FEATURES n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n LTC3707-SYNC High Efficiency, 2-Phase Synchronous Step-Down Switching Regulator DESCRIPTION 180° Phased Controllers Reduce Required Input Capacitance and Power Supply Induced Noise OPTI-LOOP® Compensation Minimizes COUT Dual N-Channel MOSFET Synchronous Drive ±1.5% Output Voltage Accuracy Power Good Output Voltage Monitor Phase-Lockable Fixed Frequency 150kHz to 300kHz Wide VIN Range: 4.5V to 28V Operation Very Low Dropout Operation: 99% Duty Cycle Adjustable Soft-Start Current Ramping Foldback Output Current Limiting Latched Short-Circuit Shutdown with Defeat Option Output Overvoltage Protection Remote Output Voltage Sense Low Shutdown IQ: 20μA 5V and 3.3V Standby Regulators Small 28-Lead Narrow SSOP Package (0.150˝ Wide) Selectable Constant Frequency, Burst Mode® or PWM Operation The LTC®3707-SYNC 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 phase-lockable frequency of up to 300kHz. Power loss and noise due to the ESR of the input capacitors are minimized by operating the two controller output stages out of phase. OPTI-LOOP compensation allows the transient response to be optimized over a wide range of output capacitance and ESR values. The precision 0.8V reference and power good output indicator are compatible with future microprocessor generations, and a wide 4.5V to 28V (30V maximum) input supply range encompasses all battery chemistries. A RUN/SS pin for each controller provides both softstart and optional timed, short-circuit shutdown. Current foldback limits MOSFET dissipation during short-circuit conditions when overcurrent latchoff is disabled. Output overvoltage protection circuitry latches on the bottom MOSFET until VOUT returns to normal. The FCB mode pin can select among Burst Mode operation, constant frequency mode and continuous inductor current mode or regulate a secondary winding. The IC includes a power good output pin that indicates when both outputs are within 7.5% of their designed set point. APPLICATIONS n n n n n Notebook and Palmtop Computers, PDAs Telecom Systems Portable Instruments Battery-Operated Digital Devices DC Power Distribution Systems TYPICAL APPLICATION L, LT, LTC and LTM are registered trademarks of Linear Technology Corporation. Burst Mode and OPTI-LOOP are registered trademarks of Linear Technology Corporation. Protected by U.S. Patents including 5481178, 5705919, 5929620, 6144194, 6177787, 6304066, 6580258. + 4.7μF D3 D4 VIN PGOOD INTVCC M1 TG1 L1 6.3μH BG1 fIN RSENSE1 0.01Ω + COUT1 47μF 6V SP CC1 220pF RC1 15k M4 BG2 SENSE1+ SENSE2+ – – 1000pF R1 20k 1% L2 6.3μH CB2, 0.1μF D2 PGND PLLIN RSENSE2 0.01Ω 1000pF VOSENSE1 R2 105k 1% VIN 5.2V TO 28V CIN 22μF 50V CERAMIC SW2 LTC3707-SYNC SENSE1 VOUT1 5V 5A BOOST2 SW1 M2 D1 M3 TG2 BOOST1 CB1, 0.1μF 1μF CERAMIC ITH1 SENSE2 ITH2 RUN/SS1 SGND RUN/SS2 CSS1 0.1μF VOUT2 3.3V 5A VOSENSE2 CSS2 0.1μF CC2 220pF RC2 15k R3 20k 1% M1, M2, M3, M4: FDS6680A Figure 1. High Efficiency Dual 5V/3.3V Step-Down Converter R4 63.4k 1% COUT 56mμF 6V SP + 3707 F01 3707sfa 1 LTC3707-SYNC ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS PIN CONFIGURATION (Note 1) TOP VIEW Input Supply Voltage (VIN) ......................... 