LTC3617 ±6A Monolithic Synchronous Step-Down Regulator for DDR Termination Features Description ±6A Output Current n 2.25V to 5.5V Input Voltage Range n ±10mV Output Voltage Accuracy n Optimized for Low Output Voltages Down to 0.5V n High Efficiency n Integrated Buffer for VTTR = VDDQIN • 0.5 n Shutdown Current: <1µA n Adjustable Switching Frequency: Up to 4MHz n Optional Internal Compensation n Internal Soft-Start n Power Good Status Output n Input Overvoltage Protected n Thermally Enhanced 24-Pin 3mm × 5mm QFN Package The LTC®3617 is a high efficiency monolithic synchronous buck regulator utilizing a current mode, constant frequency architecture. It operates from an input voltage range of 2.25V to 5.5V and provides a regulated output voltage equal to 0.5 • VDDQIN while sourcing and sinking up to 6A of load current. An internal amplifier provides a VTTR output voltage equal to 0.5 • VDDQIN with an output current capability of ±10mA. n Applications DDR Termination Supports DDR, DDR2 and DDR3 Standards n Tracking Supplies n n The operating frequency is externally programmable up to 4MHz, allowing the use of small surface mount inductors. For switching-noise-sensitive applications, the LTC3617 can be synchronized to an external clock up to 4MHz. Forced continuous mode operation in the LTC3617 reduces noise and RF interference. Adjustable external compensation allows the transient response to be optimized over a wide range of loads and output capacitors. The internal synchronous switch increases efficiency and eliminates the need for an external catch diode, minimizing external component count and board space. The LTC3617 is offered in a leadless 24-pin 3mm × 5mm thermally enhanced QFN package. L, LT, LTC, LTM, Linear Technology, the Linear logo and Burst Mode are registered trademarks of Linear Technology Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Protected by U.S. Patents, including 6580258, 5481178, 6498466, 6611131. Typical Application Efficiency and Power Loss vs Load Current 100 PVIN SVIN LTC3617 PGOOD ITH SYNC 0.15µH VTT 1.25V 47µF ±6A ×2 SW SGND PGND VFB 80 70 1 60 50 40 0.1 30 POWER LOSS (W) VREF 1.25V 0.1µF ±10mA VTTR RUN VDDQIN RT 10 90 22µF ×4 EFFICIENCY (%) VIN 2.5V 20 3617 TA01a 10 0 0.1 1 LOAD CURRENT (A) 10 0.01 3617 TA01b 3617fa 1 LTC3617 Pin Configuration VFB PGOOD VDDQIN ITH TOP VIEW PVIN, SVIN Voltages...................................... –0.3V to 6V SW Voltage.................................. –0.3V to (PVIN + 0.3V) ITH, RT, SYNC Voltages............... –0.3V to (SVIN + 0.3V) VTTR, RUN, VFB Voltages............ –0.3V to (SVIN + 0.3V) VDDQIN, PGOOD Voltages............................ –0.3V to 6V Operating Junction Temperature Range (Notes 2, 8)............................................. –40°C to 125°C Storage Temperature.............................. –65°C to 150°C 24 23 22 21 RT 1 20 SYNC SGND 2 19 RUN VTTR 3 18 SVIN PVIN 4 17 PVIN 25 PGND SW 5 16 SW SW 6 15 SW SW 7 14 SW SW 8 13 SW 10 11 12 NC NC 9 PVIN (Note 1) PVIN Absolute Maximum Ratings UDD PACKAGE 24-LEAD (3mm × 5mm) PLASTIC QFN TJMAX = 125°C, θJA = 43°C/W EXPOSED PAD (PIN 25) IS PGND, MUST BE SOLDERED TO PCB Order Information LEAD FREE FINISH TAPE AND REEL PART MARKING* PACKAGE DESCRIPTION TEMPERATURE RANGE LTC3617EUDD#PBF LTC3617EUDD#TRPBF LFXC 24-Lead (3mm × 5mm) Plastic QFN –40°C to 125°C LTC3617IUDD#PBF LTC3617IUDD#TRPBF LFXC 24-Lead (3mm × 5mm) Plastic QFN –40°C to 125°C Consult LTC Marketing for parts specified with wider operating temperature ranges. *The temperature grade is identified by a label on the shipping container. 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/ Electrical Characteristics The l denotes the specifications which apply over the full operating junction temperature range, otherwise specifications are at TA = 25°C. PVIN = SVIN = 3.3V, RT = SVIN unless otherwise specified (Notes 1, 2, 8). SYMBOL PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN l 2.25 l l 1.7 TYP MAX VIN Input Voltage Operating Range VUVLO Undervoltage Lockout Threshold SVIN Ramping Down SVIN Ramping Up VOVLO Overvoltage Lockout Threshold SVIN Ramping Up Hysteresis VTTR VTTR Output Voltage with Line and Load Regulation VDDQIN = 1.5V, Load = ±10mA l 0.49 • VDDQIN 0.5 • VDDQIN 0.51 • VDDQIN 6.5 250 VTTR Maximum Output Current VFB Feedback Voltage Accuracy VDDQIN = 1.5V (Note 3) l IFB Feedback Input Current VFB = 0.75V l VTTR – 10 VTTR UNITS 5.5 V 2.2 V V 7 V mV V ±10 mA VTTR + 10 mV ±30 nA 3617fa 2 LTC3617 Electrical Characteristics l denotes the specifications which apply over the full operating junction The temperature range, otherwise specifications are at TA = 25°C. PVIN = SVIN = 3.3V, RT = SVIN unless otherwise specified (Notes 1, 2, 8). SYMBOL PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN ∆VFB(LINEREG) Feedback Voltage Line Regulation SVIN = PVIN = 2.25V to 5.5V, VDDQIN = 1.5V (Notes 3, 4) ∆VFB(LOADREG) Feedback Voltage Load Regulation ITH from 0.5V to 0.9V (Notes 3, 4) VITH = SVIN (Note 5) IQ RDS(ON) ILIM Input DC Supply Current Active Mode Shutdown VFB = 0.6V, VDDQIN = 1.5V (Note 6) SVIN = PVIN = 5.5V, VRUN = 0V Top Switch On-Resistance PVIN = 3.3V Bottom Switch On-Resistance PVIN = 3.3V Top Switch Positive Peak Current Limit Sourcing (Note 7), VFB = 0.5V Top Switch Negative Peak Current Limit Sinking (Note 7) Error Amplifier Transconductance –5µA < IITH < 5µA (Note 4) IEAO Error Amplifier Maximum Output Current (Note 4) tSS Internal Soft-Start Time VFB from 0.075V to 0.675V, VDDQIN = 1.5V fOSC Oscillator