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L6986F
38 V, 1.5 A synchronous step-down switching regulator with 30 µA
quiescent current
Datasheet - production data
Description
HTSSOP16 (RTH = 40 °C/W)
Features
 1.5 A DC output current
 4 V to 38 V operating input voltage
 Low consumption mode or low noise mode
 30 µA IQ at light-load (LCM VOUT = 3.3 V)
 8 µA IQ-SHTDWN
 Adjustable fSW (250 kHz - 2 MHz)
 Output voltage adjustable from 0.85 V to VIN
 Embedded output voltage supervisor
 Synchronization
 Adjustable soft-start time
 Internal current limiting
 Overvoltage protection
The L6986F is a step-down monolithic switching
regulator able to deliver up to 1.5 A DC. The
output voltage adjustability ranges from 0.85 V to
VIN. Thanks to the P-channel MOSFET high-side
power element, the device features 100% duty
cycle operation. The wide input voltage range
meet the 5 V, 12 V and 24 V power supplies. The
“Low Consumption Mode” (LCM) is designed for
applications active during idle mode, so it
maximizes the efficiency at light-load with
controlled output voltage ripple. The “Low Noise
Mode” (LNM) makes the switching frequency
constant and minimizes the output voltage ripple
overload current range, meeting the low noise
application specification. The output voltage
supervisor manages the reset phase for any
digital load (µC, FPGA). The RST open collector
output can also implement output voltage
sequencing during the power-up phase. The
synchronous rectification, designed for high
efficiency at medium - heavy load, and the high
switching frequency capability make the size of
the application compact. Pulse by pulse current
sensing on both power elements implements an
effective constant current protection.
 Output voltage sequencing
 Peak current mode architecture
 RDSON HS = 180 m, RDSON LS = 150 m
 Thermal shutdown
Applications
 Designed for 12 V and 24 V buses
 Programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
 Decentralized intelligent nodes
 Sensors and low noise applications (LNM)
February 2016
This is information on a product in full production.
DocID027843 Rev 2
1/64
www.st.com
Contents
L6986F
Contents
1
Application schematic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2
Pin settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.1
Pin connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.2
Pin description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.3
Maximum ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.4
Thermal data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.5
ESD protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3
Electrical characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4
Functional description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.1
Power supply and voltage reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Switchover feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.2
Voltages monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.3
Soft-start and inhibit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4.3.1
Ratiometric startup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4.3.2
Output voltage sequencing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
4.4
Error amplifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
4.5
Light-load operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
4.6
4.7
4.5.1
Low noise mode (LNM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
4.5.2
Low consumption mode (LCM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Switchover feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.6.1
LCM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.6.2
LNM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Overcurrent protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
OCP and switchover feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
2/64
4.8
Overvoltage protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
4.9
Thermal shutdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
DocID027843 Rev 2
L6986F
5
6
Contents
Closing the loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
5.1
GCO(s) control to output transfer function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
5.2
Error amplifier compensation network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
5.3
Voltage divider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
5.4
Total loop gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
5.5
Compensation network design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Application notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
6.1
Output voltage adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
6.2
Switching frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
6.3
MLF pin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
6.4
Voltage supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
6.5
Synchronization (LNM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
6.6
Design of the power components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
6.6.1
Input capacitor selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
6.6.2
Inductor selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
6.6.3
Output capacitor selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
7
Application board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
8
Efficiency curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
9
Package information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
9.1
HTSSOP16 package information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
10
Order codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
11
Revision history . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
DocID027843 Rev 2
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64
Application schematic
1
L6986F
Application schematic
Figure 1. Application schematic
4/64
DocID027843 Rev 2
L6986F
Pin settings
2
Pin settings
2.1
Pin connection
Figure 2. Pin connection (top view)
2.2
Pin description
Table 1. Pin description
No.
Pin
Description
1
RST
The RST open collector output is driven low when the output voltage is out of regulation. The RST
is released after an adjustable time DELAY once the output voltage is over the active delay
threshold.
2
VCC
Connect a ceramic capacitor (≥ 470 nF) to filter internal voltage reference. This pin supplies the
embedded analog circuitry.
3
SS/INH
An open collector stage can disable the device clamping this pin to GND (INH mode). An internal
current generator (4 A typ.) charges the external capacitor to implement the soft-start.
4
SYNCH/
ISKP
The pin features Master / Slave synchronization in LNM (see Section 4.5.1 on page 23) and skip
current level selection in LCM (see Section 4.5.2 on page 23).
5
FSW
A pull up resistor (E24 series only) to VCC or pull down to GND selects the switching frequency.
Pinstrapping is active only before the soft-start phase to minimize the IC consumption.
6
MLF
A pull up resistor (E24 series only) to VCC or pull down to GND selects the low noise mode/low
consumption mode and the active RST threshold. Pinstrapping is active only before the soft-start
phase to minimize the IC consumption.
7
COMP
Output of the error amplifier. The designed compensation network is connected at this pin.
8
DELAY
An external capacitor connected at this pin sets the time DELAY to assert the rising edge of the
RST o.c. after the output voltage is over the reset threshold. If this pin is left floating, RST is like
a Power Good.
9
FB
10
SGND
Signal GND
11
PGND
Power GND
Inverting input of the error amplifier
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5/64
64
Pin settings
L6986F
Table 1. Pin description (continued)
No.
Pin
12
PGND
13
LX
Switching node
14
LX
Switching node
15
VIN
DC input voltage
16
VBIAS
Typically connected to the regulated output voltage. An external voltage reference can be used to
supply part of the analog circuitry to increase the efficiency at light-load. Connect to GND if not
used.
-
E. p.
Exposed pad must be connected to SGND, PGND
2.3
Description
Power GND
Maximum ratings
Stressing the device above the rating listed in Table 2: Absolute maximum ratings may
cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only and operation of the
device at these or any other conditions above those indicated in the operating sections of
this specification is not implied. Exposure to absolute maximum rating conditions may affect
device reliability.
Table 2. Absolute maximum ratings
Symbol
Description
Min.
Max.
Unit
VIN
-0.3
40
V
DELAY
-0.3
VCC + 0.3
V
PGND
SGND - 0.3
SGND + 0.3
V
SGND
V
VCC
-0.3
(VIN + 0.3) or (max. 4)
V
SS / INH
-0.3
VIN + 0.3
V
-0.3
VCC + 0.3
V
-0.3
VCC + 0.3
V
VOUT
-0.3
10
V
FSW
-0.3
VCC + 0.3
V
SYNCH
-0.3
VIN + 0.3
V
VBIAS
-0.3
(VIN + 0.3) or (max. 6)
V
RST
-0.3
VIN + 0.3
V
LX
-0.3
VIN + 0.3
V
-40
150
°C
MLF
COMP
See Table 1
TJ
Operating temperature range
TSTG
Storage temperature range
-65 to 150
°C
TLEAD
Lead temperature (soldering 10 sec.)
260
°C
IHS, ILS
High-side / low-side switch current
2
A
6/64
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L6986F
2.4
Pin settings
Thermal data
Table 3. Thermal data
Symbol
2.5
Parameter
Value
Unit
Rth JA
Thermal resistance junction ambient (device soldered on the
STMicroelectronics® demonstration board)
40
°C/W
Rth JC
Thermal resistance junction to exposed pad for board design
(not suggested to estimate TJ from power losses).
5
°C/W
Value
Unit
HBM
2
kV
MM
200
V
CDM
500
V
ESD protection
Table 4. ESD protection
Symbol
ESD
Test condition
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64
Electrical characteristics
3
L6986F
Electrical characteristics
TJ = 25 °C, VIN = 12 V unless otherwise specified.
Table 5. Electrical characteristics
Symbol
Parameter
VIN
Operating input voltage range
VINH
VINL
IPK
IVY
ISKIPH
ISKIPL
IVY_SNK
Test condition
Note
Min.
Typ.
Max. Unit
4
38
VCC UVLO rising threshold
2.7
3.5
VCC UVLO falling threshold
2.4
3.5
Peak current limit
Duty cycle < 20%
2.3
Duty cycle = 100%
closed loop operation
1.8
Valley current limit
A
2.4
Programmable skip current
limit
LCM, VSYNCH = GND
(1)
LCM, VSYNCH = VCC
(2)
Reverse current limit
LNM or VOUT overvoltage
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.2
0.5
1
2
RDSON HS High-side RDSON
ISW = 1 A
0.18
0.360
RDSON LS Low-side RDSON
ISW = 1 A
0.15
0.300
fSW
Selected switching frequency FSW pinstrapping before SS
IFSW
FSW biasing current
Low noise mode /
LCM/LNM Low consumption mode
selection
IMLF
D
TON MIN
MLF biasing current
V
See Table 6: fSW selection
SS ended
0
MLF pinstrapping before SS
500
nA
See Table 7 on page 11
SS ended
0
(2)
Duty cycle

