LTC3827-1 Low IQ, Dual, 2-Phase Synchronous Step-Down Controller DESCRIPTION FEATURES n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n Wide Output Voltage Range: 0.8V ≤ VOUT ≤ 10V Low Operating IQ: 80μA (One Channel On) Out-of-Phase Controllers Reduce Required Input Capacitance and Power Supply Induced Noise OPTI-LOOP® Compensation Minimizes COUT ±1% Output Voltage Accuracy Wide VIN Range: 4V to 36V Operation Phase-Lockable Fixed Frequency 140kHz to 650kHz Selectable Continuous, Pulse-Skipping or Low Ripple Burst Mode® Operation at Light Loads Dual N-Channel MOSFET Synchronous Drive Very Low Dropout Operation: 99% Duty Cycle Adjustable Output Voltage Soft-Start or Tracking Output Current Foldback Limiting Power Good Output Voltage Monitor Output Overvoltage Protection Low Shutdown IQ: 8μA Internal LDO Powers Gate Drive from VIN or VOUT Small 28-Lead SSOP Package APPLICATIONS n n n Automotive Systems Battery-Operated Digital Devices Distributed DC Power Systems The LTC®3827-1 is a high performance dual step-down switching regulator controller that drives all N-channel synchronous power MOSFET stages. A constant frequency current mode architecture allows a phase-lockable frequency of up to 650kHz. Power loss and noise due to the ESR of the input capacitor ESR are minimized by operating the two controller output stages out of phase. The 80μA no-load quiescent current extends operating life in battery-powered systems. OPTI-LOOP compensation allows the transient response to be optimized over a wide range of output capacitance and ESR values. The LTC3827-1 features a precision 0.8V reference and a power good output indicator. A wide 4V to 36V input supply range encompasses all battery chemistries. Independent TRACK/SS pins for each controller ramp the output voltage during start-up. Current foldback limits MOSFET heat dissipation during short-circuit conditions. The PLLIN/MODE pin selects among Burst Mode operation, pulse-skipping mode, or continuous inductor current mode at light loads. For a leadless package version (5mm × 5mm QFN) with additional features, see the LTC3827 data sheet. L, LT, LTC, LTM, Burst Mode and OPTI-LOOP are registered trademarks of Linear Technology Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Protected by U.S. Patents including 5481178, 5929620, 6177787, 6144194, 5408150, 6580258, 6304066, 5705919. TYPICAL APPLICATION High Efficiency Dual 8.5V/3.3V Step-Down Converter + INTVCC TG1 BG2 LTC3827-1 PGND SENSE2+ 62.5k 150μF 220pF 20k 15k VFB2 ITH1 ITH2 TRACK/SS1 SGND TRACK/SS2 0.1μF 0.1μF 100 POWER LOSS 10 1 10 SENSE2– VFB1 50 40 20 0.015Ω SENSE1– 1000 60 30 0.015Ω VOUT1 3.3V 5A 10000 70 7.2μH SW2 BG1 SENSE1+ 80 0.1μF POWER LOSS (mW) BOOST2 SW1 EFFICIENCY VIN = 12V; VOUT = 3.3V 90 TG2 BOOST1 100000 100 EFFICIENCY (%) VIN 0.1μF 22μF 50V 1μF 4.7μF 3.3μH Efficiency and Power Loss vs Load Current VIN 4V TO 36V 192.5k 220pF 20k VOUT2 8.5V 3.5A 0 0.001 0.01 0.1 0.1 1 10 100 1000 10000 LOAD CURRENT (mA) 150μF 15k 38271 TA01b FIGURE 13 CIRCUIT 38271 TA01 38271fe 1 LTC3827-1 ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS PACKAGE/ORDER INFORMATION (Note 1) Input Supply Voltage (VIN) .........................36V to – 0.3V Topside Driver Voltages BOOST1, BOOST2.................................. 42V to –0.3V Switch Voltage (SW1, SW2) ......................... 36V to –5V (BOOST1-SW1), (BOOST2-SW2) ............. 8.5V to –0.3V RUN1, RUN2 ............................................... 7V to –0.3V SENSE1+, SENSE2+, SENSE1–, SENSE2– Voltages ..................................... 11V to –0.3V PLLIN/MODE, PLLLPF, TRACK/SS1, TRACK/SS2 Voltages ............................................... INTVCC to –0.3V EXTVCC ...................................................... 10V to –0.3V ITH1, ITH2, VFB1, VFB2 Voltages .................. 2.7V to –0.3V PGOOD1 Voltage ....................................... 8.5V to –0.3V Peak Output Current <10μs (TG1, TG2, BG1, BG2) .....3A INTVCC Peak Output Current ................................. 50mA Operating Temperature Range (Note 2).... –40°C to 85°C Junction Temperature (Note 3) ............................. 125°C Storage Temperature Range................... –65°C to 150°C Lead Temperature (Soldering, 10 sec) .................. 300°C TOP VIEW ITH1 1 28 TRACK/SS1 VFB1 2 27 PGOOD1 SENSE1+ 3 26 TG1 SENSE1– 4 25 SW1 PLLLPF 5 24 BOOST1 PLLIN/MODE 6 23 BG1 SGND 7 22 VIN RUN1 8 21 PGND RUN2 9 20 EXTVCC SENSE2– 10 19 INTVCC SENSE2+ 18 BG2 11 VFB2 12 17 BOOST2 ITH2 13 16 SW2 TRACK/SS2 14 15 TG2 G PACKAGE 28-LEAD PLASTIC SSOP TJMAX = 125°C, θJA = 95°C/W ORDER INFORMATION LEAD FREE FINISH TAPE AND REEL PART MARKING PACKAGE DESCRIPTION TEMPERATURE RANGE LTC3827EG-1#PBF LTC3827EG-1#TRPBF 3827EG-1 28-Lead Plastic SSOP –40°C to 85°C LTC3827IG-1#PBF LTC3827IG-1#TRPBF 3827IG-1 28-Lead Plastic SSOP –40°C to 85°C LEAD BASED FINISH TAPE AND REEL PART MARKING PACKAGE DESCRIPTION TEMPERATURE RANGE LTC3827EG-1 LTC3827EG-1#TR 3827EG-1 28-Lead Plastic SSOP –40°C to 85°C LTC3827IG-1 LTC3827IG-1#TR 3827IG-1 28-Lead Plastic SSOP –40°C to 85°C Consult LTC Marketing for parts specified with wider operating temperature ranges. 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/ 38271fe 2 LTC3827-1 ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS The l denotes the specifications which apply over the full operating temperature range, otherwise specifications are at TA = 25°C. VIN = 12V, VRUN/SS1, 2 = 5V unless otherwise noted. SYMBOL PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS 0.792 0.800 0.808 V Main Control Loops VFB1, 2 Regulated Feedback Voltage (Note 4) ITH1, 2 Voltage = 1.2V IVFB1, 2 Feedback Current (Note 4) VREFLNREG Reference Voltage Line Regulation VIN = 4V to 30V (Note 4) VLOADREG Output Voltage Load Regulation (Note 4) Measured in Servo Loop; ΔITH Voltage = 1.2V to 0.7V Measured in Servo Loop; ΔITH Voltage = 1.2V to 2V ● ● ● –5 –50 nA 0.002 0.02 %/V 0.1 – 0.1 0.5 –0.5 % % gm1, 2 Transconductance Amplifier gm ITH1, 2 = 1.2V; Sink/Source 5μA (Note 4) 1.55 IQ Input DC Supply Current Sleep Mode (Channel 1 On) Sleep Mode (Channel 2 On) Shutdown Sleep Mode (Both Channels) (Note 5) RUN1 = 5V, RUN2 = 0V, VFB1 = 0.83V (No Load) RUN1 = 0V, RUN2 = 5V, VFB2 = 0.83V (No Load) VRUN1, 2 = 0V RUN1,2 = 5V, VFB1 = VFB2 = 0.83V 80 80 8 115 UVLO Undervoltage Lockout VIN Ramping Down VOVL Feedback Overvoltage Lockout Measured at VFB1, 2 , Relative to Regulated VFB1, 2 ISENSE Sense Pins Total Source Current (Each Channel) VSENSE1–, 2 – = VSENSE1+, 2+ = 0V DFMAX Maximum Duty Factor In Dropout ● 8 mmho 125 125 20 160 μA μA μA μA 3.5 4 V 10 12 % –660 98 99.4 ITRACK/SS1, 2 Soft-Start Charge Current VTRACK1, 2 = 0V 0.75 1.0 μA % 1.35 μA VRUN1, 2 ON RUN Pin ON Threshold VRUN1, VRUN2 Rising 0.5 0.7 0.9 V VSENSE(MAX) Maximum Current Sense Threshold VFB1, 2 = 0.7V, VSENSE1–, 2– = 3.3V VFB1, 2 = 0.7V, VSENSE1–, 2– = 3.3V 90 80 100 100 110 115 mV mV TG1, 2 tr TG1, 2 tf TG Transition Time: Rise Time Fall Time (Note 6) CLOAD = 3300pF CLOAD = 3300pF 50 50 90 90 ns ns BG1, 2 tr BG1, 2 tf BG Transition Time: Rise Time Fall Time (Note 6) CLOAD = 3300pF CLOAD = 3300pF 40 40 90 80 ns ns ● TG/BG t1D Top Gate Off to Bottom Gate On Delay CLOAD = 3300pF Each Driver Synchronous Switch-On Delay Time 70 ns BG/TG t2D Bottom Gate Off to Top Gate On Delay CLOAD = 3300pF Each Driver Top Switch-On Delay Time 70 ns tON(MIN) Minimum On-Time 180 ns (Note 7) INTVCC Linear Regulator VINTVCCVIN Internal VCC Voltage 8.5V < VIN < 30V, VEXTVCC = 0V VLDOVIN INTVCC Load Regulation ICC = 0mA to 20mA, VEXTVCC = 0V VINTVCCEXT Internal VCC Voltage VEXTVCC = 8.5V VLDOEXT INTVCC Load Regulation ICC = 0mA to 20mA, VEXTVCC = 8.5V VEXTVCC EXTVCC Switchover Voltage EXTVCC Ramping Positive VLDOHYS EXTVCC Hysteresis 5.0 7.2 4.5 5.25 5.5 V 0.2 1.0 % 7.5 7.8 V 0.2 1.0 % 4.7 V 0.2 V Oscillator and Phase-Locked Loop fNOM Nominal Frequency VPLLLPF = Floating; PLLIN/MODE = DC Voltage 360 400 440 kHz 38271fe 3 LTC3827-1 ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS The l denotes the specifications which apply over the full operating temperature range, otherwise specifications are at TA = 25°C. VIN = 12V, VRUN/SS1, 2 = 5V unless otherwise noted. SYMBOL PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS fLOW Lowest Frequency VPLLLPF = 0V; PLLIN/MODE = DC Voltage 220 250 280 kHz fHIGH Highest Frequency VPLLLPF = INTVCC; PLLIN/MODE = DC Voltage 475 530 580 kHz 115 140 kHz fSYNCMIN Minimum Synchronizable Frequency PLLIN/MODE = External Clock; VPLLLPF = 0V fSYNCMAX Maximum Synchronizable Frequency PLLIN/MODE = External Clock; VPLLLPF = 2V I PLLLPF Phase Detector Output Current Sinking Capability Sourcing Capability 650 800 kHz fPLLIN/MODE < fOSC fPLLIN/MODE > fOSC –5 5 μA μA IPGOOD = 2mA 0.1 PGOOD Output VPGL PGOOD Voltage Low IPGOOD PGOOD Leakage Current VPGOOD = 5V VPG PGOOD Trip Level VFB with Respect to Set Regulated Voltage VFB Ramping Negative VFB Ramping Positive 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 LTC3827E-1 is guaranteed to meet performance specifications from 0°C to 85°C. Specifications over the –40°C to 85°C operating temperature range are assured by design, characterization and correlation with statistical process controls. The LTC3827I-1 is guaranteed to meet performance specifications over the –40°C to 85°C operating temperature range. Note 3: TJ is calculated from the ambient temperature TA and power dissipation PD according to the following formula: TJ = TA + (PD • 95 °C/W) –12 8 –10 10 0.3 V ±1 μA –8 12 % % Note 4: The LTC3827-1 is tested in a feedback loop that servos VITH1, 2 to a specified voltage and measures the resultant VFB1, 2. Note 5: Dynamic supply current is higher due to the gate charge being delivered at the switching frequency. See Applications Information. Note 6: Rise and fall times are measured using 10% and 90% levels. Delay times are measured using 50% levels. Note 7: The minimum on-time condition is specified for an inductor peak-to-peak ripple current ≥ 40% of IMAX (see minimum on-time considerations in the Applications Information section). TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS Efficiency and Power Loss vs Output Current 80 Efficiency vs Load Current 10000 90 1000 Efficiency vs Input Voltage 98 VIN = 12V VIN = 5V VOUT = 3.3V 96 94 100 60 50 10 