main Switch Duty Cycle =
VOUT − VIN
VOUT
Synchronous Switch Duty Cycle =
VIN
VOUT
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If the maximum output current is IOUT(MAX) the MOSFET
power dissipation at maximum output current is given by:
PMAIN =
(VOUT VIN )VOUT
V
2
IN
2
• I OUT(MAX) • (1+
• RDS(ON) +k • VOUT 3 •
)
IOUT(MAX)
VIN
• CMILLER • f
PSYNC =
VIN
2
• I OUT(MAX) • (1+
VOUT
) •RDS(ON)
where d is the temperature dependency of RDS(ON). The
constant k, which accounts for the loss caused by reverse
recovery current, is inversely proportional to the gate drive
current and has an empirical value of 1.7.
Both MOSFETs have I2R losses while the bottom N-channel
equation includes an additional term for transition losses,
which are highest at low input voltages. For high VIN the
high current efficiency generally improves with larger
MOSFETs, while for low VIN the transition losses rapidly
increase to the point that the use of a higher RDS(ON) device
with lower CMILLER actually provides higher efficiency. The
synchronous MOSFET losses are greatest at high input
voltage when the bottom switch duty factor is low or during overvoltage when the synchronous switch is on close
to 100% of the period.
The term (1+ d) is generally given for a MOSFET in the
form of a normalized RDS(ON) vs Temperature curve, but
d = 0.005/°C can be used as an approximation for low
voltage MOSFETs.
CIN and COUT Selection
The input ripple current in a boost converter is relatively
low (compared with the output ripple current), because this
current is continuous. The input capacitor CIN voltage rating
should comfortably exceed the maximum input voltage.
Although ceramic capacitors can be relatively tolerant of
overvoltage conditions, aluminum electrolytic capacitors
are not. Be sure to characterize the input voltage for any
possible overvoltage transients that could apply excess
stress to the input capacitors.
The value of CIN is a function of the source impedance, and
in general, the higher the source impedance, the higher the
required input capacitance. The required amount of input
capacitance is also greatly affected by the duty cycle. High
output current applications that also experience high duty
cycles can place great demands on the input supply, both
in terms of DC current and ripple current.
In a boost converter, the output has a discontinuous current,
so COUT must be capable of reducing the output voltage
ripple. The effects of ESR (equivalent series resistance) and
the bulk capacitance must be considered when choosing
the right capacitor for a given output ripple voltage. The
steady ripple voltage due to charging and discharging
the bulk capacitance in a single phase boost converter
is given by:
VRIPPLE =
IOUT(MAX) •(VOUT − VIN(MIN) )
COUT • VOUT • f
V
where COUT is the output filter capacitor.
The steady ripple due to the voltage drop across the ESR
is given by:
∆VESR = IL(MAX) • ESR
Multiple capacitors placed in parallel may be needed to
meet the ESR and RMS current handling requirements.
Dry tantalum, special polymer, aluminum electrolytic and
ceramic capacitors are all available in surface mount
packages. Ceramic capacitors have excellent low ESR
characteristics but can have a high voltage coefficient.
Capacitors are now available with low ESR and high ripple
current ratings (e.g., OS-CON and POSCAP).
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Setting Output Voltage
LTC3769
The LTC3769 output voltage is set by an external feedback
resistor divider carefully placed across the output, as shown
in Figure 3. The regulated output voltage is determined by:
⎛ R ⎞
VOUT = 1.2V ⎜ 1+ B ⎟
⎝ RA ⎠
VOUT
RB
VFB
RA
3769 F03
Figure 3. Setting Output Voltage
Soft-Start (SS Pin)
The start-up of VOUT is controlled by the voltage on the
SS pin. When the voltage on the SS pin is less than the
internal 1.2V reference, the LTC3769 regulates the VFB
pin voltage to the voltage on the SS pin instead of 1.2V.
Soft-start is enabled by simply connecting a capacitor from
the SS pin to ground, as shown in Figure 4. An internal
10μA current source charges the capacitor, providing a
linear ramping voltage at the SS pin. The LTC3769 will
regulate the VFB pin (and hence, VOUT) according to the
voltage on the SS pin, allowing VOUT to rise smoothly
from VIN to its final regulated value. The total soft-start
time will be approximately:
t SS = CSS •
1.2V
10µA
CSS
GND
3769 F04
Figure 4. Using the SS Pin to Program Soft-Start
Great care should be taken to route the VFB line away
from noise sources, such as the inductor or the SW line.
Also place the feedback resistor divider close to the VFB
pin and keep the VFB node as small as possible to avoid
noise pickup.
LTC3769
SS
INTVCC Regulators
The LTC3769 features two separate internal P-channel
low dropout linear regulators (LDO) that supply power at
the INTVCC pin from either the VBIAS supply pin or the
EXTVCC pin depending on the connection of the EXTVCC
pin. INTVCC powers the gate drivers and much of the
LTC3769’s internal circuitry. The VBIAS LDO and the
EXTVCC LDO regulate INTVCC to 5.4V. Each of these can
supply at least 50mA and must be bypassed to ground with
a minimum of a 4.7μF ceramic capacitor. Good bypassing
is needed to supply the high transient currents required
by the MOSFET gate drivers and to prevent interaction
between the channels.