Frequency Internal Oscillator Frequency RT = 370k VRT = SVIN fSYNC Synchronization Frequency Range 0.3 VSYNC SYNC Input Threshold High Voltage SYNC Input Threshold Low Voltage 1.2 –12 l l ISW(LKG) Switch Leakage Current SVIN = PVIN = 5.5V, VRUN = 0V PGOOD Power Good Voltage Windows VDDQIN = 1.5V, Entering Window VFB Ramping Up VFB Ramping Down Power Good Blanking Time Power Good Pull-Down On-Resistance VRUN RUN voltage Entering and Leaving Window Input High Input Low 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 LTC3617 is tested under pulsed load conditions such that TJ ≈ TA. The LTC3617E is guaranteed to meet performance specifications over the 0°C to 85°C operating junction temperature range. Specifications over the –40°C to 125°C operating junction temperature range are assured by design, characterization and correlation with statistical process controls. The LTC3617I is guaranteed to meet specifications over the full –40°C to 125°C operating junction temperature range. Note that the maximum ambient temperature is determined by specific operating conditions in conjunction with board layout, the rated package thermal resistance and other environmental factors. The junction temperature (TJ, in °C) is calculated from the ambient temperature (TA, in °C) and power dissipation (PD, in watts) according to the formula: TJ = TA + (PD • θJA), where θJA (in °C/W) is the package thermal impedance. l l UNITS 0.2 %/V 0.25 0.25 % % 1100 0.1 1 µA µA 35 mΩ mΩ 10 14 –8 –5 A A 200 µS ±30 µA 0.4 0.85 2 ms 0.8 1.8 1 2.25 1.2 2.7 MHz MHz 4 MHz 0.1 –3.5 3.5 –5 5 VDDQIN = 1.5V, Leaving Window VFB Ramping Up VFB Ramping Down tPGOOD MAX 25 8 gm(EA) RPGOOD TYP l 0.3 V V 1 µA % % 8 –8 10 –10 % % 70 105 140 µs 8 17 33 Ω 0.4 V V 1 Note 3: This parameter is tested in a feedback loop which servos VFB to the midpoint for the error amplifier (VITH = 0.75V). Note 4: External compensation on ITH pin. Note 5: Tying the ITH pin to SVIN enables the internal compensation. Note 6: Dynamic supply current is higher due to the internal gate charge being delivered at the switching frequency. Note 7: In sourcing mode the average output current is flowing out of the SW pin. In sinking mode the average output current is flowing into the SW Pin. Note 8: This IC 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. 3617fa 3 LTC3617 Typical Performance Characteristics TA = 25°C, VIN = 3.3V, fO = 1MHz unless otherwise noted. Efficiency vs Input Voltage Efficiency vs Load Current 90 100 VOUT = 1.25V VOUT = 1.25V 90 80 EFFICIENCY (%) 70 60 50 40 30 70 60 VIN = 2.5V VIN = 3.3V VIN = 5V 10 0 0.1 1 LOAD CURRENT (A) ILOAD = 600mA ILOAD = 2A IOUT = 6A 50 40 2.25 10 2.75 3.25 3.75 4.25 4.75 INPUT VOLTAGE (V) 3617 G01 75 5.25 150nH 330nH 470nH 65 60 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 FREQUENCY (MHz) 3.5 4 3617 G03 Line Regulation Output Voltage vs Time 0.3 VOUT = 1.25V 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 VOUT ERROR (%) VOUT ERROR (%) 80 3617 G02 Load Regulation 0 –0.1 SW 2V/DIV 0 VOUT 20mV/DIV –0.1 IL 1A/DIV –0.2 –0.2 –0.3 85 70 20 0.3 VOUT = 1.25V 95 90 80 EFFICIENCY (%) Efficiency vs Frequency 100 EFFICIENCY (%) 100 –6 –4 0 2 –2 LOAD CURRENT (A) 4 6 –0.3 2.20 2.75 3.30 3.85 4.40 INPUT VOLTAGE (V) 4.95 3617 G04 5.50 VOUT = 1.25V ILOAD = 100mA 2µs/DIV 3617 G06 3617 G05 Load Step Transient Load Step Transient VOUT 200mV/DIV VOUT 100mV/DIV IL 5A/DIV IL 4A/DIV 40µs/DIV VOUT = 1.25V ILOAD = 100mA TO 6A COMPENSATION FIGURE 1 3617 G07 40µs/DIV VOUT = 1.25V ILOAD = –6A TO 6A COMPENSATION FIGURE 1 3617 G09 3617fa 4 LTC3617 Typical Performance Characteristics TA = 25°C, VIN = 3.3V, fO = 1MHz unless otherwise noted. Sinking Current Internal Start-Up SW 2V/DIV RUN 5V/DIV PGOOD 5V/DIV VOUT 20mV/DIV VOUT 500mV/DIV IL 2A/DIV Tracking Up/Down PGOOD 5V/DIV VOUT/VTTR 500mV/DIV VDDQIN 2V/DIV IL 2A/DIV 3617 G10 2µs/DIV VOUT = 1.25V ILOAD = –3A VOUT = 1.25V ILOAD = 0A 3617 G11 500µs/DIV VOUT = 1.25V ILOAD = 3A Switch On-Resistance vs Input Voltage 50 40 40 RDS(0N) (mΩ) RDS(0N) (mΩ) MAIN SWITCH 30 SYNCHRONOUS SWITCH 20 10 30 MAIN SWITCH SYNCHRONOUS SWITCH 20 10 0 2.5 3.0 4.0 4.5 3.5 INPUT VOLTAGE (V) 5.0 0 –50 –30 –10 10 30 50 70 90 110 130 TEMPERATURE (°C) 5.5 3617 G15 3617 G14 Frequency vs RT Resistor Frequency vs Temperature 0.6 FREQUENCY VARIATION (%) 3.5 FREQUENCY (MHz) 0.8 RT = SVIN 4.0 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0 3617 G12 Switch On-Resistance vs Temperature 50 4.5 2ms/DIV RT = SVIN 0.4 0.2 0 –0.2 –0.4 –0.6 –0.8 –1.0 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 RESISTOR ON RT/SYNC PIN (kΩ) 3617 G16 –1.2 –50 –30 –10 10 30 50 70 90 100 130 TEMPERATURE (°C) 3617 G17 3617fa 5 LTC3617 Typical Performance Characteristics TA = 25°C, VIN = 3.3V, fO = 1MHz unless otherwise noted. Switch Leakage Current vs Temperature, Main Switch 1.0 8 0.5 7 SWITCH LEAKAGE (µA) FREQUENCY VARIATION (%) Frequency vs Input Voltage 0 –0.5 –1.0 –1.5 –2.0 6 5 4 3 2 1 –2.5 2.25 2.75 3.25 3.75 4.25 4.75 INPUT VOLTAGE (V) 0 –50 –30 –10 10 30 50 70 90 110 130 TEMPERATURE (°C) 5.25 3617 G18 3617 G19 Dynamic Supply Current vs Temperature Switch Leakage Current vs Temperature, Synchronous Switch 50 8 7 40 SWITCH LEAKAGE (µA) DYNAMIC SUPPLY CURRENT (mA) VIN = 2.25V VIN = 3.3V VIN = 5.5V 30 20 10 0 –50 VIN = 2.5V VIN = 3.3V VIN = 5V –25 0 25 50 75 TEMPERATURE (°C) 100 125 3617 G21 VIN = 2.25V VIN = 3.3V VIN = 5.5V 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 –50 –30 –10 10 30 50 70 90 110 130 TEMPERATURE (°C) 3617 G20 3617fa 6 LTC3617 Pin Functions RT (Pin 1): Oscillator Frequency. This pin provides two ways of setting the constant switching frequency: 1.Connecting a resistor from RT to ground will set the switching frequency based on the resistor value. 