20V, 2.5A Monolithic Synchronous Buck SWITCHER+ with Input Current, Output Current and Temperature Sensing/ Limiting Capabilities Design Note 511 Tom Gross Introduction The LTC ®3626 synchronous buck regulator with current and temperature monitoring is the first of Linear’s SWITCHER+™ line of monolithic regulators. It is a high efficiency, monolithic synchronous step-down switching regulator capable of delivering a maximum output current of 2.5A from an input voltage ranging from 3.6V to 20V (circuit shown in Figure 1). The LTC3626 employs a unique controlled on-time/constant-frequency, current-mode architecture, making it ideal for low duty cycle applications and high frequency operation, while yielding fast response to load transients (see Figure 2). It also features mode setting, tracking and synchronization capabilities. The LTC3626’s 3mm × 4mm package has such low thermal impedance that it can operate without an external heat sink even while delivering maximum power to the load. VIN 3.6V TO 20V C2 47µF 25V 1210 PGOOD PVIN PVIN SVIN RUN BOOST ITH = INTVCC IL 1A/DIV F02 20µs/DIV 12VIN TO 1.8VOUT LOAD STEP RESPONSE, 2.5A LOAD STEP, 2MHz SWITCHING FREQUENCY, FORCED CONTINUOUS MODE, INTERNAL COMPENSATION Figure 2. Load Step Response for Figure 1 Circuit Beyond its impressive regulator capabilities, the LTC3626’s current and temperature monitoring functions stand out. They offer both monitoring and control capabilities with minimal additional components. L, LT, LTC, LTM, Linear Technology, and the Linear logo are registered trademarks and SWITCHER+ is a trademark of Linear Technology Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. C3 0.1µF SW SW LTC3626 PGOOD VOUT 50mV/DIV AC-COUPLED L1 1µF VISHAY IHLP-2020BZ-ER-1ROMO1 VON FB C4 22pF R2 100k 1% R3 100k INTVCC C5 2.2µF TRACK/SS ITH RT INTVCC C1 47µF 6.3V 1206 R1 200k 1% IOUT IMONOUT IIN IMONIN TMON C8 1µF TSET MODE/ SYNC SGND PGND R4 432k C7 1µF R7 54.9k C6 1µF VOUT 1.8V 2.5A VIOUTMON R6 7.32k VIINMON TMON R5 665k TSET F01 Figure 1. 20V Maximum Input, 2.5A, 2MHz Buck Regulator with Current and Temperature Monitoring 02/13/511 Output/Input Current Sensing The LTC3626 senses the output current through the synchronous switch during the switch’s on-time and generates a proportional current (scaled to 1/16000) at the IMONOUT pin. Figure 3 shows the accuracy of the IMONOUT output by comparing the measured output of the IMONOUT pin with calculated values. Error remains less than 1% over most of the output current range. Likewise, this same sense current signal is combined with the buck regulator’s duty cycle to produce a current proportional to the input current— again by 1/16000—at the IMONIN pin. A precision of better than 5% is achieved over a wide current range (see Figure 4). Both current signals are connected to internal voltage amplifiers, referenced to 1.2V, that can shut down the part when tripped. So the input and output current limits are set by simply connecting a resistor to the IMONIN or IMONOUT pins, respectively, as shown in Figure 1. The relationship between the current limit and the resistor is: 1.2V • 16000 RLIM For example, a 10k resistor sets a current limit of approximately 2A. This simple scheme allows both monitoring and active control of the input and output current limits—the latter 200 OUTPUT SENSE CURRENT (µA) 16 140 14 120 12 100 10 80 8 60 6 40 4 20 2 0 0.5 1 2 2.5 1.5 OUTPUT CURRENT (A) 3 Choosing a maximum temperature limit of 125°C equates to an approximate 2V setting on the TSET pin—the IC will shut down once the die temperature TJ reaches this limit. Conclusion The LTC3626 combines current and temperature monitoring capabilities with a high performance buck regulator in a compact package. A microprocessor or other external control logic can supervise conditions via easy-to-use input and output current and temperature monitor pins, and it can shut itself down by setting a threshold voltage on the temperature set limit pin. 30 0 F03 Figure 3. Output Current vs Output Current Monitor Data Sheet Download www.linear.com/3626 Linear Technology Corporation TJ + 273 200°K/V 25 CALCULATED MEASURED ERROR 30 25 20 20 15 15 10 10 5 5 0 0 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 INPUT CURRENT (mA) 50 OUTPUT CURRENT MONITOR ERROR (%) 18 OUTPUT CURRENT MONITOR ERROR (%) 160 VTSET = 20 CALCULATED MEASURED ERROR 180 Temperature Sensing The LTC3626 generates a voltage proportional to its own die temperature, which can be used to set a maximum temperature limit. The voltage at the temperature monitor pin (TMON) is typically 1.5V at room temperature. To calculate the die temperature, TJ, multiply the TMON voltage by the temperature monitor voltage-to-temperature conversion factor of 200°K/V, and subtract the 273°C offset. The LTC3626 also has a temperature limit comparator fed by the temperature limit set pin, TSET, and the TMON pin. Hence, by applying a voltage to the TSET pin, a maximum temperature limit can be set according to the following: OUTPUT SENSE CURRENT (µA) ILIM can be implemented via external control circuitry, such as a DAC with a few passive components. F04 Figure 4. Input Current vs Input Current Monitor For applications help, call (408) 432-1900, Ext. 3229 dn511 LT/AP 0213 196K • PRINTED IN THE USA 1630 McCarthy Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035-7417 (408) 432-1900 ● FAX: (408) 434-0507 ● www.linear.com LINEAR TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 2013