DN05004/D Design Note – DN05004/D Positive Input to Negative Output Conversion using a Buck Converter Device Application Input Voltage Output Voltage Topology I/O Isolation NCP3170 NCP3020 Power supplies Positive Negative Buck None Input Voltage Output Voltage Nominal Current Nominal Efficiency +5, 8, 12 Vdc -3.3, -5 Vdc 0.5 A or 8 A 80 - 90% Introduction The buck-boost is usually the topology of choice for voltage inverting applications. There are plenty of components to choose from and most of them even come with integrated transistors or mosfets. They can work in hysteretic mode or they can switch at a fixed frequency. Very often when more power is required, an external transistor is used and while the circuit can deliver the needed power, the efficiency is very poor. This Design Note describes an alternate solution that is very simple, but little known. It provides superior efficiency while using commonly available components. Circuit Description The circuit is built around a buck converter. Depending on output power, a regulator with integrated fets or a controller with external fets can be used. The circuit in Figure 1 uses the NCP3170A to obtain a -5 V rail from a +8 V input at up to 0.5A output current. Efficiency reaches 85% The circuit in Figure 2 converts a +12 V input into -3.3 V or -5V at up to 8A. 90% efficiency is achievable. There are many more options available for buck controllers and converters as well as for mosfets. The user needs to pay attention to the voltage rating of the part. In this application the controller and the mosfets will need to withstand a voltage equal to input voltage plus output voltage. For example the circuit in figure 1 needs to be able to handle 8 + 5 = 13 V. May 2011, rev. 0 www.onsemi.com 1 DN05004/D Figure 1 Figure 2 May 2011, rev.0 www.onsemi.com 2 DN05004/D Efficiency Curves NCP3170A Efficiency 90 85 80 Eff (%) 75 70 -5V output 65 60 55 50 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 Load (A) NCP3020A Efficiency 92 90 Eff (%) 88 -5V output 86 -3.3V output 84 82 80 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Load (A) May 2011, rev.0 www.onsemi.com 3 DN05004/D Key Features Simple and familiar topology High efficiency Many options available for component selection References Data sheet NCP3170: 3A Switching regulator Data sheet NCP3020: 28V Synchronous Buck Controller 1 1 © 2011 ON Semiconductor. Disclaimer: ON Semiconductor is providing this design note “AS IS” and does not assume any liability arising from its use; nor does ON Semiconductor convey any license to its or any third party’s intellectual property rights. This document is provided only to assist customers in evaluation of the referenced circuit implementation and the recipient assumes all liability and risk associated with its use, including, but not limited to, compliance with all regulatory standards. ON Semiconductor may change any of its products at any time, without notice. Design note created by Michael Borza, e-mail: [email protected] May 2011, rev.0 www.onsemi.com 4