2.Tying the RT pin to SVIN enables the internal 2.25MHz oscillator frequency. SGND (Pin 2): Signal Ground. All small-signal and compensation components should connect to this ground, which in turn should connect to PGND at a single point. VTTR (Pin 3): Voltage Buffer Output. This pin is the output of an internal voltage buffer whose voltage is equal to VDDQIN • 0.5. Output current capability is ±10mA. VTTR is also the reference voltage of the error amplifier, which sets the output voltage. VFB will regulate to VTTR. Do not exceed 0.1µF capacitance on this pin. PVIN (Pins 4, 10, 11, 17): Power Input Supply. PVIN connects to the source of the internal P-channel power MOSFET. This pin is independent of SVIN and may be connected to the same supply or to a lower voltage. SW (Pins 5, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 16): Switch Node. Connection to the inductor. These pins connect to the drains of the internal power MOSFET switches. NC (Pins 9, 12): Can be connected to ground or left open. SVIN (Pin 18): Signal Input Supply. This pin powers the internal control circuitry and is monitored by the undervoltage lockout comparator. RUN (Pin 19): Enable Input. Pulling this pin high enables the LTC3617 and forcing it to ground shuts the regulator down. In shutdown, all functions are disabled and the chip draws <1µA of supply current. SYNC (Pin 20): External Synchronization Input. When a clock signal is applied to this pin, the switching frequency synchronizes to this clock signal. This pin can be either floating or tied to ground if an external clock is not being used. PGOOD (Pin 21): Power Good. This open-drain output is pulled down to SGND on start-up and when the FB voltage is outside the power good voltage window. If the FB voltage increases and stays inside the power good window for more than 100µs the PGOOD pin is released. If the FB voltage leaves the power good window for more than 100µs the PGOOD pin is pulled low. The power good window moves in relation to the VDDQIN pin voltage. In shutdown the PGOOD output will actively pull low and may be used to discharge the output capacitors via an external resistor. VFB (Pin 22): Voltage Feedback Input Pin. Senses the feedback voltage from the external resistive divider across the output. ITH (Pin 23): Error Amplifier Compensation. The current comparator’s threshold increases with this control voltage. Tying this pin to SVIN enables internal compensation. VDDQIN (Pin 24): External Reference Input. An internal resistor divider sets the VTTR and VFB regulated voltages to be equal to half the voltage applied to this input. PGND (Exposed Pad Pin 25): Power Ground. This pin connects to the source of the internal N-channel power MOSFET. This pin should be connected close to the (–) terminal of CIN and COUT. 3617fa 7 LTC3617 FUNCTIONAL Block Diagram 18 2 19 3 24 RUN 1 SGND SVIN BANDGAP AND BIAS 20 RT SYNC 23 4 ITH + ITH SENSE COMPARATOR INTERNAL COMPENSATION OSCILLATOR SVIN – 0.3V – 11 17 CURRENT SENSE VTTR VDDQIN – ITH LIMIT PMOS CURRENT COMPARATOR + + – SOFT-START SLOPE COMPENSATION + 22 10 PVIN PVIN PVIN PVIN SW DRIVER VFB – 1.08VDDQIN/2 SW ERROR AMPLIFIER SW + SW SW – SW LOGIC SW + 0.92VDDQIN/2 – VTTR + 0.45V – SW 5 6 7 8 13 14 15 16 REVERSE CURRENT COMPARATOR IREV + – PGND 25 EXPOSED PAD PGOOD 21 3617 BD 3617fa 8 LTC3617 Operation Main Control Loop The LTC3617 is a monolithic, constant frequency, current mode step-down DC/DC converter. During normal operation, the internal top power switch (P-channel MOSFET) is turned on at the beginning of each clock cycle. Current in the inductor increases until the current comparator trips and turns off the top power switch. The peak inductor current when the current comparator trips is controlled by the voltage on the ITH pin. The error amplifier adjusts the voltage on the ITH pin by comparing the feedback signal from a resistor divider on the VFB pin with a reference voltage on the VTTR pin. VTTR is the output of an op amp buffer that expresses one-half the voltage on the VDDQIN pin. When the load current increases, it causes a reduction in the feedback voltage relative to the reference. The error amplifier raises the ITH voltage until the average inductor current matches the new load current. Typical voltage range for the ITH pin is from 0.2V to 1.05V with 0.575V corresponding to zero current. When the top power switch shuts off, the synchronous bottom power switch (N-channel MOSFET) turns on until either the bottom current limit is reached or the next clock cycle begins. The bottom current limit is typically set at –10A. The operating frequency defaults to 2.25MHz when RT is connected to SVIN, or can be set by an external resistor connected between the RT pin and ground, or by a clock signal applied to the RT pin. The switching frequency can be set from 300kHz to 4MHz. Overvoltage and undervoltage comparators pull the PGOOD output low if the output voltage varies more than ±8% (typical) from the set point. VTTR Voltage Buffer Output An internal high accuracy op amp buffer generates a VTTR pin voltage that is equal to VDDQIN • 0.5. VTTR can source and sink up to 10mA and is stable with a maximum bypass capacitor of 0.1µF. Short-circuit current limit is set around 20mA to prevent damage to the op amp. VTTR is