High input voltage applications in which large MOSFETs
are being driven at high frequencies may cause the maximum junction temperature rating for the LTC3769 to be
exceeded. The INTVCC current, which is dominated by the
gate charge current, may be supplied by either the VBIAS
LDO or the EXTVCC LDO. When the voltage on the EXTVCC
pin is less than 4.8V, the VBIAS LDO is enabled. In this
case, power dissipation for the IC is highest and is equal
to VBIAS • IINTVCC. The gate charge current is dependent
on operating frequency, as discussed in the Efficiency
Considerations section. The junction temperature can be
estimated by using the equations given in Note 3 of the
Electrical Characteristics. For example, at 70°C ambient
temperature, the LTC3769 INTVCC current is limited to less
than 19mA in the QFN package from a 60V VBIAS supply
when not using the EXTVCC supply:
TJ = 70°C + (19mA)(60V)(47°C/W) = 125°C
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In the TSSOP package, the INTVCC current is limited to
less than 24mA from a 60V supply when not using the
EXTVCC supply:
TJ = 70°C + (24mA)(60V)(38°C/W) = 125°C
To prevent the maximum junction temperature from being
exceeded, the input supply current must be checked while
operating in continuous conduction mode (PLLIN/MODE
= INTVCC) at maximum VIN.
When the voltage applied to EXTVCC rises above 4.8V, the
VIN LDO is turned off and the EXTVCC LDO is enabled. The
EXTVCC LDO remains on as long as the voltage applied to
EXTVCC remains above 4.55V. The EXTVCC LDO attempts
to regulate the INTVCC voltage to 5.4V, so while EXTVCC
is less than 5.4V, the LDO is in dropout and the INTVCC
voltage is approximately equal to EXTVCC. When EXTVCC
is greater than 5.4V, up to an absolute maximum of 14V,
INTVCC is regulated to 5.4V.
Significant thermal gains can be realized by powering
INTVCC from an external supply. Tying the EXTVCC pin
to a 5V supply reduces the junction temperature in the
previous example from 125°C to 75°C in a QFN package:
TJ = 70°C + (19mA)(5V)(47°C/W) = 75°C
and from 125°C to 75°C in the TSSOP package:
TJ = 70°C + (24mA)(5V)(38°C/W) = 75°C
The following list summarizes possible connections for
EXTVCC:
EXTVCC Grounded. This will cause INTVCC to be powered
from the internal 5.4V regulator resulting in an efficiency
penalty at high VBIAS voltages.
EXTVCC Connected to an External Supply. If an external
supply is available in the 5V to 14V range, it may be
used to provide power. Ensure that EXTVCC is always
lower than or equal to VBIAS.
Topside MOSFET Driver Supply (CB, DB)
An external bootstrap capacitor CB connected to the
BOOST pin supplies the gate drive voltage for the topside
MOSFET. Capacitor CB in the Block Diagram is charged
though external diode DB from INTVCC when the SW pin
is low. When the topside MOSFET is to be turned on, the
driver places the CB voltage across the gate and source
of the desired MOSFET. This enhances the MOSFET and
turns on the topside switch. The switch node voltage, SW,
rises to VOUT and the BOOST pin follows. With the topside
MOSFET on, the boost voltage is above the output voltage:
VBOOST = VOUT + VINTVCC. The value of the boost capacitor
CB needs to be 100 times that of the total input capacitance
of the topside MOSFET(s). The reverse breakdown of the
external diode DB must be greater than VOUT(MAX).
The external diode DB can be a Schottky diode or silicon
diode, but in either case it should have low leakage and fast
recovery. Pay close attention to the reverse leakage at high
temperatures, where it generally increases substantially.
The topside MOSFET driver includes an internal charge
pump that delivers current to the bootstrap capacitor from
the BOOST pin. This charge current maintains the bias
voltage required to keep the top MOSFET on continuously
during dropout/overvoltage conditions. The Schottky/
silicon diode selected for the topside driver should have a
reverse leakage less than the available output current the
charge pump can supply. Curves displaying the available
charge pump current under different operating conditions
can be found in the Typical Performance Characteristics
section.
A leaky diode DB in the boost converter can not only
prevent the top MOSFET from fully turning on but it can
also completely discharge the bootstrap capacitor CB and
create a current path from the input voltage to the BOOST
pin to INTVCC. This can cause INTVCC to rise if the diode
leakage exceeds the current consumption on INTVCC.
This is particularly a concern in Burst Mode operation
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Fault Conditions: Overtemperature Protection
At higher temperatures, or in cases where the internal
power dissipation causes excessive self heating on-chip
(such as an INTVCC short to ground), the overtemperature
shutdown circuitry will shut down the LTC3769. When the
junction temperature exceeds approximately 170°C, the
overtemperature circuitry disables the INTVCC LDO, causing
the INTVCC supply to collapse and effectively shut down
the entire LTC3769 chip. Once the junction temperature
drops back to approximately 155°C, the INTVCC LDO turns
back on. Long term overstress (TJ > 125°C) should be
avoided as it can degrade the performance or shorten
the life of the part.