30V to –0.3V Top Side Driver Voltages (BOOST1, BOOST2) ................................... 36V to –0.3V Switch Voltage (SW1, SW2) ......................... 30V to –5V INTVCC, EXTVCC, RUN/SS1, RUN/SS2, (BOOST1-SW1), (BOOST2-SW2), PGOOD.............................. 7V to –0.3V SENSE1+, SENSE2+, SENSE1–, SENSE2– Voltages .........................(1.1)INTVCC to –0.3V PLLIN, PLLFLTR, FCB, Voltage ............. INTVCC to –0.3V ITH1, ITH2, VOSENSE1, VOSENSE2 Voltages ... 2.7V to –0.3V Peak Output Current <10μs (TG1, TG2, BG1, BG2) .....3A INTVCC Peak Output Current ................................. 40mA 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 RUN/SS1 1 28 PGOOD SENSE1+ 2 27 TG1 SENSE1– 3 26 SW1 VOSENSE1 4 25 BOOST1 PLLFLTR 5 24 VIN PLLIN 6 23 BG1 FCB 7 22 EXTVCC ITH1 8 21 INTVCC SGND 9 20 PGND 3.3VOUT 10 19 BG2 ITH2 11 18 BOOST2 VOSENSE2 12 17 SW2 SENSE2– 13 16 TG2 SENSE2+ 14 15 RUN/SS2 GN PACKAGE 28-LEAD PLASTIC SSOP TJMAX = 125°C, θJA = 80°C/W ORDER INFORMATION LEAD FREE FINISH TAPE AND REEL LTC3707EGN-SYNC#PBF PART MARKING PACKAGE DESCRIPTION TEMPERATURE RANGE LTC3707EGN-SYNC#TRPBF LTC3707EGN-SYNC 28-Lead Plastic SSOP –40°C to 85°C LTC3707IGN-SYNC#PBF LTC3707IGN-SYNC#TRPBF LTC3707IGN-SYNC 28-Lead Plastic SSOP –40°C to 85°C LEAD BASED FINISH TAPE AND REEL PART MARKING PACKAGE DESCRIPTION TEMPERATURE RANGE LTC3707EGN-SYNC LTC3707EGN-SYNC#TR LTC3707EGN-SYNC 28-Lead Plastic SSOP –40°C to 85°C LTC3707IGN-SYNC LTC3707IGN-SYNC#TR LTC3707IGN-SYNC 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/ ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS The l denotes the specifications which apply over the full operating temperature range, otherwise specifications are at TA = 25°C. VIN = 15V, VRUN/SS1, 2 = 5V unless otherwise noted. SYMBOL PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS 0.788 0.800 0.812 V –5 –50 nA 0.002 0.02 %/V 0.1 –0.1 0.5 –0.5 % % Main Control Loops VOSENSE1, 2 Regulated Feedback Voltage (Note 4); ITH1, 2 Voltage = 1.2V IVOSENSE1, 2 Feedback Current (Note 4) VREFLNREG Reference Voltage Line Regulation VIN = 3.6V 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 2.0V gm1, 2 Transconductance Amplifier gm ITH1, 2 = 1.2V; Sink/Source 5μA; (Note 4) l l l 1.3 mmho 3707sfa 2 LTC3707-SYNC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS The l denotes the specifications which apply over the full operating temperature range, otherwise specifications are at TA = 25°C. VIN = 15V, VRUN/SS1, 2 = 5V unless otherwise noted. SYMBOL PARAMETER CONDITIONS gmGBW1, 2 Transconductance Amplifier GBW ITH1, 2 = 1.2V; (Note 4) IQ Input DC Supply Current Normal Mode Shutdown (Note 5) VIN = 15V; EXTVCC Tied to VOUT1; VOUT1 = 5V VRUN/SS1, 2 = 0V, VSTBYMD = Open MIN TYP MAX 3 l VFCB Forced Continuous Threshold IFCB Forced Continuous Pin Current VFCB = 0.85V VBINHIBIT Burst Inhibit (Constant Frequency) Threshold Measured at FCB pin UVLO Undervoltage Lockout VIN Ramping Down l VOVL Feedback Overvoltage Lockout Measured at VOSENSE1, 2 l ISENSE Sense Pins Total Source Current DFMAX IRUN/SS1, 2 UNITS MHz 350 20 35 μA μA 0.76 0.800 0.84 V –0.30 –0.18 –0.1 μA 4.3 4.8 V 3.5 4 V 0.84 0.86 0.88 V (Each Channel); VSENSE1–, 