LTC3121 - 15V, 1.5A Synchronous Step-Up DC/DC Converter with Output Disconnect

LTC3121
15V, 1.5A Synchronous
Step-Up DC/DC Converter
with Output Disconnect
Description
Features
VIN Range: 1.8V to 5.5V, 500mV After Start-Up
Output Voltage Range: 2.2V to 15V
400mA Output Current for VIN = 5V and VOUT = 12V
Output Disconnects from Input When Shut Down
Synchronous Rectification: Up to 95% Efficiency
Inrush Current Limit
Up to 3MHz Adjustable Switching Frequency
Synchronizable to External Clock
n Selectable Burst Mode® Operation: 25µA I
Q
n Output Overvoltage Protection
nSoft-Start
n <1µA I in Shutdown
Q
n 12-Lead, 3mm × 4mm Thermally Enhanced DFN
Package
n
n
n
n
n
n
The LTC®3121 is a synchronous step-up DC/DC converter
with true output disconnect and inrush current limiting. The
1.5A current limit along with the ability to program output
voltages up to 15V makes the LTC3121 well suited for a
variety of demanding applications. Once started, operation
will continue with inputs down to 500mV, extending run
time in many applications.
n
Applications
n
n
n
n
PCI Express Cards/Systems
Piezo Actuators
Small DC Motors
12V Analog Rail From Battery, 5V, or Backup Capacitor
L, LT, LTC, LTM, Linear Technology, the Linear logo and Burst Mode are registered trademarks
and ThinSOT is a trademark of Linear Technology Corporation. All other trademarks are the
property of their respective owners.
The LTC3121 features output disconnect in shutdown,
dramatically reducing input power drain and enabling
VOUT to completely discharge. Adjustable PWM switching
from 100kHz to 3MHz optimizes applications for highest
efficiency or smallest solution footprint. The oscillator
can also be synchronized to an external clock for noise
sensitive applications. Selectable Burst Mode operation
reduces quiescent current to 25µA, ensuring high efficiency
across the entire load range. An internal soft-start limits
inrush current during start-up.
Other features include a <1µA shutdown current and robust
protection under short-circuit, thermal overload, and output
overvoltage conditions. The LTC3121 is offered in a low
profile 12-lead (3mm × 4mm × 0.75mm) DFN package.
Typical Application
5V to 12V Synchronous Boost Converter with Output Disconnect
100
6.8µH
90
SW
4.7µF
OFF ON
BURST PWM
SD
LTC3121
PWM/SYNC
100nF
CAP
RT
FB
VCC
VC
SGND
57.6k
4.7µF
VOUT
12V
400mA
VOUT
PGND
1.02M
22µF
113k
210k
80
10
Burst Mode
OPERATION
70
1
PWM
60
50
40
30
0.1
PWM POWER LOSS
POWER LOSS (W)
VIN
EFFICIENCY (%)
VIN
5V
Efficiency Curve
20
10
10pF
0
0.01
390pF
0.1
10
1
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
100
0.01
600
3121 TA01b
3121 TA01a
3121fa
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1
LTC3121
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Pin Configuration
(Note 1)
VIN Voltage ................................................... –0.3V to 6V
VOUT Voltage ............................................. –0.3V to 18V
SW Voltage (Note 2)................................... –0.3V to 18V
SW Voltage (Pulsed < 100ns) (Note 2)........ –0.3V to 19V
VC, RT Voltage ........................................... –0.3V to VCC
CAP Voltage
VOUT < 5.7V.............................–0.3V to (VOUT + 0.3V)
5.7V ≤ VOUT ≤ 11.7V...... (VOUT – 6V) to (VOUT + 0.3V)
VOUT > 11.7V..................................(VOUT – 6V) to 12V
All Other Pins................................................ –0.3V to 6V
Operating Junction Temperature Range
(Notes 3, 4)............................................. –40°C to 125°C
Storage Temperature Range................... –65°C to 150°C
Order Information
TOP VIEW
SW
1
12 CAP
PGND
2
11 VOUT
VIN
3
PWM/SYNC
4
VCC
RT
13
PGND
10 SGND
9
SD
5
8
FB
6
7
VC
DE PACKAGE
12-LEAD (4mm × 3mm) PLASTIC DFN
TJMAX = 125°C, θJA = 43°C/W (NOTE 5), θJC = 5°C/W
EXPOSED PAD (PIN 13) IS PGND,
MUST BE SOLDERED TO PCB FOR RATED THERMAL PERFORMANCE
http://www.linear.com/product/LTC3121#orderinfo
LEAD FREE FINISH
TAPE AND REEL
PART MARKING*
PACKAGE DESCRIPTION
TEMPERATURE RANGE
LTC3121EDE#PBF
LTC3121EDE#TRPBF
3121
12-Lead (4mm × 3mm) Plastic DFN
–40°C to 125°C
LTC3121IDE#PBF
LTC3121IDE#TRPBF
3121
12-Lead (4mm × 3mm) Plastic DFN
–40°C to 125°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/. Some packages are available in 500 unit reels through
designated sales channels with #TRMPBF suffix.
2
3121fa
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LTC3121
Electrical
Characteristics
The
l denotes the specifications which apply over the full operating junction
temperature range, otherwise specifications are at TA = 25°C (Note 3). VIN = 3.6V, VOUT = 12V, RT = 57.6k unless otherwise noted.
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
Minimum Start-Up Voltage
VOUT = 0V
l
MIN.
Input Voltage Range
After VOUT ≥ 2.2V
l
1.7
0.5
Output Voltage Adjust Range
l
2.2
Feedback Voltage
l
1.178
Feedback Input Current
TYP
VFB = 1.4V
MAX
UNITS
1.8
V
5.5
V
15
V
1.202
1.225
V
1
50
nA
Quiescent Current, Shutdown
VSD = 0V, VOUT = 0V, Not Including Switch Leakage
0.01
1
µA
Quiescent Current, Active
VC = 0V, Measured On VIN, Non-Switching
500
700
µA
Quiescent Current, Burst
Measured on VIN, VFB > 1.4V
Measured on VOUT, VFB > 1.4V
25
10
40
20
µA
µA
N-channel MOSFET Switch Leakage Current
VSW = 15V, VOUT = 15V, VC = 0V (Note 6)
l
0.1
30
µA
P-channel MOSFET Switch Leakage Current
VSW = VIN = 0V, VOUT = 15V (Note 6)
l
0.1
70
µA
N-channel MOSFET Switch On-Resistance
0.121
Ω
P-channel MOSFET Switch On-Resistance
0.188
Ω
N-channel MOSFET Current Limit
VIN = 3.3V
l
1.5
1.8
Maximum Duty Cycle
VFB = 1.0V
l
90
94
Minimum Duty Cycle
VFB = 1.4V
l
Switching Frequency
0.85
SYNC Frequency Range
l
0.1
PWM/SYNC Input High
l
0.9 •VCC
PWM/SYNC Input Low
l
VPWM/SYNC = 5.5V
CAP Clamp Voltage
VOUT > 6.1V, Referenced to VOUT
Error Amplifier Transconductance
l
SD Input Low
SD Input Current
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: Voltage transients on the SW pin beyond the DC limit specified in
the Absolute Maximum Ratings are non-disruptive to normal operations
when using good layout practices, as shown on the demo board or
described in the data sheet or application notes.
Note 3: The LTC3121 is tested under pulsed load conditions such that
TA ≈ TJ. The LTC3121E is guaranteed to meet performance specifications
from 0°C to 85°C. Specifications over the –40°C to 125°C operating
junction temperature range are assured by design, characterization and
correlation with statistical process controls. The LTC3121I is guaranteed
to meet specifications over the full –40°C to 125°C operating junction
MHz
3
MHz
V
0.01
1
µA
–5.2
–5.6
–6.0
V
70
100
130
µS
±25
µA
10
ms
1.6
V
l
VSD = 5.5V
1.15
V
Soft-Start Time
l
%
0.1•VCC
Error Amplifier Output Current
SD Input High
1
A
%
0
l
PWM/SYNC Input Current
2.7
1
0.25
V
2
µA
temperature range. The junction temperature (TJ in °C) is calculated from
the ambient temperature (TA in °C) and power dissipation (PD in watts)
according to the formula: TJ = TA + (PD • θJA) where θJA is the thermal
impedance of the package.
Note 4: The LTC3121 includes overtemperature protection that is intended
to protect the device during momentary overload conditions. Junction
temperature will exceed 125°C when overtemperature shutdown is active.
Continuous operation above the specified maximum operating junction
temperature may result in device degradation or failure.