Since the shutdown may occur at full load, beware that
the load current will result in high power dissipation in the
body diodes of the top MOSFETs. In this case, the PGOOD
output may be used to turn the system load off.
Phase-Locked Loop and Frequency Synchronization
The LTC3769 has an internal phase-locked loop (PLL)
comprised of a phase frequency detector, a lowpass filter
and a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO). This allows
the turn-on of the bottom MOSFET to be locked signal
applied to 180 degrees out-of-phase to the rising edge of
the external clock. The phase detector is an edge-sensitive
digital type that provides zero degrees phase shift between
the external and internal oscillators. This type of phase
detector does not exhibit false lock to harmonics of the
external clock.
If the external clock frequency is greater than the internal
oscillator’s frequency, fOSC, then current is sourced continuously from the phase detector output, pulling up the VCO
input. When the external clock frequency is less than fOSC,
current is sunk continuously, pulling down the VCO input.
If the external and internal frequencies are the same but
exhibit a phase difference, the current sources turn on for
an amount of time corresponding to the phase difference.
The voltage at the VCO input is adjusted until the phase
and frequency of the internal and external oscillators are
identical. At the stable operating point, the phase detector
output is high impedance and the internal filter capacitor,
CLP , holds the voltage at the VCO input.
1000
900
800
FREQUENCY (kHz)
where the load on INTVCC can be very small. The external
Schottky or silicon diode should be carefully chosen such
that INTVCC never gets charged up much higher than its
normal regulation voltage.
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
15 25 35 45 55 65 75 85 95 105 115 125
3769 F05
FREQ PIN RESISTOR (kΩ)
Figure 5. Relationship Between Oscillator
Frequency and Resistor Value at the FREQ Pin
Typically, the external clock (on the PLLIN/MODE pin) input
high threshold is 1.6V, while the input low threshold is 1.2V.
Note that the LTC3769 can only be synchronized to an
external clock whose frequency is within range of the
LTC3769’s internal VCO, which is nominally 55kHz to
1MHz. This is guaranteed to be between 75kHz and 850kHz.
Rapid phase locking can be achieved by using the FREQ pin
to set a free-running frequency near the desired synchronization frequency. The VCO’s input voltage is prebiased
at a frequency corresponding to the frequency set by the
FREQ pin. Once prebiased, the PLL only needs to adjust
the frequency slightly to achieve phase lock and synchronization. Although it is not required that the free-running
frequency be near external clock frequency, doing so will
prevent the operating frequency from passing through a
large range of frequencies as the PLL locks.
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Table 1 summarizes the different states in which the FREQ
pin can be used.
Table 1.
FREQ PIN
PLLIN/MODE PIN
FREQUENCY
0V
DC Voltage
350kHz
INTVCC
DC Voltage
535kHz
Resistor
DC Voltage
50kHz to 900kHz
Any of the Above
External Clock
Phase Locked to
External Clock
Minimum On-Time Considerations
Minimum on-time, tON(MIN), is the smallest time duration
that the LTC3769 is capable of turning on the bottom
MOSFET. It is determined by internal timing delays and
the gate charge required to turn on the top MOSFET. Low
duty cycle applications may approach this minimum ontime limit.
In forced continuous mode, if the duty cycle falls below
what can be accommodated by the minimum on-time,
the controller will begin to skip cycles but the output will
continue to be regulated. More cycles will be skipped when
VIN increases. Once VIN rises above VOUT, the loop keeps
the top MOSFET continuously on. The minimum on-time
for the LTC3769 is approximately 110ns.
Efficiency Considerations
The percent efficiency of a switching regulator is equal to
the output power divided by the input power times 100%.
It is often useful to analyze individual losses to determine
what is limiting the efficiency and which change would
produce the greatest improvement. Percent efficiency
can be expressed as:
%Efficiency = 100% – (L1 + L2 + L3 + ...)
where L1, L2, etc., are the individual losses as a percentage of input power.
Although all dissipative elements in the circuit produce
losses, five main sources usually account for most of the
losses in LTC3769 circuits: 1) IC VBIAS current, 2) INTVCC
regulator current, 3) I2R losses, 4) bottom MOSFET transition losses, 5) body diode conduction losses.
1. The VBIAS current is the DC supply current given in the
Electrical Characteristics table, which excludes MOSFET
driver and control currents. VBIAS current typically
results in a small (<0.1%) loss.
2. INTVCC current is the sum of the MOSFET driver and
control currents. The MOSFET driver current results
from switching the gate capacitance of the power
MOSFETs. Each time a MOSFET gate is switched from
low to high to low again, a packet of charge, dQ, moves
from INTVCC to ground. The resulting dQ/dt is a current
out of INTVCC that is typically much larger than the
control circuit current. In continuous mode, IGATECHG
= f(QT + QB), where QT and QB are the gate charges of
the topside and bottom side MOSFETs.
3. DC I2R losses. These arise from the resistances of the
MOSFETs, sensing resistor, inductor and PC board traces
and cause the efficiency to drop at high output currents.