2– = VSENSE1+, 2+ = 0V –90 –60 μA Maximum Duty Factor In Dropout 98 99.4 % Soft-Start Charge Current VRUN/SS1, 2 = 1.9V 0.5 1.2 μA VRUN/SS1, VRUN/SS2 Rising 1.0 1.5 2.0 V 4.1 4.75 V 2 4 μA 1.6 5 μA 75 75 85 88 mV mV VRUN/SS1, 2 ON RUN/SS Pin ON Threshold VRUN/SS1, 2 LT RUN/SS Pin Latchoff Arming Threshold VRUN/SS1, VRUN/SS2 Rising from 3V ISCL1, 2 RUN/SS Discharge Current Soft Short Condition VOSENSE1, 2 = 0.5V; VRUN/SS1, 2 = 4.5V ISDLHO Shutdown Latch Disable Current VOSENSE1, 2 = 0.5V VSENSE(MAX) Maximum Current Sense Threshold VOSENSE1, 2 = 0.7V,VSENSE1–, 2– = 5V VOSENSE1, 2 = 0.7V,VSENSE1–, 2– = 5V TG1, 2 tr TG1, 2 tf TG Transition Time: Rise Time Fall Time (Note 6) CLOAD = 3300pF CLOAD = 3300pF 60 60 110 110 ns ns BG1, 2 tr BG1, 2 tf BG Transition Time: Rise Time Fall Time (Note 6) CLOAD = 3300pF CLOAD = 3300pF 50 50 110 100 ns ns Top Gate Off to Bottom Gate On Delay Synchronous Switch-On Delay Time CLOAD = 3300pF Each Driver 80 ns Bottom Gate Off to Top Gate On Delay Top Switch-On Delay Time CLOAD = 3300pF Each Driver 80 ns Minimum On-Time Tested with a Square Wave (Note 7) 180 ns TG/BG t1D BG/TG t2D tON(MIN) 0.5 l 65 62 INTVCC Linear Regulator VINTVCC Internal VCC Voltage 6V < VIN < 30V, VEXTVCC = 4V VLDO INT INTVCC Load Regulation VLDO EXT 4.8 5.0 5.2 V ICC = 0 to 20mA, VEXTVCC = 4V 0.2 2.0 % EXTVCC Voltage Drop ICC = 20mA, VEXTVCC = 5V 100 200 mV VEXTVCC EXTVCC Switchover Voltage ICC = 20mA, EXTVCC Ramping Positive VLDOHYS EXTVCC Hysteresis l 4.5 4.7 V 0.2 V Oscillator and Phase-Locked Loop fNOM Nominal Frequency VPLLFLTR = 1.2V 190 220 250 kHz fLOW Lowest Frequency VPLLFLTR = 0V 120 140 160 kHz fHIGH Highest Frequency VPLLFLTR ≥ 2.4V 280 310 360 kHz RPLLIN PLLIN Input Resistance 50 kΩ 3707sfa 3 LTC3707-SYNC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS The l denotes the specifications which apply over the full operating temperature range, otherwise specifications are at TA = 25°C. VIN = 15V, VRUN/SS1, 2 = 5V unless otherwise noted. SYMBOL PARAMETER CONDITIONS IPLLFLTR Phase Detector Output Current Sinking Capability Sourcing Capability fPLLIN < fOSC fPLLIN > fOSC MIN TYP MAX UNITS –15 15 μA μA 3.3V Linear Regulator V3.3OUT 3.3V Regulator Output Voltage No Load V3.3IL 3.3V Regulator Load Regulation V3.3VL l 3.20 3.35 3.45 V I3.3 = 0 to 10mA 0.5 2 % 3.3V Regulator Line Regulation 6V < VIN < 30V 0.05 0.2 % VPGL PGOOD Voltage Low IPGOOD = 2mA 0.1 0.3 V IPGOOD PGOOD Leakage Current VPGOOD = 5V ±1 μA VPG PGOOD Trip Level, Either Controller VOSENSE with Respect to Set Output Voltage VOSENSE Ramping Negative VOSENSE Ramping Positive –9.5 9.5 % % PGOOD Output 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 LTC3707E-SYNC is guaranteed to meet performance specification 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 LTC3707I-SYNC is guaranteed to meet performance specifications over the full –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 formulas: LTC3707-SYNC: TJ = TA + (PD • 95 °C/W) –6 6 –7.5 7.5 Note 4: The IC is tested in a feedback loop that servos VITH1, 2 to a specified voltage and measures the resultant VOSENSE1, 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 vs Output Current and Mode (Figure 13) Efficiency