0
Minimum On time
500
nA
100
%
80
ns
VCC regulator
VCC
LDO output voltage
SWO
VBIAS threshold
(3 V< VBIAS < 5.5 V)
8/64
VBIAS = GND (no switchover)
2.9
3.3
3.6
VBIAS = 5 V (switchover)
2.9
3.3
3.6
Switch internal supply from VIN to
VBIAS
2.85
3.2
Switch internal supply from VBIAS
to VIN
2.78
3.15
DocID027843 Rev 2
V
L6986F
Electrical characteristics
Table 5. Electrical characteristics (continued)
Symbol
Parameter
Test condition
Note
Min.
Typ.
Max. Unit
4
8
15
4
10
15
Power consumption
ISHTDWN
Shutdown current from VIN
VSS/INH = GND
LCM - SWO
VREF < VFB < VOVP (SLEEP)
VBIAS = 3.3 V
IQ OPVIN
Quiescent current from VIN
IQ OPVBIAS Quiescent current from VBIAS
LCM - NO SWO
VREF < VFB < VOVP (SLEEP)
VBIAS = GND
(3)
A
A
(3)
35
70
120
LNM - SWO
VFB = GND (NO SLEEP)
VBIAS = 3.3 V
0.5
1.5
5
LNM - NO SWO
VFB = GND (NO SLEEP)
VBIAS = GND
2
2.8
6
25
50
115
A
LNM - SWO
VFB = GND (NO SLEEP)
VBIAS = 3.3 V
0.5
1.2
5
mA
SS rising
200
460
700
100
140
LCM - SWO
VREF < VFB < VOVP (SLEEP)
VBIAS = 3.3 V
mA
(3)
Soft-start
VINH
VSS threshold
VINH HYST VSS hysteresis
ISS CH
CSS charging current
VSS < VINH OR
t < TSS SETUP OR
VEA+ > VFB
t > TSS SETUP AND
VEA+ < VFB
VSS START
SSGAIN
(2)
mV
1
A
(2)
Start of internal error amplifier
ramp
4
0.995
SS/INH to internal error
amplifier gain
1.1
1.150
V
0.85
0.859
V
50
500
nA
3
Error amplifier
VOUT
Voltage feedback
IVOUT
VOUT biasing current
AV
ICOMP
0.841
(2)
Error amplifier gain
100
±6
EA output current capability
DocID027843 Rev 2
±12
dB
±25
A
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64
Electrical characteristics
L6986F
Table 5. Electrical characteristics (continued)
Symbol
Parameter
Test condition
Note
Min.
Typ.
Max. Unit
2.5
A/V
Inner current loop
gCS
Current sense
transconductance (VCOMP to
inductor current gain)
Ipk = 1 A
(2)
(4)
V PP  g CS Slope compensation
0.45
0.75
1
1.15
1.2
1.25
0.5
2
5
A
Overvoltage protection
VOVP
Overvoltage trip (VOVP/VREF)
VOVP HYST Overvoltage hysteresis
%
Synchronization (fan out: 6 slave devices typ.)
fSYN MIN
Synchronization frequency
LNM; fSW = VCC
266.5
VSYN TH
SYNCH input threshold
LNM, SYNCH rising
0.70
SYNCH pull-down current
LNM, VSYN = 1.2 V
High level output
LNM, 5 mA sinking load
Low level output
LNM, 0.7 mA sourcing load
Selected RST threshold
MLF pinstrapping before SS
ISYN
VSYN OUT
kHz
1.2
0.7
V
mA
1.40
0.6
V
Reset
VTHR
VTHR HYST RST hysteresis
VRST
RST open collector output
see Table 7
(2)
2
%
VIN > VINH AND
VFB < VTH
4 mA sinking load
0.4
2 < VIN < VINH
4 mA sinking load
0.8
V
Delay
VTHD
RST open collector released
as soon as VDELAY > VTHD
VFB > VTHR
1.19
ID CH
CDELAY charging current
VFB > VTHR
1
1.234 1.258
2
3
V
A
Thermal shutdown
TSHDWN
Thermal shutdown
temperature
(2)
165
THYS
Thermal shutdown hysteresis
(2)
30
°C
1. Parameter tested in static condition during testing phase. Parameter value may change over dynamic application condition.
2. Not tested in production.
3. LCM enables SLEEP mode at light-load.
4. Measured at fsw = 250 kHz.
10/64
DocID027843 Rev 2
L6986F
Electrical characteristics
TJ = 25 °C, VIN = 12 V unless otherwise specified.
Table 6. fSW selection
Symbol
fSW
RVCC (E24 series)
RGND (E24 series)
Tj
fSW min.
fSW typ.
fSW max.
0
NC
225
250
275
1.8 k
NC
3.3 k
NC
5.6 k
NC
380
10 k
NC
435
NC
0
18 k
NC
33 k
NC
56 k
NC
755
NC
1.8 k
870
NC
3.3 k
NC
5.6 k
NC
10 k
NC
18 k
NC
33 k
285
330
(1)
450
500
550
575
660
(1)
900
kHz
1000
1100
1150
(1)
1310
1500(2)
56 k
NC
Unit
1575
1750(2)
1925
1800
2000(2)
2200
1. Not tested in production.
2. No synchronization as slave in LNM.
TJ = 25 °C, VIN = 12 V unless otherwise specified.
Table 7. LNM / LCM selection
Symbol
VRST
RVCC
RGND
(E24 1%)
(E24 1%)
0
NC
8.2 k
NC
18 k
NC
39 k
Operating VRST/VOUT
mode
(tgt. value)
VRST
VRST
VRST
min.
typ.
max.
93%
0.779
0.791
0.802
80%
0.670
0.680
0.690
87%
0.728
0.740
0.751
NC
96%
0.804
0.816
0.828
NC
0
93%
0.779
0.791
0.802
NC
8.2 k
80%
0.670
0.680
0.690
NC
18 k
87%
0.728
0.740
0.751
NC
39 k
96%
0.804
0.816
0.828
LCM
LNM
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Unit
V
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64
Functional description
4
L6986F
Functional description
The L6986F device is based on a “peak current mode”, constant frequency control. As
a consequence, the intersection between the error amplifier output and the sensed inductor
current generates the PWM control signal to drive the power switch.
The device features LNM (low noise mode) that is forced PWM control, or LCM (low
consumption mode) to increase the efficiency at light-load.
The main internal blocks shown in the block diagram in Figure 3 are:
12/64

Embedded power elements. Thanks to the P-channel MOSFET as high-side switch the
device features low dropout operation

A fully integrated sawtooth oscillator with adjustable frequency

A transconductance error amplifier

The high-side current sense amplifier to sense the inductor current

A “Pulse Width Modulator” (PWM) comparator and the driving circuitry of the
embedded power elements

The soft-start blocks to ramp the error amplifier reference voltage and so decreases the
inrush current at power-up. The SS/INH pin inhibits the device when driven low.