4. Transition losses apply only to the bottom MOSFET(s),
and become significant only when operating at low
input voltages. Transition losses can be estimated from:
Transition Loss = (1.7)
VOUT3
• IOUT(MAX) • CRSS • f
VIN
5. Body diode conduction losses are more significant at
higher switching frequency. During the dead time, the loss
in the top MOSFET is IOUT • VDS, where VDS is around 0.7V.
At higher switching frequency, the dead time becomes a
good percentage of switching cycle and causes the efficiency to drop.
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Other hidden losses, such as copper trace and internal
battery resistances, can account for an additional efficiency
degradation in portable systems. It is very important to
include these system-level losses during the design phase.
Checking Transient Response
The regulator loop response can be checked by looking at
the load current transient response. Switching regulators
take several cycles to respond to a step in DC (resistive)
load current. When a load step occurs, VOUT shifts by an
amount equal to ΔILOAD • ESR, where ESR is the effective
series resistance of COUT . ΔILOAD also begins to charge
or discharge COUT, generating the feedback error signal
that forces the regulator to adapt to the current change
and return VOUT to its steady-state value. During this
recovery time VOUT can be monitored for excessive overshoot or ringing, which would indicate a stability problem.
OPTI-LOOP® compensation allows the transient response
to be optimized over a wide range of output capacitance
and ESR values. The availability of the ITH pin not only
allows optimization of control loop behavior, but it also
provides a DC coupled and AC filtered closed loop response
test point. The DC step, rise time and settling at this test
point truly reflects the closed loop response. Assuming a
predominantly second order system, phase margin and/
or damping factor can be estimated using the percentage
of overshoot seen at this pin. The bandwidth can also be
estimated by examining the rise time at the pin. The ITH
external components shown in the Figure 10 circuit will
provide an adequate starting point for most applications.
The ITH series RC-CC filter sets the dominant pole-zero
loop compensation. The values can be modified slightly
to optimize transient response once the final PC layout
is complete and the particular output capacitor type and
value have been determined. The output capacitors must
be selected because the various types and values determine
the loop gain and phase. An output current pulse of 20%
to 80% of full-load current having a rise time of 1μs to
10μs will produce output voltage and ITH pin waveforms
that will give a sense of the overall loop stability without
breaking the feedback loop.
Placing a power MOSFET and load resistor directly across
the output capacitor and driving the gate with an appropriate signal generator is a practical way to produce
a realistic load step condition. The initial output voltage
step resulting from the step change in output current may
not be within the bandwidth of the feedback loop, so this
signal cannot be used to determine phase margin. This
is why it is better to look at the ITH pin signal which is
in the feedback loop and is the filtered and compensated
control loop response.
The gain of the loop will be increased by increasing RC
and the bandwidth of the loop will be increased by decreasing CC. If RC is increased by the same factor that CC
is decreased, the zero frequency will be kept the same,
thereby keeping the phase shift the same in the most
critical frequency range of the feedback loop. The output
voltage settling behavior is related to the stability of the
closed-loop system and will demonstrate the actual overall
supply performance.
A second, more severe transient is caused by switching
in loads with large (>1μF) supply bypass capacitors. The
discharged bypass capacitors are effectively put in parallel
with COUT , causing a rapid drop in VOUT . No regulator can
alter its delivery of current quickly enough to prevent this
sudden step change in output voltage if the load switch
resistance is low and it is driven quickly. If the ratio of
CLOAD to COUT is greater than 1:50, the switch rise time
should be controlled so that the load rise time is limited to
approximately 25 • CLOAD. Thus, a 10μF capacitor would
require a 250μs rise time, limiting the charging current
to about 200mA.
Design Example
As a design example, assume VIN = 12V (nominal),
VIN   =   22V (max), VOUT = 24V, IOUT(MAX) = 4A, VSENSE(MAX) =
75mV, and f = 350kHz.
The inductance value is chosen first based on a 30% ripple
current assumption. Tie the FREQ pin to GND, generat-
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ing 350kHz operation. The minimum inductance for 30%
ripple current is:
ΔIL =
VIN ⎛
V ⎞
1− IN ⎟
⎜
f •L ⎝ VOUT ⎠
The largest ripple happens when VIN = 1/2VOUT = 12V,
where the average maximum inductor current is:
IMAX = IOUT(MAX) •
VOUT
= 8A
VIN
A 6.8μH inductor will produce a 31% ripple current. The
peak inductor current will be the maximum DC value plus
one half the ripple current, or 9.25A.
The RSENSE resistor value can be calculated by using the
maximum current sense voltage specification with some
accommodation for tolerances:
RSENSE ≤
75mV
= 0.008Ω
9.25A
Choosing 1% resistors: RA = 5k and RB = 95.3k yields an
output voltage of 24.072V.
The power dissipation on the top side MOSFET can be
easily estimated. Choosing a Vishay Si7848BDP MOSFET results in: RDS(ON) = 0.012Ω, CMILLER = 150pF.
At maximum input voltage with T (estimated) = 50°C:
PMAIN =
(24V – 12V) 24V
(12V)2
•(4A)2
• [1+(0.005)(50°C – 25°C)] • 0.012
+ (1.7)(24V)3
4A
(150pF)(350kHz) = 0.84W
12V
COUT is chosen to filter the square current in the output.