Note 5: Failure to solder the exposed backside of the package to the PC
board ground plane will result in a thermal impedance much higher than
the rated package specifications.
Note 6: Measured using a propietary test mode to ensure anti-ringing
switch between VIN ans SW is not active.
3121fa
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3
LTC3121
Typical Performance Characteristics
Configured as front page application unless otherwise specified.
Efficiency vs Load Current,
VOUT = 7.5V
Efficiency vs Load Current,
VOUT = 5V
100
100
90
90
80
80
EFFICIENCY (%)
EFFICIENCY (%)
70
60
50
PWM
40
30
20
0
0.01
0.1
1
100
10
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
70
60
50
PWM
40
30
0
0.01
0.1
1
100
10
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
PWM Mode Operation
ILOAD = 200mA
OUTPUT
CURRENT
250mA/DIV
40mA
40mA
INDUCTOR
CURRENT
1A/DIV
3121 G05
2ms/DIV
CHANGE IN RDS(ON) FROM 25°C (%)
–0.3
–0.4
–0.5
140
1.0
3121 G07
60
40
20
0
–20
–40
–50
3121 G06
Oscillator Frequency
vs Temperature
80
–0.2
1000
VOUT
5V/DIV
CHANGE IN FREQUENCY FROM 25°C (%)
0.2
–0.1
1
100
10
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
3121 G03
RDS(ON) vs Temperature,
Both NMOS and PMOS
0
0.1
Inrush Current Control
500µs/DIV
Feedback vs Temperature
0.1
VIN = 5.4V
VIN = 4.2V
VIN = 2.6V
SD
5V/DIV
3121 G04
1µs/DIV
CHANGE IN VFB FROM 25°C (%)
30
0
0.01
1000
400mA
INDUCTOR
CURRENT
1A/DIV
4
PWM
40
10
VOUT
500mV/DIV
AC-COUPLED
40
90
TEMPERATURE (°C)
50
Load Transient Response
VOUT
20mV/DIV
AC-COUPLED
–10
60
3121 G02
3121 G01
–0.6
–60
70
20
VIN = 5.4V
VIN = 3.8V
VIN = 2.3V
10
1000
BURST
80
20
VIN = 4.2V
VIN = 3.3V
VIN = 0.6V
10
90
BURST
EFFICIENCY (%)
BURST
100
Efficiency vs Load Current,
VOUT = 12V
–10
70
110
30
TEMPERATURE (°C)
150
3121 G08
0.5
0
–0.5
–1.0
–1.5
–2.0
–60
–10
90
40
TEMPERATURE (°C)
140
3121 G09
3121fa
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LTC3121
Typical Performance Characteristics
Peak Current Limit Change
vs Temperature
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0.5
1.5
2.5
3.5
VIN (V)
4.5
70
1
60
0
–1
–2
70
110
30
TEMPERATURE (°C)
0
150
Burst Mode No Load Input Current
vs VIN
10000
200
150
100
2.5
3.5
VIN , FALLING (V)
4.5
100
10
0.5
5.5
1.5
3121 G13
SD Pin Threshold
2.5
3.5
VIN , FALLING (V)
FREQUENCY (MHz)
400mV
1s/DIV
3121 G16
15
0
4
0.5
2
500
0
600
3121 G17
4
–10
70
110
30
TEMPERATURE (°C)
150
VOUT = 15V
VOUT = 3.6V
VOUT = 2.2V
3
10
1.0
400
300
RT (kΩ)
3121 G12
Frequency Accuracy
6
200
6
30
12
1.5
100
5
3121 G15
8
0
4
3121 G14
2.0
0
3
VIN (V)
45
–15
–50
5.5
PERIOD (µs)
VSD
500mV/DIV
4.5
FREQUENCY
PERIOD
2.5
900mV
2
60
Frequency vs RT
3.0
VOUT
5V/DIV
1
75
VOUT = 5V
VOUT = 7.5V
VOUT = 12V
50
1.5
0
Burst Mode Quiescent Current
Change vs Temperature
1000
0
0.5
20
3121 G11
INPUT CURRENT (µA)
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
250
–10
3121 G10
VOUT = 2.2V
VOUT = 5V
VOUT = 7.5V
VOUT = 12V
300
30
10
–4
–50
Burst Mode Maximum Output
Current vs VIN
350
40
–3
5.5
VOUT = 5V
VOUT = 7.5V
VOUT = 12V
50
CHANGE IN CURRENT FROM 25°C (%)
OUTPUT CURRENT (A)
1.2
2
INPUT CURRENT (mA)
VOUT = 5V
VOUT = 7.5V
VOUT = 12V
PWM Operation No Load Input
Current vs VIN
CHANGE IN FREQUENCY (%)
1.4
PEAK CURRENT LIMIT CHANGE FROM 25°C (%)
PWM Mode Maximum Output
Current vs VIN
2
1
0
–1
–2
–3
–4
0
1
3
2
4
VIN FALLING (V)
5
6
3121 G18
3121fa
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5
LTC3121
Typical Performance Characteristics
Efficiency vs Frequency
0
100
90
60
50
40
30
20
fOSC = 200kHz
fOSC = 1MHz
fOSC = 3MHz
10
10
100
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
4.0
–2
–3
VCC (V)
VCAP, REFERRED TO VOUT (V)
70
EFFICIENCY (%)
4.5
–1
80
0
VCC vs VIN
CAP Pin Voltage vs VOUT
–4
–5
3.5
3.0
–6
1000
–7
0
2
4
8
6
10
VOUT (V)
3121 G19
12
14
2.5
VIN FALLING
VIN RISING
0
3121 G20
Burst Mode Operation
to PWM Mode
Burst Mode Operation
VOUT
100mV/DIV
AC-COUPLED
1
2
4
3
VIN (V)
3121 G21
VOUT
100mV/DIV
AC-COUPLED
VOUT
100mV/DIV
AC-COUPLED
VPWM/SYNC
2V/DIV
INDUCTOR
CURRENT
0.5A/DIV
VPWM/SYNC
2V/DIV
OUTPUT CURRENT = 70mA
OUTPUT CURRENT = 70mA
OUTPUT CURRENT = 50mA
3121 G22
5µs/DIV
20µs/DIV
Burst Mode Transient
3121 G23
3121 G24
20µs/DIV
Synchronized Operation
Short-Circuit Response
SHORT-CIRCUIT APPLIED
ILOAD = 100mA
VOUT
5V/DIV
VOUT
200mV/DIV
AC-COUPLED
10mA
SHORT-CIRCUIT
REMOVED
VSW
5V/DIV
100mA
VPWM/SYNC
5V/DIV
10mA
200µs/DIV
6
6
PWM Mode to Burst Mode
Operation
VSW
10V/DIV
OUTPUT
CURRENT
100mA/DIV
5
3121 G25
SYNCHRONIZED TO 1.3MHz
1µs/DIV
3121 G26
INDUCTOR
CURRENT
1A/DIV
200µs/DIV
3121 G27
3121fa
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LTC3121
Pin Functions
SW (Pin 1): Switch Pin. Connect an inductor from this
pin to VIN. Keep PCB trace lengths as short and wide as
possible to reduce EMI and voltage overshoot. When VOUT
≥ VIN + 2V, an internal anti-ringing resistor is connected
between SW and VIN after the inductor current has dropped
to near zero, to minimize EMI. The anti-ringing resistor is
also activated in shutdown and during the sleep periods
of Burst Mode operation.
VCC (Pin 5): VCC Regulator Output. Connect a low-ESR
filter capacitor of at least 4.7µF from this pin to GND to
provide an internal regulated rail approximately equal to
the lower of VIN and 4.25V. When VOUT is higher than VIN,
and VIN falls below 3V, VCC will regulate to the lower of
approximately VOUT and 4.25V. A UVLO event occurs if VCC
drops below 1.6V. Switching is inhibited, and a soft-start
is initiated when VCC returns above 1.7V.
PGND (Pin 2, Exposed Pad Pin 13): Power Ground. When
laying out your PCB, provide a short, direct path between
PGND and the output capacitor and tie directly to the ground
plane. The exposed pad is ground and must be soldered
to the PCB ground plane for rated thermal performance.
RT (Pin 6): Frequency Adjust Pin. Connect an external
resistor (RT) from this pin to SGND to program the oscillator frequency according to the formula:
VIN (Pin 3): Input Supply Pin. The device is powered from
VIN unless VOUT exceeds VIN and VIN is less than 3V. Place
a low ESR ceramic bypass capacitor of at least 4.7µF from
VIN to PGND. X5R and X7R dielectrics are preferred for
their superior voltage and temperature characteristics.