The switchover capability of the internal regulator to supply a portion of the quiescent
current when the VBIAS pin is connected to an external output voltage

The synchronization circuitry to manage master / slave operation and the
synchronization to an external clock

The current limitation circuit to implement the constant current protection, sensing
pulse by pulse high-side / low-side switch current. In case of heavy short-circuit the
current protection is fold back to decrease the stress of the external components

A circuit to implement the thermal protection function

The OVP circuitry to discharge the output capacitor in case of overvoltage event

MLF pin strapping sets the LNM/LCM mode and the thresholds of the RST comparator

FSW pinstrapping sets the switching frequency

The RST open collector output.
DocID027843 Rev 2
L6986F
Functional description
Figure 3. Internal block diagram
4.1
Power supply and voltage reference
The internal regulator block consists of a start-up circuit, the voltage pre-regulator that
provides current to all the blocks and the bandgap voltage reference. The starter supplies
the startup current when the input voltage goes high and the device is enabled (SS/INH pin
over the inhibits threshold).
The pre-regulator block supplies the bandgap cell and the rest of the circuitry with
a regulated voltage that has a very low supply voltage noise sensitivity.
Switchover feature
The switchover scheme of the pre-regulator block features to derive the main contribution of
the supply current for the internal circuitry from an external voltage (3 V < VBIAS < 5.5 V is
typically connected to the regulated output voltage). This helps to decrease the equivalent
quiescent current seen at VIN. (Please refer to Section 4.6: Switchover feature on page 29).
4.2
Voltages monitor
An internal block continuously senses the VCC, VBIAS and VBG. If the monitored voltages are
good, the regulator starts operating. There is also a hysteresis on the VCC (UVLO).
DocID027843 Rev 2
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Functional description
L6986F
Figure 4. Internal circuit
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4.3
Soft-start and inhibit
The soft-start and inhibit features are multiplexed on the same pin. An internal current
source charges the external soft-start capacitor to implement a voltage ramp on the SS/INH
pin. The device is inhibited as long as the SS/INH pin voltage is lower than the VINH
threshold and the soft-start takes place when SS/INH pin crosses VSS START. (See Figure 5:
Soft-start phase).
The internal current generator sources a 1 A typ. current when the voltage of the VCC pin
crosses the UVLO threshold. The current increases to 4 A typ. as soon as the SS/INH
voltage is higher than the VINH threshold. This feature helps to decrease the current
consumption in inhibit mode. An external open collector can be used to set the inhibit
operation clamping the SS/INH voltage below VINH threshold.
The startup feature minimizes the inrush current and decreases the stress of the power
components during the power-up phase. The ramp implemented on the reference of the
error amplifier has a gain three times higher (SSGAIN) than the external ramp present at
SS/INH pin.
14/64
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L6986F
Functional description
Figure 5. Soft-start phase
The CSS is dimensioned accordingly with Equation 1:
Equation 1
I SSCH  T SS
4A  T SS
C SS = SS GAIN  -------------------------------- = 3  --------------------------V FB
0.85V
where TSS is the soft-start time, ISS CH the charging current and VFB the reference of the
error amplifier.
The soft-start block supports the precharged output capacitor.
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Functional description
L6986F
Figure 6. Soft-start phase with precharged COUT
During normal operation a new soft-start cycle takes place in case of:

Thermal shutdown event

UVLO event

The device is driven in INH mode
The soft-start capacitor is discharged with a 0.6 mA typ. current capability for 1 msec time
max. For complete and proper capacitor discharge in case of fault condition, a maximum
CSS = 67 nF value is suggested.
The application example in Figure 7 shows how to enable the L6986F and perform the softstart phase driven by an external voltage step.
Figure 7. Enable the device with external voltage step
16/64
DocID027843 Rev 2
L6986F
Functional description
The maximum capacitor value has to be limited to guarantee the device can discharge it in
case of thermal shutdown and UVLO events (see Figure 9), so restart the switching activity
ramping the error amplifier reference voltage.
Equation 2
– 1 msec
C SS  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------V SS_FINAL – 0.9 V
R SS_EQ  ln  1 – ----------------------------------------------