The maximum output current peak is:
⎛ 31% ⎞
IOUT(PEAK) = 8 • ⎜ 1+
⎟ = 9.3A
⎝
2 ⎠
PC Board Layout Checklist
When laying out the printed circuit board, the following
checklist should be used to ensure proper operation of
the IC. These items are also illustrated graphically in the
layout diagram of Figure 6. Figure 7 illustrates the current
waveforms present in the synchronous regulator operating
in the continuous mode. Check the following in your layout:
1. Put the bottom N-channel MOSFET MBOT and the top
N-channel MOSFET MTOP1 in one compact area with
COUT .
2. Are the signal and power grounds kept separate? The
combined IC signal ground pin and the ground return of
CINTVCC must return to the combined COUT (–) terminals.
The path formed by the bottom N-channel MOSFET
and the capacitor should have short leads and PC trace
lengths. The output capacitor (–) terminals should be
connected as close as possible to the source terminals
of the bottom MOSFETs.
3. Does the LTC3769 VFB pin’s resistive divider connect to
the (+) terminal of COUT? The resistive divider must be
connected between the (+) terminal of COUT and signal
ground and placed close to the VFB pin. The feedback
resistor connections should not be along the high current input feeds from the input capacitor(s).
4. Are the SENSE– and SENSE+ leads routed together with
minimum PC trace spacing? The filter capacitor between
SENSE+ and SENSE– should be as close as possible
to the IC. Ensure accurate current sensing with Kelvin
connections at the sense resistor.
5. Is the INTVCC decoupling capacitor connected close
to the IC, between the INTVCC and the power ground
pins? This capacitor carries the MOSFET drivers’ current peaks. An additional 1μF ceramic capacitor placed
immediately next to the INTVCC and GND pins can help
improve noise performance substantially.
A low ESR (5mΩ) capacitor is suggested. This capacitor
will limit output voltage ripple to 46.5mV (assuming ESR
dominates the ripple).
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SENSE+
PGOOD
SENSE–
SW
LTC3769
OVMODE
TG
CB
M2
BG
PLLIN/MODE
RSENSE
L1
BOOST
FREQ
fIN
VPULLUP
+
M1
RUN
VFB
ITH
SS
VBIAS
+
GND
VIN
GND
INTVCC
VOUT
3769 F06
Figure 6. Recommended Printed Circuit Layout Diagram
RSENSE
VIN
L1
VOUT
SW
RIN
COUT
CIN
RL
3769 F07
BOLD LINES INDICATE HIGH SWITCHING CURRENT.
KEEP LINES TO A MINIMUM LENGTH
Figure 7. Branch Current Waveforms
3769fa
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25
LTC3769
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
6. Keep the switching node (SW), top gate node (TG) and
boost node (BOOST) away from sensitive small-signal
nodes. All of these nodes have very large and fast moving
signals and, therefore, should be kept on the output side
of the LTC3769 and occupy a minimal PC trace area.
7. Use a modified “star ground” technique: a low impedance, large copper area central grounding point on
the same side of the PC board as the input and output
capacitors with tie-ins for the bottom of the INTVCC
decoupling capacitor, the bottom of the voltage feedback
resistive divider and the GND pins of the IC.
PC Board Layout Debugging
It is helpful to use a DC-50MHz current probe to monitor
the current in the inductor while testing the circuit. Monitor the output switching node (SW pin) to synchronize
the oscilloscope to the internal oscillator and probe the
actual output voltage. Check for proper performance over
the operating voltage and current range expected in the
application. The frequency of operation should be maintained over the input voltage range down to dropout and
until the output load drops below the low current operation threshold— typically 10% of the maximum designed
current level in Burst Mode operation.
The duty cycle percentage should be maintained from cycle
to cycle in a well designed, low noise PCB implementation. Variation in the duty cycle at a subharmonic rate can
suggest noise pickup at the current or voltage sensing
inputs or inadequate loop compensation. Overcompensation of the loop can be used to tame a poor PC layout if
regulator bandwidth optimization is not required.
Reduce VIN from its nominal level to verify operation with
high duty cycle. Check the operation of the undervoltage
lockout circuit by further lowering VIN while monitoring
the outputs to verify operation.
Investigate whether any problems exist only at higher output currents or only at higher input voltages. If problems
coincide with high input voltages and low output currents,
look for capacitive coupling between the BOOST, SW, TG,
and possibly BG connections and the sensitive voltage
and current pins. The capacitor placed across the current
sensing pins needs to be placed immediately adjacent to
the pins of the IC. This capacitor helps to minimize the
effects of differential noise injection due to high frequency
capacitive coupling.
An embarrassing problem which can be missed in an otherwise properly working switching regulator, results when
the current sensing leads are hooked up backwards. The
output voltage under this improper hook-up will still be
maintained, but the advantages of current mode control
will not be realized. Compensation of the voltage loop will
be much more sensitive to component selection. This
behavior can be investigated by temporarily shorting out
the current sensing resistor—don’t worry, the regulator
will still maintain control of the output voltage.
