DATASHEET

Data Sheet
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February 8, 2005
1-888-IN
PWM Buck DC-DC and Triple Linear
Power Controller
The ISL6521 monitors all the output voltages. The PWM
controller’s adjustable overcurrent function monitors the
output current by using the voltage drop across the upper
MOSFET’s rDS(ON). The linear regulator outputs are
monitored via the FB pins for undervoltage events.
Ordering Information
TEMP. RANGE (°C)
• Provides 4 Regulated Voltages
- Switching Regulator 20A Capable
- Three Linear Regulators
- Capable of 120mA
- Capable of up to 3A with an External Transistor
• Externally Resistor-Adjustable Outputs
• Simple Single-Loop Control Design
- Voltage-Mode PWM Control
• Fast PWM Converter Transient Response
- High-Bandwidth Error Amplifier
- Full 0% to 100% Duty Ratio
• Excellent Output Voltage Regulation
- All Outputs: 2% Over Temperature
• Overcurrent Fault Monitors
- Switching Regulator Does Not Require Extra Current
Sensing Element, Uses MOSFET’s rDS(ON)
• Small Converter Size
- 300kHz Constant Frequency Operation
- Small External Component Count
• Commercial and Industrial Temperature Range Support
• Pb-free Available (RoHS Compliant)
Applications
PACKAGE
PKG.
DWG. #
ISL6521CBZ
(Note)
0 to 70
16 Ld SOIC
(Pb-free)
M16.15
ISL6521CBZ-T
(Note)
0 to 70
16 Ld SOIC
(Pb-free)
M16.15
ISL6521IBZ
(Note)
-40 to 85
16 Ld SOIC
(Pb-free)
M16.15
ISL6521IBZ-T
(Note)
-40 to 85
16 Ld SOIC
(Pb-free)
M16.15
ISL6521EVAL1
Evaluation Board
NOTE: Intersil Pb-free products employ special Pb-free material sets;
molding compounds/die attach materials and 100% matte tin plate
termination finish, which are RoHS compliant and compatible with
both SnPb and Pb-free soldering operations. Intersil Pb-free products
are MSL classified at Pb-free peak reflow temperatures that meet or
exceed the Pb-free requirements of IPC/JEDEC J STD-020C.
• FPGA and PowerPC™-based boards
• General purpose, low voltage power supplies
Related Literature
• Technical Support Document AG0001, “Power
Management Application Guide for Xilinx FPGAs”
• Technical Support Document AG0002, “Power
Management Application Guide for Altera FPGAs”
• Technical Support Document AG0005, “Power
Management Application Guide for Actel FPGAs”
Pinout
ISL6521 (SOIC)
TOP VIEW
DRIVE2 1
FB2 2
FB 3
16 FB3
15 DRIVE3
14 FB4
COMP 4
13 DRIVE4
GND 5
12 OCSET
PHASE 6
1
FN9148.2
Features
The ISL6521 provides the power control and protection for
four output voltages in low-voltage, high-performance
applications. The IC integrates a voltage-mode PWM
controller and three linear controllers, as well as monitoring
and protection functions into a 16-lead SOIC package. The
PWM controller is intended to regulate the low voltage
supply that requires the greatest amount of current (usually
the core voltage for the FPGA, ASIC, or processor) with a
synchronous rectified buck converter. The linears are
intended to regulate other system voltages, such as I/O
(input/output) and memory circuits. Both the switching
regulator and linear voltage reference provide 2% of static
regulation over line, load, and temperature ranges. All
outputs are user-adjustable by means of an external resistor
divider. All linear controllers can supply up to 120mA with no
external pass devices. Employing bipolar NPNs for the pass
transistors, the linear regulators can achieve output currents
of 3A or higher with proper device selection.
PART NUMBER
ISL6521
11 VCC
BOOT 7
10 LGATE
UGATE 8
9 PGND
CAUTION: These devices are sensitive to electrostatic discharge; follow proper IC Handling Procedures.
1-888-INTERSIL or 321-724-7143 | Intersil (and design) is a registered trademark of Intersil Americas Inc.
Copyright © Intersil Americas LLC. 2004. All Rights Reserved.
All other trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.