600 A – R SS_EQ
where:
Equation 3
R UP  R DWN
R SS_EQ = --------------------------------R UP + R DWN
R DWN
V SS_FINAL =  V STEP – V DIODE   ---------------------------------R UP + R DWN
The optional diode prevents to disable the device if the external source drops to ground.
RUP value is selected in order to make the capacitor charge at first approximation
independent from the internal current generator (4 A typ. current capability, see Table 5 on
page 8), so:
Equation 4
V STEP – V DIODE – V SS END
----------------------------------------------------------------------- » I SS CHARGE  4 A
R UP
where:
Equation 5
V FB
V SS END = V SS START + --------------------SS GAIN
represents the SS/INH voltage correspondent to the end of the ramp on the error amplifier
(see Figure 5); refer to Table 5 for VSS START, VFB and SSGAIN parameters.
As a consequence the voltage across the soft-start capacitor can be written as:
Equation 6
1
v SS  t  = V SS_FINAL  ----------------------------------------t
1–e
– --------------------------------C SS  R SS_EQ
RSS_DOWN is selected to guarantee the device stays in inhibit mode when the internal
generator sources 1 A typ. out of the SS/INH pin and VSTEP is not present:
Equation 7
R DWN  I SS INHIBIT  R DWN  1 A « V INH  200 mV
so:
Equation 8
R DWN  100 k
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Functional description
L6986F
RUP and RDWN are selected to guarantee:
Equation 9
V SS_FINAL  2 V  V SS_END
The time to ramp the internal voltage reference can be calculated from Equation 10:
Equation 10
V SS_FINAL – V SS START
T SS = C SS  R SS_EQ  ln  -----------------------------------------------------------
 V SS_FINAL – V SS END 
that is the equivalent soft-start time to ramp the output voltage.
Figure 8 shows the soft-start phase with the following component selection: RUP = 180 k,
RDWN = 33 k, CSS = 200 nF, the 1N4148 is a small signal diode and VSTEP = 13 V.
Figure 8. External soft-start network VSTEP driven
The circuit in Figure 7 introduces a time delay between VSTEP and the switching activity that
can be calculated as:
Equation 11
V SS_FINAL
T SS DELAY = C SS  R SS_EQ  ln  -----------------------------------------------------------
 V SS_FINAL – V SS START
Figure 9 shows how the device discharges the soft-start capacitor after an UVLO or thermal
shutdown event in order to restart the switching activity ramping the error amplifier reference
voltage.
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L6986F
Functional description
Figure 9. External soft-start after UVLO or thermal shutdown
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Functional description
4.3.1
L6986F
Ratiometric startup
The ratiometric startup is implemented sharing the same soft-start capacitor for a set of the
L6986F devices.
Figure 10. Ratiometric startup
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As a consequence all the internal current generators charge in parallel the external
capacitor. The capacitor value is dimensioned accordingly with Equation 12:
Equation 12
I SSCH  T SS
4A  T SS
C SS = n L6986F  SS GAIN  -------------------------------- = n L6986F  3  --------------------------0.85V
V FB
where nL6986F represents the number of devices connected in parallel.
For better tracking of the different output voltages the synchronization of the set of
regulators is suggested.
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L6986F
Functional description
Figure 11. Ratiometric startup operation
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Functional description
4.3.2
L6986F
Output voltage sequencing
The L6986F device implements sequencing connecting the RST pin of the master device to
the SS/INH of the slave. The slave is inhibited as long as the master output voltage is
outside regulation so implementing the sequencing (see Figure 12).
Figure 12. Output voltage sequencing
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High flexibility is achieved thanks to the programmable RST thresholds (Table 7 on page 11)
and programmable delay time. To minimize the component count the DELAY pin capacitor
can be also omitted so the pin works as a normal Power Good.
4.4
Error amplifier
The voltage error amplifier is the core of the loop regulation. It is a transconductance
operational amplifier whose non inverting input is connected to the internal voltage
reference (0.85 V), while the inverting input (FB) is connected to the external divider or
directly to the output voltage.
Table 8. Uncompensated error amplifier characteristics
Description
Values
Transconductance
155 µS
Low frequency gain
100 dB
The error amplifier output is compared with the inductor current sense information to
perform PWM control. The error amplifier also determines the burst operation at light-load
when the LCM is active.
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L6986F
4.5
Functional description
Light-load operation
The MLF pinstrapping during the power-up phase determines the light-load operation (refer
to Table 7 on page 11).
4.5.1
Low noise mode (LNM)
The low noise mode implements a forced PWM operation over the different loading
conditions. The LNM features a constant switching frequency to minimize the noise in the
final application and a constant voltage ripple at fixed VIN. The regulator in steady loading
condition never skip pulses and it operates in continuous conduction mode (CCM) over the
different loading conditions thus making this operation mode ideal for noise sensitive
applications.
Figure 13. Low noise mode operation
4.5.2
Low consumption mode (LCM)
The low consumption mode maximizes the efficiency at light-load. The regulator prevents
the switching activity whenever the switch peak current request is lower than the ISKIP
threshold. As a consequence the L6986F device works in bursts and it minimizes the
quiescent current request in the meantime between the switching operation.
In LCM operation, the pin SYNCH/ISKIP level dynamically defines the ISKIP current
threshold (see Table 5 on page 8) as shown in Table 9.
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Functional description
L6986F
Table 9. ISKIP programmable current threshold
SYNCH / ISKIP (pin 4)
ISKIP current threshold
LOW
ISKIPH = 0.4 A typical
HIGH
ISKIPL = 0.2 A typical
The ISKIP programmability helps to optimize the performance in terms of the output voltage
ripple or efficiency at the light-load, that are parameters which disagree each other by
definition.
A lower skip current level minimizes the voltage ripple but increases the switching activity
(time between bursts gets closer) since less energy per burst is transfered to the output
voltage at the given load. On the other side, a higher skip level reduces the switching activity
and improves the efficiency at the light-load but worsen the voltage ripple.
No difference in terms of the voltage ripple and conversion efficiency for the medium and
high load current level, that is when the device operates in the discontinuous or continuous
mode (DCM vs. CCM).
Figure 14 and Figure 15 report the efficiency measurements to highlight the ISKIPH and
ISKIPL efficiency gap at the light-load also in comparison with the LNM operation (also
called NOSKIP). The same efficiency at the medium / high load is confirmed at different
ISKIP levels.
Figure 14. Light-load efficiency comparison at different ISKIP - linear scale
LNM
LCM ISKIPL =200mA
LCM ISKIPH =400mA
Figure 15. Light-load efficiency comparison at different ISKIP - log scale
LCM ISKIPH =400mA
LCM ISKIPL =200mA
LNM
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L6986F
Functional description
Figure 16 and Figure 17 show the LCM operation at the different ISKIP level.
Figure 16 shows the ISKIPH = 400 mA typ. and so 20 mV output voltage ripple.
Figure 17 shows the ISKIPL = 200 mA typ. and so 10 mV output voltage ripple.
Figure 16. LCM operation with ISKIPH = 400 mA typ. at zero load
Figure 17. LCM operation with ISKIPL = 200 mA typ. at zero load
In case the VBIAS pin is connected to the regulated output voltage (VOUT), the total current
drawn from the input voltage can be calculated as Equation 14.
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Functional description
L6986F
Given the energy stored in the inductor during a burst, the voltage ripple depends on the
capacitor value:
Equation 13
T
V OUT RIPPLE
BURST
 i L  t   dt 
Q IL