40 30 VIN = 12V VOUT = 3.3V 20 1 POWER LOSS (mW) 70 EFFICIENCY (%) 100 80 EFFICIENCY (%) 90 Burst Mode OPERATION FORCED CONTINUOUS MODE PULSE SKIPPING MODE EFFICIENCY (%) 100 70 60 0.1 0.1 1 10 100 1000 10000 LOAD CURRENT (mA) 38271 G01 90 88 86 50 84 10 0 0.001 0.01 92 40 0.001 0.01 VOUT = 3.3V 82 0.1 1 10 100 1000 10000 LOAD CURRENT (mA) 38271 G02 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 INPUT VOLTAGE (V) 35 40 38271 G03 38271fe 4 LTC3827-1 TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS Load Step (Burst Mode Operation) Load Step (Forced Continuous Mode) Load Step (Pulse Skip Mode) VOUT 100mV/DIV AC COUPLED VOUT 100mV/DIV AC COUPLED VOUT 100mV/DIV AC COUPLED IL 2A/DIV IL 2A/DIV IL 2A/DIV 20μs/DIV FIGURE 13 CIRCUIT VOUT = 3.3V 20μs/DIV FIGURE 13 CIRCUIT VOUT = 3.3V 38271 G04 Inductor Current at Light Load 20μs/DIV FIGURE 13 CIRCUIT VOUT = 3.3V 38271 G05 Soft Start-Up 38271 G06 Tracking Start-Up FORCED CONTINUOUS MODE VOUT2 2V/DIV VOUT2 2V/DIV VOUT1 2V/DIV VOUT1 2V/DIV 2A/DIV BURST MODE PULSE SKIPPING MODE 4μs/DIV FIGURE 13 CIRCUIT VOUT = 3.3V ILOAD = 300μA 20ms/DIV FIGURE 13 CIRCUIT 38271 G07 Total Input Supply Current vs Input Voltage EXTVCC Switchover and INTVCC Voltages vs Temperature SUPPLY CURRENT (μA) 300 250 300μA LOAD 200 150 NO LOAD 50 0 5 10 25 20 15 INPUT VOLTAGE (V) FIGURE 13 CIRCUIT 30 35 38271 G10 38271 G09 INTVCC Line Regulation 6.0 5.50 5.8 5.45 5.40 5.6 5.4 INTVCC VOLTAGE (V) EXTVCC AND INTVCC VOLTAGES (V) 350 100 20ms/DIV FIGURE 13 CIRCUIT 38271 G08 INTVCC 5.2 5.0 EXTVCC RISING 4.8 4.6 4.4 5.35 5.30 5.25 5.20 5.15 5.10 EXTVCC FALLING 4.2 5.05 4.0 –45 5.00 –25 35 15 –5 55 TEMPERATURE (°C) 75 95 38271 G11 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 INPUT VOLTAGE (V) 35 40 38271 G12 38271fe 5 LTC3827-1 TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS Maximum Current Sense Voltage vs ITH Voltage 120 200 PULSE SKIPPING FORCED CONTINUOUS BURST MODE (RISING) BURST MODE (FALLING) 80 100 0 INPUT CURRENT (μA) 60 40 20 0 –100 –200 –300 –400 –500 –20 –600 10% Duty Cycle –40 0 0.2 1.0 0.4 0.6 0.8 ITH PIN VOLTAGE (V) 1.2 1.4 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 VSENSE COMMON MODE VOLTAGE (V) 80 60 40 20 SENSE Pins Total Input Bias Current vs ITH 12 10 90 85 80 75 8 6 4 70 2 0 0 15 30 45 60 TEMPERATURE (°C) 75 90 Shutdown (RUN) Threshold vs Temperature 1.20 1.00 1.15 0.95 RUN PIN VOLTAGE (V) 0.90 0.85 0.80 0.75 0.70 0.65 0.55 75 90 38271 G19 0.6 0.8 1 ITH VOLTAGE (V) 1.2 0.50 –45 –30 –15 1.4 808 0.60 0.85 0.4 Regulated Feedback Voltage vs Temperature 0.90 0.95 0.2 38271 G18 REGULATED FEEDBACK VOLTAGE (mV) TRACK/SS Pull-Up Current vs Temperature 1.00 0 38271 G17 38271 G16 1.05 VSENSE = 3.3V PLLIN/MODE = 0V 60 –45 –30 –15 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 FEEDBACK VOLTAGE (V) 1.10 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 DUTY CYCLE (%) 38271 G15 65 0 15 30 45 60 TEMPERATURE (°C) 20 0 INPUT CURRENT (μA) QUIESCENT CURRENT (μA) MAXIMUM CURRENT SENSE VOLTAGE (V) 100 100 0.80 –45 –30 –15 40 10 95 0 60 Quiescent Current vs Temperature TRACK/SS = 1V 0 80 38271 G14 Foldback Current Limit 120 100 0 –700 38271 G13 TRACK/SS CURRENT (μA) Maximum Current Sense Threshold vs Duty Cycle CURRENT SENSE THRESHOLD (mV) CURRENT SENSE THRESHOLD (mV) 100 Sense Pins Total Input Bias Current 0 15 30 45 60 TEMPERATURE (°C) 75 90 38271 G20 806 804 802 800 798 796 794 792 –45 –30 –15 0 15 30 45 60 TEMPERATURE (°C) 75 90 38271 G21 38271fe 6 LTC3827-1 TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS Sense Pins Total Input Current vs Temperature Shutdown Current vs Input Voltage 200 25 VOUT = 10V 100 VOUT = 3.3V 20 INPUT CURRENT (μA) INPUT CURRENT (μA) 0 –100 –200 –300 –400 –500 –600 15 10 5 VOUT = OV –700 –800 –45 –30 –15 0 15 30 45 60 TEMPERATURE (°C) 75 0 90 5 10 25 20 15 INPUT VOLTAGE (V) 38271 G22 35 30 38271 G23 Undervoltage Lockout Threshold vs Temperature Oscillator Frequency vs Temperature 4.2 800 4.1 700 FREQUENCY (kHz) INTVCC VOLTAGE (V) 4.0 600 VPLLLPF = INTVCC 500 VPLLLPF = FLOAT 400 300 VPLLLPF = GND 200 3.9 RISING 3.8 3.7 3.6 3.5 FALLING 3.4 100 3.3 0 –45 –25 35 15 –5 55 TEMPERATURE (°C) 75 3.2 –45 –30 –15 95 0 15 30 45 60 TEMPERATURE (°C) 90 38271 G25 38271 G24 Shutdown Current vs Temperature Oscillator Frequency vs Input Voltage 404 12 402 10 SHUTDOWN CURRENT (μA) FREQUENCY (kHz) 75 400 398 396 394 8 6 4 2 392 5 10 25 20 15 INPUT VOLTAGE (V) 30 35 38271 G26 0 –45 –30 –15 0 15 30 45 60 TEMPERATURE (°C) 75 90 38271 G27 38271fe 7 LTC3827-1 PIN FUNCTIONS ITH1, ITH2 (Pins 1, 13): Error Amplifier Outputs and Switching Regulator Compensation Points. Each associa-ted channel’s current comparator trip point increases with this control voltage. VFB1, VFB2 (Pins 2, 12): Receives the remotely sensed feedback voltage for each controller from an external resistive divider across the output. SENSE1+, SENSE2+ (Pins 3, 11): The (+) Input to the Differential Current Comparators. The ITH pin voltage and controlled offsets between the SENSE– and SENSE+ pins in conjunction with RSENSE set the current trip threshold. SENSE1–, SENSE2– (Pins 4, 10): The (–) Input to the Differential Current Comparators. PLLLPF (Pin 5): The phase-locked loop’s lowpass filter is tied to this pin when synchronizing to an external clock. Alternatively, tie this pin to GND, INTVCC or leave floating to select 250kHz, 530kHz or 400kHz switching frequency. PLLIN/MODE (Pin 6): External Synchronization Input to Phase Detector and Forced Continuous Control Input. When an external clock is applied to this pin, the phase-locked loop will force the rising TG1 signal to be synchronized with the rising edge of the external clock. In this case, an R-C filter must be connected to the PLLLPF pin. When not synchronizing to an external clock, this input, which acts on both controllers, determines how the LTC3827-1 operates at light loads. Pulling this pin below 0.7V selects Burst Mode operation. Tying this pin to INTVCC forces continuous inductor current operation. Tying this pin to a voltage greater than 0.9V and less than INTVCC –1.2V selects pulse-skipping operation. SGND (Pin 7): Small-Signal Ground common to both controllers, must be routed separately from high current grounds to the common (–) terminals of the CIN capacitors. RUN1, RUN2 (Pins 8, 9): Digital Run Control Inputs for Each Controller. Forcing either of these pins below 0.7V shuts down that controller. Forcing both of these pins below 0.7V shuts down the entire LTC3827-1, reducing quiescent current to approximately 8μA. EXTVCC (Pin 20): External Power Input to an Internal LDO Connected to INTVCC. This LDO supplies INTVCC power, bypassing the internal LDO powered from VIN whenever EXTVCC is higher than 4.7V. See EXTVCC Connection in the Applications Information section. Do not exceed 10V on this pin. PGND (Pin 21): Driver Power Ground. Connects to the sources of bottom (synchronous) N-channel MOSFETs, anodes of the Schottky rectifiers and the (–) terminal(s) of CIN. VIN (Pin 22): Main Supply Pin. A bypass capacitor should be tied between this pin and the signal ground pin. BG1, BG2 (Pins 23, 18): High Current Gate Drives for Bottom (Synchronous) N-Channel MOSFETs. Voltage swing at these pins is from ground to INTVCC. BOOST1, BOOST2 (Pins 24, 17): Bootstrapped Supplies to the Topside Floating Drivers. Capacitors are connected between the BOOST and SW pins and Schottky diodes are tied between the BOOST and INTVCC pins. Voltage swing at the BOOST pins is from INTVCC to (VIN + INTVCC). SW1, SW2 (Pins 25, 16): Switch Node Connections to Inductors. Voltage swing at these pins is from a Schottky diode (external) voltage drop below ground to VIN. TG1, TG2 (Pins 26, 15): High Current Gate Drives for Top N-Channel MOSFETs. These are the outputs of floating drivers with a voltage swing equal to INTVCC – 0.5V superimposed on the switch node voltage SW. PGOOD1 (Pin 27): Open-Drain Logic Output. PGOOD1 is pulled to ground when the voltage on the VFB1 pin is not within ±10% of its set point. TRACK/SS1, TRACK/SS2 (Pins 28, 14): External Tracking and Soft-Start Input. The LTC3827-1 regulates the VFB1,2 voltage to the smaller of 0.8V or the voltage on the TRACK/SS1,2 pin. A internal 1μA pull-up current source is connected to this pin. A capacitor to ground at this pin sets the ramp time to final regulated output voltage. Alternatively, a resistor divider on another voltage supply connected to this pin allows the LTC3827-1 output to track the other supply during startup. INTVCC (Pin 19): Output of the Internal Linear Low Dropout Regulator. The driver and control circuits are powered from this voltage source. Must be decoupled to power ground with a minimum of 4.7μF tantalum or other low ESR capacitor. 38271fe 8 LTC3827-1 FUNCTIONAL DIAGRAM PLLIN/MODE FIN 6 BOOST 100k 5 DROP OUT DET CLK1 OSCILLATOR CLK2 – CLP 0.88V S Q R Q + VFB1 PGOOD1 + SW TOP ON SWITCH LOGIC 0.4V + SLEEP – INTVCC-0.5V ICMP 0.8V + BURSTEN + – – ++ L – – IR SENSE+ + 6mV 0.45V 2(VFB) 3, 11 SENSE– 4, 10 SLOPE COMP – EA + OV VIN 22 EXTVCC 20 + – 6V RA 0.88V CC ITH SHDN RST 2(VFB) 1,13 CC2 FOLDBACK RC 1μA 19 SGND 7 RB 2, 12 TRACK/SS 0.80V 0.5μA 5.25V/ 7.5V LDO INTVCC + VFB VFB + – 4.7V VOUT RSENSE FC – PLLIN/MODE COUT 21 SHDN – + BG 23, 18 PGND BURSTEN B 25, 16 INTVCC BOT 0.72V CIN D 26, 15 FC BOT CB TG TOP – 27 VIN DB 24, 17 PLLLPF RLP VIN INTVCC DUPLICATE FOR SECOND CONTROLLER CHANNEL PHASE DET TRACK/SS INTERNAL SUPPLY RUN 8, 9 28,14 SHDN CSS 38271 FD OPERATION (Refer to Functional Diagram) Main Control Loop The LTC3827-1 uses a constant frequency, current mode step-down architecture with the two controller channels operating 180 degrees out of phase. During normal operation, each external top MOSFET is turned on when the clock for that channel sets the RS latch, and is turned off when the main current comparator, ICMP, resets the RS latch. The peak inductor current at which ICMP trips and resets the latch is controlled by the voltage on the ITH pin, which is the output of the error amplifier EA. The error amplifier compares the output voltage feedback signal at the VFB pin, (which is generated with an external resistor divider connected across the output voltage, VOUT, to ground) to the internal 0.800V reference voltage. When the load current increases, it causes a slight decrease in VFB relative to the reference, which causes the EA to increase the ITH voltage until the average inductor current matches the new load current. After the top MOSFET is turned off each cycle, the bottom MOSFET is turned on until either the inductor current starts to reverse, as indicated by the current comparator IR, or the beginning of the next clock cycle. 