Block Diagram
OCSET
FB3
VCC
VCC
2
EA3
RESET (POR)
+
-
EA4
DRIVE4
40A
+
DRIVE3
POWER-ON
-
x 0.70
+
-
UV3
+
-
+
0.8V
UV4
BOOT
INHIBIT/SOFT-START
+
UGATE
-
DRIVE2
DRIVE1
SOFT-START
AND FAULT
LOGIC
++
EA2
OCC
--
+
-
FB2
UV2
+
-
+
EA1
-
PWM
PHASE
GATE
CONTROL
COMP1
VCC
LGATE
GND
OSCILLATOR
SYNC
DRIVE
FB
COMP
PGND
ISL6521
-
FB4
ISL6521
Typical Applications
High Output Current PWM Converter With Simple Triple Linears Regulators
LIN
+5V
+
VOUT2
2.5V
120mA
CIN
VCC
BOOT
DRIVE2
+
CBOOT
FB2
COUT2
Rs2
OCSET
Rp2
UGATE
VOUT3
1.8V
120mA
Q1
DRIVE3
+
ISL6521
FB3
COUT3
Rs3
LGATE
VOUT1
1.5V
LOUT1
PHASE
+
Q2
CR1
PGND
COUT1
Rp3
FB
VOUT4
3.3V
120mA
Rs1
COMP
DRIVE4
+
FB4
COUT4
Rs4
Rp4
Rp1
GND
High Output Current PWM Converter and Auxiliary 3.3V Linear Regulator
LIN
+5V
+
VOUT2
2.5V
120mA
CIN
VCC
BOOT
DRIVE2
+
CBOOT
FB2
COUT2
Rs2
OCSET
Rp2
UGATE
VOUT3
1.8V
120mA
Q1
PHASE
DRIVE3
+
ISL6521
FB3
COUT3
Rs3
LGATE
Q2
PGND
Rp3
FB
+5V
COMP
VOUT4
3.3V
3A
Rs1
DRIVE4
Q3
FB4
+
Rs4
COUT4
3
Rp4
GND
Rp1
VOUT1
1.5V
LOUT1
+
CR1
COUT1
ISL6521
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Thermal Information
UGATE, BOOT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GND - 0.3V to 15V
VCC, PHASE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GND - 0.3V to +7V
DRIVE, LGATE, all other pins . . . . . . . . GND - 0.3V to VCC + 0.3V
Thermal Resistance (Typical, Note 1)
JA (°C/W)
SOIC Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
74
Maximum Junction Temperature (Plastic Package) . . . . . . . 150°C
Maximum Storage Temperature Range . . . . . . . . . . -65°C to 150°C
Maximum Lead Temperature (Soldering 10s) . . . . . . . . . . . . 300°C
(SOIC - Lead Tips Only)
Operating Conditions
Supply Voltage on VCC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +5V 10%
Ambient Temperature Range
ISL6521CBZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0°C to 70°C
ISL6521IBZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -40°C to 85°C
Junction Temperature Range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -40°C to 125°C
CAUTION: Stresses above those listed in “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. This is a stress only rating and operation of the
device at these or any other conditions above those indicated in the operational sections of this specification is not implied.
NOTE:
1. JA is measured with the component mounted on a high effective thermal conductivity test board in free air. See Tech Brief TB379 for details.
Electrical Specifications
Operating Conditions: VCC = 5V, TA = 0°C to 70°C, Unless Otherwise Noted. Typical specifications are at
TA = 25°C.
PARAMETER
SYMBOL
TEST CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
-
5
-
mA
Rising VCC Threshold
4.25
-
4.51
V
Falling VCC Threshold
3.74
-
4.0
V
ISL6521CBZ
275
300
325
kHz
ISL6521IBZ (-40°C to 85°C)
250
300
350
kHz
VCC SUPPLY CURRENT
Nominal Supply Current
ICC
UGATE, LGATE, and DRIVEx Open
POWER-ON RESET
OSCILLATOR AND SOFT-START
Free Running Frequency
FOSC
Ramp Amplitude
VOSC
-
1.5
-
VP-P
Soft-Start Interval
TSS
6.25
6.83
7.40
ms
REFERENCE VOLTAGE
Reference Voltage (All Regulators)
0.780
0.800
0.820
V
ISL6521CBZ
-2.0
-
+2.0
%
ISL6521IBZ (-40°C to 85°C)
-2.5
-
+2.5
%
VCC > 4.5V
100
120
-
mA
-
70
-
%
-
80
-
dB
15
-
-
MHz
COMP = 10pF
-
6
-
V/s
VREF
All Outputs Voltage Regulation
LINEAR REGULATORS (OUT2, OUT3, AND OUT4)
Output Drive Current (All Linears)
Undervoltage Level (VFB/VREF)
VUV
SYNCHRONOUS PWM CONTROLLER ERROR AMPLIFIER
DC Gain
Gain-Bandwidth Product
GBWP
Slew Rate
SR
PWM CONTROLLER GATE DRIVERS
UGATE Source
IUGATE
VCC = 5V, VUGATE = 2.5V
-
-1
-
A
UGATE Sink
IUGATE
VUGATE-PHASE = 2.5V
-
1
-
A
LGATE Source
ILGATE
VCC = 5V, VLGATE = 2.5V
-
-1
-
A
LGATE Sink
ILGATE
VLGATE = 2.5V
-
2
-
A
PROTECTION
OCSET Current Source
IOCSET
ISL6521CBZ
ISL6521IBZ (-40°C to 85°C)
4
34
40
46
A
31.5
40
48
A
ISL6521
Functional Pin Descriptions
VCC (Pin 11)
Provide a well decoupled 5V bias supply for the IC to this
pin. This pin also provides the gate bias charge for the lower
MOSFET controlled by the PWM section of the IC, as well as
the drive current for the linear regulators. The voltage at this
pin is monitored for Power-On Reset (POR) purposes.
GND (Pin 5)
Signal ground for the controller. All voltage levels are
measured with respect to this pin.
PGND (Pin 9)
This is the power ground connection. Tie the source of the
lower MOSFET of the synchronous PWM converter to this
pin.
DRIVE2, 3, 4 (Pins 1, 15, 13)
Connect these pins to the point of load or to the base
terminals of external bipolar NPN transistors. These pins are
each capable of providing 120mA of load current or drive
current for the pass transistors.
