LT3845A - High Voltage Synchronous Current Mode Step-Down Controller with Adjustable Operating Frequency

LT3845A
High Voltage Synchronous
Current Mode Step-Down
Controller with Adjustable
Operating Frequency
DESCRIPTION
FEATURES
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High Voltage Operation: Up to 60V
Synchronizable Up to 600kHz
Adjustable Constant Frequency: 100kHz to 500kHz
Output Voltages Up to 36V
Stable Operation in Current Limit
Adaptive Nonoverlap Circuitry Prevents Switch
Shoot-Through
Reverse Inductor Current Inhibit for Discontinuous
Operation Improves Efficiency with Light Loads
Programmable Soft-Start
120µA No Load Quiescent Current
10µA Shutdown Supply Current
1% Regulation Accuracy
Standard Gate N-Channel Power MOSFETs
Reverse Overcurrent Protection
16-Lead Thermally Enhanced TSSOP Package
The LT®3845A is a high voltage, synchronous, current
mode controller used for medium to high power, high
efficiency supplies. It offers a wide 4V to 60V input range
(7.5V minimum start-up voltage). An onboard regulator
simplifies the biasing requirements by providing IC power
directly from VIN.
Burst Mode® operation maintains high efficiency at light
loads by reducing IC quiescent current to 120µA. Light load
efficiency is also improved with the reverse inductor current
inhibit function which supports discontinuous operation.
Additional features include adjustable fixed operating
frequency that can be synchronized to an external clock
for noise sensitive applications, gate drivers capable of
driving large N-channel MOSFETs, a precision undervoltage
lockout, 10µA shutdown current, short-circuit protection
and a programmable soft-start.
APPLICATIONS
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The LT3845A is available in a 16-lead thermally enhanced
TSSOP package.
12V and 42V Automotive and Heavy Equipment
48V Telecom Power Supplies
Avionics and Industrial Control Systems
Distributed Power Converters
L, LT, LTC, LTM, Burst Mode, Linear Technology and the Linear logo are registered trademarks of
Linear Technology Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners..
Protected by U.S. Patents, including 5481178, 6611131, 6304066, 6498466, 6580258.
TYPICAL APPLICATION
High Voltage Step-Down Regulator 48V to 12V at 75W
0.1µF
2.2µF
100V
1M
47µF
63V
VIN
1500pF
20k
100pF
143k
2200pF
49.9k
100
BOOST
Si7370DP
TG
SHDN
LT3845A
CSS
SW
BURST_EN
VCC
VFB
BG
VC
PGND
SYNC
SENSE+
fSET
SENSE–
SGND
BAS521
15µH
Si7370DP
0.008Ω
B160
VOUT
12V
75W
33µF
×3
7
VIN = 48V
95
6
90
5
85
4
80
3
2
75
POWER LOSS (W)
82.5k
16.2k
Efficiency and Power Loss
vs Load Current
EFFICIENCY(%)
VIN
20V
TO 55V
LOSS
1
70
1µF
65
0.1
1N4148
3845A TA01a
1
LOAD CURENT (A)
10
0
3845A TA01b
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LT3845A
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
(Note 1)
Input Supply Voltage (VIN).........................................65V
Boosted Supply Voltage (BOOST)..............................80V
Switch Voltage (SW) (Note 8)........................ 65V to –2V
Differential Boost Voltage
(BOOST to SW)......................................................24V
Bias Supply Voltage (VCC)..........................................24V
SENSE+ and SENSE– Voltages...................................40V
Differential Sense Voltage
(SENSE+ to SENSE–).....................................1V to –1V
BURST_EN Voltage....................................................24V
SYNC, VC, VFB, CSS, and SHDN Voltages.....................5V
SHDN Pin Currents...................................................1mA
Operating Junction Temperature Range (Note 2)
LT3845AE (Note 3)............................. –40°C to 125°C
LT3845AI ........................................... –40°C to 125°C
LT3845AMP........................................ –55°C to 125°C
Storage Temperature.............................. –65°C to 150°C
Lead Temperature (Soldering, 10 sec).................... 300°C
PIN CONFIGURATION
TOP VIEW
VIN
1
16 BOOST
SHDN
2
15 TG
CSS
3
14 SW
BURST_EN
4
VFB
5
17
13 VCC
12 BG
VC
6
11 PGND
SYNC
7
10 SENSE+
fSET
8
9
SENSE–
FE PACKAGE
16-LEAD PLASTIC TSSOP
TJMAX = 125°C, qJA = 40°C/W, qJC = 10°C/W
EXPOSED PAD (PIN 17) IS SGND, MUST BE SOLDERED TO PCB
ORDER INFORMATION
LEAD FREE FINISH
TAPE AND REEL
PART MARKING*
PACKAGE DESCRIPTION
TEMPERATURE RANGE
LT3845AEFE#PBF
LT3845AEFE#TRPBF
3845AFE
16-Lead Plastic TSSOP
–40°C to 125°C
LT3845AIFE#PBF
LT3845AIFE#TRPBF
3845AFE
16-Lead Plastic TSSOP
–40°C to 125°C
LT3845AMPFE#PBF
LT3845AMPFE#TRPBF
3845AFE
16-Lead Plastic TSSOP
–55°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.
Consult LTC Marketing for information on non-standard lead based finish parts.
For more information on lead free part marking, go to: http://www.linear.com/leadfree/
For more information on tape and reel specifications, go to: http://www.linear.com/tapeandreel/
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LT3845A
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The l denotes the specifications which apply over the full operating
temperature range, otherwise specifications are at TA = 25°C. VIN = 20V, VCC = BOOST = BURST_EN = 10V, SHDN = 2V, RSET = 49.9kΩ,
SENSE – = SENSE+ = 10V, SGND = PGND = SW = SYNC = 0V, unless otherwise noted.
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
VIN Operating Voltage Range (Note 4)
VIN Minimum Start Voltage
VIN UVLO Threshold (Falling)
VIN UVLO Threshold Hysteresis
l
l
l
VIN Supply Current
VIN Burst Mode Current
VIN Shutdown Current
VCC > 9V
VBURST_EN = 0V, VFB = 1.35V
VSHDN = 0V
BOOST Operating Voltage Range
BOOST Operating Voltage Range (Note 5)
BOOST UVLO Threshold (Rising)
BOOST UVLO Threshold Hysteresis
VBOOST – VSW
VBOOST – VSW
VBOOST – VSW
BOOST Supply Current (Note 6)
BOOST Burst Mode Current
BOOST Shutdown Current
VBURST_EN = 0V
VSHDN = 0V
VCC Operating Voltage Range (Note 5)
VCC Output Voltage
VCC UVLO Threshold (Rising)
VCC UVLO Threshold Hysteresis
Over Full Line and Load Range
VCC Supply Current (Note 6)
VCC Burst Mode Current
VCC Shutdown Current
VCC Current Limit
VBURST_EN = 0V
VSHDN = 0V
Error Amp Reference Voltage
Measured at VFB Pin
VFB Pin Input Current
Input Current (ISENSE+ + ISENSE–)
3.6
l
l
l
5
400
l
l
60
7.5
4
15
75
20
l
–40
l
1.224
1.215
1.3
l
l
0
90
VSENSE(CM) = 0V
VSENSE(CM) = 2V
VSENSE(CM) > 4V
Minimum Programmable Frequency
Maximum Programmable Frequency
l
l
500
External Sync Frequency Range
l
100
SYNC Input Resistance
3.7
mA
µA
µA
mA
1.231
1.238
1.245
1.35
120
100
–100
10
300
1.4
Soft-Start Capacitor Control Current
270
340
V
V
nA
1.4
V
mV
36
115
V
mV
mV
mV
µA
µA
µA
330
kHz
100
kHz
kHz
600
kHz
kΩ
2
2
l
V
V
V
mV
3
100
20
–150
40
l
µA
µA
µA
V
V
V
mV
800
–20
–300
270
V
V
V
mV
mA
µA
µA
25
l
UNITS
20
8.3
8
6.25
500
l
Error Amp Transconductance
MAX
1.4
0.1
0.1
Operating Frequency
SYNC Voltage Threshold
3.8
670
20
20
9
VFB = 1.231V
VSENSE+ – VSENSE–
VSENSE+ – VSENSE–, VBURST_EN = VCC
VBURST_EN = 0V or VBURST_EN = VFB
TYP
4
l
SHDN Enable Threshold (Rising)
SHDN Threshold Hysteresis
Sense Pins Common Mode Range
Current Limit Sense Voltage
Reverse Protect Sense Voltage
Reverse Current Inhibit Offset
MIN
V
µA
410
µS
Error Amp DC Voltage Gain
62
dB
Error Amp Sink/Source Current
±30
µA
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LT3845A
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The l denotes the specifications which apply over the full operating
temperature range, otherwise specifications are at TA = 25°C. VIN = 20V, VCC = BOOST = BURST_EN = 10V, SHDN = 2V, RSET = 49.9kΩ,
SENSE – = SENSE+ = 10V, SGND = PGND = SW = SYNC = 0V, unless otherwise noted.