0
= -------------- = -------------------------------------------C OUT
C OUT
Figure 18. LCM operation over loading condition (part 1)
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L6986F
Functional description
Figure 19. LCM operation over loading condition (part 2 - DCM)
Figure 20. LCM operation over loading condition (part 3 - DCM)
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Functional description
L6986F
Figure 21. LCM operation over loading condition (part 4 - DCM)
Figure 22. LCM operation over loading condition (part 5 - CCM)
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L6986F
4.6
Functional description
Switchover feature
The switchover maximizes the efficiency at the light-load that is crucial for LCM applications.
4.6.1
LCM
The LCM operation satisfies the high efficiency requirements of the battery powered
applications. In order to minimize the regulator quiescent current request from the input
voltage, the VBIAS pin can be connected to an external voltage source in the range
3 V < VBIAS < 5.5 V (see Section 4.1: Power supply and voltage reference on page 13).
In case the VBIAS pin is connected to the regulated output voltage (VOUT), the total current
drawn from the input voltage can be calculated as:
Equation 14
V BIAS
1
I QVIN = I QOPVIN + --------------------  ---------------  I QOPVBIAS
V IN
 L6986F
where IQ OP VIN, IQ OP VBIAS are defined in Table 5: Electrical characteristics on page 8
and L6986F is the efficiency of the conversion in the working point.
4.6.2
LNM
Equation 14 is also valid when the device works in LNM and it can increase the efficiency at
the medium load since the regulator always operates in the continuous conduction mode.
4.7
Overcurrent protection
The current protection circuitry features a constant current protection, so the device limits
the maximum peak current (see Table 5) in overcurrent condition.
The L6986F device implements a pulse by pulse current sensing on both power elements
(high-side and low-side switches) for effective current protection over the duty cycle range.
The high-side current sensing is called “peak” the low-side sensing “valley”.
The internal noise generated during the switching activity makes the current sensing
circuitry ineffective for a minimum conduction time of the power element. This time is called
“masking time” because the information from the analog circuitry is masked by the logic to
prevent an erroneous detection of the overcurrent event. As a consequence, the peak
current protection is disabled for a masking time after the high-side switch is turned on, the
valley for a masking time after the low-side switch is turned on. In other words, the peak
current protection can be ineffective at extremely low duty cycles, the valley current
protection at extremely high duty cycles.
The L6986F device assures an effective overcurrent protection sensing the current flowing
in both power elements. In case one of the two current sensing circuitry is ineffective
because of the masking time, the device is protected sensing the current on the opposite
switch. Thus, the combination of the “peak” and “valley” current limits assure the
effectiveness of the overcurrent protection even in extreme duty cycle conditions.
The valley current threshold is designed higher than the peak to guarantee a proper
operation. In case the current diverges because of the high-side masking time, the low-side
power element is turned on until the switch current level drops below the valley current
DocID027843 Rev 2
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Functional description
L6986F
sense threshold. The low-side operation is able to prevent the high-side turn on, so the
device can skip pulses decreasing the swathing frequency.
Figure 23. Valley current sense operation in overcurrent condition
Figure 23 shows the switching frequency reduction during the valley current sense
operation in case of an extremely low duty cycle (VIN = 38 V, fSW = 500 kHz short-circuit
condition).
In a worst case scenario (like Figure 23) of the overcurrent protection the switch current is
limited to:
Equation 15
V IN – V OUT
I MAX = I VALLEYTH + ------------------------------  T MASKHS
L
where IVALLEY_TH is the current threshold of the valley sensing circuitry (see Table 5:
Electrical characteristics on page 8) and TMASK_HS is the masking time of the high-side
switch 100 nsec. typ.).
In most of the overcurrent conditions the conduction time of the high-side switch is higher
than the masking time and so the peak current protection limits the switch current.
Equation 16
IMAX = IPEAK_TH
30/64
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L6986F
Functional description
Figure 24. Peak current sense operation in overcurrent condition
The DC current flowing in the load in overcurrent condition is:
Equation 17
I RIPPLE  V OUT 
V IN – V OUT
I DCOC  V OUT  = I MAX – ---------------------------------------- = I MAX –  ------------------------------  T ON
2
2L
OCP and switchover feature
Output capacitor discharging the current flowing to ground during heavy short-circuit events
is only limited by parasitic elements like the output capacitor ESR and short-circuit
impedance.
Due to parasitic inductance of the short-circuit impedance, negative output voltage
oscillations can be generated with huge discharging current levels (see Figure 25).
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Functional description
L6986F
Figure 25. Output voltage oscillations during heavy short-circuit
regulated output voltage
inductor current
short-circuit current
inductor current
short-circuit current
switching
node node
switching
regulated output voltage
Figure 26. Zoomed waveform
inductor current
regulated output voltage
short-circuit current
inductor current
short-circuit current
switching node
switching node
regulated output voltage
The VBIAS pin absolute maximum ratings (see Table 2: Absolute maximum ratings on
page 6) must be satisfied over the different dynamic conditions.
If the VBIAS is connected to GND there are no issues (see Figure 25 and Figure 26).
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L6986F
Functional description
A small resistor value (few ohms) in series with the VBIAS can help to limit the pin negative
voltage (see Figure 27) during heavy short-circuit events if it is connected to the regulated
output voltage.
Figure 27. VBIAS in heavy short-circuit event
short-circuit current
inductor
current
VBIAS
pin
regulated output voltage
switching node
VBIAS pin voltage
(cyan)
switching node
regulated output voltage
(purple)
4.8
Overvoltage protection
The overvoltage protection monitors the FB pin and enables the low-side MOSFET to
discharge the output capacitor if the output voltage is 20% over the nominal value.
This is a second level protection and should never be triggered in normal operating
conditions if the system is properly dimensioned. In other words, the selection of the
external power components and the dynamic performance determined by the compensation
network should guarantee an output voltage regulation within the overvoltage threshold
even during the worst case scenario in term of load transitions.
The protection is reliable and also able to operate even during normal load transitions for
a system whose dynamic performance is not in line with the load dynamic request. As
a consequence the output voltage regulation would be affected.
Figure 28 shows the overvoltage operation during a negative steep load transient for
a system designed with huge inductor value and small output capacitor. The inductor value
limits the switch current slew rate and the extra charge flowing into the small capacitor value
generates an overvoltage event. This can be considered as an example for a system with
dynamic performance not in line with the load request.
The L6986F device implements a 1 A typ. negative current limitation to limit the maximum
reversed switch current during the overvoltage operation.
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Functional description
L6986F
Figure 28. Overvoltage operation
4.9
Thermal shutdown
The shutdown block disables the switching activity if the junction temperature is higher than
a fixed internal threshold (165 °C typical). The thermal sensing element is close to the
power elements, ensuring fast and accurate temperature detection. A hysteresis of
approximately 30 °C prevents the device from turning ON and OFF continuously. When the
thermal protection runs away a new soft-start cycle will take place.
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5
Closing the loop
Closing the loop
Figure 29. Block diagram of the loop
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5.1
GCO(s) control to output transfer function
The accurate control to output transfer function for a buck peak current mode converter can
be written as:
Equation 18
G CO  s 
s
 1 + ----


1
z
= R LOAD  g CS  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------  F H  s 
R LOAD  T SW
s


1 + -----------------------------------   m C   1 – D  – 0.5   1 + ----- p
L
where RLOAD represents the load resistance, gCS the equivalent sensing conductance of the
current sense circuitry,p the single pole introduced by the power stage and z the zero
given by the ESR of the output capacitor.
FH(s) accounts the sampling effect performed by the PWM comparator on the output of the
error amplifier that introduces a double pole at one half of the switching frequency.
DocID027843 Rev 2
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Closing the loop
L6986F
Equation 19
1
 z = --------------------------------ESR  C OUT
Equation 20
m c   1 – D  – 0.5
1
 p = --------------------------------------- + ---------------------------------------------L  C OUT  f SW
R LOAD  C OUT
where:
Equation 21
Se

 m C = 1 + -----Sn

S = V  g  f
PP
CS SW
 e

IN – V OUT
S = V
---------------------------- n
L
Sn represents the on time slope of the sensed inductor current, Se the on time slope of the
external ramp (VPP peak-to-peak amplitude) that implements the slope compensation to
avoid sub-harmonic oscillations at duty cycle over 50%.
Se can be calculated from the parameter VPP gCS given in Table 5 on page 8.
The sampling effect contribution FH(s) is:
Equation 22
1
F H  s  = --------------------------------------------2
s
s
1 + -------------------- + --------2n  Qp 
n
where:
Equation 23
1
Q p = -----------------------------------------------------------   m c   1 – D  – 0.5 
36/64
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L6986F
5.2
Closing the loop
Error amplifier compensation network
The typical compensation network required to stabilize the system is shown in Figure 30.
Figure 30. Transconductance embedded error amplifier
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RC and CC introduce a pole and a zero in the open loop gain. CP does not significantly affect
system stability but it is useful to reduce the noise at the output of the error amplifier.
The transfer function of the error amplifier and its compensation network is:
Equation 24
A V0   1 + s  R c  C c 
A 0  s  = --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2
s  R0   C0 + Cp   Rc  Cc + s   R0  Cc + R0   C0 + Cp  + Rc  Cc  + 1
Where Avo = Gm · Ro
The poles of this transfer function are (if Cc >> C0 + CP):
Equation 25
1
f PLF = ------------------------------------2    R0  Cc
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Closing the loop
L6986F
Equation 26
1
f PHF = -------------------------------------------------------2    R0   C0 + Cp 
whereas the zero is defined as:
Equation 27
1
f Z = ------------------------------------2    Rc  Cc
5.3
Voltage divider
The contribution of the simple voltage divider is:
Equation 28
R2
G DIV  s  = -------------------R1 + R2
A small signal capacitor in parallel to the upper resistor (see Figure 31) of the voltage divider
implements a leading network (fzero < fpole), sometimes necessary to improve the system
phase margin:
Figure 31. Leading network example
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Laplace transformer of the leading network:
Equation 29
 1 + s + R 1  C R1 
R2
G DIV  s  = --------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------R1 + R2 
R1  R2
1 + s  --------------------  C R1