vs Output Current (Figure 13) 100 100 Burst Mode OPERATION 60 50 40 30 FORCED CONTINUOUS MODE CONSTANT FREQUENCY (BURST DISABLE) 20 80 VIN = 10V VIN = 15V VIN = 20V 70 60 VIN = 15V VOUT = 5V 10 0 0.001 90 90 EFFICIENCY (%) EFFICIENCY (%) 80 70 100 VIN = 7V EFFICIENCY (%) 90 Efficiency vs Input Voltage (Figure 13) 0.1 0.01 1 OUTPUT CURRENT (A) 10 3707 G01 50 0.001 80 70 60 VOUT = 5V 0.1 0.01 1 OUTPUT CURRENT (A) 10 3707 G02 50 VOUT = 5V IOUT = 3A 5 25 15 INPUT VOLTAGE (V) 35 3707 G03 3707sfa 4 LTC3707-SYNC TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS Supply Current vs Input Voltage and Mode (Figure 13) 1000 5.05 EXTVCC VOLTAGE DROP (mV) 600 BOTH CONTROLLERS ON 400 200 INTVCC AND EXTVCC SWITCH VOLTAGE (V) 200 800 SUPPLY CURRENT (μA) INTVCC and EXTVCC Switch Voltage vs Temperature EXTVCC Voltage Drop 150 100 50 SHUTDOWN 0 0 5 20 15 10 INPUT VOLTAGE (V) 25 0 30 10 0 20 CURRENT (mA) 30 3707 G04 4.85 4.80 EXTVCC SWITCHOVER THRESHOLD 4.75 50 25 75 0 TEMPERATURE (°C) 100 3707 G06 75 ILOAD = 1mA 125 Maximum Current Sense Threshold vs Percent of Nominal Output Voltage (Foldback) Maximum Current Sense Threshold vs Duty Factor 80 70 60 4.8 4.7 50 VSENSE (mV) 4.9 VSENSE (mV) INTVCC VOLTAGE (V) 4.90 4.70 –50 –25 40 5.0 25 4.6 50 40 30 20 4.5 10 4.4 0 5 20 15 10 INPUT VOLTAGE (V) 0 30 25 0 20 40 60 DUTY FACTOR (%) 80 3707 G07 80 0 100 50 100 0 25 75 PERCENT ON NOMINAL OUTPUT VOLTAGE (%) 3707 G08 Maximum Current Sense Threshold vs VRUN/SS (Soft-Start) 3707 G09 Current Sense Threshold vs ITH Voltage Maximum Current Sense Threshold vs Sense Common Mode Voltage 90 80 VSENSE(CM) = 1.6V 80 70 76 40 60 VSENSE (mV) VSENSE (mV) 60 VSENSE (mV) 4.95 3707 G05 Internal 5V LDO Line Regulation 5.1 INTVCC VOLTAGE 5.00 72 68 50 40 30 20 10 20 0 64 –10 –20 0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 VRUN/SS (V) 3707 G10 60 0 1 3 4 2 COMMON MODE VOLTAGE (V) 5 3707 G11 –30 0 0.5 1 1.5 VITH (V) 2 2.5 3707 G12 3707sfa 5 LTC3707-SYNC TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS Load Regulation VITH vs VRUN/SS 2.5 SENSE Pins Total Source Current 100 VOSENSE = 0.7V 2.0 –0.2 50 ISENSE (μA) –0.1 VITH (V) NORMALIZED VOUT (%) 0.0 1.5 1.0 –50 –0.3 0.5 FCB = 0V VIN = 15V FIGURE 1 –0.4 0 1 0 3 2 LOAD CURRENT (A) 4 0 5 –100 0 2 1 3 4 5 6 3707 G13 2 0 VRUN/SS (V) 4 3707 G15 3707 G14 Maximum Current Sense Threshold vs Temperature Dropout Voltage vs Output Current (Figure 13) 80 4 6 VSENSE COMMON MODE VOLTAGE (V) RUN/SS Current vs Temperature 1.8 VOUT = 5V 1.6 76 74 3 RUN/SS CURRENT (μA) DROPOUT VOLTAGE (V) VSENSE (mV) 78 2 RSENSE = 0.015Ω 1 72 1.4 1.2 1.0 0.8 0.6 0.4 RSENSE = 0.010Ω 0.2 70 –50 –25 50 25 0 75 TEMPERATURE (°C) 100 125 0 0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 OUTPUT CURRENT (A) 3707 G17 3.5 4.0 0 –50 0 25 50 75 TEMPERATURE (°C) 3707 G18 Soft-Start Up (Figure 13) 100 125 3707 G25 Load Step (Figure 13) VOUT 5V/DIV –25 Load Step (Figure 13) VOUT 200mV/DIV VOUT 200mV/DIV IOUT 2A/DIV IOUT 2A/DIV VRUN/SS 5V/DIV IOUT 2A/DIV VIN = 15V VOUT = 5V 5ms/DIV 3707 G19 20μs/DIV VIN = 15V VOUT = 5V LOAD STEP = 0A TO 3A Burst Mode OPERATION 3707 G20 20μs/DIV VIN = 15V VOUT = 5V LOAD STEP = 0A TO 3A CONTINUOUS MODE 3707 G21 3707sfa 6 LTC3707-SYNC TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS Input Source/Capacitor Instantaneous Current (Figure 13) IIN 2A/DIV VIN 200mV/DIV Constant Frequency (Burst Inhibit) Operation (Figure 13) Burst Mode Operation (Figure 13) VOUT 20mV/DIV VOUT 20mV/DIV IOUT 0.5A/DIV IOUT 0.5A/DIV VSW1 10V/DIV VSW2 10V/DIV 3707 G22 1μs/DIV VIN = 15V VOUT = 5V IOUT5 = IOUT3.3 = 2A VIN = 15V VOUT = 5V VFCB = OPEN IOUT = 20mA 27 50 25 0 75 TEMPERATURE (°C) 100 125 300 8 FREQUENCY (kHz) EXTVCC SWITCH RESISTANCE (Ω) 29 6 4 VPLLFLTR = 1.2V 200 VPLLFLTR = 0V 150 100 50 0 –50 –25 50 25 0 75 TEMPERATURE (°C) 100 125 0 –50 –25 50 25 75 0 TEMPERATURE (°C) 100 125 3707 G28 3707 G27 Undervoltage Lockout vs Temperature Shutdown Latch Thresholds vs Temperature 3.50 SHUTDOWN LATCH THRESHOLDS (V) 4.5 3.45 3.40 3.35 3.30 3.25 3.20 –50 –25 250 2 3707 G26 UNDERVOLTAGE LOCKOUT (V) CURRENT SENSE INPUT CURRENT (μA) 31 –25 350 VPLLFLTR = 2.4V 33 25 –50 Oscillator Frequency vs Temperature 10 VOUT = 5V 3707 G24 2μs/DIV VIN = 15V VOUT = 5V VFCB = 5V IOUT = 20mA EXTVCC Switch Resistance vs Temperature Current Sense Pin Input Current vs Temperature 35 3707 G23 10μs/DIV 50 25 75 0 TEMPERATURE (°C) 100 125 3707 G29 LATCH ARMING 4.0 3.5 3.0 LATCHOFF THRESHOLD 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0 –50 –25 0 25 50 75 TEMPERATURE (°C) 100 125 3707 G30 3707sfa 7 LTC3707-SYNC PIN FUNCTIONS RUN/SS1, RUN/SS2 (Pins 1, 15): Combination of soft-start, run control inputs and short-circuit detection timers. A capacitor to ground at each of these pins sets the ramp time to full output current. Forcing either of these pins back below 1.0V causes the IC to shut down the circuitry required for that particular controller. Latchoff overcurrent protection is also invoked via this pin as described in the Applications Information section. SENSE1+, SENSE2+ (Pins 2, 14): 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 3, 13): The (–) Input to the Differential Current Comparators. VOSENSE1, VOSENSE2 (Pins 4, 12): Receives the remotelysensed feedback voltage for each controller from an external resistive divider across the output. PLLFLTR (Pin 5): The Phase-Locked Loop’s Lowpass Filter is Tied to This Pin. Alternatively, this pin can be driven with an AC or DC voltage source to vary the frequency of the internal oscillator. 3.3VOUT (Pin 10): Output of a linear regulator capable of supplying 10mA DC with peak currents as high as 50mA. PGND (Pin 20): Driver Power Ground. Connects to the sources of bottom (synchronous) N-channel MOSFETs, anodes of the Schottky rectifiers and the (–) terminal(s) of CIN. INTVCC (Pin 21): Output of the Internal 5V Linear Low Dropout Regulator and the EXTVCC Switch. 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. EXTVCC (Pin 22): External Power Input to an Internal Switch Connected to INTVCC. This switch closes and supplies VCC power, bypassing the internal low dropout regulator, whenever EXTVCC is higher than 4.7V. See EXTVCC connection in Applications section. Do not exceed 7V on this pin. BG1, BG2 (Pins 23, 19): High Current Gate Drives for Bottom (Synchronous) N-Channel MOSFETs. Voltage swing at these pins is from ground to INTVCC. VIN (Pin 24): Main Supply Pin. A