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
TG, BG Drive On Voltage (Note 7)
TG, BG Drive Off Voltage
CLOAD = 3300pF
CLOAD = 3300pF
9.8
0.1
V
V
TG, BG Drive Rise/Fall Time
10% to 90% or 90% to 10%, CLOAD = 3300pF
50
ns
Minimum TG Off Time
l
350
650
ns
Minimum TG On Time
l
250
400
ns
Gate Drive Nonoverlap Time
TG Fall to BG Rise
BG Fall to TG Rise
Note 1: Stresses beyond those listed under Absolute Maximum Ratings
may cause permanent damage to the device. Exposure to any Absolute
Maximum Rating condition for extended periods may affect device
reliability and lifetime.
Note 2: The LT3845A includes overtemperature protection that is intended
to protect the device during momentary overload conditions. Junction
temperature will exceed 125°C when overtemperature protection is active.
Continuous operation above the specified maximum operating junction
temperature may impair device reliability.
Note 3: The LT3845AE is guaranteed to meet performance specifications
from 0°C to 125°C junction temperature. Specifications over the – 40°C
to 125°C operating junction temperature range are assured by design,
characterization and correlation with statistical process controls. The
LT3845AI is guaranteed over the full –40°C to 125°C operating junction
temperature range. The LT3845AMP is 100% tested and guaranteed over
the –55°C to 125°C temperature range.
200
150
ns
ns
Note 4: VIN voltages below the start-up threshold (7.5V) are only
supported when the VCC is externally driven above 6.5V.
Note 5: Operating range is dictated by MOSFET absolute maximum VGS.
Note 6: Supply current specification does not include switch drive
currents. Actual supply currents will be higher.
Note 7: DC measurement of gate drive output “ON” voltage is typically
8.6V. Internal dynamic bootstrap operation yields typical gate “ON”
voltages of 9.8V during standard switching operation. Standard operation
gate “ON” voltage is not tested but guaranteed by design.
Note 8: The –2V absolute maximum on the SW pin is a transient condition.
It is guaranteed by design and not subject to test.
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LT3845A
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
Shutdown Threshold (Rising)
vs Temperature
Shutdown Threshold (Falling)
vs Temperature
1.37
1.36
1.35
1.34
1.33
1.32
–50 –25
0
25
50
75
TEMPERATURE (°C)
100
125
8.2
1.25
8.1
1.23
1.22
1.20
–50 –25
0
25
50
75
TEMPERATURE (°C)
100
ICC = 20mA
TA = 25°C
200
ICC CURRENT LIMIT (mA)
VCC (V)
6
7.90
4
15 20 25
ICC(LOAD) (mA)
30
35
3
40
100
4
5
8
7
6
9
10
11
50
–50
12
–25
6.4
20
6.3
15
6.1
125
10
3845A G07
0
0
2
4
125
350
TA = 25°C
5
100
100
Error Amp Transconductance
vs Temperature
ERROR AMP TRANSCONDUCTANCE (µS)
25
6.2
0
25
50
75
TEMPERATURE (°C)
3845A G06
ICC vs VCC (SHDN = 0V)
ICC (µA)
VCC UVLO THRESHOLD, RISING (V)
125
3845A G05
6.5
0
25
50
75
TEMPERATURE (°C)
150
75
3845A G04
6.0
–50 –25
175
VIN (V)
VCC UVLO Threshold (Rising)
vs Temperature
125
ICC Current Limit vs Temperature
5
10
100
225
7
5
0
25
50
75
TEMPERATURE (°C)
3845A G03
VCC vs VIN
9
8.00
VCC (V)
7.5
–50 –25
125
3845A G02
TA = 25°C
0
7.8
7.6
8
7.85
7.9
7.7
1.21
VCC vs ICC(LOAD)
7.95
ICC = 20mA
8.0
1.24
3845A G01
8.05
VCC vs Temperature
1.26
VCC (V)
SHUTDOWN THRESHOLD, FALLING (V)
SHUTDOWN THRESHOLD, RISING (V)
1.38
6
8
10 12 14 16 18 20
VCC (V)
3845A G08
345
340
335
330
325
320
–50 –25
50
25
75
0
TEMPERATURE (°C)
100
125
3845A G09
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LT3845A
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
Operating Frequency
vs Temperature
I(SENSE+ + SENSE–) vs VSENSE(CM)
400
200
0
–200
–400
306
OPERATING FREQUENCY (kHz)
I(SENSE+ + SENSE–) (µA)
600
1.234
308
TA = 25°C
1.233
ERROR AMP REFERENCE (V)
800
Error Amp Reference
vs Temperature
304
302
300
298
296
294
290
–50
–25
0
25
50
75
TEMPERATURE (°C)
100
3845A G10
1.230
1.229
125
1.227
–50 –25
50
25
75
0
TEMPERATURE (°C)
4.54
VIN UVLO THRESHOLD, RISING (V)
104
102
100
98
96
94
–50 –25
50
25
75
0
TEMPERATURE (°C)
100
125
4.52
4.50
4.48
4.46
4.44
4.42
4.40
–50 –25
50
25
75
0
TEMPERATURE (°C)
100
125
3845A G14
3845A G13
Current Sense Threshold
vs Duty Cycle
VIN UVLO Threshold (Falling)
vs Temperature
100
3.86
90
VIN UVLO THRESHOLD, FALLING (V)
CURRENT SENSE THRESHOLD (mV)
125
VIN UVLO Threshold (Rising)
vs Temperature
106
3.84
80
70
3.82
60
50
3.80
40
30
3.78
20
10
0
100
3845A G12
3845A G11
Maximum Current Sense
Threshold vs Temperature
CURRENT SENSE THRESHOLD (mV)
1.231
1.228
292
0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0
VSENSE(CM) (V)
1.232
0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
DUTY CYCLE (%)
3845A G16
3.76
–50 –25
50
25
75
0
TEMPERATURE (°C)
100
125
3845A G15
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LT3845A
PIN FUNCTIONS
BG: The BG pin is the gate drive for the bottom N-channel
MOSFET. Since very fast high currents are driven from
this pin, connect it to the gate of the power MOSFET
with a short and wide, typically 0.02" width, PCB trace to
minimize inductance.
BOOST: The BOOST pin is the supply for the bootstrapped
gate drive and is externally connected to a low ESR ceramic
boost capacitor referenced to SW pin. The recommended
value of the BOOST capacitor, CBOOST, is at least 50 times
greater than the total gate capacitance of the topside MOSFET.
In most applications 0.1µF is adequate. The maximum voltage
that this pin sees is VIN + VCC , ground referred.
BURST_EN: Burst Mode Operation Enable Pin. This pin also
controls reverse-current inhibit mode of operation. When
the pin voltage is below 0.5V, Burst Mode operation and
reverse-current inhibit functions are enabled. When the pin
voltage is above 0.5V, Burst Mode operation is disabled,
but reverse-current inhibit operation is maintained. In
this mode of operation (BURST_EN = VFB) there is a 1mA
minimum load requirement. Reverse-current inhibit is
disabled when the pin voltage is above 2.5V. This pin is
typically shorted to ground to enable Burst Mode operation
and reverse-current inhibit, shorted to VFB to disable Burst
Mode operation while enabling reverse-current inhibit,
and connected to VCC pin to disable both functions. See
Applications Information section.