38271fe 9 LTC3827-1 OPERATION (Refer to Functional Diagram) INTVCC/EXTVCC Power Power for the top and bottom MOSFET drivers and most other internal circuitry is derived from the INTVCC pin. When the EXTVCC pin is left open or tied to a voltage less than 4.7V, an internal 5.25V low dropout linear regulator supplies INTVCC power from VIN. If EXTVCC is taken above 4.7V, the 5.25V regulator is turned off and a 7.5V low dropout linear regulator is enabled that supplies INTVCC power from EXTVCC. If EXTVCC is less than 7.5V (but greater than 4.7V), the 7.5V regulator is in dropout and INTVCC is approximately equal to EXTVCC. When EXTVCC is greater than 7.5V (up to an absolute maximum rating of 10V), INTVCC is regulated to 7.5V. Using the EXTVCC pin allows the INTVCC power to be derived from a high efficiency external source such as one of the LTC3827-1 switching regulator outputs. Each top MOSFET driver is biased from the floating bootstrap capacitor CB, which normally recharges during each off cycle through an external diode when the top MOSFET turns off. If the input voltage VIN decreases to a voltage close to VOUT, the loop may enter dropout and attempt to turn on the top MOSFET continuously. The dropout detector detects this and forces the top MOSFET off for about one twelfth of the clock period every tenth cycle to allow CB to recharge. Shutdown and Start-Up (RUN1, RUN2 and TRACK/SS1, TRACK/SS2 Pins) The two channels of the LTC3827-1 can be independently shut down using the RUN1 and RUN2 pins. Pulling either of these pins below 0.7V shuts down the main control loop for that controller. Pulling both pins low disables both controllers and most internal circuits, including the INTVCC regulator, and the LTC3827-1 draws only 8μA of quiescent current. Releasing either RUN pin allows an internal 0.5μA current to pull up the pin and enable that controller. Alternatively, the RUN pin may be externally pulled up or driven directly by logic. Be careful not to exceed the Absolute Maximum rating of 7V on this pin. The start-up of each controller’s output voltage VOUT is controlled by the voltage on the TRACK/SS1 and TRACK/SS2 pin. When the voltage on the TRACK/SS pin is less than the 0.8V internal reference, the LTC3827-1 regulates the VFB voltage to the TRACK/SS pin voltage instead of the 0.8V reference. This allows the TRACK/SS pin to be used to program a soft-start by connecting an external capacitor from the TRACK/SS pin to SGND. An internal 1μA pull-up current charges this capacitor creating a voltage ramp on the TRACK/SS pin. As the TRACK/SS voltage rises linearly from 0V to 0.8V (and beyond), the output voltage VOUT rises smoothly from zero to its final value. Alternatively the TRACK/SS pin can be used to cause the startup of VOUT to “track” that of another supply. Typically, this requires connecting to the TRACK/SS pin an external resistor divider from the other supply to ground (see Applications Information section). When the corresponding RUN pin is pulled low to disable a controller, or when VIN drops below its undervoltage lockout threshold of 3.5V, the TRACK/SS pin is pulled low by an internal MOSFET. When in undervoltage lockout, both controllers are disabled and the external MOSFETs are held off. Light Load Current Operation (Burst Mode Operation, Pulse-Skipping or Continuous Conduction) (PLLIN/MODE Pin) The LTC3827-1 can be enabled to enter high efficiency Burst Mode operation, constant frequency pulse-skipping mode, or forced continuous conduction mode at low load currents. To select Burst Mode operation, tie the PLLIN/ MODE pin to a DC voltage below 0.7V (e.g., SGND). To select forced continuous operation, tie the PLLIN/MODE pin to INTVCC. To select pulse-skipping mode, tie the PLLIN/MODE pin to a DC voltage greater than 0.9V and less than INTVCC – 1.2V. When a controller is enabled for Burst Mode operation, the peak current in the inductor is set to approximately one-tenth of the maximum sense voltage even though the voltage on the ITH pin indicates a lower value. If the average inductor current is lower than the load current, the error amplifier EA will decrease the voltage on the ITH pin. 38271fe 10 LTC3827-1 OPERATION (Refer to Functional Diagram) When the ITH voltage drops below 0.4V, the internal sleep signal goes high (enabling “sleep” mode) and both external MOSFETs are turned off. The ITH pin is then disconnected from the output of the EA and “parked” at 0.425V. In sleep mode, much of the internal circuitry is turned off, reducing the quiescent current that the LTC3827-1 draws. If one channel is shut down and the other channel is in sleep mode, the LTC3827-1 draws only 80μA of quiescent current. If both channels are in sleep mode, the LTC3827-1 draws only 115μA of quiescent current. In sleep mode, the load current is supplied by the output capacitor. As the output voltage decreases, the EA’s output begins to rise. When the output voltage drops enough, the ITH pin is reconnected to the output of the EA, the sleep signal goes low, and the controller resumes normal operation by turning on the top external MOSFET on the next cycle of the internal oscillator. When a controller is enabled for Burst Mode operation, the inductor current is not allowed to reverse. The reverse current comparator (IR) turns off the bottom external MOSFET just before the inductor current reaches zero, preventing it from reversing and going negative. Thus, the controller operates in discontinuous operation. In forced continuous operation, the inductor current is allowed to reverse at light loads or under large transient conditions. The peak inductor current is determined by the voltage on the ITH pin, just as in normal operation. In this mode, the efficiency at light loads is lower than in Burst Mode operation. However, continuous has the advantages of lower output ripple and less interference to audio circuitry. In forced continuous mode, the output ripple is independent of load current. When the PLLIN/MODE pin is connected for pulse-skipping mode or clocked by an external clock source to use the phase-locked loop (see Frequency Selection and PhaseLocked Loop section), the LTC3827-1 operates in PWM pulse-skipping mode at light loads. In this mode, constant frequency operation is maintained down to approximately 1% of designed maximum output current. At very light loads, the current comparator ICMP may remain tripped for several cycles and force the external top MOSFET to stay off for the same number of cycles (i.e., skipping pulses). The inductor current is not allowed to reverse (discontinuous operation). This mode, like forced continuous operation, exhibits low output ripple as well as low audio noise and reduced RF interference as compared to Burst Mode operation. It provides higher low current efficiency than forced continuous mode, but not nearly as high as Burst Mode operation. Frequency Selection and Phase-Locked Loop (PLLLPF and PLLIN/MODE Pins) The selection of switching frequency is a tradeoff between efficiency and component size. Low frequency operation increases efficiency by reducing MOSFET switching losses, but requires larger inductance and/or capacitance to maintain low output ripple voltage. The switching frequency of the LTC3827-1’s controllers can be selected using the PLLLPF pin. If the PLLIN/MODE pin is not being driven by an external clock source, the PLLLPF pin can be floated, tied to INTVCC, or tied to SGND to select 400kHz, 530kHz, or 250kHz, respectively. A phase-locked loop (PLL) is available on the LTC3827-1 to synchronize the internal oscillator to an external clock source that is connected to the PLLIN/MODE pin. In this case, a series R-C should be connected between the PLLLPF pin and SGND to serve as the PLL’s loop filter. The LTC3827-1 phase detector adjusts the voltage on the PLLLPF pin to align the turn-on of controller 1’s external top MOSFET to the rising edge of the synchronizing signal. Thus, the turn-on of controller 2’s external top MOSFET is 180 degrees out of phase to the rising edge of the external clock source. The typical capture range of the LTC3827-1’s phase-locked loop is from approximately 115kHz to 800kHz, with a guarantee over all manufacturing variations to be between 140kHz and 650kHz. In other words, the LTC3827-1’s PLL is guaranteed to lock to an external clock source whose frequency is between 140kHz and 650kHz. The typical input clock thresholds on the PLLIN/MODE pin are 1.6V (rising) and 1.2V (falling). 