also the reference voltage of the error amplifier which controls the output voltage. Therefore, large transients on this pin will impact the behavior of the output. VIN Overvoltage Protection In order to protect the internal power MOSFET devices against transient voltage spikes, the LTC3617 constantly monitors the VIN pin for an overvoltage condition. When VIN rises above 6.5V, the regulator suspends operation by shutting off both MOSFETS. The regulator executes its soft-start function when exiting an overvoltage condition. Low Supply Operation The LTC3617 is designed to operate down to an input supply voltage of 2.25V. An important consideration at low input supply voltages is that the RDS(ON) of the P-channel and N-channel power switches increases. The user should calculate the power dissipation when the LTC3617 is used at 100% duty cycle with low input voltages to ensure that thermal limits are not exceeded. See the Typical Performance Characteristics graphs. Short-Circuit Protection The peak inductor current when the current comparator shuts off the top power switch is controlled by the voltage on the ITH pin. If the output current increases, the error amplifier raises the ITH pin voltage until the average inductor current matches the new load current. In normal operation the LTC3617 clamps the maximum ITH pin voltage at approximately 1.05V which corresponds typically to 10A peak inductor current. When the output is shorted to ground, the inductor current decays very slowly during a single switching cycle. To prevent current runaway from occurring, a secondary current limit is imposed on the inductor current. If the inductor current measured through the bottom MOSFET increases beyond 12A typical, the top power MOSFET will be held off and switching cycles will be skipped until the inductor current decreases below this limit. 3617fa 9 LTC3617 Applications Information The basic LTC3617 application circuit is shown in Figure 1. Operating Frequency Selection of the operating frequency is a trade-off between efficiency and component size. High frequency operation allows the use of smaller inductor and capacitor values. Operation at lower frequencies improves efficiency by reducing internal gate charge losses but requires larger inductance values and/or capacitance to maintain low output voltage ripple. The operating frequency of the LTC3617 is determined by an external resistor that is connected between the RT pin and ground. The value of the resistor sets the ramp current that is used to charge and discharge an internal timing capacitor within the oscillator and can be calculated by using the following equation: Tying the RT pin to SVIN sets the default internal operating frequency to 2.25MHz ±20%. Frequency Synchronization The LTC3617’s internal oscillator can be synchronized to an external frequency by applying a square wave clock signal to the SYNC pin. During synchronization, the top switch turn-on is locked to the falling edge of the external frequency source. The synchronization frequency range is 300kHz to 4MHz. The frequency set by the resistor on the RT pin should be the same as the external clock frequency to ensure the internal oscillator properly adjusts when the clock signal is applied or removed. VIN RT 3.82 • 1011Hz RT = Ω – 16kΩ fOSC (Hz ) SYNC SGND Although frequencies as high as 4MHz are possible, the minimum on-time of the LTC3617 imposes a minimum limit on the operating duty cycle. The minimum on-time is typically 80ns; therefore, the minimum duty cycle is equal to 80ns • fOSC(Hz)•100%. VIN 2.5V RPG 100k RT 365k PGOOD SVIN RUN VDDQIN RT CC 680pF CIN 22µF ×4 VIN 0.4V 0.1µF L1 0.33µH SW SGND COUT 100µF VTTR 1.25V ±10mA VOUT 1.25V ±6A fOSC 2.25MHz LTC3617 SVIN RT fOSC ∝1/RT SYNC SGND RT VIN VTTR LTC3617 PGOOD RC 10k PVIN LTC3617 SVIN RT LTC3617 SVIN RT SYNC SGND fOSC 1/TP 1.2V 0.3V TP 3617 F02 CC1 10pF (OPT) ITH SYNC PGND VFB 3617 F01 Figure 2. Setting Switching Frequency Figure 1. 1.25V, ±6A at 1MHz from 2.5V 3617fa 10 LTC3617 Applications Information Inductor Selection For a given input and output voltage, the inductor value and operating frequency determine the ripple current. The ripple current ∆IL increases with higher VIN and decreases with higher inductance: V V ∆IL = OUT • 1– OUT VIN fSW • L Having a lower ripple current reduces the core losses in the inductor, the ESR losses in the output capacitors and the output voltage ripple. A reasonable starting point for selecting the ripple current is ∆IL = 0.3 • IOUT(MAX). The largest ripple current occurs at the highest VIN. To guarantee that the ripple current stays below a specified maximum, the inductor value should be chosen according to the following equation: VOUT VOUT • 1– L= fSW • ∆IL(MAX) VIN(MAX) Inductor Core Selection Once the value for L is known, the type of inductor must be selected. Actual core loss is independent of core size for a fixed inductor value, but it is very dependent on the inductance selected. As the inductance increases, core losses decrease. Unfortunately, increased inductance requires more turns of wire and therefore, copper losses will increase. Ferrite designs have very low core losses and are preferred at high switching frequencies, so design goals can concentrate on copper loss and preventing saturation. Ferrite core material saturates “hard,” meaning that inductance collapses abruptly when the peak design current is exceeded. This results in an abrupt increase in inductor ripple current and consequently output