FB2, 3, 4 (Pins 2, 16, 14)
Connect the output of the corresponding linear regulators to
these pins through properly sized resistor dividers. The
voltage at these pins is regulated to 0.8V. These pins are
also monitored for undervoltage events.
Quickly pulling and holding any of these pins above 1.25V
(using diode-coupled logic devices) shuts off the respective
regulators. Releasing these pins from the pull-up voltage
initiates a soft-start sequence on the respective regulator.
Description
BOOT (Pin 7)
Floating bootstrap supply pin for the upper gate drive. The
bootstrap capacitor provides the necessary charge to turn
and hold the upper MOSFET on. Connect a suitable
capacitor (0.47F recommended) from this pin to PHASE.
Operation
The voltage at this pin is monitored for power-on reset
(POR) purposes and pulling this pin below 1.25V with an
open drain/collector device will shut down the switching
controller.
The ISL6521 monitors and precisely controls one
synchronous PWM converter and three configurable linear
regulators from a +5V bias input. The PWM controller is
designed to regulate the core voltage of an embedded
processor or simple down conversion for high current
applications. The PWM controller drives two MOSFETs (Q1
and Q2) in a synchronous-rectified buck converter
configuration and regulates the output voltage to a level
programmed by a resistor divider. The linear controllers are
designed to regulate three additional system voltages.
Typically, these include any I/O, memory, or clock voltages
that might be required. All three linear controllers support
up to 120mA of load current without external pass devices
or higher currents with external NPN bipolar transistors.
PHASE (Pin 6)
Initialization
Connect this pin to the source of the PWM converter upper
MOSFET. This pin is used to monitor the voltage drop across
the upper MOSFET for overcurrent protection.
The ISL6521 automatically initializes upon receipt of input
power. The Power-On Reset (POR) function continually
monitors the input bias supply voltage. The POR monitors
the bias voltage at the VCC pin. The POR function initiates
soft-start operation after the bias supply voltage exceeds its
POR threshold.
OCSET (Pin 12)
Connect a resistor from this pin to the drain of the upper
PWM MOSFET. This resistor, an internal 40A current
source (typical), and the upper MOSFET’s on-resistance set
the converter overcurrent trip point. An overcurrent trip
cycles the soft-start function.
UGATE (Pin 8)
Connect UGATE pin to the PWM converter’s upper
MOSFET gate. This pin provides the gate drive for the upper
MOSFET.
LGATE (Pin 10)
This pin provides the gate drive for the synchronous rectifier
lower MOSFET. Connect LGATE to the gate of the lower
MOSFET.
COMP and FB (Pins 4, 3)
COMP and FB are the available external pins of the PWM
converter error amplifier. The FB pin is the inverting input of the
error amplifier. Similarly, the COMP pin is the error amplifier
output. These pins are used to compensate the voltage-mode
control feedback loop of the synchronous PWM converter.
5
Soft-Start
The POR function initiates the soft-start sequence. The
PWM error amplifier reference input is clamped to a level
proportional to the soft-start voltage. As the soft-start voltage
slews up, the PWM comparator generates PHASE pulses of
increasing width that charge the output capacitor(s).
Similarly, all linear regulators’ reference inputs are clamped
to a voltage proportional to the soft-start voltage. The rampup of the internal soft-start function provides a controlled
output voltage rise.
Figure 1 shows the soft-start sequence for a typical
application. At T0 the +5V bias voltage starts to ramp up
crossing the 4.5V POR threshold at time T1. On the PWM
section, the oscillator’s triangular waveform is compared to
ISL6521
the clamped error amplifier output voltage. As the internal
soft-start voltage increases, the pulse-width on the PHASE
pin increases to reach its steady-state duty cycle at time T2.
Also at time T2, the error amplifier references of the linear
controllers, ramp to their final value bringing all outputs
within regulation limits.
three soft-start periods, the fourth cycle initiates a ramp-up of
this linear output at time T3. One soft-start period after T3,
the linear output is within regulation limits. UV glitches less
than 1s (typically) in duration are ignored.
VOUT4 (3.3V)
VOUT3 (1.8V)
+5V
VOUT1 (1.5V)
VOUT2 (2.5V)
VOUT4 (3.3V)
0V
(0.5V/DIV.)
0V
VOUT2 (2.5V)
(1V/DIV)
SOFT-START
FUNCTION
VOUT3 (1.8V)
VOUT1 (1.5V)
UV MONITORING
VOUT1
INACTIVE
ACTIVE
0V
(0.5V/DIV)
T0
T1
VOUT2
T2
TIME
FIGURE 1. SOFT-START INTERVAL
T0
T1
TIME
T2
T3 T4
FIGURE 2. OVERCURRENT/UNDERVOLTAGE PROTECTION
RESPONSE
Overcurrent Protection
All outputs are protected against excessive overcurrents.
The PWM controller uses the upper MOSFET’s
on-resistance, rDS(ON) to monitor the current for protection
against a shorted output. All linear controllers monitor their
respective FB pins for undervoltage events to protect against
excessive currents.