38271fe 11 LTC3827-1 OPERATION (Refer to Functional Diagram) 5V SWITCH 20V/DIV 3.3V SWITCH 20V/DIV INPUT CURRENT 5A/DIV INPUT VOLTAGE 500mV/DIV IIN(MEAS) = 2.53ARMS 38271 F01a (a) IIN(MEAS) = 1.55ARMS 38271 F01b (b) Figure 1. Input Waveforms Comparing Single-Phase (a) and 2-Phase (b) Operation for Dual Switching Regulators Converting 12V to 5V and 3.3V at 3A Each. The Reduced Input Ripple with the 2-Phase Regulator Allows Less Expensive Input Capacitors, Reduces Shielding Requirements for EMI and Improves Efficiency Output Overvoltage Protection An overvoltage comparator guards against transient overshoots as well as other more serious conditions that may overvoltage the output. When the VFB pin rises more than 10% above its regulation point of 0.800V, the top MOSFET is turned off and the bottom MOSFET is turned on until the overvoltage condition is cleared. Power Good (PGOOD1) Pin The PGOOD1 pin is connected to an open drain of an internal N-channel MOSFET. The MOSFET turns on and pulls the PGOOD1 pin low when the VFB1 pin voltage is not within ±10% of the 0.8V reference voltage. The PGOOD1 pin is also pulled low when the RUN1 pin is low (shut down). When the VFB1 pin voltage is within the ±10% requirement, the MOSFET is turned off and the pin is allowed to be pulled up by an external resistor to a source of up to 8.5V. THEORY AND BENEFITS OF 2-PHASE OPERATION Why the need for 2-phase operation? Up until the 2-phase family, constant-frequency dual switching regulators operated both channels in phase (i.e., single-phase operation). This means that both switches turned on at the same time, causing current pulses of up to twice the amplitude of those for one regulator to be drawn from the input capacitor and battery. These large amplitude current pulses increased the total RMS current flowing from the input capacitor, requiring the use of more expensive input capacitors and increasing both EMI and losses in the input capacitor and battery. With 2-phase operation, the two channels of the dualswitching regulator are operated 180 degrees out of phase. This effectively interleaves the current pulses drawn by the switches, greatly reducing the overlap time where they add together. The result is a significant reduction in total RMS input current, which in turn allows less expensive input capacitors to be used, reduces shielding requirements for EMI and improves real world operating efficiency. Figure 1 compares the input waveforms for a representative single-phase dual switching regulator to the LTC3827-1 2-phase dual switching regulator. An actual measurement of the RMS input current under these conditions shows that 2-phase operation dropped the input current from 2.53ARMS to 1.55ARMS. While this is an impressive reduction in itself, remember that the power losses are proportional to IRMS2, meaning that the actual power wasted is reduced by a factor of 2.66. The reduced input ripple voltage also means less power is lost in the input power path, which could include batteries, switches, trace/connector resistances and protection circuitry. Improvements in both conducted and radiated EMI also directly accrue as a result of the reduced RMS input current and voltage. Of course, the improvement afforded by 2-phase operation is a function of the dual switching regulator’s relative 38271fe 12 LTC3827-1 OPERATION (Refer to Functional Diagram) It can readily be seen that the advantages of 2-phase operation are not just limited to a narrow operating range, for most applications is that 2-phase operation will reduce the input capacitor requirement to that for just one channel operating at maximum current and 50% duty cycle. The schematic on the first page is a basic LTC3827-1 application circuit. External component selection is driven by the load requirement, and begins with the selection of RSENSE and the inductor value. Next, the power MOSFETs are selected. Finally, CIN and COUT are selected. 3.0 SINGLE PHASE DUAL CONTROLLER 2.5 INPUT RMS CURRENT (A) duty cycles which, in turn, are dependent upon the input voltage VIN (Duty Cycle = VOUT/VIN). Figure 2 shows how the RMS input current varies for single-phase and 2-phase operation for 3.3V and 5V regulators over a wide input voltage range. 2.0 1.5 2-PHASE DUAL CONTROLLER 1.0 0.5 0 VO1 = 5V/3A VO2 = 3.3V/3A 0 10 20 30 INPUT VOLTAGE (V) 40 38271 F02 Figure 2. RMS Input Current Comparison APPLICATIONS INFORMATION RSENSE Selection For Output Current Operating Frequency and Synchronization RSENSE is chosen based on the required output current. The current comparator has a maximum threshold of 100mV/RSENSE and an input common mode range of SGND to 10V. The current comparator threshold sets the peak of the inductor current, yielding a maximum average output current IMAX equal to the peak value less half the peak-to-peak ripple current, ΔIL. The choice of operating frequency, is a trade-off between efficiency and component size. Low frequency operation improves efficiency by reducing MOSFET switching losses, both gate charge loss and transition loss. However, lower frequency operation requires more inductance for a given amount of ripple current. Allowing a margin for variations in the IC and external component values yields: RSENSE = 80mV IMAX When using the controller in very low dropout conditions, the maximum output current level will be reduced due to the internal compensation required to meet stability criterion for buck regulators operating at greater than 50% duty factor. A curve is provided in the Typical Performance Characteristics section to estimate this reduction in peak output current level depending upon the operating duty factor. The internal oscillator for each of the LTC3827-1’s controllers runs at a nominal 400kHz frequency when the PLLLPF pin is left floating and the PLLIN/MODE pin is a DC low or high. Pulling the PLLLPF to INTVCC selects 530kHz operation; pulling the PLLLPF to SGND selects 250kHz operation. Alternatively, the LTC3827-1 will phase-lock to a clock signal applied to the PLLIN/MODE pin with a frequency between 140kHz and 650kHz (see Phase-Locked Loop and Frequency Synchronization). Inductor Value Calculation The operating frequency and inductor selection are interrelated in that higher operating frequencies allow the use of smaller inductor and capacitor values. So why would anyone ever choose to operate at lower frequencies with 38271fe 13 LTC3827-1 APPLICATIONS INFORMATION larger components? The answer is efficiency. A higher frequency generally results in lower efficiency because of MOSFET gate charge losses. In addition to this basic trade-off, the effect of inductor value on ripple current and low current operation must also be considered. core material saturates “hard,” which means that inductance collapses abruptly when the peak design current is exceeded. This results in an abrupt increase in inductor ripple current and consequent output voltage ripple. Do not allow the core to saturate! The inductor value has a direct effect on ripple current. The inductor ripple current ΔIL decreases with higher inductance or frequency and increases with higher VIN: Power MOSFET and Schottky Diode (Optional) Selection V 1 VOUT 1– OUT IL = VIN (f)(L) Accepting larger values of ΔIL allows the use of low inductances, but results in higher output voltage ripple and greater core losses. A reasonable starting point for setting ripple current is ΔIL = 0.3(IMAX). The maximum ΔIL occurs at the maximum input voltage. The inductor value also has secondary effects. The transition to Burst Mode operation begins when the average inductor current required results in a peak current below 10% of the current limit determined by RSENSE. Lower inductor values (higher ΔIL) will cause this to occur at lower load currents, which can cause a dip in efficiency in the upper range of low current operation. In Burst Mode operation, lower inductance values will cause the burst frequency to decrease. Inductor Core Selection Once the value for L is known, the type of inductor must be selected. High efficiency converters generally cannot afford the core loss found in low cost powdered iron cores, forcing the use of more expensive ferrite or molypermalloy cores. Actual core loss is independent of core size for a fixed inductor value, but it is very dependent on inductance selected. As inductance increases, core losses go down. Unfortunately, increased inductance requires more turns of wire and therefore copper losses will increase. Ferrite designs have very low core loss and are preferred at high switching frequencies, so design goals can concentrate on copper loss and preventing saturation. Ferrite Two external power MOSFETs must be selected for each controller in the LTC3827-1: one N-channel MOSFET for the top (main) switch, and one N-channel MOSFET for the bottom (synchronous) switch. The peak-to-peak drive levels are set by the INTVCC voltage. This voltage is typically 5V during start-up (see EXTVCC Pin Connection). Consequently, logic-level threshold MOSFETs must be used in most applications. The only exception is if low input voltage is expected (VIN < 5V); then, sub-logic level threshold MOSFETs (VGS(TH) < 3V) should be used. Pay close attention to the BVDSS specification for the MOSFETs as well; most of the logic level MOSFETs are limited to 30V or less. Selection criteria for the power MOSFETs include the “ON” resistance, RDS(ON), Miller capacitance, CMILLER, input voltage and maximum output current. Miller capacitance, CMILLER, can be approximated from the gate charge curve usually provided on the MOSFET manufacturers’ data sheet. CMILLER is equal to the increase in gate charge along the horizontal axis while the curve is approximately flat divided by the specified change in VDS. This result is then multiplied by the ratio of the application applied VDS to the Gate charge curve specified VDS. When the IC is operating in continuous mode the duty cycles for the top and bottom MOSFETs are given by: Main Switch Duty Cycle = VOUT VIN Synchronous Switch Duty Cycle = VIN – VOUT VIN 38271fe 14 LTC3827-1 APPLICATIONS INFORMATION The MOSFET power dissipations at maximum output current are given by: V 2 PMAIN = OUT (IMAX ) (1+ )RDS(ON) + VIN ( VIN )2 IMAX (RDR )(CMILLER ) • 2 1 1 + VINTVCC – VTHMIN VTHMIN PSYNC = ( f) VIN – VOUT 2 IMAX ) (1+ )RDS(ON) ( VIN where δ is the temperature dependency of RDS(ON) and RDR (approximately 2Ω) is the effective driver resistance at the MOSFET’s Miller threshold voltage. VTHMIN is the typical MOSFET minimum threshold voltage. Both MOSFETs have I2R losses while the topside N-channel equation includes an additional term for transition losses, which are highest at high input voltages. For VIN < 20V the high current efficiency generally improves with larger MOSFETs, while for VIN > 20V the transition losses rapidly increase to the point that the use of a higher RDS(ON) device with lower CMILLER actually provides higher efficiency. The synchronous MOSFET losses are greatest at high input voltage when the top switch duty factor is low or during a short-circuit when the synchronous switch is on close to 100% of the period. The term (1 + δ) is generally given for a MOSFET in the form of a normalized RDS(ON) vs Temperature curve, but δ = 0.005/°C can be used as an approximation for low voltage MOSFETs. The optional Schottky diodes D3 and D4 shown in Figure 14 conduct during the dead-time between the conduction of the two power MOSFETs. This prevents the body diode of the bottom MOSFET from turning on, storing charge during the dead-time and requiring a reverse recovery period that could cost as much as 3% in efficiency at high