3769fa
26
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3769
LTC3769
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
VBIAS
SENSE+
ILIM
CSS 0.1µF
CITH 15nF
RITH 12.1k
SENSE–
EXTVCC
OVMODE
PLLIN/MODE
RUN
TG
FREQ
SW
SS
BOOST
VIN
5V TO 24V
CIN
22µF
L
3.3µH
CB 0.1µF
MTOP
MBOT
BG
ITH
COUTA
22µF
×4
+
COUTB
150µF
VOUT
24V
5A*
D
CITHA 100pF
INTVCC
GND
RA 12.1k
RSENSE
4mΩ
LTC3769
VFB
PGOOD
RS
232k
CINT
4.7µF
100k
3769 F08
CIN, COUTA: TDK C4532X5R1E226M
COUTB: SUNCON 35HVH150M
D: BAS140W
L: PULSE PA1494.362NL
MBOT, MTOP: RENESAS RJK0452, RJK0453
*WHEN VIN < 8V, MAXIMUM LOAD CURRENT AVAILABLE IS REDUCED. WHEN VIN > 24V, VOUT FOLLOWS VIN.
Figure 8. High Efficiency 24V Boost Converter
VBIAS
SENSE+
ILIM
CSS 0.1µF
CITH 15nF
RITH 8.66k
LTC3769
–
SENSE
EXTVCC
OVMODE
PLLIN/MODE
RUN
TG
FREQ
SW
SS
BOOST
VIN
5V TO 28V
CIN
22µF
L
3.3µH
CB 0.1µF
BG
ITH
MTOP
MBOT
COUTA
22µF
×4
+
COUTB
150µF
VOUT
28V
4A*
D
CITHA 220pF
INTVCC
GND
RA 12.1k
RSENSE
4mΩ
VFB
PGOOD
CINT
4.7µF
100k
RS
261k
CIN, COUTA: TDK C4532X7R1H685K
COUTB: SUNCON 63CE220KX
D: BAS140W
L: PULSE PA1494.362NL
MBOT, MTOP: RENESAS HAT2169H
3769 F09
*WHEN VIN < 8V, MAXIMUM LOAD CURRENT AVAILABLE IS REDUCED. WHEN VIN > 28V, VOUT FOLLOWS VIN.
Figure 9. High Efficiency 28V Boost Converter
3769fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3769
27
LTC3769
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
VBIAS
+
SENSE
ILIM
RSENSE
2mΩ
LTC3769
EXTVCC
OVMODE
CB
0.1µF
SS
MTOP
BOOST
COUTB
56µF
×2
VOUT*
10V
5A
MBOT
BG
ITH
D
INTVCC
RA
64.9k
+
TG
SW
CITHA
820pF
COUTA
10µF
×3
VIN
5V TO 60V START-UP
VOLTAGE OPERATES THROUGH
TRANSIENTS DOWN TO 2.3V
L
1.3µH
CSS
0.1µF
RITH
4.75k
+
CINB
50µF
×2
SENSE–
RUN
FREQ
CITH
10nF
CINA
10µF
×2
CINT
4.7µF
GND
VFB
PLLIN/MODE
RB
475k
PGOOD
100k
L: WÜRTH 7443551130
MBOT, MTOP: INFINEON BSC028N06L53
D: BAS170W
3769 F10
CINA, COUTA: GRM32ER71J106KA12L
CINB, COUTB: SUNCON 63HVH56M
*WHEN VIN > 10V, VOUT FOLLOWS VIN.
Figure 10. High Efficiency 10V Boost Converter
VBIAS
SENSE+
LTC3769
EXTVCC
C1
0.1µF
OVMODE
RUN
FREQ
41.2k
CSS
0.1µF
SS
CITH
15nF
RITH
8.66k
SENSE–
TG
RS2
53.6k RS1
1% 26.1k
1%
L
10.2µH
ITH
SW
CB
0.1µF
MTOP
VFB
GND
PLLIN/MODE
PGOOD
100
VIN = 12V
98
COUTA
22µF
×4
+
COUTB
220µF
VIN = 9V
VOUT
24V*
4A
VIN = 6V
94
92
90
MBOT
BG
D
INTVCC
RA
12.1k
CIN
22µF
96
BOOST
CITHA
220pF
VIN
8V TO 24V
EFFICIENCY (%)
ILIM
88
CINT
4.7µF
86
0
1
100k
5
6
3769 F11b
RB
232k
C1: TDK C1005X7R1C104K
CIN, COUTA: TDK C4532X5R1E226M
COUTB: SUNCON, 50CE220AX
L: PULSE PA2050.103NL
MBOT, MTOP: RENESAS RJK0305
D: INFINEON BAS140W
4
2
3
OUTPUT CURRENT (A)
3769 F11a
Figure 11. High Efficiency 24V Boost Converter with Inductor DCR Current Sensing
3769fa
28
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3769
LTC3769
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
VBIAS
SENSE+
LTC3769
EXTVCC
OVMODE
SENSE–
CSS 0.1µF
CITH 10nF
TG
D
SW
SS
RITH 24.9k
COUTA
10µF
BOOST
BG
ITH
+
COUTB
56µF
×2
MBOT
VOUT
24V*
2A
ILIM
CITHA 100pF
INTVCC
12.1k
1%
VIN
5V TO 60V
CIN
10µF
×2
L
6.8µH
PLLIN/MODE
RUN
FREQ
47.5k
RSENSE
6mΩ
GND
VFB
PGOOD
CINT
4.7µF
100k
232k
1%
3769 F12
CIN, COUTA: MURATA GRM32ER71J106KA12L
COUTB: SUNCON 63HVH56M
D: DIODES INC B360
L: COILCRAFT XAL1010 6.8µH
MBOT: INFINEON BSC100NO6LS
*WHEN VIN > 24V, VOUT FOLLOWS VIN.
