LINER LTC3827IG-1-TR Low iq, dual, 2-phase synchronous step-down controller Datasheet

LTC3827-1
Low IQ, Dual, 2-Phase
Synchronous Step-Down Controller
DESCRIPTION
FEATURES
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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
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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
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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
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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
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