PWM/SYNC (Pin 4): Burst Mode Operation Select and
Oscillator Synchronization. Do not leave this pin floating.
• PWM/SYNC = High. Disable Burst Mode Operation and
maintain low noise, constant frequency operation.
• PWM/SYNC = Low. The converter operates in Burst
Mode operation, independent of load current.
• PWM/SYNC = External CLK. The internal oscillator is
synchronized to the external CLK signal. Burst Mode
operation is disabled. A clock pulse width between
100ns and 2µs is required to synchronize the oscillator.
An external resistor must be connected between RT
and GND to program the oscillator slightly below the
desired synchronization frequency.
In non-synchronized applications, repeated clocking of
the PWM/SYNC pin to affect an operating mode change
is supported with these restrictions:
• Boost Mode (VOUT > VIN): IOUT <500µA: ƒPWM/SYNC ≤
100Hz, IOUT ≥ 500µA: ƒPWM/SYNC ≤ 5kHz
• Buck Mode (VOUT < VIN): IOUT <5mA: ƒPWM/SYNC ≤ 5Hz,
IOUT ≥ 5mA: ƒPWM/SYNC ≤ 5kHz
RT = 57.6/ƒOSC
where ƒOSC is in MHz and RT is in kΩ.
VC (Pin 7): Error Amplifier Output. A frequency compensation network is connected to this pin to compensate
the control loop. See Compensating the Feedback Loop
section for guidelines.
FB (Pin 8): Feedback Input to the Error Amplifier. Connect
the resistor divider tap to this pin. Connect the top of the
divider to VOUT and the bottom of the divider to SGND.
The output voltage can be adjusted from 2.2V to 15V according to this formula:
VOUT = 1.202V • (1 + R1/R2)
SD (Pin 9): Logic Controlled Shutdown Input. Bringing this
pin above 1.6V enables normal, free-running operation,
forcing this pin below 0.25V shuts the LTC3121 down, with
quiescent current below 1μA. Do not leave this pin floating.
SGND (Pin 10): Signal Ground. When laying out a PC
board, provide a short, direct path between SGND and
the (–) side of the output capacitor.
VOUT (Pin 11): Output Voltage Sense and the Source of
the Internal Synchronous Rectifier MOSFET. Driver bias
is derived from VOUT. Connect the output filter capacitor
from VOUT to PGND, as close to the IC as possible. A
minimum value of 10µF ceramic is recommended. VOUT
is disconnected from VIN when SD is low.
CAP (Pin 12): Serves as the Low Reference for the Synchronous Rectifier Gate Drive. Connect a low ESR filter
capacitor (typically 100nF) from this pin to VOUT to provide
an elevated ground rail, approximately 5.6V below VOUT,
used to drive the synchronous rectifier.
3121fa
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7
LTC3121
Block Diagram
1
BULK CONTROL
SIGNALS
SW
VIN
ANTI-RING
L1
VIN
1.8V TO 5.5V
3
COUT
TSD
VREF_UP
OSC
SD
OVLO
SD
SHUTDOWN
PWM
LOGIC
AND
DRIVERS
+ –
CURRENT
SENSE
SD
PWM/SYNC
PWM
BURST
SYNC
CONTROL
+ –
IZERO
COMP
OVLO
–+ –
–
+
VC
5
LDO
6
FB
CPL
8
1.202V
VC
R2
OSC
REFERENCE
UVLO
SOFT-START
VC CLAMP
RC
CC
VREF_UP
1.202V
RT
THERMAL SD
7
CF
SD
TSD
OVLO
CVCC
4.7µF
OSCILLATOR
RPL
12
gm ERROR
AMPLIFIER
ILIM
REF
ADAPTIVE SLOPE COMPENSATION
VCC
CAP
R1
VIN VOUT
VBEST
C1
100nF
16.2V
PGND
4
VOUT
2.2V TO 15V
11
VIN
CIN
9
VOUT
TSD
RT
SGND 10
PGND 2
EXPOSED PAD 13
LTC3121
3121 BD
THE VALUES OF RC, CC, AND CF ARE BASED UPON OPERATING CONDITIONS.
PLEASE REFER TO COMPENSATING THE FEEDBACK LOOP SECTION FOR
GUIDELINES TO DETERMINE OPTIMAL VALUES OF THESE COMPONENTS.
8
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LTC3121
Operation
The LTC3121 is an adjustable frequency, 100kHz to 3MHz
synchronous boost converter housed in a 12-lead 4mm ×
3mm DFN. The LTC3121 offers the unique ability to startup and regulate the output from inputs as low as 1.8V and
continue to operate from inputs as low as 0.5V. Output
voltages can be programmed between 2.2V and 15V. The
device also features fixed frequency, current mode PWM
control for exceptional line and load regulation. The current mode architecture with adaptive slope compensation
provides excellent transient load response and requires
minimal output filtering. An internal 10ms closed loop
soft-start simplifies the design process while minimizing
the number of external components.
With its low RDS(ON) and low gate charge internal N-channel
MOSFET switch and P-channel MOSFET synchronous
rectifier, the LTC3121 achieves high efficiency over a wide
range of load current. High efficiency is achieved at light
loads when Burst Mode operation is commanded. Operation
can be best understood by referring to the Block Diagram.
Low Voltage Operation
The LTC3121 is designed to allow start-up from input
voltages as low as 1.8V. When VOUT exceeds 2.2V, the
LTC3121 continues to regulate its output, even when VIN
falls to as low as 0.5V. The limiting factors for the application become the availability of the input source to supply
sufficient power to the output at the low voltages, and
the maximum duty cycle. Note that at low input voltages,
small voltage drops due to series resistance become
critical and greatly limit the power delivery capability of
the converter. This feature extends operating times by
maximizing the amount of energy that can be extracted
from the input source.
zero to its final programmed value. This limits the inrush
current drawn from the input source. As a result, the duration of the soft-start is largely unaffected by the size of
the output capacitor or the output regulation voltage. The
closed loop nature of the soft-start allows the converter
to respond to load transients that might occur during
the soft-start interval. The soft-start period is reset by a
shutdown command on SD, a UVLO event on VCC (VCC <
1.6V), an overvoltage event on VOUT (VOUT ≥ 16.2V), or
an overtemperature event (thermal shutdown is invoked
when the die temperature exceeds 170°C). Upon removal
of these fault conditions, the LTC3121 will soft-start the
output voltage.
Error Amplifier
The non-inverting input of the transconductance error
amplifier is internally connected to the 1.202V reference
and the inverting input is connected to FB. An external
resistive voltage divider from VOUT to ground programs
the output voltage from 2.2V to 15V via FB as shown in
Figure 1.
⎛ R1 ⎞
VOUT = 1.202V ⎜1+ ⎟
⎝ R2 ⎠
Selecting an R2 value of 121kΩ to have approximately
10µA of bias current in the VOUT resistor divider yields
the formula:
R1 = 100.67•(VOUT – 1.202V)
where R1 is in kΩ.
Power converter control loop compensation is set by a
simple RC network between VC and ground.
VOUT
LTC3121
Low Noise Fixed Frequency Operation
R1
+
–
Soft-Start
The LTC3121 contains internal circuitry to provide closedloop soft-start operation. The soft-start utilizes a linearly
increasing ramp of the error amplifier reference voltage
from zero to its nominal value of 1.202V in approximately
10ms, with the internal control loop driving VOUT from
FB
1.202V
R2
3121 F01
Figure 1. Programming the Output Voltage
3121fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3121
9
LTC3121
Operation
Internal Current Limit
The current limit comparator shuts off the N-channel
MOSFET switch once its threshold is reached. Peak switch
current is limited to 1.8A, independent of input or output
voltage, except when VOUT is below 1.5V, resulting in the
current limit being approximately half of the nominal peak.
Lossless current sensing converts the peak current signal of the N-channel MOSFET switch into a voltage that
is summed with the internal slope compensation. The
summed signal is compared to the error amplifier output
to provide a peak current control command for the PWM.
Zero Current Comparator
The zero current comparator monitors the inductor current
being delivered to the output and shuts off the synchronous rectifier when this current reduces to approximately
50mA. This prevents the inductor current from reversing
in polarity, improving efficiency at light loads.
Oscillator
The internal oscillator is programmed to the desired switching frequency with an external resistor from the RT pin to
GND according to the following formula:
⎛ 57.6 ⎞
ƒOSC (MHz) = ⎜
⎟
⎝ RT (kΩ) ⎠
The oscillator also can be synchronized to an external
frequency by applying a pulse train to the PWM/SYNC pin.