bypass capacitor should be tied between this pin and the signal ground pin. PLLIN (Pin 6): External Synchronization Input to Phase Detector. This pin is internally terminated to SGND with 50kΩ. The phase-locked loop will force the rising top gate signal of controller 1 to be synchronized with the rising edge of the PLLIN signal. BOOST1, BOOST2 (Pins 25, 18): Bootstrapped Supplies to the Top Side Floating Drivers. Capacitors are connected between the boost and switch pins and Schottky diodes are tied between the boost and INTVCC pins. Voltage swing at the boost pins is from INTVCC to (VIN + INTVCC). FCB (Pin 7): Forced Continuous Control Input. This input acts on both controllers and is normally used to regulate a secondary winding. Pulling this pin below 0.8V will force continuous synchronous operation. Do not leave this pin floating. SW1, SW2 (Pins 26, 17): Switch Node Connections to Inductors. Voltage swing at these pins is from a Schottky diode (external) voltage drop below ground to VIN. ITH1, ITH2 (Pins 8, 11): Error Amplifier Output and Switching Regulator Compensation Point. Each associated channels’ current comparator trip point increases with this control voltage. SGND (Pin 9): Small Signal Ground common to both controllers, must be routed separately from high current grounds to the common (–) terminals of the COUT capacitors. TG1, TG2 (Pins 27, 16): 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. PGOOD (Pin 28): Open-Drain Logic Output. PGOOD is pulled to ground when the voltage on either VOSENSE pin is not within ±7.5% of its set point. 3707sfa 8 LTC3707-SYNC FUCTIONAL DIAGRAM PLLIN FIN VIN INTVCC PHASE DET DUPLICATE FOR SECOND CONTROLLER CHANNEL 50k BOOST DB PLLFLTR DROP OUT DET CLK1 RLP OSCILLATOR CLK2 CLP – 0.86V S Q R Q BOT VOSENSE1 TOP ON SWITCH LOGIC INTVCC 0.86V + 0.55V COUT PGND B – + BG + 0.74V SHDN VOSENSE2 CIN SW BOT + + FCB – – CB D1 + PGOOD TG TOP VOUT RSENSE – + 3V 4.5V 0.18μA R6 0.74V I1 – + – BINH FCB – 3.3VOUT + 0.8V – ++ FCB SLOPE COMP – + 30k SENSE + 45k 2.4V VREF – EA + OV VIN EXTVCC – 5V LDO REG VOSENSE 0.80V SHDN RST 4(VFB) 0.86V RUN SOFT START + R2 R1 ITH 1.2μA 6V INTVCC VFB + – + CSEC 45k VIN 4.8V DSEC – 30k SENSE – 5V INTVCC I2 – 3mV 0.86V 4(VFB) + R5 + + VSEC CC CC2 RC RUN/SS SGND INTERNAL SUPPLY CSS 3707 FD/F02 Figure 2 OPERATION (Refer to Functional Diagram) Main Control Loop The IC uses a constant frequency, current mode step-down architecture with the two controller channels operating 180 degrees out of phase. During normal operation, each top MOSFET is turned on when the clock for that channel sets the RS latch, and turned off when the main current comparator, I1, resets the RS latch. The peak inductor current at which I1 resets the RS latch is controlled by the voltage on the ITH pin, which is the output of each error amplifier EA. The VOSENSE pin receives the voltage feedback signal, which is compared to the internal reference voltage by the EA. When the load current increases, it causes a slight decrease in VOSENSE relative to the 0.8V reference, which in turn causes the ITH voltage to increase until the average inductor current matches the new load current. After the top MOSFET has turned