voltage ripple. Do not allow a ferrite core to saturate! Different core materials and shapes will change the size/ current and price/current relationship of an inductor. Toroid or shielded pot cores in ferrite or permalloy materials are small and don’t radiate much energy, but generally cost more than powdered iron core inductors with similar characteristics. The choice of which style inductor to use mainly depends on the price versus size requirements and any radiated field/EMI requirements. Table 1 shows some typical surface mount inductors that work well in LTC3617 applications. Input Capacitor (CIN) Selection In continuous mode, the source current of the top Pchannel MOSFET is a square wave of duty cycle VOUT/ VIN. To prevent large input voltage transients, a low ESR capacitor sized for the maximum RMS current must be used at VIN. The maximum RMS capacitor current is given by: IRMS =IOUT(MAX) • V VOUT • IN – 1 VIN VOUT This formula has a maximum at VIN = 2 • VOUT , where IRMS = IOUT/2. This simple worst-case condition is commonly used for design because even significant deviations do not offer much relief. Note that ripple current ratings from capacitor manufacturers are often based on only 2000 hours of life which makes it advisable to further derate the capacitor, or choose a capacitor rated at a higher temperature than required. Several capacitors may also be paralleled to meet size or height requirements in the design. 3617fa 11 LTC3617 Applications Information Table 1. Representative Surface Mount Inductors INDUCTANCE (μH) DCR (mΩ) SATURATION CURRENT (A) DIMENSIONS (mm) HEIGHT (mm) Vishay IHLP-2525CZ-01 0.10 1.5 60 6.5 × 6.9 3 0.15 1.9 52 6.5 × 6.9 3 0.20 2.4 41 6.5 × 6.9 3 0.22 2.5 40 6.5 × 6.9 3 0.33 3.5 30 6.5 × 6.9 3 0.47 4 26 6.5 × 6.9 3 Sumida CDMC6D28 Series 0.2 2.5 21.7 7.25 × 6.5 3 0.3 3.2 15.4 7.25 × 6.5 3 0.47 4.2 13.6 7.25 × 6.5 3 Cooper HCM0703 Series 0.22 2.8 40 6.8 × 7.1 3.0 0.47 4.2 26 6.8 × 7.1 3.0 0.68 5.5 25 6.8 × 7.1 3.0 Würth Electronik WE-HC744310 Series 0.24 1.8 40 7 × 6.9 3.0 0.52 3.7 20 7 × 6.9 3.0 Coilcraft SLC7530 Series 0.100 0.123 20 7.5 × 6.7 3 0.188 0.100 21 7.5 × 6.7 3 0.272 0.100 14 7.5 × 6.7 3 0.350 0.100 11 7.5 × 6.7 3 0.400 0.100 8 7.5 × 6.7 3 Output Capacitor (COUT ) Selection The selection of COUT is typically driven by the required ESR to minimize voltage ripple and load step transients (low ESR ceramic capacitors are discussed in the next section). Typically, once the ESR requirement is satisfied, the capacitance is adequate for filtering. The output ripple ∆VOUT is determined by: 1 ∆VOUT ≤ ∆IL • ESR + 8 • fSW • COUT where fOSC = operating frequency, COUT = output capacitance and ∆IL = ripple current in the inductor. The output ripple is highest at maximum input voltage since ∆IL increases with input voltage. In surface mount applications, multiple capacitors may have to be paralleled to meet the capacitance, ESR or RMS current handling requirement of the application. Aluminum electrolytic, special polymer, ceramic and dry tantalum capacitors are all available in surface mount packages. Tantalum capacitors have the highest capacitance density, but can have higher ESR and must be surge tested for use in switching power supplies. Aluminum electrolytic capacitors have significantly higher ESR, but can often be used in extremely cost-sensitive applications provided that consideration is given to ripple current ratings and long-term reliability. Ceramic Input and Output Capacitors Ceramic capacitors have the lowest ESR and can be cost effective, but also have the lowest capacitance density, have high voltage and temperature coefficients, and exhibit audible piezoelectric effects. In addition, the high Q of ceramic capacitors along with trace inductance can lead to significant ringing. They are attractive for switching regulator use because of their very low ESR, but care must be taken when using only ceramic input and output capacitors. Ceramic capacitors are prone to temperature effects which require the designer to check loop stability over the operating temperature range. To minimize their large temperature and voltage coefficients, only X5R or X7R ceramic capacitors should be used. When a ceramic capacitor is used at the input and the power is being supplied through long wires, such as from a wall adapter, a load step at the output can induce ringing at the VIN pin. At best, this ringing can couple to the output and be mistaken as loop instability. At worst, the ringing at the input can be large enough to damage the part. 3617fa 12 LTC3617 Applications Information Since the ESR of a ceramic capacitor is so low, the input and output capacitor must instead fulfill a charge storage requirement. During a load step, the output capacitor must instantaneously supply the current until the feedback loop raises the switch current enough to support the load. The time required for the feedback loop to respond is dependent on the compensation components and the output capacitor size. Typically, 3 to 4 switching cycles are required to respond to a load step, but only in the first cycle does the output drop linearly. The output droop, VDROOP , is usually about 2 to 4 times the linear drop of the first cycle; however, this behavior can vary depending on the compensation component values. Thus, a good place to start is with the output capacitor size of approximately: COUT ≈ 3.5 • ∆IOUT fSW • VDROOP This is only an approximation; more capacitance may be needed depending on the duty cycle