VIN. A 1A to 3A Schottky is generally a good compromise for both regions of operation due to the relatively small average current. Larger diodes result in additional transition losses due to their larger junction capacitance. CIN and COUT Selection The selection of CIN is simplified by the 2-phase architecture and its impact on the worst-case RMS current drawn through the input network (battery/fuse/capacitor). It can be shown that the worst-case capacitor RMS current occurs when only one controller is operating. The controller with the highest (VOUT)(IOUT) product needs to be used in the formula below to determine the maximum RMS capacitor current requirement. Increasing the output current drawn from the other controller will actually decrease the input RMS ripple current from its maximum value. The out-ofphase technique typically reduces the input capacitor’s RMS ripple current by a factor of 30% to 70% when compared to a single phase power supply solution. In continuous mode, the source current of the top MOSFET is a square wave of duty cycle (VOUT)/(VIN). To prevent large voltage transients, a low ESR capacitor sized for the maximum RMS current of one channel must be used. The maximum RMS capacitor current is given by: CIN Required IRMS 1/2 IMAX ( VOUT ) ( VIN – VOUT ) VIN This formula has a maximum at VIN = 2VOUT, 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 capacitor manufacturers’ ripple current ratings are often based on only 2000 hours of life. This makes it advisable to further derate the capacitor, or to choose a capacitor rated at a higher temperature than required. Several capacitors may be paralleled to meet size or height requirements in the design. Due to the high operating frequency of the LTC3827-1, ceramic capacitors can also be used for CIN. Always consult the manufacturer if there is any question. The benefit of the LTC3827-1 2-phase operation can be calculated by using the equation above for the higher power controller and then calculating the loss that would have resulted if both controller channels switched on at the same time. The total RMS power lost is lower when both controllers are operating due to the reduced overlap of current pulses required through the input capacitor’s ESR. This is why the input capacitor’s requirement calculated above for the worst-case controller is adequate for the dual 38271fe 15 LTC3827-1 APPLICATIONS INFORMATION controller design. Also, the input protection fuse resistance, battery resistance, and PC board trace resistance losses are also reduced due to the reduced peak currents in a 2-phase system. The overall benefit of a multiphase design will only be fully realized when the source impedance of the power supply/battery is included in the efficiency testing. The sources of the top MOSFETs should be placed within 1cm of each other and share a common CIN(s). Separating the sources and CIN may produce undesirable voltage and current resonances at VIN. A small (0.1μF to 1μF) bypass capacitor between the chip VIN pin and ground, placed close to the LTC3827-1, is also suggested. A 10Ω resistor placed between CIN (C1) and the VIN pin provides further isolation between the two channels. SENSE+ and SENSE– Pins The common mode input range of the current comparator is from 0V to 10V. Continuous linear operation is provided throughout this range allowing output voltages from 0.8V to 10V. The input stage of the current comparator requires that current either be sourced or sunk from the SENSE pins depending on the output voltage, as shown in the curve in Figure 4. If the output voltage is below 1.5V, current will flow out of both SENSE pins to the main output. In these cases, the output can be easily pre-loaded by the VOUT resistor divider to compensate for the current comparator’s negative input bias current. Since VFB is servoed to the 0.8V reference voltage, RA in Figure 3 should be chosen to be less than 0.8V/ISENSE, with ISENSE determined from Figure 4 at the specified output voltage. The selection of COUT is driven by the effective series resistance (ESR). Typically, once the ESR requirement is satisfied, the capacitance is adequate for filtering. The output ripple (ΔVOUT) is approximated by: VOUT 1/2 LTC3827-1 RB CFF VFB 1 VOUT IRIPPLE ESR + 8fCOUT RA 3827-1 F03 where f is the operating frequency, COUT is the output capacitance and IRIPPLE is the ripple current in the inductor. The output ripple is highest at maximum input voltage since IRIPPLE increases with input voltage. Figure 3. Setting Output Voltage 200 100 Setting Output Voltage The LTC3827-1 output voltages are each set by an external feedback resistor divider carefully placed across the output, as shown in Figure 3. The regulated output voltage is determined by: R VOUT = 0.8V • 1+ B R A INPUT CURRENT (μA) 0 –100 –200 –300 –400 –500 –600 –700 0 To improve the frequency response, a feed-forward capacitor, CFF, may be used. Great care should be taken to route the VFB line away from noise sources, such as the inductor or the SW line. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 VSENSE COMMON MODE VOLTAGE (V) 10 38271 F04 Figure 4. SENSE Pins Input Bias Current vs Common Mode Voltage 38271fe 16 LTC3827-1 APPLICATIONS INFORMATION Tracking and Soft-Start (TRACK/SS Pins) Soft-start is enabled by simply connecting a capacitor from the TRACK/SS pin to ground, as shown in Figure 5. An internal 1μA current source charges up the capacitor, providing a linear ramping voltage at the TRACK/SS pin. The LTC3827-1 will regulate the VFB pin (and hence VOUT) according to the voltage on the TRACK/SS pin, allowing VOUT to rise smoothly from 0V to its final regulated value. The total soft-start time will be approximately: SGND 38271 F05 Figure 5. Using the TRACK/SS Pin to Program Soft-Start VX (MASTER) TIME 0.8V 1μA Alternatively, the TRACK/SS pin can be used to track two (or more) supplies during start-up, as shown qualitatively in Figures 6a and 6b. To do this, a resistor divider should be connected from the master supply (VX) to the TRACK/ SS pin of the slave supply (VOUT), as shown in Figure 7. During start-up VOUT will track VX according to the ratio set by the resistor divider: R + R TRACKB VX RA = • TRACKA VOUT R TRACKA R A + RB VOUT (SLAVE) 38271 F06A (6a) Coincident Tracking VX (MASTER) OUTPUT VOLTAGE t SS = CSS • TRACK/SS CSS OUTPUT VOLTAGE The start-up of each VOUT is controlled by the voltage on the respective TRACK/SS pin. When the voltage on the TRACK/SS pin is less than the internal 0.8V reference, the LTC3827-1 regulates the VFB pin voltage to the voltage on the TRACK/SS pin instead of 0.8V. The TRACK/SS pin can be used to program an external soft-start function or to allow VOUT to “track” another supply during start-up. 1/2 LTC3827-1 VOUT (SLAVE) TIME 38271 F06B (6b) Ratiometric Tracking For coincident tracking (VOUT = VX during start-up), RA = RTRACKA Figure 6. Two Different Modes of Output Voltage Tracking RB = RTRACKB Vx VOUT INTVCC Regulators The LTC3827-1 features two separate internal P-channel low dropout linear regulators (LDO) that supply power at the INTVCC pin from either the VIN supply pin or the EXTVCC pin, respectively, depending on the connection of the EXTVCC pin. INTVCC powers the gate drivers and much of the LTC3827-1’s internal circuitry. The VIN LDO regulates the voltage at the INTVCC pin to 5.25V and the RB 1/2 LTC3827-1 VFB RA RTRACKB TRACK/SS RTRACKA 38271 F07 Figure 7. Using the TRACK/SS Pin for Tracking 38271fe 17 LTC3827-1 APPLICATIONS INFORMATION EXTVCC LDO regulates it to 7.5V. Each of these can supply a peak current of 50mA and must be bypassed to ground with a minimum of 4.7μF tantalum, 10μF special polymer, or low ESR electrolytic capacitor. A ceramic capacitor with a minimum value of 4.7μF can also be used if a 1Ω resistor is added in series with the capacitor. No matter what type of bulk capacitor is used, an additional 1μF ceramic capacitor placed directly adjacent to the INTVCC and PGND IC pins is highly recommended. Good bypassing is needed to supply the high transient currents required by the MOSFET gate drivers and to prevent interaction between the channels. High input voltage applications in which large MOSFETs are being driven at high frequencies may cause the maximum junction temperature rating for the LTC3827-1 to be exceeded. The INTVCC current, which is dominated by the gate charge current, may be supplied by either the 5.25V VIN LDO or the 7.5V EXTVCC LDO. When the voltage on the EXTVCC pin is less than 4.7V, the VIN LDO is enabled. Power dissipation for the IC in this case is highest and is equal to VIN • INTVCC. The gate charge current is dependent on operating frequency as discussed in the Efficiency Considerations section. The junction temperature can be estimated by using the equation given in Note 2 of the Electrical Characteristics. For example, the LTC3827-1 INTVCC current is limited to less than 24mA from a 24V supply when in the G package and not using the EXTVCC supply: TJ = 70°C + (24mA)(24V)(95°C/W) = 125°C To prevent the maximum junction temperature from being exceeded, the input supply current must be checked while operating in continuous conduction mode (PLLIN/MODE = INTVCC) at maximum VIN. When the voltage applied to EXTVCC rises above 4.7V, the VIN LDO is turned off and the EXTVCC LDO is enabled. The EXTVCC LDO remains on as long as the voltage applied to EXTVCC remains above 4.5V. The EXTVCC LDO attempts to regulate the INTVCC voltage to 7.5V, so while EXTVCC is less than 7.5V, the LDO is in dropout and the INTVCC voltage is approximately equal to EXTVCC. When EXTVCC is greater than 7.5V up to an absolute maximum of 10V, INTVCC is regulated to 7.5V. Using the EXTVCC LDO allows the MOSFET driver and control power to be derived from one of the LTC3827-1’s switching regulator outputs (4.7V ≤ VOUT ≤ 10V) during normal operation and from the VIN LDO when the output is out of regulation (e.g., start-up, short-circuit). If more current is required through the EXTVCC LDO than is specified, an external Schottky diode can be added between the EXTVCC and INTVCC pins. Do not apply more than 10V to the EXTVCC pin and make sure than EXTVCC ≤ VIN. Significant efficiency and thermal gains can be realized by powering INTVCC from the output, since the VIN current resulting from the driver and control currents will be scaled by a factor of (Duty Cycle)/(Switcher Efficiency). For 5V to 10V regulator outputs, this means connecting the EXTVCC pin directly to VOUT. Tying the EXTVCC pin to a 5V supply reduces the junction temperature in the previous example from 125°C to: TJ = 70°C + (24mA)(5V)(95°C/W) = 81°C However, for 3.3V and other low voltage outputs, additional circuitry is required to derive INTVCC power from the output. The following list summarizes the four possible connections for EXTVCC: 1. EXTVCC Left Open (or Grounded). This will cause INTVCC to be powered from the internal 5.25V regulator resulting in an efficiency penalty of up to 10% at high input voltages. 