CSS: The soft-start pin is used to program the supply softstart function. Use the following formula to calculate CSS
for a given output voltage slew rate:
CSS = 2µA(tSS/1.231V)
The pin should be left unconnected when not using the
soft-start function.
fSET: The fSET pin programs the oscillator frequency with an
external resistor, RSET. The resistor is required even when
supplying external sync clock signal. See the Applications
Information section for resistor value selection details.
PGND: The PGND pin is the high-current ground reference
for internal low side switch driver and the VCC regulator
circuit. Connect the pin directly to the negative terminal
of the VCC decoupling capacitor. See the Application
Information section for helpful hints on PCB layout of
grounds.
SENSE–: The SENSE– pin is the negative input for the
current sense amplifier and is connected to the VOUT side
of the sense resistor for step-down applications.
SENSE+: The SENSE+ pin is the positive input for the current
sense amplifier and is connected to the inductor side of
the sense resistor for step-down applications.
SGND: The SGND pin is the low noise ground reference.
It should be connected to the –VOUT side of the output
capacitors. Careful layout of the PCB is necessary to keep
high currents away from this SGND connection. See the
Application Information section for helpful hints on PCB
layout of grounds.
SHDN: The SHDN pin has a precision IC enable threshold
of 1.35V (rising) with 120mV of hysteresis. It is used to
implement an undervoltage lockout (UVLO) circuit. See
Application Information section for implementing a UVLO
function. When the SHDN pin is pulled below a transistor
VBE (0.7V), a low current shutdown mode is entered, all
internal circuitry is disabled and the VIN supply current
is reduced to approximately 9µA. Typical pin input bias
current is <10nA and the pin is internally clamped to 6V.
If the function is not used, this pin may be tied to VIN
through a high value resistor.
SW: Reference for VBOOST Supply and High Current Return
for Bootstrapped Switch.
SYNC: The Sync pin provides an external clock input for
synchronization of the internal oscillator. RSET is set such
that the internal oscillator frequency is 10% to 25% below
the external clock frequency. If unused the Sync pin is
connected to SGND. For more information see “Oscillator
Sync” in the Application Information section of this data
sheet. Sync pin not available in PDIP package.
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LT3845A
PIN FUNCTIONS
TG: The TG pin is the bootstrapped gate drive for the top
N-Channel MOSFET. Since very fast high currents are driven
from this pin, connect it to the gate of the power MOSFET
with a short and wide, typically 0.02” width, PCB trace to
minimize inductance.
VC: The VC pin is the output of the error amplifier whose
voltage corresponds to the maximum (peak) switch
current per oscillator cycle. The error amplifier is typically
configured as an integrator by connecting an RC network
from the VC pin to SGND. This circuit creates the dominant
pole for the converter regulation control loop. Specific
integrator characteristics can be configured to optimize
transient response. When Burst Mode operation is enabled
(see Pin 4 description), an internal low impedance clamp on
the VC pin is set at 100mV below the burst threshold, which
limits the negative excursion of the pin voltage. Therefore,
this pin cannot be pulled low with a low impedance source.
If the VC pin must be externally manipulated, do so through
a 1kΩ series resistance.
VCC: The VCC pin is the internal bias supply decoupling
node. Use a low ESR, 1µF or greater ceramic capacitor to
decouple this node to PGND. Most internal IC functions are
powered from this bias supply. An external diode connected
from VCC to the BOOST pin charges the bootstrapped
capacitor during the off-time of the main power switch.
Back driving the VCC pin from an external DC voltage
source, such as the VOUT output of the regulator supply,
increases overall efficiency and reduces power dissipation
in the IC. In shutdown mode this pin sinks 20µA until the
pin voltage is discharged to 0V.
VFB: The output voltage feedback pin, VFB , is externally
connected to the supply output voltage via a resistive divider.
The VFB pin is internally connected to the inverting input
of the error amplifier. In regulation, VFB is 1.231V.
VIN: The VIN pin is the main supply pin and should be
decoupled to SGND with a low ESR capacitor (at least
0.1µF) located close to the pin.
Exposed Pad (SGND) (TSSOP Only): The exposed
leadframe is internally connected to the SGND pin. Solder
the exposed pad to the PCB ground for electrical contact
and optimal thermal performance.
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R1
R2
CIN
CSS
CC2
CC1
RC
RB
RA
CSS
VC
VFB
BURST_EN
SHDN
VIN
+
–
100mV
ERROR
AMP
–
gm
1V
0.5V
+
FEEDBACK
REFERENCE
1.231V
3.8V
REG
SOFT-START
BURST DISABLE
FAULT CONDITIONS:
VIN UVLO
VCC UVLO
VSHDN UVLO
2µA
VREF + 100mV
CSS CLAMPED TO
VREF + VBE
–
+
VREF
8V
REG
–
+
–
+
VIN
+
–
–
+
–
+
–
+
VIN
UVLO
(<4V)
Burst Mode
OPERATION
INTERNAL
SUPPLY
RAIL
VCC
UVLO
(<6V)
–
CURRENT
SENSE
COMPARATOR
Q
R
DRIVE
CONTROL
NOL
SWITCH
LOGIC
DRIVE
CONTROL
S
BST
UVLO
+
110mV
R
S
10mV
–
REVERSE
CURRENT
INHIBIT
SLOPE COMP
GENERATOR
OSCILLATOR
Q
+
DRIVER
DRIVER
BOOSTED
SWITCH
DRIVER
SENSE–
SENSE+
SGND
fSET
SYNC
PGND
BG
VCC
SW
TG
BOOST
RSET
CVCC
CBOOST
M2
L1
D2
(OPTIONAL)
D1
M1
RSENSE
3845A FD
VOUT
COUT
LT3845A
BLOCK DIAGRAM
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LT3845A
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
Overview
The LT3845A is a high input voltage range step-down
synchronous DC/DC converter controller IC that uses
a programmable constant frequency, current mode
architecture with external N-channel MOSFET switches.
The LT3845A has provisions for high efficiency, low load
operation for battery-powered applications. Burst Mode
operation reduces total average input quiescent currents to
120µA during no load conditions. A low current shutdown
mode can also be activated, reducing quiescent current to
10µA. Burst Mode operation can be disabled if desired.
A reverse-current inhibit feature allows increased
efficiencies during light loads through nonsynchronous
operation. This feature disables the synchronous switch if
inductor current approaches zero. If full time synchronous
operation is desired, this feature can be disabled.
Much of the IC’s internal circuitry is biased from an
internal linear regulator. The output of this regulator is
the VCC pin, allowing bypassing of the internal regulator.
The associated internal circuitry can be powered from
the output of the converter, increasing overall converter
efficiency. Using externally derived power also eliminates
the IC’s power dissipation associated with the internal VIN
to VCC regulator.
Theory of Operation (See Block Diagram)
The LT3845A senses converter output voltage via the VFB
pin. The difference between the voltage on this pin and
an internal 1.231V reference is amplified to generate an
error voltage on the VC pin which is used as a threshold
for the current sense comparator.
During normal operation, the LT3845A internal oscillator
runs at the programmed frequency. At the beginning of
each oscillator cycle, the switch drive is enabled. The
switch drive stays enabled until the sensed switch current
exceeds the VC derived threshold for the current sense
comparator and, in turn, disables the switch driver. If
the current comparator threshold is not obtained for the
entire oscillator cycle, the switch driver is disabled at the
end of the cycle for 350ns, typical. This minimum off-time
mode of operation assures regeneration of the BOOST
bootstrapped supply.
Power Requirements
The LT3845A is biased using an internal linear regulator to
generate operational voltages from the VIN pin. Virtually all
of the circuitry in the LT3845A is biased via this internal
linear regulator output (VCC). This pin is decoupled with
a low ESR, 1µF capacitor to PGND.
The VCC regulator generates an 8V output provided there
is ample voltage on the VIN pin. The VCC regulator has
approximately 1V of dropout, and will follow the VIN pin
with voltages below the dropout threshold.