R1 + R2
38/64
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L6986F
Closing the loop
where:
Equation 30
1
f Z = ----------------------------------------2    R 1  C R1
1
f p = ------------------------------------------------------R1  R2
2    --------------------  C R1
R1 + R2
fZ  fp
5.4
Total loop gain
In summary, the open loop gain can be expressed as:
Equation 31
G  s  = G DIV  s   G CO  s   A 0  s 
Example 1
VIN = 12 V, VOUT = 3.3 V, ROUT = 2.2 
Selecting fSW = 500 kHz, L = 6.8 µH, COUT = 20 µF and ESR = 1 m, RC= 75 k,
CC= 220 pF, CP = 2.2 pF (please refer to Table 14 on page 54), the gain and phase bode
diagrams are plotted respectively in Figure 32 and Figure 33.
Equation 32
BW = 58kHz
phase margin = 67
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Closing the loop
L6986F
Figure 32. Module plot
Figure 33. Phase plot
The blue solid trace represents the transfer function including the sampling effect term (see
Equation 22 on page 36), the dotted blue trace neglects the contribution.
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5.5
Closing the loop
Compensation network design
The maximum bandwidth of the system can be designed up to fSW/6 up to 150 kHz
maximum to guarantee a valid small signal model.
Equation 33
 f SW

BW = min  --------- ;150kHz 
 6

Equation 34
2    BW  C OUT  V OUT
R C = ---------------------------------------------------------------0.85V  g CS  g m TYP
where:
Equation 35
p
f POLE = ----------2
p is defined by Equation 20 on page 36, gCS represents the current sense
transconductance (see Table 5: Electrical characteristics on page 8) and gm TYP the error
amplifier transconductance.
Equation 36
5
C C = -------------------------------------2    R C  BW
Example 2
Considering VIN = 12 V, VOUT = 3.3 V, L =6.8 H, COUT = 15F, fSW = 500 kHz, IOUT = 1 A.
The maximum system bandwidth is 80 kHz. Assuming to design the compensation network
to achieve a system bandwidth of 70 kHz:
Equation 37
f POLE = 3.5kHz
Equation 38
V OUT
R LOAD = -------------- = 3.3
I OUT
so accordingly with Equation 34 and Equation 36:
Equation 39
R C = 68k
Equation 40
C C = 165pF  180pF
The gain and phase bode diagrams are plotted respectively in Figure 32 and Figure 33.
DocID027843 Rev 2
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Closing the loop
L6986F
Figure 34. Magnitude plot for Example 2
Figure 35. Phase plot for Example 2
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Application notes
6
Application notes
6.1
Output voltage adjustment
The error amplifier reference voltage is 0.85 V typical.
The output voltage is adjusted accordingly with Equation 41 (see Figure 36):
Equation 41
R1
V OUT = 0.85   1 + -------
R2
Cr1 capacitor is sometimes useful to increase the small signal phase margin (please refer to
Section 5.5: Compensation network design).
Figure 36. L6986F application circuit
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6.2
Switching frequency
A resistor connected to the FSW pin features the selection of the switching frequency. The
pinstrapping is performed at power-up, before the soft-start takes place. The FSW pin is
pinstrapped and then driven floating in order to minimize the quiescent current from VIN.
Please refer toTable 6: fSW selection on page 11 to identify the pull-up / pull-down resistor
value. fSW = 250 kHz / fSW = 500 kHz preferred codifications don't require any external
resistor.
6.3
MLF pin
A resistor connected to the MLF pin features the selection of the between low noise mode /
low consumption mode and the different RST thresholds. The pinstrapping is performed at
power-up, before the soft-start takes place. The FSW pin is pinstrapped and then driven
floating in order to minimize the quiescent current from VIN.
Please refer to Table 7 on page 11 to identify the pull-up / pull-down resistor value. (LNM,
RST threshold 93%) / (LCM, RST threshold 93%) preferred codifications don't require any
external resistor.
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Application notes
6.4
L6986F
Voltage supervisor
The embedded voltage supervisor (composed of the RST and the DELAY pins) monitors the
regulated output voltage and keeps the RST open collector output in low impedance as long
as the VOUT is out of regulation. In order to ensure a proper reset of digital devices with
a valid power supply, the device can delay the RST assertion with a programmable time.
Figure 37. Voltage supervisor operation
The comparator monitoring the FB voltage has four different programmable thresholds
(80%, 87%, 93%, 96% nominal output voltage) for high flexibility (see Section 6.3: MLF pin
on page 43 and Table 7 on page 11).
When the RST comparator detects the output voltage is in regulation, a 2 A internal current
source starts to charge an external capacitor to implement a voltage ramp on the DELAY
pin. The RST open collector is then released as soon as VDELAY = 1.234 V (see Figure 37).
The CDELAY is dimensioned accordingly with Equation 42:
Equation 42
I SSCH  T DELAY
2A  T DELAY
C DELAY = ------------------------------------------ = ------------------------------------V DELAY
1.234V
The maximum suggested capacitor value is 270 nF.
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L6986F
Synchronization (LNM)
Beating frequency noise is an issue when multiple switching regulators populate the same
application board. The L6986F synchronization circuitry features the same switching
frequency for a set of regulators simply connecting their SYNCH pin together, so preventing
beating noise. The master device provides the synchronization signal to the others since the
SYNCH pin is I/O able to deliver or recognize a frequency signal.
For proper synchronization of multiple regulators, all of them have to be configured with the
same switching frequency (see Table 6 on page 11), so the same resistor connected at the
FSW pin.
In order to minimize the RMS current flowing through the input filter, the L6986F device
provides a phase shift of 180° between the master and the SLAVES. If more than two
devices are synchronized, all slaves will have a common 180° phase shift with respect to
the master.
Considering two synchronized L6986F which regulates the same output voltage
(i.e.: operating with the same duty cycle), the input filter RMS current is optimized and is
calculated as:
Equation 43
I RMS
I
OUT
 -----------  2D   1 – 2D 
 2
= 
 I OUT
-   2D – 1    2 – 2D 
 ---------- 2
if D < 0.5
if D > 0.5
The graphical representation of the input RMS current of the input filter in the case of two