An external resistor must be connected between RT and
GND to program the oscillator to a frequency approximately
25% below that of the externally applied pulse train used
for synchronization. RT is selected in this case according
to this formula:
⎛
⎞
73.2
RT (kΩ) = ⎜
⎟
⎝ ƒSYNC (MHz) ⎠
Output Disconnect
The LTC3121’s output disconnect feature eliminates body
diode conduction of the internal P-channel MOSFET
rectifier. This allows for VOUT to discharge to 0V during
10
shutdown, and draw no current from the input source. It
also allows for inrush current limiting at turn-on, minimizing surge currents seen by the input supply. Note that to
obtain the advantages of output disconnect, there must
not be an external Schottky diode connected between SW
and VOUT. The output disconnect feature also allows VOUT
to be pulled high, without reverse current being backfed
into the power source connected to VIN.
Shutdown
The boost converter is disabled by pulling SD below 0.25V
and enabled by pulling SD above 1.6V. Note that SD can
be driven above VIN or VOUT, as long as it is limited to less
than the absolute maximum rating.
Thermal Shutdown
If the die temperature exceeds 170°C typical, the LTC3121
will go into thermal shutdown (TSD). All switches will be
turned off until the die temperature drops by approximately
7°C, when the device re-initiates a soft-start and switching
can resume.
Boost Anti-Ringing Control
When VOUT ≥ VIN + 2V, the anti-ringing control connects
a resistor across the inductor to damp high frequency
ringing on the SW pin during discontinuous current mode
operation when the inductor current has dropped to near
zero. Although the ringing of the resonant circuit formed
by L and CSW (capacitance on SW pin) is low energy, it
can cause EMI radiation.
VCC Regulator
An internal low dropout regulator generates the 4.25V
(nominal) VCC rail from VIN or VOUT, depending upon
operating conditions. VCC is supplied from VIN when VIN
is greater than 3.5V, otherwise the greater of VIN and VOUT
is used. The VCC rail powers the internal control circuitry
and power MOSFET gate drivers of the LTC3121. The VCC
regulator is disabled in shutdown to reduce quiescent
current and is enabled by forcing the SD pin above its
threshold. A 4.7µF or larger capacitor must be connected
between VCC and SGND.
3121fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3121
LTC3121
Operation
An overvoltage condition occurs when VOUT exceeds approximately 16.2V. Switching is disabled and the internal
soft-start ramp is reset. Once VOUT drops below approximately 15.6V, a soft-start cycle is initiated and switching
is enabled. If the boost converter output is lightly loaded
so that the time constant product of the output capacitance, COUT, and the output load resistance, ROUT is near
or greater than the soft-start time of approximately 10ms,
the soft-start ramp may end before or soon after switching
resumes, defeating the inrush current limiting of the closed
loop soft-start following an overvoltage event.
Short-Circuit Protection
The LTC3121 output disconnect feature allows output
short-circuit protection. To reduce power dissipation under
overload and short-circuit conditions, the peak switch current limit is reduced to 1A. Once VOUT > 1.5V, the current
limit is set to its nominal value of 1.8A.
VIN > VOUT Operation
The LTC3121 step-up converter will maintain voltage regulation even when the input voltage is above the desired
output voltage. Note that operating in this mode will exhibit
lower efficiency and a reduced output current capability.
Refer to the Typical Performance Characteristics section
for details.
Burst Mode Operation
When the PWM/SYNC pin is held low, the boost converter
operates in Burst Mode operation to improve efficiency
at light loads and reduce standby current at no load. The
input thresholds for this pin are determined relative to VCC
with a low being less than 10% of VCC and a high being
greater than 90% of VCC. The LTC3121 will operate in
fixed frequency PWM mode even if Burst Mode operation
is commanded during soft-start.
In Burst Mode operation, the LTC3121 switches asynchronously. The inductor current is first charged to 600mA
by turning on the N-channel MOSFET switch. Once this
current threshold is reached, the N-channel is turned off
and the P-channel synchronous switch is turned on, delivering current to the output. When the inductor current
discharges to approximately zero, the cycle repeats. In
Burst Mode operation, energy is delivered to the output
until the nominal regulation value is reached, at which
point the LTC3121 transitions to sleep mode. In sleep, the
output switches are turned off and the LTC3121 consumes
only 25μA of quiescent current. When the output voltage droops approximately 1%, switching resumes. This
maximizes efficiency at very light loads by minimizing
switching and quiescent losses. Output voltage ripple in
Burst Mode operation is typically 1% to 2% peak-to-peak.
Additional output capacitance (10μF or greater), or the
addition of a small feed-forward capacitor (10pF to 50pF)
connected between VOUT and FB can help further reduce
the output ripple.
The maximum output current (IOUT) capability in Burst
Mode operation varies with VIN and VOUT, as shown in
Figure 2.
350
300
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
Overvoltage Lockout
250
VOUT = 2.2V
VOUT = 5V
VOUT = 7.5V
VOUT = 12V
200
150
100
50
0
0.5
1.5
2.5
3.5
VIN, FALLING (V)
4.5
5.5
3121 F02
Figure 2. Burst Mode Maximum Output Current vs VIN
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11
LTC3121
Applications Information
PCB Layout Guidelines
Component Selection
The high switching frequency of the LTC3121 demands
careful attention to board layout. A careless layout will
result in reduced performance. Maximizing the copper
area for ground will help to minimize die temperature rise.
A multilayer board with a separate ground plane is ideal,
but not absolutely necessary. See Figure 3 for an example
of a two-layer board layout.
PGND
PGND
CAP
SW
VIN
1
12
2
11
3
4
VCC
RT
13
PGND
VOUT
9
8
6
7
The LTC3121 can utilize small surface mount inductors due
to its capability of setting a fast (up to 3MHz) switching
frequency. Larger values of inductance will allow slightly
greater output current capability by reducing the inductor
ripple current. To design a stable converter the range of
inductance values is bounded by the targeted magnitude
of the internal slope compensation and is inversely proportional to the switching frequency. The inductor selection
for the LTC3121 has the following bounds:
10
3
µH > L > µH
f
f
The inductor peak-to-peak ripple current is given by the
following equation:
10 SGND
5
Inductor Selection
FB
V • (VOUT – VIN)
RIPPLE(A) = IN
f • L • VOUT
VC
where:
L = Inductor Value in µH
f = Switching Frequency in MHz
3121 F02
Figure 3. Traces Carrying High Current Are Direct (PGND, SW, VIN
and VOUT). Trace Area at FB and VC Are Kept Low. Trace Length to
Input Supply Should Be Kept Short. VIN and VOUT Ceramic Capacitors
Should Be Placed as Close to the LTC3121 Pins as Possible
Schottky Diode
Although it is not required, adding a Schottky diode from
SW to VOUT can improve the converter efficiency by about
4%. Note that this defeats the output disconnect and shortcircuit protection features of the LTC3121.
12
The inductor ripple current is a maximum at the minimum
inductor value. Substituting 3/f for the inductor value in
the above equation yields the following:
V • (VOUT – VIN)
RIPPLEMAX(A) = IN
3 • VOUT
To realize greater output current capability at the guaranteed minimum (over temperature) 1.5A current limit, it is
recommended that the inductor ripple current be limited to
one-third of this minimum value, or to approximately 0.5A.
Choosing a minimum inductor value of 6/f μH (where f =
switching frequency in MHz) or greater typically results in
an inductor ripple current of 0.5A or less for the majority of
step-up ratios. High frequency ferrite core inductor materials reduce frequency dependent power losses compared
to cheaper powdered iron types, improving efficiency.
3121fa
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LTC3121
Applications Information
The inductor should have low DCR (series resistance of
the windings) to reduce the I2R power losses, and must be
able to support the peak inductor current without saturating. Molded chokes and most chip inductors usually do
not have enough core area to support the peak inductor
currents of 2A to 3A seen on the LTC3121. To minimize
radiated noise, use a shielded inductor.