The LT3845A has a start-up requirement of VIN > 7.5V. This
assures that the onboard regulator has ample headroom
to bring the VCC pin above its UVLO threshold. The VCC
regulator can only source current, so forcing the VCC pin
above its 8V regulated voltage allows use of externally
derived power for the IC, minimizing power dissipation
in the IC. Using the onboard regulator for start-up, then
deriving power for VCC from the converter output maximizes
conversion efficiencies and is common practice. If VCC
is maintained above 6.5V using an external source, the
LT3845A can continue to operate with VIN as low as 4V.
The LT3845A operates with 3mA quiescent current from
the VCC supply. This current is a fraction of the actual VCC
quiescent currents during normal operation. Additional
current is produced from the MOSFET switching currents
for both the boosted and synchronous switches and are
typically derived from the VCC supply.
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LT3845A
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
Because the LT3845A uses a linear regulator to generate
VCC , power dissipation can become a concern with high
VIN voltages. Gate drive currents are typically in the range
of 5mA to 15mA per MOSFET, so gate drive currents can
create substantial power dissipation. It is advisable to
derive VCC and VBOOST power from an external source
whenever possible.
The onboard VCC regulator will provide gate drive power
for start-up under all conditions with total MOSFET gate
charge loads up to 180nC. The regulator can operate the
LT3845A continuously, provided the power dissipation
of the regulator does not exceed 250mW. The power
dissipation of the regulator is calculated as follows:
PD(REG) = (VIN – 8V) • (fSW • QG(TOTAL) + 3mA)
where QG(TOTAL) is the total MOSFET gate charge of the
TG and BG.
Charge Pump Doubler
VOUT
B0520
B0520
VCC
1µF
1µF
LT3845A
Si1555DL
BG
Charge Pump Tripler
B0520
B0520
VCC
1µF
B0520
1µF
VOUT
1µF
Si1555DL
Si1555DL
LT3845A
3845A AI01
BG
Inductor Auxiliary Winding
TG
SW
LT3845A
VCC
•
N
VOUT
•
BG
3845A AI04
In applications where these conditions are exceeded, VCC
must be derived from an external source after start-up.
Maximum continuous regulator power dissipation may be
exceeded for short duration VIN transients.
In LT3845A converter applications with output voltages in
the 9V to 20V range, back-feeding VCC and VBOOST from
the converter output is trivial, accomplished by connecting
diodes from the output to these supply pins. Deriving
these supplies from output voltages greater than 20V will
require additional regulation to reduce the feedback voltage.
Outputs lower than 9V will require step-up techniques to
increase the feedback voltage to something greater than
the 8V VCC regulated output. Low power boost switchers
are sometimes used to provide the step-up function, but
a simple charge-pump can perform this function in many
instances.
Burst Mode Operation
The LT3845A employs low current Burst Mode functionality
to maximize efficiency during no load and low load
conditions. Burst Mode operation is enabled by shorting
the BURST_EN pin to SGND. Burst Mode operation can be
disabled by shorting BURST_EN to either VFB or VCC.
When the required switch current, sensed via the VC
pin voltage, is below 15% of maximum, the Burst Mode
operation is employed and that level of sense current is
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LT3845A
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
latched onto the IC control path. If the output load requires
less than this latched current level, the converter will
overdrive the output slightly during each switch cycle.
This overdrive condition is sensed internally and forces
the voltage on the VC pin to continue to drop. When the
voltage on VC drops 150mV below the 15% load level,
switching is disabled and the LT3845A shuts down most
of its internal circuitry, reducing total quiescent current
to 120µA. When the converter output begins to fall, the
VC pin voltage begins to climb. When the voltage on the
VC pin climbs back to the 15% load level, the IC returns
to normal operation and switching resumes. An internal
clamp on the VC pin is set at 100mV below the switch
disable threshold, which limits the negative excursion of
the pin voltage, minimizing the converter output ripple
during Burst Mode operation.
During Burst Mode operation, VIN pin current is 20µA and
VCC current is reduced to 100µA. If no external drive is
provided for VCC, all VCC bias currents originate from the
VIN pin, giving a total VIN current of 120µA. Burst current
can be reduced further when VCC is driven using an output
derived source, as the VCC component of VIN current is
then reduced by the converter buck ratio.
Reverse-Current Inhibit
The LT3845A contains a reverse-current inhibit feature
to maximize efficiency during light load conditions. This
mode of operation allows discontinuous operation and
pulse-skipping mode at light loads. Refer to Figure 1.
IL
PULSE SKIP MODE
This feature is enabled with Burst Mode operation, and can
also be enabled while Burst Mode operation is disabled
by shorting the BURST_EN pin to VFB .
When reverse-current inhibit is enabled, the LT3845A sense
amplifier detects inductor currents approaching zero and
disables the synchronous switch for the remainder of
the switch cycle. If the inductor current is allowed to go
negative before the synchronous switch is disabled, the
switch node could inductively kick positive with a high
dv/dt. The LT3845A prevents this by incorporating a 10mV
positive offset at the sense inputs.
With the reverse-current inhibit feature enabled, an LT3845A
converter will operate much like a nonsynchronous
converter during light loads. Reverse-current inhibit
reduces resistive losses associated with inductor ripple
currents, which improves operating efficiencies during
light-load conditions.
An LT3845A DC/DC converter that is operating in reversecurrent inhibit mode has a minimum load requirement
of 1mA (BURST_EN = VFB). Since most applications use
output-generated power for the LT3845A, this requirement
is met by the bias currents of the IC, however, for
applications that do not derive power from the output,
this requirement is easily accomplished by using a 1.2k
resistor connected from VFB to ground as one of the
converter output voltage programming resistors (R1).
There are no minimum load restrictions when in Burst
Mode operation (BURST_EN < 0.5V) or continuous
conduction mode (BURST_EN > 2.5V).
IL
FORCED CONTINUOUS
DECREASING
LOAD
CURRENT
3845A F01
Figure 1. Inductor Current vs Mode
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Soft-Start
Adaptive Nonoverlap (NOL) Output Stage
The soft-start function controls the slew rate of the power
supply output voltage during start-up. A controlled output
voltage ramp minimizes output voltage overshoot, reduces
inrush current from the VIN supply, and facilitates supply
sequencing. A capacitor, CSS , connected from the CSS
pin to SGND, programs the slew rate. The capacitor is
charged from an internal 2µA current source producing
a ramped voltage. The capacitor voltage overrides the
internal reference to the error amplifier. If the VFB pin voltage
exceeds the CSS pin voltage then the current threshold set
by the DC control voltage, VC, is decreased and the inductor
current is lowered. This in turn decreases the output voltage
slew rate allowing the CSS pin voltage ramp to catch up to
the VFB pin voltage. An internal 100mV offset is added to
the VFB pin voltage relative to the CSS pin voltage so that
at start-up the soft-start circuit will discharge the VC pin
voltage below the DC control voltage equivalent to zero
inductor current. This will reduce the input supply inrush
current. The soft-start circuit is disabled once the CSS pin
voltage has been charged to 200mV above the internal
reference of 1.231V.
The FET driver output stages implement adaptive
nonoverlap control. This feature maintains a constant
dead time, preventing shoot-through switch currents,
independent of the type, size or operating conditions of
the external switch elements.
During a VIN UVLO, VCC UVLO or SHDN UVLO event, the
CSS pin voltage is discharged with a 50µA current source.
In normal operation the CSS pin voltage is clamped to a
diode above the VFB pin voltage. Therefore, the value of the
CSS capacitor is relevant to how long of a fault event will
retrigger a soft-start. If any of the above UVLO conditions
occur, the CSS pin voltage will be discharged with a 50µA
current source. There is a diode worth of voltage headroom
to ride through the fault before the CSS pin voltage enters
its active region and the soft-start function is enabled.
Also, since the CSS pin voltage is clamped to a diode above
the VFB pin voltage, during a short circuit the CSS pin voltage
is pulled low because the VFB pin voltage is low. Once
the short has been removed the VFB pin voltage starts to
recover. The soft-start circuit takes control of the output
voltage slew rate once the VFB pin voltage has exceeded
the slowly ramping CSS pin voltage, reducing the output
voltage overshoot during a short circuit recovery.