A sustained overload (undervoltage on linears or overcurrent
on the PWM) on any output results in an independent
shutdown of the respective output, followed by subsequent
individual re-start attempts performed at an interval equivalent
to 3 soft-start intervals. Figure 2 describes the protection
feature. At time T0, an overcurrent event sensed across the
switching regulator’s upper MOSFET (rDS(ON) sensing)
triggers a shutdown of the VOUT1 output. As a result, its
internal soft-start initiates a number of soft-start cycles. After a
three-cycle wait, the fourth soft-start initiates a ramp-up
attempt of the failed output, at time T2, bringing the output in
regulation at time T4.
To exemplify a UV event on one of the linears, at time T1,
the clock regulator (VOUT2) is also subjected to an
overcurrent event, resulting in a UV condition. Similarly, after
6
Overcurrent protection is performed on the synchronous
switching regulator on a cycle-by-cycle basis. OC monitoring
is active as long as the regulator is operational. Since the
overcurrent protection on the linear regulators is performed
through undervoltage monitoring at the feedback pins (FB2,
FB3, and FB4), this feature is activated approximately 25%
into the soft-start interval (see Figure 2).
A resistor (ROCSET) programs the overcurrent trip level for
the PWM converter. As shown in Figure 3, the internal
40A current sink (IOCSET) develops a voltage across
ROCSET (VSET) that is referenced to VIN . The DRIVE
signal enables the overcurrent comparator (OCC). When
the voltage across the upper MOSFET (VDS(ON)) exceeds
VSET, the overcurrent comparator trips to set the
overcurrent latch. Both VSET and VDS(ON) are referenced
to VIN and a small capacitor across ROCSET helps VOCSET
track the variations of VIN due to MOSFET switching. The
overcurrent function will trip at a peak inductor current
(IPEAK) determined by:
I OCSET  R OCSET
I PEAK = --------------------------------------------------r DS  ON 
ISL6521
The OC trip point varies with MOSFET’s rDS(ON)
temperature variations. To avoid overcurrent tripping in the
normal operating load range, determine the ROCSET
resistor from the equation above with:
1. The maximum rDS(ON) at the highest junction temperature.
2. The minimum IOCSET from the specification table.
3. Determine IPEAK for IPEAK > IOUT(MAX) + (I)/2, where
I is the output inductor ripple current.
OVERCURRENT TRIP:
V
>V
DS
SET
i ¥r
>I
¥R
D DS  ON  OCSET
OCSET
VIN = +5V
ROCSET
OCSET
IOCSET
40A
VSET +
UGATE
OC
+
To ensure the parallel combination of the feedback resistors
equals a certain chosen value, RFB, use the following
equations:
R S  V FB
R P = --------------------------------- , where
V OUT – V FB
VOUT - the desired output voltage,
V
= V
–V
PHASE
IN
DS
V
= V –V
OCSET
IN
SET
GATE
CONTROL
PWM
+
VDS(ON)
PHASE
-
OCC
RS  RP
---------------------  5k
RS + RP
V OUT
R S = ----------------  R FB
V FB
iD
VCC
DRIVE
Output voltage selection on the linear regulators is set by
means of external resistor dividers as shown in Figure 4.
The two resistors used to set the voltage on each of the
three linear regulators have to meet the following criteria:
their value while in a parallel connection has to be less than
5k, or otherwise said, the following relationship has to be
met:
VFB - feedback (reference) voltage, 0.8V.
Application Guidelines
FIGURE 3. OVERCURRENT DETECTION
For an equation for the ripple current see the section under
component guidelines titled ‘Output Inductor Selection’.
Output Voltage Selection
The output voltage of the PWM converter can be resistorprogrammed to any level between VIN and 0.8V. However,
since the value of RS1 is affecting the values of the rest of
the compensation components, it is advisable its value is
kept between 2k and 5k.
+5VIN
DRIVE3
Q3
VOUT3
FB3
COUT3
+
RS3
RP3
VOUT4
COUT4
ISL6521
DRIVE4
+
FB4
RS4
RP4
Soft-Start Interval
The soft-start function controls the output voltages rate of rise
to limit the current surge at start-up. The soft-start function is
integrated on the chip and the soft-start interval is fixed.
PWM Controller Feedback Compensation
The PWM controller uses voltage-mode control for output
regulation. This section highlights the design consideration
for a PWM voltage-mode controller. Apply the methods and
considerations only to the PWM controller.
Figure 5 highlights the voltage-mode control loop for a
synchronous-rectified buck converter. The output voltage
(VOUT) is regulated to the reference voltage level, 0.8V. The
error amplifier (Error Amp) output (VE/A) is compared with
the oscillator (OSC) triangular wave to provide a pulse-width
modulated (PWM) wave with an amplitude of VIN at the
PHASE node. The PWM wave is smoothed by the output
filter (LO and CO).
The modulator transfer function is the small-signal transfer
function of VOUT/VE/A . This function is dominated by a DC
Gain, given by VIN/VOSC , and shaped by the output filter,
with a double pole break frequency at FLC and a zero at
FESR .