off, the bottom MOSFET is turned on until either the inductor current starts to reverse, as indicated by current comparator I2, or the beginning of the next cycle. The top MOSFET drivers are biased from floating bootstrap capacitor CB, which normally is recharged during each off cycle through an external diode when the top MOSFET 3707sfa 9 LTC3707-SYNC OPERATION (Refer to Functional Diagram) turns off. As 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 400ns every tenth cycle to allow CB to recharge. The main control loop is shut down by pulling the RUN/ SS pin low. Releasing RUN/SS allows an internal 1.2μA current source to charge soft-start capacitor CSS. When CSS reaches 1.5V, the main control loop is enabled with the ITH voltage clamped at approximately 30% of its maximum value. As CSS continues to charge, the ITH pin voltage is gradually released allowing normal, full-current operation. When both RUN/SS1 and RUN/SS2 are low, all controller functions are shut down, including the 5V and 3.3V regulators. a variable “sleep” interval depending upon the load current. The resultant output voltage ripple is held to a very small value by having the hysteretic comparator after the error amplifier gain block. Frequency Synchronization The phase-locked loop allows the internal oscillator to be synchronized to an external source via the PLLIN pin. The output of the phase detector at the PLLFLTR pin is also the DC frequency control input of the oscillator that operates over a 140kHz to 310kHz range corresponding to a DC voltage input from 0V to 2.4V. When locked, the PLL aligns the turn on of the top MOSFET to the rising edge of the synchronizing signal. When PLLIN is left open, the PLLFLTR pin goes low, forcing the oscillator to minimum frequency. Low Current Operation The FCB pin is a multifunction pin providing two functions: 1) to provide regulation for a secondary winding by temporarily forcing continuous PWM operation on both controllers; and 2) select between two modes of low current operation. When the FCB pin voltage is below 0.8V, the controller forces continuous PWM current mode operation. In this mode, the top and bottom MOSFETs are alternately turned on to maintain the output voltage independent of direction of inductor current. When the FCB pin is below VINTVCC – 2V but greater than 0.8V, the controller enters Burst Mode operation. Burst Mode operation sets a minimum output current level before inhibiting the top switch and turns off the synchronous MOSFET(s) when the inductor current goes negative. This combination of requirements will, at low currents, force the ITH pin below a voltage threshold that will temporarily inhibit turn-on of both output MOSFETs until the output voltage drops. There is 60mV of hysteresis in the burst comparator B tied to the ITH pin. This hysteresis produces output signals to the MOSFETs that turn them on for several cycles, followed by Continuous Current (PWM) Operation Tying the FCB pin to ground will force continuous current operation. This is the least efficient operating mode, but may be desirable in certain applications. The output can source or sink current in this mode. When sinking current while in forced continuous operation, current will be forced back into the main power supply potentially boosting the input supply to dangerous voltage levels—BEWARE! 