2. EXTVCC Connected directly to VOUT. This is the normal connection for a 5V to 10V regulator and provides the highest efficiency. 3. EXTVCC Connected to an External supply. If an external supply is available in the 5V to 10V range, it may be used to power EXTVCC providing it is compatible with the MOSFET gate drive requirements. 38271fe 18 LTC3827-1 APPLICATIONS INFORMATION Fault Conditions: Current Limit and Current Foldback VIN CIN 1μF + BAT85 VIN 0.22μF BAT85 LTC3827-1 N-CH EXTVCC BAT85 VN2222LL TG1 RSENSE VOUT SW L1 + COUT BG1 N-CH PGND 38271 F08 Figure 8. Capacitive Charge Pump for EXTVCC The LTC3827-1 includes current foldback to help limit load current when the output is shorted to ground. If the output falls below 70% of its nominal output level, then the maximum sense voltage is progressively lowered from 100mV to 30mV. Under short-circuit conditions with very low duty cycles, the LTC3827-1 will begin cycle skipping in order to limit the short-circuit current. In this situation the bottom MOSFET will be dissipating most of the power but less than in normal operation. The short-circuit ripple current is determined by the minimum on-time, tON(MIN), of the LTC3827-1 (≈180ns), the input voltage and inductor value: ΔIL(SC) = tON(MIN) (VIN/L) The resulting short-circuit current is: 4. EXTVCC Connected to an Output-Derived Boost Network. For 3.3V and other low voltage regulators, efficiency gains can still be realized by connecting EXTVCC to an output-derived voltage that has been boosted to greater than 4.7V. This can be done with the capacitive charge pump shown in Figure 8. Topside MOSFET Driver Supply (CB, DB) External bootstrap capacitors, CB, connected to the BOOST pins supply the gate drive voltages for the topside MOSFETs. Capacitor CB in the Functional Diagram is charged though external diode DB from INTVCC when the SW pin is low. When one of the topside MOSFETs is to be turned on, the driver places the CB voltage across the gate-source of the desired MOSFET. This enhances the MOSFET and turns on the topside switch. The switch node voltage, SW, rises to VIN and the BOOST pin follows. With the topside MOSFET on, the boost voltage is above the input supply: VBOOST = VIN + VINTVCC. The value of the boost capacitor, CB, needs to be 100 times that of the total input capacitance of the topside MOSFET(s). The reverse breakdown of the external Schottky diode must be greater than VIN(MAX). When adjusting the gate drive level, the final arbiter is the total input current for the regulator. If a change is made and the input current decreases, then the efficiency has improved. If there is no change in input current, then there is no change in efficiency. ISC = 30mV 1 – I RSENSE 2 L(SC) Fault Conditions: Overvoltage Protection (Crowbar) The overvoltage crowbar is designed to blow a system input fuse when the output voltage of the regulator rises much higher than nominal levels. The crowbar causes huge currents to flow, that blow the fuse to protect against a shorted top MOSFET if the short occurs while the controller is operating. A comparator monitors the output for overvoltage conditions. The comparator (OV) detects overvoltage faults greater than 10% above the nominal output voltage. When this condition is sensed, the top MOSFET is turned off and the bottom MOSFET is turned on until the overvoltage condition is cleared. The bottom MOSFET remains on continuously for as long as the OV condition persists; if VOUT returns to a safe level, normal operation automatically resumes. A shorted top MOSFET will result in a high current condition which will open the system fuse. The switching regulator will regulate properly with a leaky top MOSFET by altering the duty cycle to accommodate the leakage. 38271fe 19 LTC3827-1 APPLICATIONS INFORMATION Phase-Locked Loop and Frequency Synchronization The LTC3827-1 has a phase-locked loop (PLL) comprised of an internal voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) and a phase detector. This allows the turn-on of the top MOSFET of controller 1 to be locked to the rising edge of an external clock signal applied to the PLLIN/MODE pin. The turn-on of controller 2’s top MOSFET is thus 180 degrees out of phase with the external clock. The phase detector is an edge sensitive digital type that provides zero degrees phase shift between the external and internal oscillators. This type of phase detector does not exhibit false lock to harmonics of the external clock. The output of the phase detector is a pair of complementary current sources that charge or discharge the external filter network connected to the PLLLPF pin. The relationship between the voltage on the PLLLPF pin and operating frequency, when there is a clock signal applied to PLLIN/ MODE, is shown in Figure 9 and specified in the Electrical Characteristics table. Note that the LTC3827-1 can only be synchronized to an external clock whose frequency is within range of the LTC3827-1’s internal VCO, which is nominally 115kHz to 800kHz. This is guaranteed to be between 140kHz and 650kHz. A simplified block diagram is shown in Figure 10. If the external clock frequency is greater than the internal oscillator’s frequency, fOSC, then current is sourced continuously from the phase detector output, pulling up the PLLLPF pin. When the external clock frequency is less than fOSC, current is sunk continuously, pulling down the PLLLPF pin. If the external and internal frequencies are the same but exhibit a phase difference, the current sources turn on for an amount of time corresponding to the phase difference. The voltage on the PLLLPF pin is adjusted until the phase and frequency of the internal and external oscillators are identical. At the stable operating point, the phase detector output is high impedance and the filter capacitor, CLP, holds the voltage. The loop filter components, CLP and RLP, smooth out the current pulses from the phase detector and provide a stable input to the voltage-controlled oscillator. The filter components CLP and RLP determine how fast the loop acquires lock. Typically RLP = 10k and CLP is 2200pF to 0.01μF. Typically, the external clock (on PLLIN/MODE pin) input high threshold is 1.6V, while the input low threshold is 1.2V. Table 2 summarizes the different states in which the PLLLPF pin can be used. Table 2 PLLLPF PIN PLLIN/MODE PIN FREQUENCY DC Voltage 250kHz 0V Floating DC Voltage 400kHz INTVCC DC Voltage 530kHz RC Loop Filter Clock Signal Phase-Locked to External Clock 900 800 2.4V FREQUENCY (kHz) 700 RLP 600 CLP 500 PLLIN/ MODE 400 EXTERNAL OSCILLATOR 300 200 PLLLPF DIGITAL PHASE/ FREQUENCY DETECTOR OSCILLATOR 100 0 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 PLLLPF PIN VOLTAGE (V) 2.5 3827 F10 3827 F09 Figure 9. Relationship Between Oscillator Frequency and Voltage at the PLLLPF Pin When Synchronizing to an External Clock Figure 10. Phase-Locked Loop Block Diagram 38271fe 20 LTC3827-1 APPLICATIONS INFORMATION Minimum On-Time Considerations Minimum on-time, tON(MIN), is the smallest time duration that the LTC3827-1 is capable of turning on the top MOSFET. It is determined by internal timing delays and the gate charge required to turn on the top MOSFET. Low duty cycle applications may approach this minimum on-time limit and care should be taken to ensure that tON(MIN) < VOUT VIN(f) If the duty cycle falls below what can be accommodated by the minimum on-time, the controller will begin to skip cycles. The output voltage will continue to be regulated, but the ripple voltage and current will increase. The minimum on-time for the LTC3827-1 is approximately 180ns. However, as the peak sense voltage decreases the minimum on-time gradually increases up to about 200ns. This is of particular concern in forced continuous applications with low ripple current at light loads. If the duty cycle drops below the minimum on-time limit in this situation, a significant amount of cycle skipping can occur with correspondingly larger current and voltage ripple. Efficiency Considerations The percent 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. Percent efficiency can be expressed as: %Efficiency = 100% – (L1 + L2 + L3 + ...) where L1, L2, etc. are the individual losses as a percentage of input power. Although all dissipative elements in the circuit produce losses, four main sources usually account for most of the losses in LTC3827-1 circuits: 1) IC VIN current, 2) INTVCC regulator current, 3) I2R losses, 4) Topside MOSFET transition losses. 1. The VIN current has two components: the first is the DC supply current given in the Electrical Characteristics table, which excludes MOSFET driver and control currents; the second is the current drawn from the 3.3V linear regulator output. VIN current typically results in a small (<0.1%) loss. 2. INTVCC current is the sum of the MOSFET driver and control currents. The MOSFET driver current results from switching the gate capacitance of the power MOSFETs. Each time a MOSFET gate is switched from low to high to low again, a packet of charge dQ moves from INTVCC to ground. The resulting dQ/dt is a current out of INTVCC that is typically much larger than the control circuit current. In continuous mode, IGATECHG = f(QT + QB), where QT and QB are the gate charges of the topside and bottom side MOSFETs. Supplying INTVCC power through the EXTVCC switch input from an output-derived source will scale the VIN current required for the driver and control circuits by a factor of (Duty Cycle)/(Efficiency). For example, in a 20V to 5V application, 10mA of INTVCC current results in approximately 2.5mA of VIN current. This reduces the mid-current loss from 10% or more (if the driver was powered directly from VIN) to only a few percent. 