Modulator Break Frequency Equations
R S

V OUT = 0.8   1 + --------
R P

1
F LC = ---------------------------------------2  L O  C O
FIGURE 4. ADJUSTING THE OUTPUT VOLTAGE OF ANY OF
THE FOUR REGULATORS (OUTPUTS 3 AND 4
PICTURED)
7
1
F ESR = ----------------------------------------2  ESR  C O
The compensation network consists of the error amplifier
(internal to the ISL6521) and the impedance networks ZIN
ISL6521
VIN
DRIVER1
OSC
PWM
COMP
LO
SYNC
DRIVER
+
 VOSC
PHASE
CO
+
ESR
(PARASITIC)
ZFB
VE/A
VOUT
ZIN
+
0.8V
ERROR
AMP
DETAILED COMPENSATION COMPONENTS
ZFB
C2
C1
VOUT
ZIN
C3
R2
R3
Figure 6 shows an asymptotic plot of the DC-DC converter’s
gain vs. frequency. The actual Modulator Gain has a high
gain peak dependent on the quality factor (Q) of the output
filter, which is not shown in Figure 5. Using the above
guidelines should yield a Compensation Gain similar to the
curve plotted. The open loop error amplifier gain bounds the
compensation gain. Check the compensation gain at FP2
with the capabilities of the error amplifier. The Closed Loop
Gain is constructed on the log-log graph of Figure 6 by
adding the Modulator Gain (in dB) to the Compensation Gain
(in dB). This is equivalent to multiplying the modulator
transfer function to the compensation transfer function and
plotting the gain.
The compensation gain uses external impedance networks
ZFB and ZIN to provide a stable, high bandwidth (BW) overall
loop. A stable control loop has a gain crossing with
-20dB/decade slope and a phase margin greater than 45
degrees. Include worst case component variations when
determining phase margin.
RS1
COMP
FB
+
ISL6521
FZ1
RP1
FZ2
FP1
FP2
100
OPEN LOOP
ERROR AMP GAIN
 V IN 
20 log  ------------
 V PP
80
0.8V
FIGURE 5. VOLTAGE-MODE BUCK CONVERTER
COMPENSATION DESIGN
and ZFB . The goal of the compensation network is to provide
a closed loop transfer function with high 0dB crossing
frequency (f0dB) and adequate phase margin. Phase margin
is the difference between the closed loop phase at f0dB and
180 degrees. The equations below relate the compensation
network’s poles, zeros and gain to the components (R1, R2,
R3, C1, C2, and C3) in Figure 5. Use these guidelines for
locating the poles and zeros of the compensation network:
GAIN (dB)
60
40
COMPENSATION
GAIN
20
0
-20
 R2 
20 log  -------------
 R S1
-40
MODULATOR
GAIN
-60
10
100
FLC
1K
CLOSED LOOP
GAIN
FESR
10K
100K
1M
10M
FREQUENCY (Hz)
FIGURE 6. ASYMPTOTIC BODE PLOT OF CONVERTER GAIN
1. Pick Gain (R2/R1) for desired converter bandwidth
2. Place 1ST Zero Below Filter’s Double Pole (~75% FLC)
Individual Output Disable
3. Place 2ND Zero at Filter’s Double Pole
4. Place 1ST Pole at the ESR Zero
The PWM and linear controllers can independently be
shutdown.
5. Place 2ND Pole at Half the Switching Frequency
To disable the switching regulator, use an open-drain or
open-collector device capable of pulling the OCSET pin (with
the attached ROCSET pull-up) below 1.25V. To minimize the
possibility of OC trips at levels different than predicted, a
COCSET capacitor with a value of an order of magnitude
larger than the output capacitance of the pull-down device,
has to be used in parallel with ROCSET (1nF recommended).
Upon turn-off of the pull-down device, the switching regulator
undergoes a soft-start cycle.
6. Check Gain against Error Amplifier’s Open-Loop Gain
7. Estimate Phase Margin - Repeat if Necessary
Compensation Break Frequency Equations
1
F Z1 = ----------------------------------2  R 2  C1
1
F Z2 = ---------------------------------------------------------2   R S1 + R3   C3
1
F P1 = ------------------------------------------------------C1  C2
2  R 2   ----------------------
 C1 + C2
1
F P2 = ----------------------------------2  R 3  C3
8
To disable a particular linear controller, pull and hold the
respective FB pin above a typical threshold of 1.25V. One
way to achieve this task is by using a logic gate coupled
ISL6521
Layout Considerations
MOSFETs switch very fast and efficiently. The speed with
which the current transitions from one device to another
causes voltage spikes across the interconnecting
impedances and parasitic circuit elements. The voltage
spikes can degrade efficiency, radiate noise into the circuit,
and lead to device overvoltage stress. Careful component
layout and printed circuit design minimizes the voltage
spikes in the converter. Consider, as an example, the turnoff transition of the upper PWM MOSFET. Prior to turn-off,
the upper MOSFET was carrying the full load current.
During the turn-off, current stops flowing in the upper
MOSFET and is picked up by the lower MOSFET or
Schottky diode. Any inductance in the switched current
path generates a large voltage spike during the switching
interval. Careful component selection, tight layout of the
critical components, and short, wide circuit traces minimize
the magnitude of voltage spikes.
There are two sets of critical components in a DC-DC
converter using an ISL6521 controller. The switching power
components are the most critical because they switch large
amounts of energy, and as such, they tend to generate
equally large amounts of noise. The critical small signal
components are those connected to sensitive nodes or
those supplying critical bypass current.