Each of the two switch drivers contains a NOL control
circuit, which monitors the output gate drive signal of the
other switch driver. The NOL control circuits interrupt the
“turn on” command to their associated switch driver until
the other switch gate is fully discharged.
Shutdown
The LT3845A SHDN pin uses a bandgap generated reference
threshold of 1.35V. This precision threshold allows use of
the SHDN pin for both logic-level controlled applications
and analog monitoring applications such as power supply
sequencing.
The LT3845A operational status is primarily controlled by
a UVLO circuit on the VCC regulator pin. When the IC is
enabled via the SHDN pin, only the VCC regulator is enabled.
Switching remains disabled until the UVLO threshold is
achieved at the VCC pin, when the remainder of the IC is
enabled and switching commences.
Because an LT3845A controlled converter is a power
transfer device, a voltage that is lower than expected on
the input supply could require currents that exceed the
sourcing capabilities of that supply, causing the system
to lock up in an undervoltage state. Input supply start-up
protection can be achieved by enabling the SHDN pin
using a resistive divider from the VIN supply to ground.
Setting the divider output to 1.35V when that supply is
at an adequate voltage prevents an LT3845A converter
from drawing large currents until the input supply is able
to provide the required power. 120mV of input hysteresis
on the SHDN pin allows for almost 10% of input supply
droop before disabling the converter.
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LT3845A
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
The current sense resistor, RSENSE , monitors the inductor
current of the supply (See Typical Application on front
page). Its value is chosen based on the maximum required
output load current. The LT3845A current sense amplifier
has a maximum voltage threshold dependent on duty
cycle. The maximum peak current is calculated as follows:
V 
100mV – 45mV  OUT 
 VIN 
IPEAK(MAX) =
RSENSE
The maximum output load current, IOUT(MAX), is the peak
inductor current minus half the peak-to-peak ripple current, DI.
Typical values for RSENSE are in the range of 0.005Ω
to 0.05Ω.
ground, as shown in Figure 2. The nominal voltage on the
fSET pin is 1V and the current that flows from this pin is
used to charge an internal oscillator capacitor. The value
of RSET for a given operating frequency can be chosen
from Figure 2 or from the following equation:
RSET(kΩ) = 8.4 • 104 • fSW(–1.31)
200
180
160
140
RSET (kΩ)
RSENSE Selection
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
100
Operating Frequency
The choice of operating frequency is a trade off between
efficiency and component size. Low frequency operation
improves efficiency by reducing MOSFET switching losses
and gate charge losses. However, lower frequency operation
requires more inductance for a given amount of ripple
current, resulting in a larger inductor size and higher cost.
If the ripple current is allowed to increase, larger output
capacitors may be required to maintain the same output
ripple. For converters with high step-down VIN to VOUT
ratios, another consideration is the minimum on-time of
the LT3845A (see the Minimum On-time Considerations
section). A final consideration for operating frequency is
that in noise-sensitive communications systems, it is often
desirable to keep the switching noise out of a sensitive
frequency band. The LT3845A uses a constant frequency
architecture that can be programmed over a 100kHz to
500kHz range with a single resistor from the fSET pin to
200
300
400
FREQUENCY (kHz)
500
600
3845A F2
Figure 2. Timing Resistor (RSET) Value
Table 1 lists typical resistor values for common operating
frequencies.
Table 1. Recommended 1% Standard Values
RSET (kΩ)
fSW (kHz)
191
100
118
150
80.6
200
63.4
250
49.9
300
40.2
350
33.2
400
27.4
450
23.2
500
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APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
Inductor Selection
The critical parameters for selection of an inductor
are minimum inductance value, volt-second product,
saturation current and/or RMS current.
For a given DIL, The minimum inductance value is calculated as follows:
L ≥ VOUT •
VIN(MAX) – VOUT
fSW • VIN(MAX) • DIL
fSW is the switch frequency.
The typical range of values for DIL is (0.2 • IOUT(MAX)) to
(0.5 • IOUT(MAX)), where IOUT(MAX) is the maximum load
current of the supply. Using DIL = 0.3 • IOUT(MAX) yields a
good design compromise between inductor performance
versus inductor size and cost. A value of DIL = 0.3 • IOUT(MAX)
produces a ±15% of IOUT(MAX) ripple current around the DC
output current of the supply. Lower values of DIL require
larger and more costly magnetics. Higher values of DIL
will increase the peak currents, requiring more filtering
on the input and output of the supply. If DIL is too high,
the slope compensation circuit is ineffective and current
mode instability may occur at duty cycles greater than
50%. To satisfy slope compensation requirements the
minimum inductance is calculated as follows:
L MIN > VOUT •
2DCMAX – 1 RSENSE • 8.33
•
DCMAX
fSW
The magnetics vendors specify either the saturation current, the RMS current or both. When selecting an inductor
based on inductor saturation current, use the peak current through the inductor, IOUT(MAX) + DIL/2. The inductor
saturation current specification is the current at which
the inductance, measured at zero current, decreases by
a specified amount, typically 30%.
When selecting an inductor based on RMS current rating,
use the average current through the inductor, IOUT(MAX).
The RMS current specification is the RMS current at which
the part has a specific temperature rise, typically 40°C,
above 25°C ambient.
After calculating the minimum inductance value, the
volt-second product, the saturation current and the RMS
current for your design, select an off-the-shelf inductor.
Contact the Application group at Linear Technology for
further support.
For more detailed information on selecting an inductor,
please see the “Inductor Selection” section of Linear
Technology Application Note 44.
MOSFET Selection
The selection criteria of the external N-channel standard
level power MOSFETs include on resistance (RDS(ON)),
reverse transfer capacitance (CRSS), maximum drain
source voltage (VDSS), total gate charge (QG) and maximum
continuous drain current.
For maximum efficiency, minimize RDS(ON) and CRSS.
Low RDS(ON) minimizes conduction losses while low CRSS
minimizes transition losses. The problem is that RDS(ON)
is inversely related to CRSS. In selecting the top MOSFET
balancing the transition losses with the conduction losses
is a good idea while the bottom MOSFET is dominated by
the conduction loss, which is worse during a short-circit
condition or at a very low duty cycle.
Calculate the maximum conduction losses of the
MOSFETs:
PCOND(TOP) =IOUT(MAX)2 •
VOUT
•RDS(ON)
VIN
PCOND(BOT) =IOUT(MAX)2 •
VIN – VOUT
•RDS(ON)
VIN
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LT3845A
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
Note that RDS(ON) has a large positive temperature
dependence. The MOSFET manufacturer’s data sheet
contains a curve, RDS(ON) vs Temperature.
In the main MOSFET, transition losses are proportional
to VIN2 and can be considerably large in high voltage
applications (VIN > 20V). Calculate the maximum transition
losses:
PTRAN(TOP) = k • VIN2 • IOUT(MAX) • CRSS • fSW
where k is a constant inversely related to the gate
driver current, approximated by k = 2 for LT3845A
applications.
The total maximum power dissipations of the MOSFET
are:
PTOP(TOTAL) = PCOND(MAIN) + PTRAN(MAIN)
PBOT(TOTAL) = PCOND(SYNC)
To achieve high supply efficiency, keep the total power
dissipation in each switch to less than 3% of the total
output power. Also, complete a thermal analysis to ensure
that the MOSFET junction temperature is not exceeded.
TJ = TA + P(TOTAL) • qJA
where qJA is the package thermal resistance and TA is the
ambient temperature. Keep the calculated TJ below the
maximum specified junction temperature, typically 150°C.
Note that when VIN is high and fSW is high, the transition
losses may dominate. A MOSFET with higher RDS(ON)
and lower CRSS may provide higher efficiency. MOSFETs
with higher voltage VDSS specification usually have higher
RDS(ON) and lower CRSS.
Choose the MOSFET VDSS specification to exceed the
maximum voltage across the drain to the source of the
MOSFET, which is VIN(MAX) plus any additional ringing
on the switch node. Ringing on the switch node can be
greatly reduced with good PCB layout and, if necessary,
an RC snubber.