devices with 0° phase shift (synchronized to an external signal) or 180° phase shift
(synchronized connecting their SYNCH pins) regulating the same output voltage is provided
in Figure 38. To dimension the proper input capacitor please refer to Section 6.6.1: Input
capacitor selection on page 50.
Figure 38. Input RMS current
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6.5
Application notes
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64
Application notes
L6986F
Figure 39 shows two regulators not synchronized.
Figure 39. Two regulators not synchronized
Figure 40 shows the same regulators working synchronized. The MASTER regulator (LX2
trace) delivers the synchronization signal (SYNCH1, SYNCH2 pins are connected together)
to the SLAVE device (LX1). The SLAVE regulator works in phase with the synchronization
signal which is out of phase with the MASTER switching operation.
Figure 40. Two regulators synchronized
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L6986F
Application notes
Multiple L6986F can be synchronized to an external frequency signal fed to the SYNCH pin.
In this case the regulator set is phased to the reference and all the devices will work with 0°
phase shift.
The frequency range of the synchronization signal is 275 kHz - 1.4 MHz and the minimum
pulse width is 100 nsec (see Figure 41).
Figure 41. Synchronization pulse definition
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Since the slope compensation contribution that is required to prevent subharmonic
oscillations in peak current mode architecture depends on the switching frequency, it is
important to select the same oscillator frequency for all regulators (all of them operate as
SLAVE) as close as possible to the frequency of the reference signal (please refer to
Table 6: fSW selection on page 11). As a consequence all the regulators have the same
resistor value connected to the FSW pin, so the slope compensation is optimized
accordingly with the frequency of the synchronization signal. The slope compensation
contribution is latched at power-up and so fixed during the device operation.
The L6986F normally operates in MASTER mode, driving the SYNCH line at the selected
oscillator frequency as shown in Figure 42 and Figure 39.
In SLAVE mode the L6986F sets the internal oscillator at 250 kHz typ. (see Table 6 on
page 11 - first row) and drives the line accordingly.
Figure 42. L6986F synchronization driving capability
In order to safely guarantee that each regulator recognizes itself in SLAVE mode during the
normal operation, the external master must drive the SYNCH pin with a clock signal
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Application notes
L6986F
frequency higher than the maximum oscillator spread (refer to Table 6 on page 11) for at
least 10 internal clock cycles.
For example: selecting RFSW = 0 to GND
Table 10. Example of oscillator frequency selection from Table 6
Symbol
RVCC (E24 series)
RGND (E24 series)
fSW min.
fSW typ.
fSW max.
fSW
NC
0
450
500
550
the device enters in slave mode after 10 pulses at frequency higher than 550 kHz and so it
is able to synchronize to a clock signal in the range 275 kHz - 1.4 MHz (see Figure 41).
Anyway it is suggested to limit the frequency range within ± 20% FSW resistor nominal
frequency (see details in text below). If not spread spectrum is required, all the regulators
synchronize to a frequency higher to the maximum oscillator spread (550 kHz in the
example).
The device keeps operating in slave mode as far as the master is able to drive the SYNCH
pin faster than 275 kHz (maximum oscillator spread for 250 kHz oscillator), otherwise it goes
back into MASTER mode at the nominal oscillator frequency after successfully driving one
pulse at 250 kHz (see Figure 43) in the SYNCH line.
Figure 43. Slave to master mode transition
switching node
SLAVE mode
250kHz typ. stand alone operation at nominal fsw
SYNCH signal
The external master can force a latched SLAVE mode driving the SYNCH pin low at powerup, before the soft-start starts the switching activity. So the oscillator frequency is 250 kHz
typ. fixed until a new UVLO event is triggered regardless FSW resistor value, that otherwise
counts to design the slope compensation. The same considerations above are also valid.
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DocID027843 Rev 2
L6986F
Application notes
The master driving capability must be able to provide the proper signal levels at the SYNCH
pin (see Table 5 on page 8 - Synchronization section):
 Low level < VSYN THL= 0.7 V sinking 5 mA
 High level > VSYN THH = 1.2 V sourcing 0.7 mA
Figure 44. Master driving capability to synchronize the L6986F
As anticipated above, in SLAVE mode the internal oscillator operates at 250 kHz typ. but the
slope compensation is dimensioned accordingly with FSW resistors so, even if the L6986F
supports synchronization over the 275 kHz - 1.4 MHz frequency range, it is important to limit
the switching operation around a working point close to the selected frequency (FSW
resistor).
As a consequence, to guarantee the full output current capability and to prevent the
subharmonic oscillations the master must limit the driving frequency range within ± 20% of
the selected frequency.
A wider frequency range may generate subharmonic oscillation for duty > 50% or limit the
peak current capability (see IPK parameter in Table 5) since the internal slope compensation
signal may be saturated.
In order to guarantee the synchronization as a slave over distribution, temperature and the
output load, the external clock frequency must be lower than 1.4 MHz.
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Application notes
L6986F
6.6
Design of the power components
6.6.1
Input capacitor selection
The input capacitor voltage rating must be higher than the maximum input operating voltage
of the application. During the switching activity a pulsed current flows into the input capacitor
and so its RMS current capability must be selected accordingly with the application
conditions. Internal losses of the input filter depends on the ESR value so usually low ESR
capacitors (like multilayer ceramic capacitors) have higher RMS current capability. On the
other hand, given the RMS current value, lower ESR input filter has lower losses and so
contributes to higher conversion efficiency.
The maximum RMS input current flowing through the capacitor can be calculated as:
Equation 44
D D
I RMS = I OUT   1 – ----  ---
 