and load step requirements. In most applications, the input capacitor is merely required to supply high frequency bypassing, since the impedance to the supply is very low. Output Voltage Programming In most applications, VOUT is connected directly to VFB. The output voltage will be equal to one-half of the voltage on the VDDQIN pin for this case. VOUT = VDDQIN 2 If a different output relationship is desired, an external resistor divider from VOUT to VFB can be used. The output voltage will then be set according to the following equation: VOUT = VDDQIN R2 • 1+ R1 2 VOUT R2 VFB LTC3617 R1 SGND 3617 F03 Figure 3. Setting the Output Voltage Internal and External Compensation The regulator loop response can be checked by looking at the load current transient response. Switching regulators take several cycles to respond to a step in DC load current. When a load step occurs, VOUT shifts by an amount equal to ∆ILOAD • ESR, where ESR is the effective series resistance of COUT . ∆ILOAD also begins to charge or discharge COUT , generating the feedback error signal that forces the regulator to adapt to the current change and return VOUT to its steady-state value. During this recovery time VOUT can be monitored for excessive overshoot or ringing, which would indicate a stability problem. The availability of the ITH pin allows the transient response to be optimized over a wide range of output capacitance. The ITH external components (RC and CC) shown in Figure 1 provide adequate compensation as a starting point for most applications. The values can be modified slightly to optimize transient response once the final PCB layout is done and the particular output capacitor type and value have been determined. The output capacitors need to be selected because the various types and values determine the loop gain and phase. The gain of the loop will be increased by increasing RC and the bandwidth of the loop will be increased by decreasing CC. If RC is increased by the same factor that CC is decreased, the zero frequency will be kept the same, thereby keeping the phase shift the same in the most critical frequency range of the feedback loop. The output voltage settling behavior is related to the stability of the closed-loop system. The external capacitor, CC1, (Figure 1) is not needed for loop stability, but it helps filter out any high frequency noise that may couple onto that node. 3617fa 13 LTC3617 Applications Information The first circuit in the Typical Applications section uses faster compensation to improve step response. A second, more severe transient is caused by switching in loads with large (>1μF) supply bypass capacitors. The discharged bypass capacitors are effectively put in parallel with COUT , causing a rapid drop in VOUT . No regulator can alter its delivery of current quickly enough to prevent this sudden step change in output voltage if the load switch resistance is low and it is driven quickly. More output capacitance may be required depending on the duty cycle and load step requirements. Internal Compensation The LTC3617 provides the option to use a fixed internal loop compensation network to reduce the required external component count and design time. The internal loop compensation network can be selected by connecting the ITH pin to SVIN. However, selecting the internal compensation might result in an unstable output voltage when tracking down to 0V. Shutdown and Soft-Start The RUN pin provides a means to shut down the LTC3617. Tying the RUN pin to SGND places the regulator in a low quiescent current shutdown state (IQ < 1µA). Pulling the RUN pin high enables the regulator which allows an internal soft-start to slowly ramp the VTTR pin voltage at a rate of approximately 850mV/ms. During this startup time, the regulator will operate in discontinuous mode until the VTTR pin voltage exceeds approximately 0.45V. When RUN is pulled low, the regulator will force the peak inductor current to discharge to around 0A before shutting off both power MOSFETs. Output Power Good VOUT 50mV/DIV IL 2A/DIV VIN = 3.3V 40µs/DIV VOUT = 1.25V ILOAD = 100mA TO 3A COMPENSATION FIGURE 1 3617 F04 Figure 4. Load Step Transient with External Compensation VOUT 50mV/DIV The PGOOD output of the LTC3617 is driven by a 17Ω (typical) open-drain pull-down MOSFET. This MOSFET turns off approximately 3ms to 4ms after the beginning of start-up and once the output voltage is within 5% (typical) of 0.5 • VDDQIN, allowing the voltage at PGOOD to rise via an external pull-up resistor (100k typical). If the output voltage exits an 8% (typical) regulation window of 0.5 • VDDQIN or the VTTR pin is lower than 0.45V, the open-drain output will pull low, thus dropping the PGOOD pin voltage. To prevent unwanted PGOOD glitches during transients or dynamic VOUT changes, the LTC3617 PGOOD falling edge includes a filter time of approximately 105μs. Efficiency Considerations IL 2A/DIV VIN = 3.3V 40µs/DIV VOUT = 1.25V ILOAD = 100mA TO 3A VITH = 3.3V OUTPUT CAPACITOR VALUE FIGURE 1 3617 F05 Figure 5. Load Step Transient with Internal Compensation The efficiency of a switching regulator is equal to the output power divided by the input power times 100%. It is often useful to analyze individual losses to determine what is limiting the efficiency and which change would produce the most improvement. Efficiency can be expressed as: Efficiency = 100% – (L1 + L2 + L3 + ...) where L1, L2, etc. are the individual losses as a percentage of input power. 