The power components and the controller IC should be
placed first. Locate the input capacitors, especially the highfrequency ceramic decoupling capacitors, close to the power
switches. Locate the output inductor and output capacitors
9
LIN
+5VIN
CIN
+
+12V
CVCC
VCC GND
OCSET
ROCSET
Q1
LOUT
UGATE
VOUT2
VOUT1
PHASE
+
COUT2
DRIVE2
Q3
VOUT3
+
COCSET
LGATE
COUT1
Q2
+
CR1
VOUT4
ISL6521
COUT3
DRIVE3 DRIVE4
Q4
PGND
LOAD
If the collector voltage to a linear regulator pass transistor
(Q3, Q4, or Q5 shown in Figure 7) is lost, the respective
regulator has to be shut down by pulling high its FB pin. This
measure is necessary in order to avoid possible damage to
the ISL6521 as a result of overheating. Overheating can
occur in such situations due to sheer power dissipation
inside the chip’s linear drivers.
A multi-layer printed circuit board is recommended. Figure 7
shows the connections of the critical components in the
converter. Note that the capacitors CIN and COUT each can
represent numerous physical capacitors. Dedicate one
solid layer for a ground plane and make all critical
component ground connections with vias to this layer.
Dedicate another solid layer as a power plane and break
this plane into smaller islands of common voltage levels.
The power plane should support the input power and
output power nodes. Use copper filled polygons on the top
and bottom circuit layers for the PHASE nodes, but do not
unnecessarily oversize these particular islands. Since the
PHASE nodes are subjected to very high dv/dt voltages,
the stray capacitor formed between these islands and the
surrounding circuitry will tend to couple switching noise.
Use the remaining printed circuit layers for small signal
wiring. The wiring traces from the control IC to the
MOSFET gate and source should be sized to carry 2A peak
currents.
Q5
+
COUT4
LOAD
Important Note When Using External Pass Devices
The critical small signal components include the bypass
capacitor for VCC and the feedback resistors. Locate these
components close to their connecting pins on the control IC.
LOAD
RS  RP
2k  ----------------------  5k
RS + RP
between the MOSFETs and the load. Locate the PWM
controller close to the MOSFETs.
LOAD
through a small-signal diode. The diode should be placed as
close to the FB pin as possible to minimize stray capacitance
to this pin. Upon turn-off of the pull-up device, the respective
output undergoes a soft-start cycle, bringing the output
within regulation limits. On regulators implementing this
feature, the parallel combination of the feedback resistors
has to be sufficiently high to allow ease of driving from the
external device. Considering the other restriction applying to
the upper range of this resistor combination (see ‘Output
Voltage Selection’ paragraph), it is recommended the values
of the feedback resistors on the linear regulator output meet
the following constraint:
+3.3VIN
KEY
ISLAND ON POWER PLANE LAYER
ISLAND ON CIRCUIT OR POWER PLANE LAYER
VIA CONNECTION TO GROUND PLANE
FIGURE 7. PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD POWER PLANES AND
ISLANDS
ISL6521
Component Selection Guidelines
Output Capacitor Selection
The output capacitors for each output have unique
requirements. In general, the output capacitors should be
selected to meet the dynamic load regulation requirements.
Additionally, the PWM converters require an output capacitor
to filter the current ripple. The load transient for some
embedded processors requires high quality capacitors to
supply the high slew rate (di/dt) current demands.
PWM Output Capacitors
High performance embedded processors can produce
transient load rates above 1A/ns. High frequency capacitors
initially supply the transient current and slow the load rate-ofchange seen by the bulk capacitors. The bulk filter capacitor
values are generally determined by the ESR (effective series
resistance) and voltage rating requirements rather than
actual capacitance requirements.
High frequency decoupling capacitors should be placed as
close to the power pins of the load as physically possible. Be
careful not to add inductance in the circuit board wiring that
could cancel the usefulness of these low inductance
components. Consult with the manufacturer of the load on
specific decoupling requirements.
Use only specialized low-ESR capacitors intended for
switching-regulator applications for the bulk capacitors. The
bulk capacitor’s ESR determines the output ripple voltage
and the initial voltage drop following a high slew-rate
transient’s edge. An aluminum electrolytic capacitor’s ESR
value is related to the case size with lower ESR available in
larger case sizes. However, the equivalent series inductance
(ESL) of these capacitors increases with case size and can
reduce the usefulness of the capacitor to high slew-rate
transient loading. Unfortunately, ESL is not a specified
parameter. Work with your capacitor supplier and measure
the capacitor’s impedance with frequency to select a suitable
component. In most cases, multiple electrolytic capacitors of
small case size perform better than a single large case
capacitor.
Linear Output Capacitors
The output capacitors for the linear regulators provide
dynamic load current. The linear controllers use dominant
pole compensation integrated into the error amplifier and are
insensitive to output capacitor selection. Output capacitors
should be selected for transient load regulation.
PWM Output Inductor Selection
The PWM converter requires an output inductor. The output
inductor is selected to meet the output voltage ripple
requirements and sets the converter’s response time to a
load transient. The inductor value determines the converter’s
ripple current and the ripple voltage is a function of the ripple
current. The ripple voltage and current are approximated by
the following equations:
10
V IN – V OUT V OUT
I = --------------------------------  ---------------FS  L
V IN
V OUT = I  ESR
Increasing the value of inductance reduces the ripple current
and voltage. However, the large inductance values increase
the converter’s response time to a load transient.