3. I2R losses are predicted from the DC resistances of the fuse (if used), MOSFET, inductor, current sense resistor, and input and output capacitor ESR. In continuous mode the average output current flows through L and RSENSE, but is “chopped” between the topside MOSFET and the synchronous MOSFET. If the two MOSFETs have approximately the same RDS(ON), then the resistance of one MOSFET can simply be summed with the resistances of L, RSENSE and ESR to obtain I2R losses. For example, if each RDS(ON) = 30mΩ, RL = 50mΩ, RSENSE = 10mΩ and RESR = 40mΩ (sum of both input and output capacitance losses), then the total resistance is 130mΩ. This results in losses ranging from 3% to 13% as the output current increases from 1A to 5A for a 5V output, or a 4% to 20% loss for a 3.3V output. Efficiency varies as the inverse square of VOUT for the 38271fe 21 LTC3827-1 APPLICATIONS INFORMATION same external components and output power level. The combined effects of increasingly lower output voltages and higher currents required by high performance digital systems is not doubling but quadrupling the importance of loss terms in the switching regulator system! 4. Transition losses apply only to the topside MOSFET(s), and become significant only when operating at high input voltages (typically 15V or greater). Transition losses can be estimated from: Transition Loss = (1.7) VIN2 IO(MAX) CRSS f Other “hidden” losses such as copper trace and internal battery resistances can account for an additional 5% to 10% efficiency degradation in portable systems. It is very important to include these “system” level losses during the design phase. The internal battery and fuse resistance losses can be minimized by making sure that CIN has adequate charge storage and very low ESR at the switching frequency. A 25W supply will typically require a minimum of 20μF to 40μF of capacitance having a maximum of 20mΩ to 50mΩ of ESR. The LTC3827-1 2-phase architecture typically halves this input capacitance requirement over competing solutions. Other losses including Schottky conduction losses during dead-time and inductor core losses generally account for less than 2% total additional loss. Checking Transient Response 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 (resistive) load current. When a load step occurs, VOUT shifts by an amount equal to ΔILOAD (ESR), where ESR is the effective series resistance of COUT. ΔILOAD 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. OPTI-LOOP compensation allows the transient response to be optimized over a wide range of output capacitance and ESR values. The availability of the ITH pin not only allows optimization of control loop behavior but also provides a DC coupled and AC filtered closed-loop response test point. The DC step, rise time and settling at this test point truly reflects the closed-loop response. Assuming a predominantly second order system, phase margin and/or damping factor can be estimated using the percentage of overshoot seen at this pin. The bandwidth can also be estimated by examining the rise time at the pin. The ITH external components shown in Figure 13 circuit will provide an adequate starting point for most applications. The ITH series RC-CC filter sets the dominant pole-zero loop compensation. The values can be modified slightly (from 0.5 to 2 times their suggested values) to optimize transient response once the final PC 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. An output current pulse of 20% to 80% of full-load current having a rise time of 1μs to 10μs will produce output voltage and ITH pin waveforms that will give a sense of the overall loop stability without breaking the feedback loop. Placing a power MOSFET directly across the output capacitor and driving the gate with an appropriate signal generator is a practical way to produce a realistic load step condition. The initial output voltage step resulting from the step change in output current may not be within the bandwidth of the feedback loop, so this signal cannot be used to determine phase margin. This is why it is better to look at the ITH pin signal which is in the feedback loop and is the filtered and compensated control loop response. 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 and will demonstrate the actual overall supply performance. 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 38271fe 22 LTC3827-1 APPLICATIONS INFORMATION resistance is low and it is driven quickly. If the ratio of CLOAD to COUT is greater than 1:50, the switch rise time should be controlled so that the load rise time is limited to approximately 25 • CLOAD. Thus a 10μF capacitor would require a 250μs rise time, limiting the charging current to about 200mA. Design Example As a design example for one channel, assume VIN = 12V(nominal), VIN = 22V(max), VOUT = 1.8V, IMAX = 5A, and f = 250kHz. The inductance value is chosen first based on a 30% ripple current assumption. The highest value of ripple current occurs at the maximum input voltage. Tie the PLLLPF pin to GND, generating 250kHz operation. The minimum inductance for 30% ripple current is: IL = VOUT VOUT 1– (f)(L) VIN A 4.7μH inductor will produce 23% ripple current and a 3.3μH will result in 33%. The peak inductor current will be the maximum DC value plus one half the ripple current, or 5.84A, for the 3.3μH value. Increasing the ripple current will also help ensure that the minimum on-time of 180ns is not violated. The minimum on-time occurs at maximum VIN: VOUT 1.8V tON(MIN) = = = 327ns VIN(MAX)f 22V(250kHz) The RSENSE resistor value can be calculated by using the maximum current sense voltage specification with some accommodation for tolerances: RSENSE The power dissipation on the topside MOSFET can be easily estimated. Choosing a Fairchild FDS6982S dual MOSFET results in: RDS(ON) = 0.035Ω/0.022Ω, CMILLER = 215pF. At maximum input voltage with T(estimated) = 50°C: 1.8V 2 (5) [1+ (0.005)(50°C – 25°C)] • 22V (0.035) + (22V )2 5A ( 4)(215pF ) • 2 PMAIN = 1 1 5 – 2.3 + 2.3 ( 300kHz ) = 332mW A short-circuit to ground will result in a folded back current of: ISC = 25mV 1 120ns(22V) – = 2.1A 0.01 2 3.3μH with a typical value of RDS(ON) and δ = (0.005/°C)(20) = 0.1. The resulting power dissipated in the bottom MOSFET is: 22V – 1.8V 2 2.1A ) (1.125) ( 0.022 ) ( 22V = 100mW PSYNC = which is less than under full-load conditions. CIN is chosen for an RMS current rating of at least 3A at temperature assuming only this channel is on. COUT is chosen with an ESR of 0.02Ω for low output ripple. The output ripple in continuous mode will be highest at the maximum input voltage. The output voltage ripple due to ESR is approximately: VORIPPLE = RESR (ΔIL) = 0.02Ω(1.67A) = 33mVP–P 80mV 0.012 5.84A Choosing 1% resistors: R1 = 25.5k and R2 = 32.4k yields an output voltage of 1.816V. 38271fe 23 LTC3827-1 APPLICATIONS INFORMATION PC Board Layout Checklist When laying out the printed circuit board, the following checklist should be used to ensure proper operation of the IC. These items are also illustrated graphically in the layout diagram of Figure 11. Figure 12 illustrates the current waveforms present in the various branches of the 2-phase synchronous regulators operating in the continuous mode. Check the following in your layout: 1. Are the top N-channel MOSFETs M1 and M3 located within 1cm of each other with a common drain connection at CIN? Do not attempt to split the input decoupling for the two channels as it can cause a large resonant loop. ITH1 TRACK/SS1 VFB1 PGOOD1 2. Are the signal and power grounds kept separate? The combined IC signal ground pin and the ground return of CINTVCC must return to the combined COUT (–) terminals. The path formed by the top N-channel MOSFET, Schottky diode and the CIN capacitor should have short leads and PC trace lengths. The output capacitor (–) terminals should be connected as close as possible to the (–) terminals of the input capacitor by placing the capacitors next to each other and away from the Schottky loop described above. 3. Do the LTC3827 VFB pins’ resistive dividers connect to the (+) terminals of COUT? The resistive divider must be connected between the (+) terminal of COUT and signal ground. The feedback resistor connections should not be along the high current input feeds from the input capacitor(s). RPU VPULL-UP (<8.5V) PGOOD1 L1 SENSE1+ TG1 SENSE1– SW1 VOUT1 CB1 PLLLPF fIN PLLIN/MODE M1 BOOST1 PGND RUN2 LTC3827-1 EXTVCC SENSE2– INTVCC SENSE2+ BG2 VFB2 D1 COUT1 CVIN RUN1 M2 1μF CERAMIC BG1 VIN SGND RSENSE VIN CINTVCC + + GND + CIN COUT2 1μF CERAMIC M3 BOOST2 + RIN M4 D2 CB2 ITH2 SW2 TRACK/SS2 TG2 RSENSE VOUT2 L2 38271 F11 Figure 11. LTC3827-1 Recommended Printed Circuit Layout Diagram 38271fe 24 LTC3827-1 APPLICATIONS INFORMATION 4. Are the SENSE – and SENSE + leads routed together with minimum PC trace spacing? The filter capacitor between SENSE+ and SENSE– should be as close as possible to the IC. Ensure accurate current sensing with Kelvin connections at the SENSE resistor. 