See Table 1 for suggested components and suppliers
Table 1. Recommended Inductors
PART NUMBER
VALUE DCR ISAT
(µH) (mΩ) (A)
SIZE (mm)
W×L×H
Coilcraft XAL4020-222ME
Coilcraft XAL4030-332ME
Coilcraft XAL4030-472ME
Coilcraft XAL5050-682ME
Coilcraft XAL6060-223ME
Coilcraft MSS1260T-333ML
2.2
3.3
4.7
6.8
22
33
39
29
44
29
61
57
5.6 4.3 × 4.3 × 2.1
5.5 4.3 × 4.3 × 3.1
4.5 4.3 × 4.3 × 3.1
6.0 5.3 × 5.3 × 5.1
5.6 6.3 × 6.3 × 6.1
4.34 12.3 × 12.3 × 6.2
Coiltronics DR73-2R2-R
Coiltronics DR74-4R7-R
Coiltronics DR125-330-R
Coiltronics DR127-470-R
2.2
4.7
33
47
17
25
51
72
5.52
4.37
3.84
5.28
7.6 × 7.6 × 3.55
7.6 × 7.6 × 4.35
12.5 × 12.5 × 6
12.5 × 12.5 × 8
Sumida CDR7D28MNNP-2R2NC
Sumida CDR7D28MNNP-6R8NC
2.2
6.8
18
46
4.9
3.5
7.6 × 7.6 × 3
7.6 × 7.6 × 3
Taiyo-Yuden NR5040T3R3N
3.3
35
3.8
5×5×4
TDK LTF5022T-2R2N3R2-LC
TDK SPM6530T-3R3M
TDK VLP8040T-4R7M
2.2
3.3
4.7
40
30
25
3.2
6.8
4.4
5 × 5.2 × 2.2
7.1 × 6.5 × 3
8 × 7.7 × 4
Würth WE-PD7447789002
Würth WE-PD7447789003
Würth WE-PD7447789003
Würth WE-PD7447779006
Würth WE-HCI7443251000
Würth WE-PD744770122
Würth WE-PD744770133
Würth WE-PD7447709470
2.2
3.3
4.7
6.8
10
22
33
47
23
30
35
35
16
43
64
60
4.8
4.2
4.2
3.3
8.5
5
3.6
4.5
7.3 × 7.3 × 3.2
7.3 × 7.3 × 3.2
7.3 × 7.3 × 3.2
7.3 × 7.3 × 4.5
10 × 10 × 5
12 × 12 × 8
12 × 12 × 8
12 × 12 × 10
Output and Input Capacitor Selection
Low ESR (equivalent series resistance) capacitors should
be used to minimize the output voltage ripple. Multilayer
ceramic capacitors are an excellent choice as they have
extremely low ESR and are available in small footprints.
X5R and X7R dielectric materials are preferred for their
ability to maintain capacitance over wide voltage and temperature ranges. Y5V types should not be used. Although
ceramic capacitors are recommended, low ESR tantalum
capacitors may be used as well.
When selecting output capacitors, the magnitude of the
peak inductor current, together with the ripple voltage
specification, determine the choice of the capacitor. Both
the ESR (equivalent series resistance) of the capacitor and
the charge stored in the capacitor each cycle contribute
to the output voltage ripple.
The ripple due to the charge is approximately:
VRIPPLE(CHARGE) ≈
IP • VIN
COUT • VOUT • ƒ
where IP is the peak inductor current.
The ESR of COUT is usually the most dominant factor for
ripple in most power converters. The ripple due to the
capacitor ESR is:
V
VRIPPLE(ESR) = ILOAD • RESR • OUT
VIN
where RESR = capacitor equivalent series resistance.
The input filter capacitor reduces peak currents drawn from
the input source and reduces input switching noise. A low
ESR bypass capacitor with a value of at least 4.7µF should
be located as close to the VIN pin as possible.
Low ESR and high capacitance are critical to maintain low
output voltage ripple. Capacitors can be used in parallel
for even larger capacitance values and lower effective
ESR. Ceramic capacitors are often utilized in switching
converter applications due to their small size, low ESR and
low leakage currents. However, many ceramic capacitors
experience significant loss in capacitance from their rated
value with increased DC bias voltage. It is not uncommon
for a small surface mount capacitor to lose more than 50%
of its rated capacitance when operated near its rated voltage. As a result it is sometimes necessary to use a larger
capacitor value or a capacitor with a larger value and case
size, such as 1812 rather than 1206, in order to actually
realize the intended capacitance at the full operating voltage. Be sure to consult the vendor’s curve of capacitance
vs DC bias voltage. Table 2 shows a sampling of capacitors
suited for LTC3121 applications.
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13
LTC3121
Applications Information
Operating Frequency Selection
Table 2. Representative Output Capacitors
MANUFACTURER,
PART NUMBER
VALUE
(µF)
VOLTAGE
(V)
SIZE L × W × H (mm)
TYPE, ESR (mΩ)
AVX,
12103D226MAT2A
22
25
3.2 × 2.5 × 2.79,
X5R Ceramic
Kemet,
C2220X226K3RACTU
22
25
5.7 × 5.0 × 2.4,
X7R Ceramic
Kemet,
A700D226M016ATE030
22
16
7.3 × 4.3 × 2.8,
Alum. Polymer, 30mΩ
Murata,
GRM32ER71E226KE15L
22
25
3.2 × 2.5 × 2.5,
X7R Ceramic
Nichicon,
PLV1E121MDL1
82
25
8 × 8 × 12,
Alum. Polymer, 25mΩ
Panasonic,
ECJ-4YB1E226M
22
25
3.2 × 2.5 × 2.5,
X5R Ceramic
Sanyo,
25TQC22MV
22
25
7.3 × 4.3 × 3.1,
POSCAP, 50mΩ
Sanyo,
16TQC100M
100
16
7.3 × 4.3 × 1.9,
POSCAP, 45mΩ
Sanyo,
25SVPF47M
47
25
6.6 × 6.6 × 5.9,
OS-CON, 30mΩ
Taiyo Yuden,
TMK325BJ226MM-T
22
25
3.2 × 2.5 × 2.5,
X5R Ceramic
TDK,
CKG57NX5R1E476M
47
25
6.5 × 5.5 × 5.5,
X5R Ceramic
Cap-XX
GS230F
1.2Farads
4.5
39 × 17 × 3.8
28mΩ
Cooper
A1030-2R5155
1.5Farads
2.5
Ø = 10, L = 30
60mΩ
Maxwell
BCAP0050-P270
50Farads
2.5
Ø = 18, L = 40
20mΩ
For applications requiring a very low profile and very large
capacitance, the GS, GS2 and GW series from Cap-XX
and PowerStor Aerogel Capacitors from Cooper all offer
very high capacitance and low ESR in various low profile
packages.
A method for improving the converter’s transient response
uses a small feed-forward series network of a capacitor and
a resistor across the top resistor of the feedback divider
(from VOUT to FB). This adds a phase-lead zero and pole
to the transfer function of the converter as calculated in
the Compensating the Feedback Loop section.
14
There are several considerations in selecting the operating
frequency of the converter. Typically the first consideration
is to stay clear of sensitive frequency bands, which cannot
tolerate any spectral noise. For example, in products incorporating RF communications, the 455kHz IF frequency is
sensitive to any noise, therefore switching above 600kHz
is desired. Some communications have sensitivity to
1.1MHz and in that case a 1.5MHz switching converter
frequency may be employed. A second consideration is the
physical size of the converter. As the operating frequency
is increased, the inductor and filter capacitors typically
can be reduced in value, leading to smaller sized external
components. The smaller solution size is typically traded
for efficiency, since the switching losses due to gate charge
increase with frequency.
Another consideration is whether the application can allow
pulse-skipping. When the boost converter pulse-skips, the
minimum on-time of the converter is unable to support
the duty cycle. This results in a low frequency component
to the output ripple. In many applications where physical
size is the main criterion, running the converter in this
mode is acceptable. In applications where it is preferred
not to enter this mode, the maximum operating frequency
is given by:
VOUT − VIN
ƒMAX _ NOSKIP ≤
Hz
VOUT • tON(MIN)
where tON(MIN) = minimum on-time = 100ns.
Thermal Considerations
For the LTC3121 to deliver its full power, it is imperative
that a good thermal path be provided to dissipate the heat
generated within the package. This can be accomplished
by taking advantage of the large thermal pad on the underside of the IC. It is recommended that multiple vias in
the printed circuit board be used to conduct heat away
from the IC and into a copper plane with as much area as
possible. If the junction temperature rises above ~170°C,
the part will go into thermal shutdown, and all switching
will stop until the temperature drops approximately 7°C.
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LTC3121
Applications Information
Compensating the Feedback Loop
The LTC3121 uses current mode control, with internal
adaptive slope compensation. Current mode control eliminates the second order filter due to the inductor and output
capacitor exhibited in voltage mode control, and simplifies
the power loop to a single pole filter response. Because
of this fast current control loop, the power stage of the IC
combined with the external inductor can be modeled by a
transconductance amplifier gmp and a current controlled
current source. Figure 4 shows the key equivalent small
signal elements of a boost converter.