In some applications, parasitic FET capacitances couple
the negative going switch node transient onto the bottom
gate drive pin of the LT3845A, causing a negative voltage
in excess of the Absolute Maximum Rating to be imposed
on that pin. Connection of a catch Schottky diode from
this pin to ground will eliminate this effect. A 1A current
rating is typically sufficient of the diode.
The internal VCC regulator is capable of sourcing up to
40mA limiting the maximum total MOSFET gate charge,
QG, to 35mA/fSW. The QG vs VGS specification is typically
provided in the MOSFET data sheet. Use QG at VGS of 8V.
If VCC is back driven from an external supply, the MOSFET
drive current is not sourced from the internal regulator
of the LT3845A and the QG of the MOSFET is not limited
by the IC. However, note that the MOSFET drive current
is supplied by the internal regulator when the external
supply back driving VCC is not available such as during
start-up or short circuit.
The manufacturer’s maximum continuous drain current
specification should exceed the peak switch current,
IOUT(MAX) + DIL/2.
During the supply start-up, the gate drive levels are set by
the VCC voltage regulator, which is approximately 8V. Once
the supply is up and running, the VCC can be back driven
by an auxiliary supply such as VOUT. It is important not
to exceed the manufacturer’s maximum VGS specification.
A standard level threshold MOSFET typically has a VGS
maximum of 20V.
Input Capacitor Selection
A local input bypass capacitor is required for buck
converters because the input current is pulsed with fast
rise and fall times. The input capacitor selection criteria are
based on the bulk capacitance and RMS current capability.
The bulk capacitance will determine the supply input ripple
voltage. The RMS current capability is used to prevent
overheating the capacitor.
The bulk capacitance is calculated based on maximum
input ripple, DVIN :
CIN(BULK) =
IOUT(MAX) • VOUT
DVIN • fSW • VIN(MIN)
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LT3845A
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
DVIN is typically chosen at a level acceptable to the user.
100mV to 200mV is a good starting point. Aluminum electrolytic capacitors are a good choice for high voltage, bulk
capacitance due to their high capacitance per unit area.
The capacitor’s RMS current is:
ICIN(RMS) =IOUT
VOUT (VIN – VOUT )
(VIN )2
If applicable, calculate it at the worst case condition,
VIN = 2VOUT. The RMS current rating of the capacitor
is specified by the manufacturer and should exceed the
calculated ICIN(RMS). Due to their low ESR (Equivalent
Series Resistance), ceramic capacitors are a good choice
for high voltage, high RMS current handling. Note that the
ripple current ratings from aluminum electrolytic capacitor
manufacturers are based on 2000 hours of life. This makes
it advisable to further derate the capacitor or to choose a
capacitor rated at a higher temperature than required.
The combination of aluminum electrolytic capacitors and
ceramic capacitors is an economical approach to meeting
the input capacitor requirements. The capacitor voltage
rating must be rated greater than VIN(MAX). Multiple
capacitors may also be paralleled to meet size or height
requirements in the design. Locate the capacitor very close
to the MOSFET switch and use short, wide PCB traces to
minimize parasitic inductance.
Output Capacitor Selection
The output capacitance, COUT, selection is based on the
design’s output voltage ripple, DVOUT and transient load
requirements. DVOUT is a function of DIL and the COUT
ESR. It is calculated by:


1
DVOUT = DIL • ESR+

(8 • fSW • COUT ) 

The maximum ESR required to meet a DVOUT design
requirement can be calculated by:
ESR(MAX)=
(DVOUT )(L)(fSW)


V
VOUT • 1– OUT 
 VIN(MAX) 
Worst-case DVOUT occurs at highest input voltage. Use
paralleled multiple capacitors to meet the ESR requirements.
Increasing the inductance is an option to lower the ESR requirements. For extremely low DVOUT, an additional LC filter stage
can be added to the output of the supply. Application Note
44 has some good tips on sizing an additional output filter.
Output Voltage Programming
A resistive divider sets the DC output voltage according
to the following formula:
 V

R2 = R1 OUT – 1
 1.231V 
The external resistor divider is connected to the output of
the converter as shown in Figure 3. Tolerance of the feedback
resistors will add additional error to the output voltage.
Example: VOUT = 12V; R1 = 10k
 12V

R2 =10k 
−1 = 87.48kΩ −use 86.6k 1%
 1.231V 
The VFB pin input bias current is typically 25nA, so use
of extremely high value feedback resistors could cause a
converter output that is slightly higher than expected. Bias
current error at the output can be estimated as:
DVOUT(BIAS) = 25nA • R2
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LT3845A
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
L1
VOUT
R2
COUT
VFB PIN
R1
3845A F03
Figure 3. Output Voltage Feedback Divider
VSUPPLY
RA
If low supply current in standby mode is required, select
a higher value of RB.
The supply turn off voltage is 9% below turn on. In the
example the VSUPPLY(OFF) would be 13.2V.
If additional hysteresis is desired for the enable function,
an external positive feedback resistor can be used from
the LT3845A regulator output.
The shutdown function can be disabled by connecting the
SHDN pin to the VIN through a large value pull-up resistor.
This pin contains a low impedance clamp at 6V, so the SHDN
pin will sink current from the pull-up resistor(RPU):
SHDN PIN
RB
3845A F04
Figure 4. Undervoltage Feedback Divider
Supply UVLO and Shutdown
The SHDN pin has a precision voltage threshold with
hysteresis which can be used as an undervoltage lockout
threshold (UVLO) for the power supply. Undervoltage
lockout keeps the LT3845A in shutdown until the supply
input voltage is above a certain voltage programmed by
the user. The hysteresis voltage prevents noise from falsely
tripping UVLO.
VSUPPLY(ON)
1.35V
–1
VSUPPLY(ON) is the input voltage at which the undervoltage
lockout is disabled and the supply turns on.
Soft-Start
The desired soft-start time (tSS) is programmed via the
CSS capacitor as follows:
CSS =
2µA • t SS
1.231V
The amount of time in which the power supply can withstand
a VIN, VCC or VSHDN UVLO fault condition (tFAULT) before
the CSS pin voltage enters its active region is approximated
by the following formula:
Example: Select RB = 49.9k, VSUPPLY(ON) = 14.5V (based
on a 15V minimum input voltage)
 14.5V 
R A = 49.9k • 
– 1
 1.35V 
= 486.1k (499k resistor is selected)
VIN – 6V
RPU
Because this arrangement will clamp the SHDN pin to the
6V, it will violate the 5V absolute maximum voltage rating of
the pin. This is permitted, however, as long as the absolute
maximum input current rating of 1mA is not exceeded.
Input SHDN pin currents of <100µA are recommended: a
1MΩ or greater pull-up resistor is typically used for this
configuration.
Resistors are chosen by first selecting RB. Then
RA = RB •
ISHDN =
t FAULT =
CSS • 0.65V
50µA
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LT3845A
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
Oscillator SYNC
The oscillator can be synchronized to an external clock.
Set the RSET resistor at least 10% below the desired sync
frequency.
It is recommended that the SYNC pin be driven with a
square wave that has amplitude greater than 2V, pulse
width greater than 1µs and rise time less than 500ns. The
rising edge of the sync wave form triggers the discharge
of the internal oscillator capacitor. The SYNC pin is not
available in the N-Package.
Minimum On-Time Considerations (Buck Mode)
Minimum on-time tON(MIN) is the smallest amount of time that
the LT3845A is capable of turning the top MOSFET on and
off again. It is determined by internal timing delays and the
amount of gate charge required turning on the top MOSFET.
Low duty cycle applications may approach this minimum
on-time limit and care should be taken to ensure that:
t ON =
VOUT
>t
VIN • fSW ON(MIN)
where tON(MIN) is 400ns worst case.
If the duty cycle falls below what can be accommodated
by the minimum on-time, the LT3845A will begin to skip
cycles. The output will be regulated, but the ripple current
and ripple voltage will increase. If lower frequency operation
is acceptable, the on-time can be increased above tON(MIN)
for the same step-down ratio.