One of the parameters limiting the converter’s response to a
load transient is the time required to change the inductor
current. Given a sufficiently fast control loop design, the
ISL6521 will provide either 0% or 100% duty cycle in
response to a load transient. The response time is the time
interval required to slew the inductor current from an initial
current value to the post-transient current level. During this
interval the difference between the inductor current and the
transient current level must be supplied by the output
capacitor(s). Minimizing the response time can minimize the
output capacitance required.
The response time to a transient is different for the
application of load and the removal of load. The following
equations give the approximate response time interval for
application and removal of a transient load:
L O  I TRAN
t RISE = -------------------------------V IN – V OUT
L O  I TRAN
t FALL = ------------------------------V OUT
where: ITRAN is the transient load current step, tRISE is the
response time to the application of load, and tFALL is the
response time to the removal of load. Be sure to check both
of these equations at the minimum and maximum output
levels for the worst case response time.
Input Capacitor Selection
The important parameters for the bulk input capacitors are
the voltage rating and the RMS current rating. For reliable
operation, select bulk input capacitors with voltage and
current ratings above the maximum input voltage and largest
RMS current required by the circuit. The capacitor voltage
rating should be at least 1.25 times greater than the
maximum input voltage and a voltage rating of 1.5 times is a
conservative guideline. The RMS current rating requirement
for the input capacitor of a buck regulator is approximately
1/2 of the summation of the DC load current.
Use a mix of input bypass capacitors to control the voltage
overshoot across the MOSFETs. Use ceramic capacitance
for the high frequency decoupling and bulk capacitors to
supply the RMS current. Small ceramic capacitors can be
placed very close to the upper MOSFET to suppress the
voltage induced in the parasitic circuit impedances.
For a through-hole design, several electrolytic capacitors
may be needed. For surface mount designs, solid tantalum
capacitors can be used, but caution must be exercised with
regard to the capacitor surge current rating. These
capacitors must be capable of handling the surge-current at
power-up.
ISL6521
Transistors Selection/Considerations
The ISL6521 can employ up to 5 external transistors. Two
N-channel MOSFETs are used in the synchronous-rectified
buck topology of PWM converter. The linear controllers can
each drive an NPN bipolar transistor as a pass element. All
these transistors should be selected based upon rDS(ON) ,
current gain, saturation voltages, gate/base supply
requirements, and thermal management considerations.
PWM MOSFET Selection and Considerations
In high-current PWM applications, the MOSFET power
dissipation, package selection and heatsink are the
dominant design factors. The power dissipation includes two
loss components; conduction loss and switching loss. These
losses are distributed between the upper and lower
MOSFETs according to duty factor (see the equations
below). The conduction losses are the main component of
power dissipation for the lower MOSFETs. Only the upper
MOSFET has significant switching losses, since the lower
device turns on and off into near zero voltage.
The equations below assume linear voltage-current
transitions and do not model power loss due to the reverserecovery of the lower MOSFET’s body diode. The gatecharge losses are dissipated by the ISL6521 and don't heat
the MOSFETs. However, large gate-charge increases the
switching time, tSW which increases the upper MOSFET
switching losses. Ensure that both MOSFETs are within their
maximum junction temperature at high ambient temperature
by calculating the temperature rise according to package
thermal-resistance specifications. A separate heatsink may
be necessary depending upon MOSFET power, package
type, ambient temperature and air flow.
2
I O  r DS  ON   V OUT I O  V IN  t SW  F S
P UPPER = ------------------------------------------------------------ + ---------------------------------------------------V IN
2
2
I O  r DS  ON    V IN – V OUT 
P LOWER = --------------------------------------------------------------------------------V IN
Given the reduced available gate bias voltage (5V) logiclevel or sub-logic-level transistors have to be used for both
N-MOSFETs. Caution should be exercised with devices
exhibiting very low VGS(ON) characteristics, as the low gate
threshold could be conducive to some shoot-through (due to
the Miller effect), in spite of the counteracting circuitry
present aboard the ISL6521.
11
+5V OR LESS
+5V
VCC
BOOT
+
CBOOT
ISL6521
UGATE
Q1
PHASE
NOTE:
VGS VCC -0.5V
VCC
-
+
LGATE
Q2
CR1
PGND
NOTE:
VGS VCC
GND
FIGURE 8. MOSFET GATE BIAS
Rectifier CR1 is a clamp that catches the negative inductor
swing during the dead time between the turn off of the lower
MOSFET and the turn on of the upper MOSFET. The diode
must be a Schottky type to prevent the lossy parasitic
MOSFET body diode from conducting. It is acceptable to
omit the diode and let the body diode of the lower MOSFET
clamp the negative inductor swing, providing the body diode
is fast enough to avoid excessive negative voltage swings at
the PHASE pin. The diode's rated reverse breakdown
voltage must be greater than the maximum input voltage.
Linear Controller Transistor Selection
The main criteria for selection of transistors for the linear
regulators is package selection for efficient removal of heat.
The power dissipated in a linear regulator is:
P LINEAR = I O   V IN – V OUT 
Select a package and heatsink that maintains the junction
temperature below the rating with a the maximum expected
ambient temperature.
If bipolar NPN transistors have to be used with the linear
controllers, insure the current gain at the given operating
VCE is sufficiently large to provide the desired maximum
output load current when the base is fed with the minimum
driver output current.