The DC small-signal loop gain of the system shown in
Figure 4 is given by the following equation:
GBOOST = GEA • GMP • GPOWER •
R2
R1+ R2
where GEA is the DC gain of the error amplifier, GMP is
the modulator gain, and GPOWER is the inductor current
to VOUT gain.
GEA = g ma • RO ≈ 950V/V
(Not Adjustable; g ma = 95µS, RO ≈ 10MΩ)
GMP = g mp =
GPOWER =
ΔIL
ΔVC
≈ 3.4S (Not Adjustable)
ΔVOUT η • VIN
=
ΔIL
2 •IOUT
Combining the two equations above yields:
GDC = GMP • GPOWER ≈
1.7 • η • VIN
IOUT
Converter efficiency η will vary with IOUT and switching
frequency ƒOSC as shown in the typical performance
characteristics curves.
Output Pole: P1 =
2
Hz
2 • π • RL • COUT
Error Amplifier Pole: P2 =
1
Hz
2 • π • RO • (CC + CF )
Error Amplifier Zero: Z1 =
1
Hz
2 • π • RC • CC
–
+
gmp
IL
VOUT
η • VIN
•I
2 • VOUT L
COUT
MODULATOR
RPL
1.202V
REFERENCE
CF
gma
RC
CC
RO
ERROR
AMPLIFIER
–
RL
ESR Zero: Z2 =
CPL
+
VC
RESR
1
2 • π • RESR • COUT
VIN2 • RL
R1
RHP Zero: Z3 =
R2
High Frequency Pole: P3 >
FB
2 • π • VOUT 2 • L
3121 F04
CC: COMPENSATION CAPACITOR
COUT: OUTPUT CAPACITOR
CPL: PHASE LEAD CAPACITOR
CF : HIGH FREQUENCY FILTER CAPACITOR
gma: TRANSCONDUCTANCE AMPLIFIER INSIDE IC
gmp: POWER STAGE TRANSCONDUCTANCE AMPLIFIER
RC: COMPENSATION RESISTOR
RL: OUTPUT RESISTANCE DEFINED AS VOUT/ILOADMAX
RO: OUTPUT RESISTANCE OF gma
RPL: PHASE LEAD RESISTOR
R1, R2: FEEDBACK RESISTOR DIVIDER NETWORK
RESR: OUTPUT CAPACITOR ESR
η : CONVERTER EFFICIENCY (~90% AT HIGHER CURRENTS)
Figure 4. Boost Converter Equivalent Model
V/V
Phase Lead Zero: Z4 =
Hz
Hz
ƒOSC
3
1
Hz
2 • π • (R1+RPL ) • CPL
1
Hz
⎛ R1• R2
⎞
+RPL ⎟ • CPL
2• π •⎜
⎝ R1+R2
⎠
Error Amplifier Filter Pole:
Phase Lead Pole: P4 =
P5 =
1
Hz
⎛C •C ⎞
F
C
2 • π • RC • ⎜
⎟
⎝ CC + CF ⎠
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15
LTC3121
Applications Information
The current mode zero (Z3) is a right half plane zero
which can be an issue in feedback control design, but is
manageable with proper external component selection.
As a general rule, the frequency at which the open-loop
gain of the converter is reduced to unity, known as the
crossover frequency ƒC, should be set to less than one
third of the right half plane zero (Z3), and under one eighth
of the switching frequency ƒOSC. Once ƒC is selected, the
values for the compensation components can be calculated
using a bode plot of the power stage or two generally valid
assumptions: P1 dominates the gain of the power stage
for frequencies lower than ƒC and ƒC is much higher than
P2. First calculate the power stage gain at ƒC, GƒC in V/V.
Assuming the output pole P1 dominates GƒC for this range,
it is expressed by:
GƒC ≈
GDC
⎛ ƒ ⎞2
1+ ⎜ C ⎟
⎝ P1 ⎠
V/V
Decide how much phase margin (Φm) is desired. Greater
phase margin can offer more stability while lower phase margin can yield faster transient response. Typically, Φm ≈ 60°
is optimal for minimizing transient response time while
allowing sufficient margin to account for component variability. Φ1 is the phase boost of Z1, P2, and P5 while Φ2 is
the phase boost of Z4 and P4. Select Φ1 and Φ2 such that
⎛
⎞
V
Φ1 ≤ 74° ; Φ2 ≤ ⎜2 • tan−1 OUT ⎟ − 90° and
1.2V ⎠
⎝
⎛ƒ ⎞
Φ1 + Φ2 = Φm + tan−1 ⎜ C ⎟
⎝ Z3 ⎠
where VOUT is in V and ƒC and Z3 are in kHz.
Setting Z1, P5, Z4, and P4 such that
Z1=
ƒC
ƒ
, P5 = ƒC a1, Z4 = C , P4 = ƒC a2
a1
a2
The compensation will force the converter gain GBOOST
to unity at ƒC by using the following expression for CC:
CC =
103 • g ma • R2 • GƒC ( a1 − 1) a2
2π • ƒC • (R1+ R2) a1
pF
(gma in µS, ƒC in kHz, GƒC in V/V)
Once CC is calculated, RC and CF are determined by:
106 • a1
RC =
kΩ (ƒC in kHz, C C in pF)
2π • ƒC • CC
CF =
CC
a1 − 1
The values of the phase lead components are given by
the expressions:
RPL
⎛ R1• R2 ⎞
R1− a2 • ⎜
⎟
⎝ R1+R2 ⎠
=
kΩ and
a2 − 1
CPL =
106 ( a2 − 1) (R1+R2)
2π • ƒC • R12 a2
pF
where R1, R2, and RPL are in kΩ and ƒC is in kHz.
Note that selecting Φ2 = 0° forces a2 = 1, and so the
converter will have Type II compensation and therefore
no feedforward: RPL is open (infinite impedance) and CPL
= 0pF. If a2 = 0.833 • VOUT (its maximum), feedforward is
maximized; RPL = 0 and CPL is maximized for this compensation method.
Once the compensation values have been calculated, obtaining a converter bode plot is strongly recommended to
verify calculations and adjust values as required.
Using the circuit in Figure 5 as an example, Table 3 shows
the parameters used to generate the bode plot shown in
Figure 6.
allows a1 and a2 to be determined using Φ1 and Φ2
⎛ Φ + 90° ⎞
2 ⎛ Φ +90° ⎞
a1 = tan2 ⎜ 1
⎟, a2 = tan ⎜ 2
⎟
⎝
⎠
⎝
⎠
2
2
16
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LTC3121
Applications Information
VIN
5V
L1
6.8µH
SW
VIN
CIN
4.7µF
SD
OFF ON
LTC3121
PWM/SYNC
BURST PWM
C1
100nF
FB
VCC
VC
SGND
R1
1.02M
CAP
RT
RT
57.6k
VOUT
12V
400mA
VOUT
COUT
22µF
R2
113k
RC
210k
PGND
CF
10pF
CC
390pF
CVCC
4.7µF
3121 F05a
Transient Response with
200mA to 400mA Load Step
Switching Waveforms with 400mA Load
VOUT
100mV/DIV
AC-COUPLED
VOUT
100mV/DIV
AC-COUPLED
SW
10V/DIV
OUTPUT
CURRENT
200mA/DIV
INDUCTOR
CURRENT
1A/DIV
3121 F05b
100µs/DIV
3121 F05c
Figure 5. 1MHz, 5V to 12V, 400mA Boost Converter
170
180
150
140
PHASE
130
100
110
60
90
20
70
–20
50
–60
30
–100
GAIN
10
–140
–180
–10
–30
0.01
PHASE (deg)
GAIN (dB)
200ns/DIV
0.1
10
1
FREQUENCY (kHz)
100
–220
1000
3121 F06
Figure 6. Bode Plot for Example Converter
3121fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3121
17
LTC3121
Applications Information
From Figure 6, the phase is 60° when the gain reaches
0dB, so the phase margin of the converter is 60°. The
crossover frequency is 15kHz, which is more than three
times lower than the 121.3kHz frequency of the RHP zero
to achieve adequate phase margin.
Table 3. Bode Plot Parameters for Type II Compensation
PARAMETER
VALUE
UNITS
COMMENT
VIN
5
V
App Specific
VOUT
12
V
App Specific
RL
30
Ω
App Specific
COUT
22
µF
App Specific
RESR
L
5
mΩ
App Specific
6.8
µH
App Specific
1
MHz
Adjustable
R1
1020
kΩ
Adjustable
R2
113
kΩ
Adjustable
gma
95
µS
Fixed
RO
10
MΩ
Fixed
gmp
3.4
S
Fixed
η
92
%
App Specific
RC
210
kΩ
Adjustable
CC
390
pF
Adjustable
CF
10
pF
Adjustable
RPL
Open
kΩ
Optional
CPL
0
pF
Optional
ƒOSC
VIN
5V
L1
6.8µH
SW
VIN
CIN
4.7µF
The circuit in Figure 7 shows the same application as
that in Figure 5 with Type III compensation. This is accomplished by adding CPL and RPL and adjusting CC, CF,
and RC accordingly. Table 4 shows the parameters used
to generate the bode plot shown in Figure 8.