3617fa 14 LTC3617 Applications Information Although all dissipative elements in the circuit produce losses, two main sources usually account for most of the losses: VIN quiescent current and I2R losses. The VIN quiescent current loss dominates the efficiency loss at very low load currents whereas the I2R loss dominates the efficiency loss at medium to high load currents. In a typical efficiency plot, the efficiency curve at very low load currents can be misleading since the actual power lost is usually of no consequence. 1. The VIN quiescent current is due to two components: the DC bias current as given in the Electrical Characteristics and the internal main switch and synchronous switch gate charge currents. The gate charge current results from switching the gate capacitance of the internal power MOSFET switches. Each time the gate is switched from low to high to low again, a packet of charge dQ moves from VIN to ground. The resulting dQ/dt is the current into VIN due to gate charge, and it is typically larger than the DC bias current. Both the DC bias and gate charge losses are proportional to VIN; thus, their effects will be more pronounced at higher supply voltages. 2.I2R losses are calculated from the resistances of the internal switches, RSW , and external inductor, RL. In continuous mode the average output current flowing through inductor L is “chopped” between the main switch and the synchronous switch. Thus, the series resistance looking into the SW pin is a function of both top and bottom MOSFET RDS(ON) and the duty cycle (DC) as follows: RSW = (RDS(ON)TOP)(DC) + (RDS(ON)BOT)(1 – DC) The RDS(ON) for both the top and bottom MOSFETs can be obtained from the Typical Performance Characteristics curves. To obtain I2R losses, simply add RSW to RL and multiply the result by the square of the average output current. Other losses including CIN and COUT ESR dissipative losses and inductor core losses generally account for less than 2% of the total loss. Thermal Considerations In most applications, the LTC3617 does not generate much heat due to its high efficiency. However, in high current applications where the LTC3617 is running at high ambient temperature with low supply voltage and high duty cycles, such as in dropout, the heat generated may exceed the maximum junction temperature of the part. If the junction temperature reaches approximately 160°C, both power switches will be turned off and the SW node will become high impedance. To prevent the LTC3617 from exceeding the maximum junction temperature, some thermal analysis is required. The temperature rise is given by: TRISE = (PD) • (θJA) where PD is the power dissipated by the regulator and θJA is the thermal resistance from the junction of the die to the ambient temperature. The junction temperature, TJ, is given by: TJ = TA + TRISE where TA is the ambient temperature. As an example, consider the case when the LTC3617 is used in a DDR application where VIN = 3.3V, IOUT = 6A, f = 1MHz, VOUT = 1.25V. The equivalent power MOSFET resistance RSW is: RSW = RDS(ON)TOP • = 35mΩ • V VOUT +RDS(ON)BOT • 1– OUT VIN VIN 1.25 1.25 + 25mΩ • 1– = 28.79mΩ 3.3 3.3 The VIN current during 1MHz with no load is about 22mA, which includes switching and internal biasing current loss, transition loss, inductor core loss and other losses in the application. Therefore, the total power dissipated by the part is: PD = IOUT2 • RSW + VIN • IVIN (No Load) = 36A2 • 28.79mΩ + 3.3V • 22mA = 1.11W The QFN 3mm × 5mm package junction-to-ambient thermal resistance, θJA, is around 43°C/W. Therefore, the junction temperature of the regulator operating in a 25°C ambient temperature is approximately: TJ = 1.11W • 43°C/W + 25°C = 73°C 3617fa 15 LTC3617 Applications Information Remembering that the above junction temperature is obtained from the RDS(ON) at 25°C, we might recalculate the junction temperature based on a higher RDS(ON) since it increases with temperature. Redoing the calculation assuming that RSW increased 15% at 73°C yields a new junction temperature of 79°C. Therefore, we can safely assume that the actual junction temperature will not exceed the absolute maximum junction temperature of 125°C. Note that for very low input voltage, the junction temperature will be higher due to increased switch resistance, RDS(ON). It is not recommended to use full load current with high ambient temperature and low input voltage. To maximize the thermal performance of the LTC3617 the exposed pad must be soldered to a ground plane. See the PCB Layout Board Checklist. Design Example As a design example, consider the LTC3617 in an application with the following specifications: VIN = 2.5V, VOUT = 1.25V, IOUT(MAX) = 6A, IOUT(MIN) = 200mA, f = 2.6MHz. First, calculate the timing resistor: RT = 3.8211Hz – 16k = 130kΩ 2.6MHz Next, calculate the inductor value for about 33% ripple current at maximum VIN: 1.25V 1.25V L= • 1– 2.5V = 0.12µH 2.6MHz • 2A Using a standard value of 0.1µH inductor results in a maximum ripple current of: CIN should be selected for a maximum current rating of: IRMS = 6A • 1.25V 2.5V • – 1 = 3ARMS 1.25V 2.5V Decoupling PVIN with four 10µF to 22µF capacitors is adequate for most applications. Connecting the VFB pin directly to VOUT will set the output voltage equal to one-half of the voltage on the VDDQIN pin. The complete circuit of this design example is illustrated in Figure 1. PC Board Layout Checklist When laying out the printed circuit board, the following checklist should be used to ensure proper operation of the LTC3617: 1. A ground plane is recommended. If a ground plane layer is not used, the signal and power grounds should be segregated with all small-signal components returning to the SGND pin at one point which is then connected to the PGND pin close to the LTC3617. 