Layout Considerations
The LT3845A is typically used in DC/DC converter designs
that involve substantial switching transients. The switch
drivers on the IC are designed to drive large capacitances
and, as such, generate significant transient currents
themselves. Careful consideration must be made regarding
supply bypass capacitor locations to avoid corrupting the
ground reference used by IC.
Typically, high current paths and transients from the
input supply and any local drive supplies must be kept
isolated from SGND, to which sensitive circuits such as
the error amp reference and the current sense circuits
are referred.
Effective grounding can be achieved by considering switch
current in the ground plane, and the return current paths of
each respective bypass capacitor. The VIN bypass return,
VCC bypass return, and the source of the synchronous
FET carry PGND currents. SGND originates at the negative
terminal of the VOUT bypass capacitor, and is the small
signal reference for the LT3845A.
Don’t be tempted to run small traces to separate ground
paths. A good ground plane is important as always,
but PGND referred bypass elements must be oriented
such that transient currents in these return paths do not
corrupt the SGND reference.
During the dead-time between switch conduction, the
body diode of the synchronous FET conducts inductor
current. Commutating this diode requires a significant
charge contribution from the main switch. At the instant
the body diode commutates, a current discontinuity
is created and parasitic inductance causes the switch
node to fly up in response to this discontinuity. High
currents and excessive parasitic inductance can generate
extremely fast dV/dt rise times. This phenomenon can
cause avalanche breakdown in the synchronous FET
body diode, significant inductive overshoot on the switch
node, and shoot-through currents via parasitic turn-on of
the synchronous FET. Layout practices and component
orientations that minimize parasitic inductance on this
node is critical for reducing these effects.
Ringing waveforms in a converter circuit can lead to device
failure, excessive EMI, or instability. In many cases, you
can damp a ringing waveform with a series RC network
across the offending device. In LT3845A applications,
any ringing will typically occur on the switch node, which
can usually be reduced by placing a snubber across the
synchronous FET. Use of a snubber network, however,
should be considered a last resort. Effective layout practices
typically reduce ringing and overshoot, and will eliminate
the need for such solutions.
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APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
The high di/dt loop formed by the switch MOSFETs and
the input capacitor (CIN) should have short wide traces
to minimize high frequency noise and voltage stress from
inductive ringing. Surface mount components are preferred
to reduce parasitic inductances from component leads.
Connect the drain of the main switch MOSFET directly to
the (+) plate of CIN, and connect the source of the synchronous switch MOSFET directly to the (–) terminal of
CIN . This capacitor provides the AC current to the switch
MOSFETs. Switch path currents can be controlled by
orienting switch FETs, the switched inductor, and input
and output decoupling capacitors in close proximity to
each other.
Locate the VCC and BOOST decoupling capacitors in close
proximity to the IC. These capacitors carry the MOSFET
drivers’ high peak currents. Locate the small-signal
components away from high frequency switching nodes
(BOOST, SW, TG, VCC and BG). Small-signal nodes are
oriented on the left side of the LT3845A, while high current
switching nodes are oriented on the right side of the IC
to simplify layout. This also helps prevent corruption of
the SGND reference.
Connect the VFB pin directly to the feedback resistors
independent of any other nodes, such as the SENSE– pin.
The feedback resistors should be connected between
the (+) and (–) terminals of the output capacitor (COUT).
Locate the feedback resistors in close proximity to the
LT3845A to minimize the length of the high impedance
VFB node.
The SENSE– and SENSE+ traces should be routed together
and kept as short as possible.
The LT3845A TSSOP package has been designed to
efficiently remove heat from the IC via the Exposed Pad on
the backside of the package. The Exposed Pad is soldered
to a copper footprint on the PCB. This footprint should be
made as large as possible to reduce the thermal resistance
of the IC case to ambient air. See Figure 5 for placement
of power path components.
VIN
BOOST
SW
SGND
REFERRED
COMPONENTS
+
TG
LT3845A
VCC
SGND PGND
SW
BG
+
Effective grounding techniques are critical for successful
DC/DC converter layouts. Orient power path components
such that current paths in the ground plane do not cross
through signal ground areas. Signal ground refers to the
Exposed Pad on the backside of the LT3845A IC in the
TSSOP package. SGND is referenced to the (–) terminal of
the VOUT decoupling capacitor and is used as the converter
voltage feedback reference. Power ground currents are
controlled on the LT3845A via the PGND pin, and this
ground references the high current synchronous switch
drive components, as well as the local VCC supply. It is
important to keep PGND and SGND voltages consistent
with each other, so separating these grounds with thin
traces is not recommended. When the synchronous
FET is turned on, gate drive surge currents return to the
LT3845A PGND pin from the FET source. The BOOST supply
refresh surge currents also return through this same path.
The synchronous FET must be oriented such that these
PGND return currents do not corrupt the SGND reference.
Problems caused by the PGND return path are generally
recognized during heavy load conditions, and are typically
evidenced as multiple switch pulses occurring during a
single switch cycle. This behavior indicates that SGND is
being corrupted and grounding should be improved. SGND
corruption can often be eliminated, however, by adding a
small capacitor (100pF to 200pF) across the synchronous
switch FET from drain to source.
3845A AI03
VOUT
ISENSE
Figure 5. Orientation of Components Isolates Power Path and
PGND Currents, Preventing Corruption of SGND Reference
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20
LT3845A
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
9V-16V to 3.3V at 10A DC/DC Converter Capable of Withstanding 60V Transients,