SD
OFF ON
BURST PWM
C1
100nF
LTC3121
PWM/SYNC
VOUT
12V
400mA
VOUT
CAP
RPL
604k
CPL
10pF
VCC
CVCC
4.7µF
COUT
22µF
FB
RT
RT
57.6k
R1
1.02M
SGND
PGND
VC
RC
127k
CC
220pF
CF
33pF
R2
113k
3121 F06
Figure 7. Boost Converter with Phase Lead
18
3121fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3121
LTC3121
Applications Information
Table 4. Bode Plot Parameters for Type III Compensation
VALUE
UNITS
COMMENT
VIN
5
V
App Specific
VOUT
12
V
App Specific
RL
30
Ω
App Specific
COUT
22
µF
App Specific
170
RESR
L
ƒOSC
5
mΩ
App Specific
150
µH
App Specific
130
1
MHz
Adjustable
110
60
1020
kΩ
Adjustable
90
20
70
–20
R2
113
kΩ
Adjustable
gma
95
µS
Fixed
RO
10
MΩ
Fixed
gmp
3.4
S
Fixed
η
92
%
App Specific
RC
127
kΩ
Adjustable
CC
220
pF
Adjustable
CF
33
pF
Adjustable
RPL
604
kΩ
Adjustable
CPL
10
pF
Adjustable
140
100
PHASE
50
–60
GAIN
30
–100
10
–140
–10
–180
–30
0.01
0.1
10
1
FREQUENCY (kHz)
PHASE (deg)
R1
180
6.8
GAIN (dB)
PARAMETER
From Figure 8, the phase margin is still optimized at 60°
and the crossover frequency remains 15kHz. Adding CPL
and RPL provides some feedforward signal in Burst Mode
operation, leading to lower output voltage ripple.
100
–220
1000
3121 F08
Figure 8. Bode Plot Showing Phase Lead
3121fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3121
19
LTC3121
Typical Applications
3.3V to 12V, 2MHz Synchronous Boost Converter with Output Disconnect, 250mA
L1
3.3µH
VIN
3.3V
100
SW
C1
100nF
RT
FB
VCC
VC
RT
28k
SGND
R1
1.02M
CAP
PWM/SYNC
BURST PWM
80
COUT
22µF
R2
113k
RC
280k
PGND
CVCC
4.7µF
Burst Mode OPERATION
70
60
50
1
PWM
40
30
20
CF
10pF
CC
220pF
10
POWER LOSS (W)
CIN
4.7µF
LTC3121
SD
OFF ON
VOUT
12V
250mA
VOUT
EFFICIENCY (%)
VIN
90
10
0
0.01
CIN, CVCC: 4.7µF, 6.3V, X7R, 1206
C1: 100nF, 6.3V, X7R, 1206
COUT: 22µF, 16V, X7R, 1812
L1: COILCRAFT XAL5050-332ME
3121 TA02a
PWM POWER LOSS
0.1
1
10
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
0.1
100
3121 TA02b
Single Li-Cell to 6V, 2.5W, 3MHz Synchronous Boost Converter for RF Transmitter
VIN
2.5V TO 4.2V
L1
2.2µH
SW
VIN
CIN
4.7µF
OFF ON
SD
LTC3121
PWM/SYNC
C1
100nF
FB
VCC
VC
SGND
CVCC
4.7µF
PGND
VIN = 3.6V
VOUT
200mV/DIV
AC-COUPLED
R1
487k
CAP
RT
RT
17.4k
VOUT
6V
425mA
VOUT
COUT
47µF
RC
137k
CC
150pF
420mA
R2
121k
CF
12pF
OUTPUT
CURRENT
200mA/DIV
40mA
100µs/DIV
CIN, CVCC: 4.7µF, 6.3V, X7R, 1206
C1: 100nF, 6.3V, X7R, 1206
COUT: 47µF, 10V, X7R, 1812
L1: COILCRAFT XAL5030-222ME
20
3121 TA03b
3121 TA03a
3121fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3121
LTC3121
Typical Applications
2 AA Cell to 12V Synchronous Boost Converter, 100mA
L1
6.8µH
1.2
VIN
CIN
4.7µF
VOUT
C1
100nF
RT
FB
VCC
VC
SGND
1.0
R1
1.02M
CAP
PWM/SYNC
RT
57.6k
VOUT
12V
100mA
COUT
22µF
R2
113k
RC
200k
PGND
CVCC
4.7µF
CC
560pF
70
60
0.8
50
40
0.6
30
20
0.4
CF
10pF
0.2
1.6
CIN, CVCC: 4.7µF, 6.3V, X7R, 1206
C1: 100nF, 6.3V, X7R, 1206
COUT: 22µF, 16V, X7R, 1812
L1: COILCRAFT XAL5050-682ME
80
EFFICIENCY (%)
LTC3121
SD
OFF ON
100
90
SW
INPUT CURRENT (A)
VIN
1.8V TO 3V
EFFICIENCY
INPUT CURRENT
1.8
2
2.2
3121 TA04a
2.4 2.6
VIN (V)
10
2.8
0
3.2
3
3121 TA04b
3.3V to 12V, 300kHz Synchronous Boost Converter with Output Disconnect, 250mA
L1
22µH
100
90
SW
OFF ON
CIN
4.7µF
BURST PWM
SD
LTC3121
PWM/SYNC
C1
100nF
R1
1.02M
CAP
COUT
68µF
FB
RT
SGND
CVCC
4.7µF
CIN, CVCC: 4.7µF, 6.3V, X7R, 1206
C1: 100nF, 6.3V, X7R, 1206
COUT: 68µF, 16V, X7R, 1812
L1: COILCRAFT XAL6060-223ME
PGND
RC
154k
CC
1.2nF
80
R2
113k
VC
VCC
RT
196k
VOUT
12V
250mA
VOUT
10
Burst Mode OPERATION
70
1
POWER LOSS (W)
VIN
EFFICIENCY (%)
VIN
3.3V
60
50
PWM
40
0.1
30
20
CF
56pF
PWM POWER LOSS
10
0
0.01
3121 TA05a
0.1
10
1
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
0.01
100
3121 TA05b
3121fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3121
21
LTC3121
Typical Applications
USB/Battery Powered Synchronous Boost Converter, 4.3V to 5V, 500mA
L1
3.3µH
VIN
4.3V TO 5.5V
SW
VIN
CIN
4.7µF
C2
4.7µF
LTC3121
SD
OFF ON
PWM/SYNC
C1
100nF
FB
VCC
VC
SGND
VIN
2V/DIV
R1
383k
CAP
RT
RT
57.6k
VOUT
5V
500mA
VOUT
VOUT
2V/DIV
COUT
47µF
R2
121k
RC
43.2k
PGND
CVCC
4.7µF
INPUT
CURRENT
0.5A/DIV
CF
68pF
CC
1nF
CIN, CVCC: 4.7µF, 6.3V, X7R, 1206
C1: 100nF, 6.3V, X7R, 1206
COUT: 47µF, 6.3V, X7R, 1812
C2: LELON VE-4R7M1ATR-0305
L1: TDK SPM6530T-3R3M
2ms/DIV
RLOAD = 20Ω
VIN = USB 2.0
PORT HOTPLUGGED
3121 TA06a
3121 TA06b
5V to Dual Output Synchronous Boost Converter, ±15V
C2
470nF
L1
6.8µH
–15.1
SW
VIN
OFF ON
LTC3121
VOUT
RT
FB
VCC
VC
SGND
PGND
CVCC
4.7µF
CIN, CVCC: 4.7µF, 6.3V, X7R, 1206
COUT2: 47µF, 16V, X7R, 1206
C1: 100nF, 6.3V, X7R, 1206
COUT1: 22µF, 16V, X7R, 1812
C2: 470nF, 25V, X7R, 1206
L1: COILCRAFT XAL5050-682ME
U1: CENTRAL SEMICONDUCTOR CBAT54S
Z1: DIODES, INC. DDZ16ASF-7
22
C1
100nF
CAP
PWM/SYNC
RT
57.6k
VOUT1
15V
RC
365k
CC
150pF
–14.9
U1
R1
1.3M
COUT1
22µF
R2
113k
CF
10pF COUT2
47µF
VOUT2
–15V
Z1
14.9
–14.8
14.8
–14.7
14.7
–14.6
14.6
–14.5
14.5
VOUT2
–14.4
14.4
–14.3
14.3
–14.2
14.2
–14.1
3121 TA07a
15.0
VOUT1
0
105
35
70
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
VOUT1 (V)
CIN
4.7µF
SD
15.1
–15.0
VOUT2 (V)
VIN
5V
14.1
140
3121 TA07b
3121fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3121
LTC3121
Typical Applications
Single Li-Cell 3-LED Driver, 2.5V/4.2V to 175mA
L1
3.3µH
100
1.0
EFFICIENCY
SW
VIN
CIN
4.7µF
SD
LTC3121
PWM/SYNC
FB
LT1006
VC
SGND
PGND
CVCC
4.7µF
CIN, CVCC: 4.7µF, 6.3V, X7R, 1206
C1: 100nF, 6.3V, X7R, 1206
COUT: 22µF, 16V, X7R, 1812
L1: TDK SPM6530T-3R3M
D1, D2, D3: CREE XPGWHT-L1-0000-00G51
D2
VCC
CAP
VCC
RT
57.6k
D1
C1
100nF
RT
0.6
0.5
RC
2k
CC
3.9nF
+
–
R1
1.02M
COUT1
22µF
40
0.4
D3
30
0.3
RS
0.2Ω
0.2
20
POWER LOSS (W)
OFF ON
50
60
VOUT
EFFICIENCY (%)
VIN
2.5V TO
4.2V
POWER LOSS
R2
30.9k
3121 TA08a
10
0.1
2.5 2.7 2.9 3.1 3.3 3.5 3.7 3.9 4.1 4.3
VIN (V)
3121 TA08b
3121fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3121
23
LTC3121
Package Description
Please refer to http://www.linear.com/product/LTC3121#packaging for the most recent package drawings.