2. Connect the (+) terminal of the input capacitor(s), CIN, as close as possible to the PVIN pin, and the (–) terminal as close as possible to the exposed pad, PGND. This capacitor provides the AC current into the internal power MOSFETs. 3. Keep the switching node, SW, away from all sensitive small-signal nodes. 4. Flood all unused areas on all layers with copper. Flooding with copper will reduce the temperature rise of power components. Connect the copper areas to PGND (exposed pad) for best performance. 5. Connect the VFB pin directly to VOUT. 1.25V 1.25V ∆IL = = 2.4A • 1– 2.6MHz • 0.1µH 2.5V COUT will be selected based on the ESR that is required to satisfy the output voltage ripple requirement and the bulk capacitance needed for loop stability. For this design, a 100µF ceramic capacitor is used with a X5R or X7R dielectric. 3617fa 16 LTC3617 Typical Applications 1.25V, ±6A DDR Memory Termination Supply, 2.25MHz VIN 2.5V TO 5.5V CIN 22µF ×4 RF 24Ω CF 1µF VDDQ 2.5V RC 20k CC 470pF R1 100k PGOOD CC1 10pF PVIN VTTR SVIN RUN VDDQIN RT LTC3617 SW SGND PGND PGOOD ITH SYNC CO1 0.1µF L1 0.15µH CO2 100µF VREF 1.25V ±10mA VTT 1.25V ±6A VFB 3617 TA02a L1: VISHAY IHLP-2525CZ-01 150nH Efficiency vs Load Current Load Step Response 100 90 VTT 50mV/DIV EFFICIENCY (%) 80 70 60 IL 4A/DIV 50 40 30 20 VIN = 2.5V VIN = 3.3V VIN = 5V 10 0 0.1 1 LOAD CURRENT (A) VIN = 3.3V 40µs/DIV VTT = 1.25V ILOAD = 100mA TO 6A 3617 TA02c 10 3617 TA02b 3617fa 17 LTC3617 Typical Applications 0.75V, ±6A DDR Termination Using a 1MHz External Clock VIN 2.5V TO 5.5V CIN 22µF ×4 RF 24Ω CF 1µF VDDQ 1.5V R2 100k RC 6k R1 365k PGOOD CC 1.5nF PVIN VTTR SVIN RUN VDDQIN RT CC1 10pF L1 0.33µH LTC3617 PGOOD ITH SYNC VREF 0.75V CO1 ±10mA 0.1µF VTT 0.75V CO2 ±6A 100µF SW SGND PGND VFB 1MHz CLOCK 3617 TA03a L1: VISHAY IHLP-2525CZ-01 330nH External Start-Up Output Tracking Up/Down VDDQ VDDQ 500mV/DIV 500mV/DIV VREF/VTT 2ms/DIV VREF/VTT 4ms/DIV 3617 TA03b 3617 TA03c Package Description UDD Package 24-Lead Plastic QFN (3mm × 5mm) (Reference LTC DWG # 05-08-1833 Rev Ø) 3.00 ± 0.10 0.75 ± 0.05 1.50 REF 23 R = 0.05 TYP 0.70 ±0.05 3.50 ± 0.05 2.10 ± 0.05 24 0.40 ± 0.10 PIN 1 TOP MARK (NOTE 6) 3.65 ± 0.05 1.50 REF PIN 1 NOTCH R = 0.20 OR 0.25 × 45° CHAMFER 1.65 ± 0.05 5.00 ± 0.10 1 2 3.65 ± 0.10 3.50 REF 1.65 ± 0.10 PACKAGE OUTLINE 0.25 ±0.05 0.50 BSC 3.50 REF 4.10 ± 0.05 5.50 ± 0.05 RECOMMENDED SOLDER PAD PITCH AND DIMENSIONS APPLY SOLDER MASK TO AREAS THAT ARE NOT SOLDERED (UDD24) QFN 0808 REV Ø 0.200 REF 0.00 – 0.05 R = 0.115 TYP 0.25 ± 0.05 0.50 BSC BOTTOM VIEW—EXPOSED PAD NOTE: 1. DRAWING IS NOT A JEDEC PACKAGE OUTLINE 2. DRAWING NOT TO SCALE 3. ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS 4. DIMENSIONS OF EXPOSED PAD ON BOTTOM OF PACKAGE DO NOT INCLUDE MOLD FLASH. MOLD FLASH, IF PRESENT, SHALL NOT EXCEED 0.15mm ON ANY SIDE 5. EXPOSED PAD SHALL BE SOLDER PLATED 6. SHADED AREA IS ONLY A REFERENCE FOR PIN 1 LOCATION ON THE TOP AND BOTTOM OF PACKAGE 3617fa 18 LTC3617 Revision History REV DATE DESCRIPTION PAGE NUMBER A 7/11 Updated Main Control section Updated Output Power Good section Updated Typical Application and scale on graphs 9 14 18, 20 3617fa 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. 19 LTC3617 Typical Application DDR2 Termination, 1MHz VIN 2.25V TO 5.5V 22µF ×4 VDDQ 1.8V R1 365k R2 100k RC 6k PGOOD CC 2.2nF SVIN RUN VDDQIN RT LTC3617 PGOOD ITH CC1 10pF PVIN VTTR SYNC External Start-Up VDDQ VREF 0.9V 0.1µF ±10mA 500mV/DIV L1 0.33µH SW 100µF SGND PGND VTT 0.9V 47µF ±6A VFB VREF/VTT 400µs/DIV 3617 TA04b 3617 TA04a L1: COILCRAFT D03316T Related Parts PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION COMMENTS LTC3616 5.5V, 6A (IOUT) 4MHz Synchronous Step-Down DC/DC Converter 95% Efficiency, VIN(MIN) = 2.25V, VIN(MAX) = 5.5V, VOUT(MIN) = 0.6V, IQ = 70µA, ISD < 1µA, 3mm × 5mm QFN24 Package LTC3612 5.5V, 3A (IOUT), 4MHz, Synchronous Step-Down DC/DC Converter 95% Efficiency, VIN(MIN) = 2.25V, VIN(MAX) = 5.5V, VOUT(MIN) = 0.6V, IQ = 70µA, ISD <1µA, 3mm × 4mm QFN-20 TSSOP20E Package LTC3418 5.5V, 8A (IOUT), 4MHz, Synchronous Step-Down DC/DC Converter 95% Efficiency, VIN(MIN) = 2.25V, VIN(MAX) = 5.5V, VOUT(MIN) = 0.8V, IQ = 380µA, ISD <1µA, 5mm × 7mm QFN-38 Package LTC3415 5.5V, 7A (IOUT), 1.5MHz, Synchronous Step-Down DC/DC Converter 95% Efficiency, VIN(MIN) = 2.5V, VIN(MAX) = 5.5V, VOUT(MIN) = 0.6V, IQ = 450µA, ISD <1µA, 5mm × 7mm QFN-38 Package LTC3416 5.5V, 4A (IOUT), 4MHz, Synchronous Step-Down DC/DC Converter 95% Efficiency, VIN(MIN) = 2.25V, VIN(MAX) = 5.5V, VOUT(MIN) = 0.8V, IQ = 64µA, ISD <1µA, TSSOP20E Package LTC3413 5.5V, 3A (IOUT Sink/Source), 2MHz, Monolithic Synchronous Regulator for DDR/QDR Memory Termination 90% Efficiency, VIN(MIN) = 2.25V, VIN(MAX) = 5.5V, VOUT(MIN) = VREF /2, IQ = 280µA, ISD <1µA, TSSOP16E Package LTC3412A 5.5V, 2.5A (IOUT), 4MHz, Synchronous Step-Down DC/DC Converter 95% Efficiency, VIN(MIN) = 2.5V, VIN(MAX) = 5.5V, VOUT(MIN) = 0.8V, IQ = 60µA, ISD <1µA, 4mm × 4mm QFN-16 TSSOP16E Package 3617fa 20 Linear Technology Corporation LT 0711 REV A • PRINTED IN USA 1630 McCarthy Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035-7417 (408) 432-1900 ● FAX: (408) 434-0507 ● www.linear.com LINEAR TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 2011