ISL6521
ISL6521 DC-DC Converter Application Circuit
Intersil’s portfolio of multiple output controllers continues to
expand with new selections to better fit our customer’s
needs. Refer to our website for updated information:
Figure 9 shows a power management application circuit for
powering an embedded processor. The circuit provides the
processor core voltage (VCORE), the I/O voltage (VI/O), the
clock voltage (VCLOCK), and memory voltage (VMEMORY)
from a single +5V supply. A component selection table
provides the recommended component values at various
load current steps.
www.intersil.com
+5V
C1
C7
0.1F
D1
MA732
VCC
ISL6521
Q3
FB2
+
C11
10F
R6
12.7k
C8
BOOT
OCSET
LINEAR
REGULATOR
VI/O
2.5V
DRIVE2
R5
C3
0.47F
UGATE
Q1
C12
10F
C9
100F
R8
18.2k
SWITCHING
REGULATOR
FB3
LINEAR
REGULATOR
DRIVE3
R9
5.9k
Q2
FB4
C14
+
R11
C13
+
C10
10F
2.0k
FB
C5
COMP
R1
C14
R12
R2
LINEAR
REGULATOR
+
DRIVE4
Q4
VMEMORY
C4
PGND
C6
+5V
VCORE
1.5V
LOUT
PHASE
R7
5.9k
LGATE
VCLOCK
3.3V
C2
1F
+
R3
2.26k
R10
GND
FIGURE 9. POWER SUPPLY APPLICATION CIRCUIT FOR AN EMBEDDED PROCESSOR
Component Selection Table
ICC_INT
LOUT
Q1
Q2
Q3
C1
C4
5A
7.5H
Pulse P1172.103
IRF7910
IRF7910
FZT649
(1A or less)
1 x 1000F
10MBZ1000M 10x12.5
1 x 1200F
6.3MBZ1200M 8x16
10A
4.8H
Sumida CDEP134
IRF7460
IRF7476
2SD1802
(3A or less)
2 x 1000F
10MBZ1000M 10x12.5
2 x 1800F
6.3MBZ1800M 10x16
15A
1.6H
Sumida CDEP134
IRF7821
IRF7832
2SD1802
(3A or less)
2 x 1800F
10MBZ1800M 10x20
2 x 3300F
6.3MBZ3300M 10x23
20A
0.5H
Pulse PG0006.601
2x
IRF7821
2x
IRF7832
2SD1802
(3A or less)
3 x 1500F
10MBZ1500M 10x16
3 x 3300F
6.3MBZ3300M10x23
12
ISL6521
M16.15 (JEDEC MS-012-AC ISSUE C)
16 LEAD NARROW BODY SMALL OUTLINE PLASTIC PACKAGE
Small Outline Plastic Packages (SOIC)
N
INCHES
INDEX
AREA
H
0.25(0.010) M
B M
SYMBOL
E
-B-
1
2
3
L
SEATING PLANE
-A-
h x 45o
A
D
-C-
e
B
0.25(0.010) M
C
0.10(0.004)
C A M
B S
MILLIMETERS
MAX
MIN
MAX
NOTES
A
0.053
0.069
1.35
1.75
-
A1
0.004
0.010
0.10
0.25
-
B
0.014
0.019
0.35
0.49
9
C
0.007
0.010
0.19
0.25
-
D
0.386
0.394
9.80
10.00
3
E
0.150
0.157
3.80
4.00
4
e
µ
A1
MIN
0.050 BSC
1.27 BSC
-
H
0.228
0.244
5.80
6.20
-
h
0.010
0.020
0.25
0.50
5
L
0.016
0.050
0.40
1.27
6
8o
0o
N

16
0o
16
7
8o
Rev. 1 02/02
NOTES:
1. Symbols are defined in the “MO Series Symbol List” in Section
2.2 of Publication Number 95.
2. Dimensioning and tolerancing per ANSI Y14.5M-1982.
3. Dimension “D” does not include mold flash, protrusions or gate
burrs. Mold flash, protrusion and gate burrs shall not exceed
0.15mm (0.006 inch) per side.
4. Dimension “E” does not include interlead flash or protrusions. Interlead flash and protrusions shall not exceed 0.25mm (0.010
inch) per side.
5. The chamfer on the body is optional. If it is not present, a visual
index feature must be located within the crosshatched area.
6. “L” is the length of terminal for soldering to a substrate.
7. “N” is the number of terminal positions.
8. Terminal numbers are shown for reference only.
9. The lead width “B”, as measured 0.36mm (0.014 inch) or greater
above the seating plane, shall not exceed a maximum value of
0.61mm (0.024 inch)
10. Controlling dimension: MILLIMETER. Converted inch dimensions are not necessarily exact.
All Intersil U.S. products are manufactured, assembled and tested utilizing ISO9001 quality systems.
Intersil Corporation’s quality certifications can be viewed at www.intersil.com/design/quality
Intersil products are sold by description only. Intersil Corporation reserves the right to make changes in circuit design, software and/or specifications at any time without
notice. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned to verify that data sheets are current before placing orders. Information furnished by Intersil is believed to be accurate and
reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed by Intersil or its subsidiaries for its use; nor for any infringements of patents or other rights of third parties which may result
from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Intersil or its subsidiaries.
For information regarding Intersil Corporation and its products, see www.intersil.com
13