Figure 12. Low IQ Nonsynchronous 24V/2A Boost Converter
VIN
18V TO 32V
VBIAS
SENSE+
LTC3769
0.1µF
15nF
12.1k
100pF
•
+
33µF
L1
4.7µF
(×4)
BG
ITH
4.7µF
×3
4mΩ
EXTVCC
SENSE–
OVMODE
ILIM
PLLIN/MODE
RUN
TG
FREQ
SW
SS
M1
D1
• L1
VOUT
24V
2.5A
4.7µF
×5
+
220µF
×2
BOOST
INTVCC
12.1k
VFB
4.7µF
GND
232k
3769 F13
L1: COILTRONICS, VERSAPAC VPH5-0067-R
D1: CENTRAL SEMICONDUCTOR, CMSH5-60
M1: INFINEON BSC0281106LS3
Figure 13. Low IQ 24VOUT SEPIC Converter
3769fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3769
29
LTC3769
PACKAGE DESCRIPTION
Please refer to http://www.linear.com/designtools/packaging/ for the most recent package drawings.
UF Package
24-Lead Plastic QFN (4mm × 4mm)
(Reference LTC DWG # 05-08-1697 Rev B)
BOTTOM VIEW—EXPOSED PAD
4.00 ±0.10
(4 SIDES)
0.70 ±0.05
4.50 ±0.05
R = 0.115
TYP
0.75 ±0.05
PIN 1 NOTCH
R = 0.20 TYP OR
0.35 × 45° CHAMFER
23 24
PIN 1
TOP MARK
(NOTE 6)
0.40 ±0.10
1
2
2.45 ±0.05
(4 SIDES)
2.45 ±0.10
(4-SIDES)
3.10 ±0.05
PACKAGE
OUTLINE
(UF24) QFN 0105 REV B
0.200 REF
0.25 ±0.05
0.50 BSC
0.25 ±0.05
0.00 – 0.05
0.50 BSC
RECOMMENDED SOLDER PAD PITCH AND DIMENSIONS
NOTE:
1. DRAWING PROPOSED TO BE MADE A JEDEC PACKAGE OUTLINE MO-220 VARIATION
(WGGD-X)—TO BE APPROVED
2. DRAWING NOT TO SCALE
3. ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS
4. DIMENSIONS OF EXPOSED PAD ON BOTTOM OF PACKAGE DO NOT INCLUDE
MOLD FLASH. MOLD FLASH, IF PRESENT, SHALL NOT EXCEED 0.15mm ON ANY SIDE, IF PRESENT
5. EXPOSED PAD SHALL BE SOLDER PLATED
6. SHADED AREA IS ONLY A REFERENCE FOR PIN 1 LOCATION
ON THE TOP AND BOTTOM OF PACKAGE
FE Package
20-Lead Plastic TSSOP (4.4mm)
(Reference LTC DWG # 05-08-1663 Rev K)
Exposed Pad Variation CA
6.07
(.239)
6.40 – 6.60*
(.252 – .260)
4.95
(.195)
4.95
(.195)
DETAIL A
1.98
(.078)
REF
20 1918 17 16 15 14 13 12 11
6.60 ±0.10
4.50 ±0.10
DETAIL A
2.74
(.108)
6.40
2.74
(.252)
(.108)
BSC
SEE NOTE 4
0.45 ±0.05
1.05 ±0.10
0.65 BSC
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
6.07
(.239)
RECOMMENDED SOLDER PAD LAYOUT
4.30 – 4.50*
(.169 – .177)
0.09 – 0.20
(.0035 – .0079)
0.25
REF
NOTE:
1. CONTROLLING DIMENSION: MILLIMETERS
MILLIMETERS
2. DIMENSIONS ARE IN
(INCHES)
3. DRAWING NOT TO SCALE
1.20
(.047)
MAX
0° – 8°
0.65
(.0256)
BSC
0.50 – 0.75
(.020 – .030)
0.56
(.022)
REF
DETAIL A IS THE PART OF
THE LEAD FRAME FEATURE
FOR REFERENCE ONLY
NO MEASUREMENT PURPOSE
0.195 – 0.30
(.0077 – .0118)
TYP
0.05 – 0.15
(.002 – .006)
FE20 (CA) TSSOP REV K 0913
4. RECOMMENDED MINIMUM PCB METAL SIZE
FOR EXPOSED PAD ATTACHMENT
*DIMENSIONS DO NOT INCLUDE MOLD FLASH. MOLD FLASH
SHALL NOT EXCEED 0.150mm (.006") PER SIDE
3769fa
30
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3769
LTC3769
REVISION HISTORY
REV
DATE
DESCRIPTION
A
09/15
Corrected pin 13 and pin 14 functions.