DE/UE Package
12-Lead Plastic DFN (4mm × 3mm)
(Reference LTC DWG # 05-08-1695 Rev D)
0.70 ±0.05
3.60 ±0.05
2.20 ±0.05
3.30 ±0.05
1.70 ± 0.05
PACKAGE OUTLINE
0.25 ± 0.05
0.50 BSC
2.50 REF
RECOMMENDED SOLDER PAD PITCH AND DIMENSIONS
APPLY SOLDER MASK TO AREAS THAT ARE NOT SOLDERED
4.00 ±0.10
(2 SIDES)
7
R = 0.115
TYP
0.40 ± 0.10
12
R = 0.05
TYP
PIN 1
TOP MARK
(NOTE 6)
0.200 REF
3.30 ±0.10
3.00 ±0.10
(2 SIDES)
1.70 ± 0.10
0.75 ±0.05
6
0.25 ± 0.05
1
PIN 1 NOTCH
R = 0.20 OR
0.35 × 45°
CHAMFER
(UE12/DE12) DFN 0806 REV D
0.50 BSC
2.50 REF
0.00 – 0.05
BOTTOM VIEW—EXPOSED PAD
NOTE:
1. DRAWING PROPOSED TO BE A VARIATION OF VERSION
(WGED) IN JEDEC PACKAGE OUTLINE M0-229
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
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
24
3121fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3121
LTC3121
Revision History
REV
DATE
DESCRIPTION
PAGE NUMBER
A
04/16
Added Note 6.
3
Added R1 label to schematic.
18
Modified R1 and R2 values in Table 4.
19
3121fa
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 representation that the interconnection
of itsinformation
circuits as described
herein will not infringe on existing patent rights.
For more
www.linear.com/LTC3121
25
LTC3121
Typical Application
Dual Supercapacitor Backup Power Supply, 0.5V to 5V
L1
3.3µH
VIN
0.5V TO 5V
CIN
4.7µF
OFF ON
VIN
SW
SD
LTC3121
SC2
50F
RT
57.6k
C1
100nF
RT
FB
VCC
VC
SGND
R1
383k
CAP
PWM/SYNC
SC1
50F
VOUT
5V
VOUT
PGND
CVCC
4.7µF
SD
2V/DIV
COUT
47µF
RC
43.2k
CC
1nF
R2
121k
VOUT
5V/DIV
OUTPUT
CURRENT
50mA/DIV
CF
68pF
CIN, CVCC: 4.7µF, 6.3V, X7R, 1206
C1: 100nF, 6.3V, X7R, 1206
COUT: 47µF, 6.3V, X7R, 1812
L1: TDK SPM6530T-3R3M
SC1, SC2: MAXWELL BCAP0050-P270
VIN
2V/DIV
200s/DIV
3121 TA09b
3121 TA09a
Related Parts
PART NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
COMMENTS
LTC3421
3A ISW, 3MHz, Synchronous Step-Up DC/DC Converter
with Output Disconnect
95% Efficiency, VIN = 0.5V to 4.5V, VOUT(MAX) = 5.25V, IQ = 12μA,
ISD < 1μA, QFN24 Package
LTC3422
1.5A ISW, 3MHz Synchronous Step-Up DC/DC Converter
with Output Disconnect
95% Efficiency, VIN = 0.5V to 4.5V, VOUT(MAX) = 5.25V, IQ = 25μA,
ISD < 1μA, 3mm × 3mm DFN Package
LTC3112
2.5A ISW, 750kHz, Synchronous Buck-Boost DC/DC Converter
with Output Disconnect, Burst Mode Operation
95% Efficiency, VIN = 2.7V to 15V, VOUT(MAX) = 14V, IQ = 50μA,
ISD < 1μA, 4mm × 5mm DFN and TSSOP Packages
LTC3458
1.4A ISW, 1.5MHz, Synchronous Step-Up DC/DC Converter/
Output Disconnect/Burst Mode Operation
93% Efficiency, VIN = 1.5V to 6V, VOUT(MAX) = 7.5V, IQ = 15μA,
ISD < 1μA, DFN12 Package
LTC3528
1A ISW, 1MHz, Synchronous Step-Up DC/DC Converter
with Output Disconnect/Burst Mode Operation
94% Efficiency, VIN = 700mV to 5.25V, VOUT(MAX) = 5.25V, IQ = 12µA,
ISD < 1µA, 3mm × 2mm DFN Package
LTC3539
2A ISW, 1MHz/2MHz, Synchronous Step-Up DC/DC Converters
with Output Disconnect/Burst Mode Operation
94% Efficiency, VIN = 700mV to 5.25V, VOUT(MAX) = 5.25V, IQ = 10µA,
ISD < 1µA, 3mm × 2mm DFN Package
LTC3459
70mA ISW, 10V Micropower Synchronous Boost Converter/
Output Disconnect/Burst Mode Operation
VIN = 1.5V to 5.5V, VOUT(MAX) = 10V, IQ = 10μA, ISD < 1μA,
ThinSOT™ Package
LTC3499
750mA Synchronous Step-Up DC/DC Converters with
Reverse-Battery Protection
94% Efficiency, VIN = 1.8V to 5.5V, VOUT(MAX) = 6V, IQ = 20µA,
ISD < 1µA, 3mm × 3mm DFN and MSOP Packages
LTC3115-1
40V, 2A Synchronous Buck-Boost DC/DC Converter
95% Efficiency, VIN = 2.7V to 40V, VOUT(MAX) = 40V, IQ = 50µA,
ISD < 3µA, 4mm × 5mm DFN and TSSOP Packages
LTC3122
2.5A ISW, 3MHz, Synchronous Step-Up DC/DC Converter with
Output Disconnect, Burst Mode Operation
95% Efficiency, VIN = 1.8V to 5.5V [500mV After Start-Up],
VOUT(MAX) = 15V, IQ = 25µA, ISD < 1µA, 3mm × 4mm DFN and MSOP
Packages
LTC3124
5A ISW, 6MHz, Dual Phase, Synchronous Step-Up DC/DC
Converter with Output Disconnect, Burst Mode Operation
95% Efficiency, VIN = 1.8V to 5.5V [500mV After Start-Up],
VOUT(MAX) = 15V, IQ = 25µA, ISD < 1µA, 3mm × 5mm DFN and TSSOP
Packages
26 Linear Technology Corporation
1630 McCarthy Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035-7417
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3121
(408) 432-1900 ● FAX: (408) 434-0507
●
www.linear.com/LTC3121
3121fa
LT 0416 REV A • PRINTED IN USA
 LINEAR TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 2015