All Ceramic Capacitors and Soft-Start Enabled
VIN
9V TO 16V
60V TRANSIENTS
CIN
2.2µF
100V
×4
CIN2
0.1µF
100V
C5
1µF
16V
R3
1.1M
VIN
SHDN
CSS
C3
8200pF
R1
10k
R2
16.9k
BOOST
LT3845A
BURST_EN
R4
25k
R5
100k
D1
VCC
D2A BAV99
BG
VC
SENSE+
fSET
SENSE–
CIN: TDK C4532X7R2A225K
COUT: MURATA GRM32ER60J107ME20
D1: DIODES INC. B3100
L1: WURTH 7443551370
VIN
R7
4.99k
D3
12V
VOUT
3.3V
10A
COUT
100µF
6.3V
×5
C4
2.2µF
16V
SGND
RSENSE
0.006Ω
M2
Si7370DP
PGND
SYNC
C2
R6
6800pF 49.9k
L1
3.3µH
SW
VFB
SYNC
M1
Si7370DP
TG
D2B
BAV99
Q1
60V
3845A TA02
Efficiency and Power Loss
6
95
90
5
4
85
80
VIN = 14V
75
70
65
3
VIN = 16V
POWER LOSS
VIN = 14V
0.1
1
LOAD CURRENT (A)
2
POWER LOSS (W)
EFFICIENCY(%)
VIN = 9V
1
0
10
3845A TA02b
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21
LT3845A
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
9V-16V to 5V at 10A DC/DC Converter, 500kHz Frequency Operation,
Capable of Withstanding 36V Transients, All Ceramic Capacitors, Soft-Start and Burst Mode Enabled
VIN
9V TO 16V
36V TRANSIENTS
CIN
6.8µF
50V
×4
CIN2
0.1µF
50V
C5
1µF
16V
R3
1.1M
VIN
C3
8200pF
SHDN
CSS
BOOST
LT3845A
BURST_EN
VC
R2
154k
C1
100pF
R4
10k
D1
VCC
D2 BAS19
SENSE
SENSE–
C4
2.2µF
16V
SGND
D3B
BAV99
CIN: TDK C4532X7R1H685K
COUT: MURATA GRM32ER60J107ME20
D1: DIODES INC. B170
L1: WURTH 744318270LF
D3A
BAV99
VOUT
5V
10A
COUT
100µF
6.3V
×4
+
fSET
RSENSE
0.005Ω
M2
Si7884DP
PGND
SYNC
C2
R6
5600pF 23.2k
L1
2.7µH
SW
BG
VFB
R1
49.9k
M1
Si7884DP
TG
3845A TA03
C6
1µF
Si1555DL
Efficiency and Power Loss
6
100
5
VIN = 9V
90
85
3
VIN = 14V
80
2
VIN = 16V
75
70
4
POWER LOSS
VIN = 14V
0.1
1
LOAD CURRENT (A)
POWER LOSS (W)
EFFICIENCY (%)
95
1
0
10
3845A TA03b
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22
LT3845A
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
9V-24V to 3.3V, 2-Phase at 10A per Phase, DC/DC Converter with Spread Spectrum Operation
VIN
24V
CIN
6.8µF
50V
×2
C5
1µF
16V
R3
1.21M
VIN
SHDN
C3 8200pF
R4
1.21M
CSS
BOOST
LT3845A
BURST_EN
R6
130k
D2 BAS19
M2
Si7850DP
BG
VC
SYNC
SW
VCC
VFB
C11
47pF
M1
Si7850DP
TG
L1
4.7µH
D1
B160
PGND
SYNC
SENSE+
fSET
SENSE–
SGND
C4
2.2µF
16V
VOUT
3.3V
20A
R12
25k
Q1
C11
0.1µF
D5
5.7V
CIN3
0.1µF
100V
R11
500k
C10
1µF
16V
VIN
1
6
SYNC1
OUT1
V+
LTC6908-1
2
5
SYNC2
GND OUT2
3
4
SET3 MOD
SHDN
C8 8200pF
CSS
LT3845A
R2
16.8k
VC
SYNC
R9
4.99k
C7
R10
5600pF 130k
CIN: TDK C4532X7R1H685K
COUT: MURATA GRM32ER60J107ME20
D1, D3: DIODES, INC. B160
L1, L2: VISHAY IHLP-5050FD-01
M3
Si7850DP
TG
SW
D4 BAS19
VCC
M4
Si7850DP
BG
VFB
C6
47pF
COUT
100µF
6.3V
×6
BOOST
BURST_EN
R1
10k
RSENSE
0.005Ω
L2
4.7µH
RSENSE2
0.005Ω
D3
B160
PGND
SYNC
SENSE+
fSET
SENSE–
SGND
C9
2.2µF
16V
3845A TA05
3845afa
23
LT3845A
PACKAGE DESCRIPTION
FE Package
16-Lead Plastic TSSOP (4.4mm)
(Reference LTC DWG # 05-08-1663)
Exposed Pad Variation BC
4.90 – 5.10*
(.193 – .201)
3.58
(.141)
3.58
(.141)
16 1514 13 12 1110
6.60 ± 0.10
4.50 ± 0.10
9
2.94
(.116)
6.40
2.94
(.252)
(.116)
BSC
SEE NOTE 4
0.45 ± 0.05
1.05 ± 0.10
0.65 BSC
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
RECOMMENDED SOLDER PAD LAYOUT
4.30 – 4.50*
(.169 – .177)
0.09 – 0.20
(.0035 – .0079)
0.50 – 0.75
(.020 – .030)
NOTE:
1. CONTROLLING DIMENSION: MILLIMETERS
MILLIMETERS
2. DIMENSIONS ARE IN
(INCHES)
3. DRAWING NOT TO SCALE
0.25
REF
1.10
(.0433)
MAX
0° – 8°
0.65
(.0256)
BSC
0.195 – 0.30
(.0077 – .0118)
TYP
0.05 – 0.15
(.002 – .006)
FE16 (BC) TSSOP 0204
4. RECOMMENDED MINIMUM PCB METAL SIZE
FOR EXPOSED PAD ATTACHMENT
*DIMENSIONS DO NOT INCLUDE MOLD FLASH. MOLD FLASH
SHALL NOT EXCEED 0.150mm (.006") PER SIDE
3845afa
24
LT3845A
REVISION HISTORY
REV
DATE
DESCRIPTION
PAGE NUMBER
A
11/10
Added Military grade to Absolute Maximum Ratings and Order Information.
2
Added Military grade to Note 3 in the Electrical Characteristics
4
3845afa
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 its circuits as described herein will not infringe on existing patent rights.
25
LT3845A
TYPICAL APPLICATION
9V-16V to 3.3V at 5A DC/DC Converter, Frequency Synchronization Range 150kHz to 300kHz,
Capable of Withstanding 60V Transients, All Ceramic Capacitors, Soft-Start and Burst Mode Enabled
VIN
9V TO 16V
60V TRANSIENTS
CIN
2.2µF
100V
×4
CIN2
0.1µF
100V
C5
1µF
16V
R3
1.1M
VIN
C3
8200pF
SHDN
CSS
BOOST
VCC
BG
VFB
VC
SYNC
C1
R2
16.8k 100pF
R4
10k
C2
5600pF
R5
100k
RSENSE
0.01Ω
D2 BAS521
M2
Si7850DP
D1
B160
PGND
SYNC
SENSE
fSET
SENSE–
VOUT
3.3V
5A
COUT
100µF
6.3V
×4
+
SGND
R6
130k
L1
10µH
SW
BURST_EN
R1
10k
M1
Si7850DP
TG
LT3845A
C4
2.2µF
16V
3845A TA04
CIN: TDK C4532X7R2A225K
COUT: MURATA GRM32ER60J107ME20
L1: VISHAY IHLP-5050FD-01
M1, M2: VISHAY Si7850DP
RELATED PARTS
PART NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
COMMENTS
LT3800
60V, Low IQ , Single Output Synchronous Step-Down
DC/DC Controller
Fixed 200kHz Operating Frequency
4V≤ VIN ≤ 60V, 1.23V ≤ VOUT ≤ 36V, IQ = 120µA, TSSOP-16
LTC3844
60V, Low IQ , Single Output Step-Down DC/DC Controller
Synchronizable Fixed Frequency 50kHz to 600kHz,
4V ≤ VIN ≤ 60V, 1.23V ≤ VOUT ≤ 36V, IQ = 120µA, TSSOP-16
LT3724
60V, Low IQ, DC/DC Controller Multi Topology
Fixed 200kHz Operating Frequency
4V ≤ VIN ≤ 60V, 1.23 ≤ VOUT ≤ 36V, IQ = 100µA, TSSOP-16
LT3741
High Power, Constant Current, Constant Voltage,
Synchronous, Step Down Controller
Adjustable Fixed Frequency 200kHz to 1MHz
6V ≤ VIN ≤ 36V, VOUT Up to (VIN –2)
LTC3824
60V, Low IQ , Step-Down DC/DC Controller,
100% Duty Cycle
Selectable Fixed Frequency 200kHz to 600kHz
4V≤ VIN ≤ 60V, 0.8V ≤ VOUT ≤ VIN , IQ = 40µA, MSOP-10E
LTC3834/LTC3834-1 Low IQ , Single Output Synchronous Step-Down DC/DC
LTC3835/LTC3835-1 Controller with 99% Duty Cycle
LTC3890
60V, Low IQ , Dual 2-Phase Synchronous Step-Down
DC/DC Controller
LTC3857/LTC3857-1 Low IQ , Dual Output 2-Phase Synchronous Step-Down
LTC3858/LTC3858-1 DC/DC Controllers with 99% Duty Cycle
LTC3859
Low IQ , Triple Output Buck/Buck/Boost Synchronous
DC/DC Controller
Phase-Lockable Fixed Frequency 140kHz to 650kHz,
4V≤ VIN ≤ 36V, 0.8V ≤ VOUT ≤ 10V, IQ = 30µA/80µA
Phase-Lockable Fixed Frequency 50kHz to 900kHz
4V ≤ VIN ≤ 60V, 0.8V ≤ VOUT ≤ 24V, IQ = 50µA
Phase-Lockable Fixed Frequency 50kHz to 900kHz,
4V≤ VIN ≤ 38V, 0.8V ≤ VOUT ≤ 24V, IQ = 50µA/170µA
All Outputs Remain in Regulation Through Cold Crank
2.5V≤ VIN ≤ 38V, VOUT(BUCKS) Up to 24V,
VOUT(BOOST) Up to 60V, IQ = 55µA
3845afa
26 Linear Technology Corporation
LT 1110 • PRINTED IN USA
1630 McCarthy Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035-7417
(408) 432-1900 ● FAX: (408) 434-0507
●
www.linear.com
” LINEAR TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 2010