PAGE NUMBER
9
3769fa
Information furnished by Linear Technology Corporation is believed to be accurate and reliable.
However, no responsibility is assumed for its use. Linear Technology Corporation makes no representaFor more
information
www.linear.com/LTC3769
tion that the interconnection
of its circuits
as described
herein will not infringe on existing patent rights.
31
LTC3769
TYPICAL APPLICATION
VBIAS
SENSE+
LTC3769
EXTVCC
OVMODE
CSS 0.1µF
RITH 15k
TG
CB 0.1µF
BG
MBOT
PGOOD
VFB
RB
475k
COUTA
4.7µF
×5
+
VOUT
48V
2.5A*
COUTB
33µF
×2
VOUT FOLLOWS VIN
WHEN VIN > 48V
D
INTVCC
RA 12.1k
MTOP
BOOST
ITH
CITHA 100pF
VIN
5V TO 55V
CIN
4.7µF
×3
L
10µH
SW
SS
CITH 15nF
SENSE–
PLLIN/MODE
RUN
FREQ
30.1k
RSENSE
3mΩ
GND
PGND
100k
CINT
4.7µF
100k
3769 F14
CIN, COUTA: TDK C3225X7S2A475M
COUTB: SUNCON 63HVH33M
D: BAS170W
L: SER2918H-103
MBOT, MTOP: BSC028N06L53
*WHEN VIN < 13V, MAXIMUM LOAD CURRENT AVAILABLE IS REDUCED.
Figure 14. High Efficiency 48V/2.5A Boost Converter
RELATED PARTS
PART NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
COMMENTS
LTC3784
2-Phase Single Output Synchronous Boost Controller 4.5V ≤ VIN ≤ 60V, VOUT Up to 60V, 50kHz to 900kHz, 4mm × 5mm
QFN-28 and SSOP-28 Packages
LTC3788/LTC3788-1
Multiphase, Dual Output Synchronous Step-Up
Controller
LTC3787
2-Phase Single Output Synchronous Boost Controller 4.5V ≤ VIN ≤ 38V, VOUT Up to 60V, 50kHz to 900kHz, 4mm × 5mm
QFN-28 and SSOP-28 Packages
LTC3786
Low IQ Synchronous Step-Up Controller
4.5V (Down to 2.5V After Start-Up) ≤ VIN ≤ 38V, VOUT Up to 60V, 50kHz to
900kHz Fixed Operating Frequency, 3mm × 3mm QFN-32, MSOP-16E
LTC3862/LTC3862-1/
LTC3862-2
Multiphase, Dual Channel Single Output Current
Mode Step-Up DC/DC Controller
4V ≤ VIN ≤ 36V, 5V or 10V Gate Drive, 75kHz to 500kHz Fixed Operating
Frequency, SSOP-24, TSSOP-24, 5mm × 5mm QFN-24
LT3757/LT3758
Boost, Flyback, SEPIC and Inverting Controller
2.9V ≤ VIN ≤ 40V/100V, 100kHz to 1MHz Fixed Operating Frequency,
3mm × 3mm DFN-10 and MSOP-10E
LTC3859AL
Low IQ, Triple Output Buck/Buck/Boost Synchronous
DC/DC Controller
All Outputs Remain in Regulation Through Cold Crank, 4.5V (Down to
2.5V After Start-Up) ≤ VIN ≤ 38V, VOUT(BUCKS) Up to 24V, VOUT(BOOST)
Up to 60V, IQ = 28µA
LTC3789
High Efficiency Synchronous 4-Switch Buck-Boost
DC/DC Controller
4V ≤ VIN ≤ 38V, 0.8V ≤ VOUT ≤ 38V, 4mm × 5mm QFN-28 and SSOP-28
LT8705
80V VIN and VOUT Synchronous 4-Switch Buck-Boost VIN Range: 2.8V (Need EXTVCC > 6.4V) to 80V, VOUT Range: 1.3V to 80V,
DC/DC Controller
Four Regulation Loops
LTC3890/LTC3890-1/ 60V, Low IQ, Dual 2-Phase Synchronous Step-Down
LTC3890-2/LTC3890-3 DC/DC Controller
4.5V (Down to 2.5V After Start-Up) ≤ VIN ≤ 38V, VOUT Up to 60V, 50kHz to
900kHz Fixed Operating Frequency, 5mm × 5mm QFN-32, SSOP-28
Phase-Lockable Fixed Frequency 50kHz to 900kHz, 4V ≤ VIN ≤ 60V,
0.8V ≤ VOUT ≤ 24V, IQ = 50μA
3769fa
32 Linear Technology Corporation
1630 McCarthy Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035-7417
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3769
(408) 432-1900 ● FAX: (408) 434-0507
●
www.linear.com/LTC3769
LT 0915 REV A • PRINTED IN USA
 LINEAR TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 2014