5. Is the INTVCC decoupling capacitor connected close to the IC, between the INTVCC and the power ground pins? This capacitor carries the MOSFET drivers current peaks. An additional 1μF ceramic capacitor placed immediately next to the INTVCC and PGND pins can help improve noise performance substantially. SW1 6. Keep the switching nodes (SW1, SW2), top gate nodes (TG1, TG2), and boost nodes (BOOST1, BOOST2) away from sensitive small-signal nodes, especially from the opposites channel’s voltage and current sensing feedback pins. All of these nodes have very large and fast moving signals and therefore should be kept on the “output side” of the LTC3827 and occupy minimum PC trace area. 7. Use a modified “star ground” technique: a low impedance, large copper area central grounding point on the same side of the PC board as the input and output capacitors with tie-ins for the bottom of the INTVCC decoupling capacitor, the bottom of the voltage feedback resistive divider and the SGND pin of the IC. L1 D1 RSENSE1 VOUT1 COUT1 RL1 VIN RIN CIN SW2 BOLD LINES INDICATE HIGH SWITCHING CURRENT. KEEP LINES TO A MINIMUM LENGTH. D2 L2 RSENSE2 VOUT2 COUT2 RL2 38271 F12 Figure 12. Branch Current Waveforms 38271fe 25 LTC3827-1 APPLICATIONS INFORMATION PC Board Layout Debugging Start with one controller on at a time. It is helpful to use a DC-50MHz current probe to monitor the current in the inductor while testing the circuit. Monitor the output switching node (SW pin) to synchronize the oscilloscope to the internal oscillator and probe the actual output voltage as well. Check for proper performance over the operating voltage and current range expected in the application. The frequency of operation should be maintained over the input voltage range down to dropout and until the output load drops below the low current operation threshold—typically 10% of the maximum designed current level in Burst Mode operation. The duty cycle percentage should be maintained from cycle to cycle in a well-designed, low noise PCB implementation. Variation in the duty cycle at a subharmonic rate can suggest noise pickup at the current or voltage sensing inputs or inadequate loop compensation. Overcompensation of the loop can be used to tame a poor PC layout if regulator bandwidth optimization is not required. Only after each controller is checked for its individual performance should both controllers be turned on at the same time. A particularly difficult region of operation is when one controller channel is nearing its current comparator trip point when the other channel is turning on its top MOSFET. This occurs around 50% duty cycle on either channel due to the phasing of the internal clocks and may cause minor duty cycle jitter. undervoltage lockout circuit by further lowering VIN while monitoring the outputs to verify operation. Investigate whether any problems exist only at higher output currents or only at higher input voltages. If problems coincide with high input voltages and low output currents, look for capacitive coupling between the BOOST, SW, TG, and possibly BG connections and the sensitive voltage and current pins. The capacitor placed across the current sensing pins needs to be placed immediately adjacent to the pins of the IC. This capacitor helps to minimize the effects of differential noise injection due to high frequency capacitive coupling. If problems are encountered with high current output loading at lower input voltages, look for inductive coupling between CIN, Schottky and the top MOSFET components to the sensitive current and voltage sensing traces. In addition, investigate common ground path voltage pickup between these components and the SGND pin of the IC. An embarrassing problem, which can be missed in an otherwise properly working switching regulator, results when the current sensing leads are hooked up backwards. The output voltage under this improper hookup will still be maintained but the advantages of current mode control will not be realized. Compensation of the voltage loop will be much more sensitive to component selection. This behavior can be investigated by temporarily shorting out the current sensing resistor—don’t worry, the regulator will still maintain control of the output voltage. Reduce VIN from its nominal level to verify operation of the regulator in dropout. Check the operation of the 38271fe 26 LTC3827-1 TYPICAL APPLICATION CSS1 0.01μF CITH1A 100pF CITH1 1200pF RITH1 10k 39pF RB1 215k RA1 68.1k C1 1nF ITH1 TRACK/SS1 VFB1 PGOOD1 SENSE1+ TG1 SENSE1– SW1 PLLLPF R2 100k MTOP1 L1 3.3μH RSNS1 12mΩ CB1 0.47μF COUT1 150μF BOOST1 BG1 PLLIN/MODE VOUT1 3.3V 5A MBOT1 D1 VIN 12V VIN SGND LTC3827-1 RA2 22.1k CITH2 560pF PGND RUN2 EXTVCC SENSE2– INTVCC SENSE2+ BG2 VFB2 BOOST2 ITH2 SW2 TRACK/SS2 TG2 RITH2 35.7k CITH2A 100pF RB2 215k CIN1 10μF CINT2 1μF + C2 1nF RUN1 CIN2 10μF CINT1 4.7μF D2 CB2 0.47μF MTOP2 L2 7.2μH CSS2 0.01μF RSNS2 12mΩ COUT2 150μF MBOT2 VOUT2 8.5V 3.5A 39pF 38271 TA02 MTOP1, MTOP2, MBOT1, MBOT2: Si7848DP L1: CDEP105-3R2M L2: CDEP105-7R2M COUT1, COUT2 : SANYO 10TPD150M Efficiency vs Load Current 100 90 Start-Up SW Node Waveform VOUT = 3.3V VOUT = 8.5V VOUT2 2V/DIV SW1 5V/DIV 80 EFFICIENCY (%) 70 VOUT1 2V/DIV 60 SW2 5V/DIV 50 40 30 20 20ms/DIV 10 0 0.001 0.01 38271 F14 1μs/DIV 38271 F15 0.1 1 10 100 1000 10000 LOAD CURRENT (mA) 38271 F13 Figure 13. High Efficiency Dual 8.5V/3.3V Step-Down Converter 38271fe 27 LTC3827-1 TYPICAL APPLICATION High Efficiency Dual 5V/9.5V Step-Down Converter CSS1 0.01μF CITH1A 100pF CITH1 470pF RITH1 10k RB1 365k RA1 69.8k C1 1nF ITH1 TRACK/SS1 VFB1 PGOOD1 SENSE1+ TG1 SENSE1– SW1 PLLLPF R2 100k MTOP1 L1 3.3μH RSNS1 12mΩ COUT1 150μF BOOST1 BG1 PLLIN/MODE VOUT1 5V 5A CB1 0.47μF MBOT1 D1 VIN 12V VIN SGND LTC3827-1 RA2 39.2k CITH2 330pF CITH2A 100pF PGND RUN2 EXTVCC SENSE2– INTVCC SENSE2+ BG2 VFB2 BOOST2 ITH2 SW2 TRACK/SS2 TG2 RITH2 15k RB2 432k CIN1 10μF CINT2 1μF + C2 1nF RUN1 CIN2 10μF CINT1 4.7μF D2 CB2 0.47μF MTOP2 L2 7.2μH CSS2 0.01μF RSNS2 12mΩ MBOT2 VOUT2 9.5V COUT2 3A 150μF 38271 TA03 MTOP1, MTOP2, MBOT1, MBOT2: Si7848DP L1: CDEP105-3R2M L2: CDEP105-7R2M COUT1, COUT2 : SANYO 10TPD150M Efficiency vs Load Current Start-Up SW Node Waveform 100 90 VOUT = 5V VOUT = 9.5V VOUT2 2V/DIV 80 EFFICIENCY (%) 70 VOUT1 2V/DIV 60 SW1 5V/DIV SW2 5V/DIV 50 40 30 20 20ms/DIV 10 0 0.001 0.01 1μs/DIV 38271 F17 38271 F18 0.1 1 10 100 1000 10000 LOAD CURRENT (mA) 38271 F16 38271fe 28 LTC3827-1 TYPICAL APPLICATION High Efficiency Synchronizable Dual 5V/8V Step-Down Converter CSS1 0.01μF CITH1A 100pF CITH1 470pF 39pF RITH1 10k RB1 365k RA1 69.8k 10nF 10k C1 1nF ITH1 TRACK/SS1 VFB1 PGOOD1 SENSE1+ TG1 SENSE1– SW1 PLLLPF R2 100k MTOP1 L1 3.3μH RSNS1 12mΩ CB1 0.47μF COUT1 150μF BOOST1 BG1 PLLIN/MODE D3 MBOT1 D1 VIN 12V VIN SGND LTC3827-1 RA2 39.2k CITH2 560pF CITH2A 100pF RITH2 35k RB2 353k PGND RUN2 EXTVCC SENSE2– INTVCC SENSE2+ BG2 VFB2 BOOST2 ITH2 SW2 TRACK/SS2 TG2 CIN1 10μF CINT2 1μF + C2 1nF RUN1 VOUT1 5V 5A CIN2 10μF CINT1 4.7μF D2 CB2 0.47μF MTOP2 L2 7.2μH CSS2 0.01μF RSNS2 20mΩ MBOT2 D4 VOUT2 8V COUT2 2A 150μF 22pF 38271 TA04 MTOP1, MTOP2, MBOT1, MBOT2: Si7848DP L1: CDEP105-3R2M L2: CDEP105-7R2M COUT1, COUT2 : SANYO 10TPD150M 38271fe 29 LTC3827-1 TYPICAL APPLICATION High Efficiency Dual 1.2V/1V Step-Down Converter CSS1 0.01μF CITH1A 220pF CITH1 2.2nF 47pF RITH1 7k RB1 100k RA1 402k C1 1nF ITH1 TRACK/SS1 VFB1 PGOOD1 SENSE1+ TG1 – SENSE1 SW1 PLLLPF BOOST1 R2 100k MTOP1 RSNS1 15mΩ CB1 0.47μF COUT1 150μF BG1 PLLIN/MODE L1 2.2μH MBOT1 D1 VIN 12V VIN SGND LTC3827-1 RA2 402k CITH2 2.2nF CITH2A 100pF PGND RUN2 EXTVCC SENSE2– INTVCC SENSE2+ BG2 VFB2 BOOST2 ITH2 SW2 TRACK/SS2 TG2 RITH2 10k RB2 200k CIN1 10μF CINT2 1μF + C2 1nF RUN1 VOUT1 1.0V 5A CIN2 10μF CINT1 4.7μF D2 CB2 0.47μF CSS2 0.01μF MTOP2 L2 2.2μH RSNS2 15mΩ COUT2 150μF MBOT2 VOUT2 1.2V 5A 38271 TA05 MTOP1, MTOP2, MBOT1, MBOT2: Si7848DP L1: CDEP105-2R2M L2: CDEP105-2R2M COUT1, COUT2 : SANYO 10TPD150M 38271fe 30 LTC3827-1 PACKAGE DESCRIPTION G Package 28-Lead Plastic SSOP (5.3mm) (Reference LTC DWG # 05-08-1640) 9.90 – 10.50* (.390 – .413) 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 1.25 ±0.12 7.8 – 8.2 5.3 – 5.7 0.42 ±0.03 7.40 – 8.20 (.291 – .323) 0.65 BSC 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 RECOMMENDED SOLDER PAD LAYOUT 2.0 (.079) MAX 5.00 – 5.60** (.197 – .221) 0° – 8° 0.09 – 0.25 (.0035 – .010) 0.55 – 0.95 (.022 – .037) NOTE: 1. CONTROLLING DIMENSION: MILLIMETERS MILLIMETERS 2. DIMENSIONS ARE IN (INCHES) 0.65 (.0256) BSC 0.22 – 0.38 (.009 – .015) TYP 0.05 (.002) MIN G28 SSOP 0204 3. DRAWING NOT TO SCALE *DIMENSIONS DO NOT INCLUDE MOLD FLASH. MOLD FLASH SHALL NOT EXCEED .152mm (.006") PER SIDE **DIMENSIONS DO NOT INCLUDE INTERLEAD FLASH. INTERLEAD FLASH SHALL NOT EXCEED .254mm (.010") PER SIDE 38271fe 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. 31 LTC3827-1 TYPICAL APPLICATION High Efficiency Dual 3.3V/8.0V Step-Down Converter CSS1 0.01μF CITH1A 100pF CITH1 1200pF 39pF RITH1 10k RB1 215k RA1 68.1k C1 1nF ITH1 TRACK/SS1 VFB1 PGOOD1 SENSE1+ TG1 SENSE1– SW1 PLLLPF R2 100k MTOP1 L1 1.5μH RSNS1 5mΩ CB1 0.47μF COUT1 150μF ×2 BOOST1 BG1 PLLIN/MODE MBOT1 D1 VIN 12V VIN SGND LTC3827-1 RA2 39.2k CITH2 560pF RITH2 35k CITH2A 100pF RB2 353k PGND RUN2 EXTVCC SENSE2– INTVCC SENSE2+ BG2 VFB2 BOOST2 ITH2 SW2 TRACK/SS2 TG2 CIN1 10μF CINT2 1μF + C2 1nF RUN1 VOUT1 3.3V 10A CIN2 10μF CINT1 4.7μF D2 CB2 0.47μF MTOP2 L2 7.2μH CSS2 0.01μF RSNS2 15mΩ COUT2 150μF MBOT2 VOUT2 8V 2A 38271 TA06 MTOP1, MTOP2, MBOT1, MBOT2: Si7848DP L1: CDEP105-3R2M L2: CDEP105-7R2M COUT1, COUT2 : SANYO 10TPD150M RELATED PARTS PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION COMMENTS LTC1628/LTC1628-PG/ 2-Phase, Dual Output Synchronous Step-Down LTC1628-SYNC DC/DC Controller Reduces CIN and COUT, Power Good Output Signal, Synchronizable, 3.5V ≤ VIN ≤ 36V, IOUT Up to 20A, 0.8V ≤ VOUT ≤ 5V LTC1735 High Efficiency Synchronous Step-Down Switching Regulator Output Fault Protection, 16-Pin SSOP Package LTC1778/LTC1778-1 No RSENSE™ Current Mode Synchronous Step-Down Controllers Up to 97% Efficiency, 4V ≤ VIN ≤ 36V, 0.8V ≤ VOUT ≤ (0.9)(VIN), IOUT Up to 20A LT1976 High Voltage Step-Down Switching Regulator 3.3V ≤ VIN ≤ 60V, 100μA Quiescent Current LTC3708 Dual, 2-Phase, DC/DC Controller with Output Tracking Current Mode, No RSENSE, Up/Down Tracking, Synchronizable LTC3727/LTC3727A-1 2-Phase Dual Synchronous Controller 0.8V ≤ VOUT ≤ 14V; 4V ≤ VIN ≤ 36V LTC3728 Dual, 550kHz, 2-Phase Synchronous Step-Down Controller Dual 180° Phased Controllers, VIN 3.5V to 35V, 99% Duty Cycle, 5mm × 5mm QFN and SSOP-28 Packages LTC3729 20A to 200A, 550kHz PolyPhase® Synchronous Controller Expandable from 2-Phase to 12-Phase, Uses All Surface Mount Components, VIN Up to 36V LTC3731 3- to 12-Phase Step-Down Synchronous Controller 60A to 240A Output Current, 0.6V ≤ VOUT ≤ 6V, 4.5V ≤ VIN ≤ 32V LTC3835/LTC3835-1 Low IQ Synchronous Step-Down Controller Single Channel LTC3827/LTC3827-1 PolyPhase is a registered trademark of Linear Technology Corporation. No RSENSE is a trademark of Linear Technology Corporation. 32 Linear Technology Corporation 38271fe LT 0808 REV E • PRINTED IN USA 1630 McCarthy Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035-7417 (408) 432-1900 ● FAX: (408) 434-0507 ● www.linear.com © LINEAR TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 2005