Where IOUT is the maximum DC output current, D is the duty cycles,  is the efficiency. This
function has a maximum at D = 0.5 and, considering  = 1, it is equal to IOUT/2.
In a specific application the range of possible duty cycles has to be considered in order to
find out the maximum RMS input current. The maximum and minimum duty cycles can be
calculated as:
Equation 45
V OUT + V LOWSIDE
D MAX = -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------V INMIN + V LOWSIDE – V HIGHSIDE
Equation 46
V OUT + V LOWSIDE
D MIN = -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------V INMAX + V LOWSIDE – V HIGHSIDE
Where VHIGH_SIDE and VLOW_SIDE are the voltage drops across the embedded switches.
The peak-to-peak voltage across the input filter can be calculated as:
Equation 47
I OUT
D D
V PP = -------------------------   1 – ----  ---- + ESR   I OUT + I L 
C IN  f SW 
 
In case of negligible ESR (MLCC capacitor) the equation of CIN as a function of the target
VPP can be written as follows:
Equation 48
I OUT
D D
C IN = --------------------------   1 – ----  ---V PP  f SW 
 
50/64
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L6986F
Application notes
Considering this function has its maximum in D = 0.5:
Equation 49
I OUT
C INMIN = ---------------------------------------------4  V PPMAX  f SW
Typically CIN is dimensioned to keep the maximum peak-peak voltage across the input filter
in the order of 5% VIN_MAX.
Table 11. Input capacitors
Manufacturer
TDK
Taiyo Yuden
6.6.2
Series
Size
Cap value (F)
Rated voltage (V)
C3225X7S1H106M
1210
10
50
C3216X5R1H106M
1206
UMK325BJ106MM-T
1210
Inductor selection
The inductor current ripple flowing into the output capacitor determines the output voltage
ripple (please refer to Section 6.6.3). Usually the inductor value is selected in order to keep
the current ripple lower than 20% - 40% of the output current over the input voltage range.
The inductance value can be calculated by Equation 50:
Equation 50
V IN – V OUT
V OUT
I L = ------------------------------  T ON = --------------  T OFF
L
L
Where TON and TOFF are the on and off time of the internal power switch. The maximum
current ripple, at fixed VOUT, is obtained at maximum TOFF that is at minimum duty cycle
(see Section 6.6.1: Input capacitor selection to calculate minimum duty). So fixing IL = 20%
to 40% of the maximum output current, the minimum inductance value can be calculated:
Equation 51
V OUT 1 – D MIN
L MIN = -------------------  ----------------------F SW
I LMAX
where fSW is the switching frequency 1/(TON + TOFF).
For example for VOUT = 3.3 V, VIN = 12 V, IOUT = 2 A and fSW = 500 kHz the minimum
inductance value to have IL = 30% of IOUT is about 8.2 µH.
The peak current through the inductor is given by:
Equation 52
I L
I L PK = I OUT + -------2
So if the inductor value decreases, the peak current (that has to be lower than the current
limit of the device) increases. The higher is the inductor value, the higher is the average
output current that can be delivered, without reaching the current limit.
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64
Application notes
L6986F
In Table 12 some inductor part numbers are listed.
Table 12. Inductors
6.6.3
Manufacturer
Series
Inductor value (H)
Saturation current (A)
Coilcraft
XAL50xx
2.2 to 22
6.5 to 2.7
XAL60xx
2.2 to 22
12.5 to 4
Output capacitor selection
The triangular shape current ripple (with zero average value) flowing into the output
capacitor gives the output voltage ripple, that depends on the capacitor value and the
equivalent resistive component (ESR). As a consequence the output capacitor has to be
selected in order to have a voltage ripple compliant with the application requirements.
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L6986F
Application notes
The voltage ripple equation can be calculated as:
Equation 53
I LMAX
V OUT = ESR   I LMAX + --------------------------------------8  C OUT  f SW
Usually the resistive component of the ripple can be neglected if the selected output
capacitor is a multi layer ceramic capacitor (MLCC).
The output capacitor is important also for loop stability: it determines the main pole and the
zero due to its ESR. (see Section 5: Closing the loop on page 35 to consider its effect in the
system stability).
For example with VOUT = 3.3 V, VIN = 12 V, IL = 0.6 A, fSW = 500 kHz (resulting by the
inductor value) and COUT = 10 F MLCC:
Equation 54
V OUT
I LMAX
1
1
0 6
15mV
------------------  --------------  ------------------------------ =  ------  -------------------------------------------------- = ---------------- = 0.45%
 33 8  10F  500kHz
V OUT V OUT C OUT  f SW
3.3
The output capacitor value has a key role to sustain the output voltage during a steep load
transient. When the load transient slew rate exceeds the system bandwidth, the output
capacitor provides the current to the load. In case the final application specifies high slew
rate load transient, the system bandwidth must be maximized and the output capacitor has
to sustain the output voltage for time response shorter than the loop response time.
In Table 13 some capacitor series are listed.
Table 13. Output capacitors
Manufacturer
Series
Cap value (F)
Rated voltage (V)
ESR (m)
GRM32
22 to 100
6.3 to 25
<5
GRM31
10 to 47
6.3 to 25
<5
ECJ
10 to 22
6.3
<5
EEFCD
10 to 68
6.3
15 to 55
SANYO
TPA/B/C
100 to 470
4 to 16
40 to 80
TDK
C3225
22 to 100
6.3
<5
MURATA
PANASONIC
DocID027843 Rev 2
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64
Application board
7
L6986F
Application board
The reference evaluation board schematic is shown in Figure 45.
Figure 45. Evaluation board schematic
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The additional input filter (C16, L3, C15, L2, C14) limits the conducted emission on the
power supply.
Table 14. Bill of material
Reference
Part number
Description
Manufacturer
C1, C9, C10
CGA5L3X5R1H106K
10 F - 1206 - 50 V - X5R - 10%
TDK
C2
C2012X7S2A105K
1 F - 0805 - 50 V - X7S - 10%
TDK
C3
470 nF - 50 V - 0603
C4
2.2 pF - 50 V - 0603
C5
68 nF - 50 V - 0603
C6
10 nF - 50 V - 0603
C7
Not mounted
C8
220 pF - 50V - 0603
C14, C15, C16
54/64
C3216X7R1H475K
4.7 F - 1206 - 50 V - X7R - 10%
C11, C13, C13A
Not mounted
R1, R4
0  - 0603
R6
1 M - 1%- 0603
R7
82 k - 1% - 0603
R8
75 k - 1% - 0603
DocID027843 Rev 2
TDK
L6986F
Application board
Table 14. Bill of material (continued)
Reference
Part number
Description
R9
240 k - 1% - 0603
R11
10  - 1% - 0603
R2, R3, R5, R10
Not mounted
Manufacturer
L1
XAL5050-682MEC
6.8 H
Coilcraft
L2
XAL4030-472MEC
4.7 H
Coilcraft
L3
MPZ2012S221A
EMC bead
TDK
J1
Open
J2
Open
J3
Closed
J4
Open
To adjust the ISKIP current level in
LCM operation. Leave open in LNM
J5
U1
Switchover enabled
L6986F
STM
Figure 46 and Figure 47 show the magnitude and phase margin Bode’s plots related
toTable 14.
The small signal dynamic performance in this configuration is:
Equation 55
BW = 58kHz
phase margin = 67
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Application board
L6986F
Figure 46. Magnitude Bode’s plot
Figure 47. Phase margin Bode’s plot
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L6986F
Application board
Figure 48. Top layer
Figure 49. Bottom layer
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Efficiency curves
8
L6986F
Efficiency curves
Figure 50. Efficiency: VIN = 13.5 V - VOUT = 3.3 V - fsw = 500 kHz
Figure 51. Efficiency curves: VIN = 13.5 V - VOUT = 3.3 V - fsw = 500 kHz (log scale)
Figure 52. Efficiency curves: VIN = 13.5 V - VOUT = 5 V - fsw = 500 kHz
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Efficiency curves
Figure 53. Efficiency curves: VIN = 13.5 V - VOUT = 5 V - fsw = 500 kHz (log scale)
Figure 54. Efficiency curves: VIN = 24 V - VOUT = 3.3 V - fsw = 500 kHz
Figure 55. Efficiency curves: VIN = 24 V - VOUT = 3.3 V - fsw = 500 kHz (log scale)
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Efficiency curves
L6986F
Figure 56. Efficiency curves: VIN = 24 V - VOUT = 5 V - fsw = 500 kHz
Figure 57. Efficiency curves: VIN = 24 V - VOUT = 5 V - fsw = 500 kHz (log scale)
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9
Package information
Package information
In order to meet environmental requirements, ST offers these devices in different grades of
ECOPACK® packages, depending on their level of environmental compliance. ECOPACK
specifications, grade definitions and product status are available at: www.st.com.
ECOPACK is an ST trademark.
9.1
HTSSOP16 package information
Figure 58. HTSSOP16 package outline
DocID027843 Rev 2
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64
Package information
L6986F
.
Table 15. HTSSOP16 package mechanical data
Dimensions (mm)
Symbol
Min.
Max.
A
1.20
A1
0.15
A2
0.80
b
0.19
0.30
c
0.09
0.20
D
4.90
5.00
5.10
D1
2.8
3
3.2
E
6.20
6.40
6.60
E1
4.30
4.40
4.50
E2
2.8
3
3.2
e
L
k
1.00
1.05
0.65
0.45
L1
0.60
0.75
1.00
0.00
aaa
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Typ.
8.00
0.10
DocID027843 Rev 2
L6986F
10
Order codes
Order codes
Table 16. Order codes
Part numbers
Package
L6986F
Tube
HTSSOP16
L6986FTR
11
Packaging
Tape and reel
Revision history
Table 17. Document revision history
Date
Revision
06-May-2015
1
Initial release.
2
Updated Table 3: Thermal data on page 7 (added Rth JC).
Updated Table 6: fSW selection on page 11 (added note 2.
below table).
Updated Section 6.5: Synchronization (LNM) on page 45
(replaced value of “range” “2 MHz” by “1.4 MHz”, added text).
18-Feb-2016
Changes
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L6986F
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