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, an internal 5V low dropout linear regulator supplies INTVCC power. If EXTVCC is taken above 4.7V, the 5V regulator is turned off and an internal switch is turned on connecting EXTVCC to INTVCC. This allows the INTVCC power to be derived from a high efficiency external source such as the output of the regulator itself or a secondary winding, as described in the Applications Information section. 3707sfa 10 LTC3707-SYNC OPERATION (Refer to Functional Diagram) Output Overvoltage Protection Theory and Benefits of 2-Phase Operation An overvoltage comparator, OV, guards against transient overshoots (>7.5%) as well as other more serious conditions that may overvoltage the output. In this case, the top MOSFET is turned off and the bottom MOSFET is turned on until the overvoltage condition is cleared. The LTC1628 and the LTC3707-SYNC dual high efficiency DC/DC controllers bring the considerable benefits of 2-phase operation to portable applications for the first time. Notebook computers, PDAs, handheld terminals and automotive electronics will all benefit from the lower input filtering requirement, reduced electromagnetic interference (EMI) and increased efficiency associated with 2-phase operation. Power Good (PGOOD) Pin The PGOOD pin is connected to an open drain of an internal MOSFET. The MOSFET turns on and pulls the pin low when either output is not within ±7.5% of the nominal output level as determined by the resistive feedback divider. When both outputs meet the ±7.5% requirement, the MOSFET is turned off within 10μs and the pin is allowed to be pulled up by an external resistor to a source of up to 7V. Foldback Current, Short-Circuit Detection and Short-Circuit Latchoff The RUN/SS capacitors are used initially to limit the inrush current of each switching regulator. After the controller has been started and been given adequate time to charge up the output capacitors and provide full load current, the RUN/SS capacitor is used in a short-circuit time-out circuit. If the output voltage falls to less than 70% of its nominal output voltage, the RUN/SS capacitor begins discharging on the assumption that the output is in an overcurrent and/or short-circuit condition. If the condition lasts for a long enough period as determined by the size of the RUN/SS capacitor, the controller will be shut down until the RUN/SS pin(s) voltage(s) are recycled. This built-in latchoff can be overridden by providing a >5μA pull-up at a compliance of 5V to the RUN/SS pin(s). This current shortens the soft start period but also prevents net discharge of the RUN/SS capacitor(s) during an overcurrent and/or short-circuit condition. Foldback current limiting is also activated when the output voltage falls below 70% of its nominal level whether or not the short-circuit latchoff circuit is enabled. Even if a short is present and the short-circuit latchoff is not enabled, a safe, low output current is provided due to internal current foldback and actual power wasted is low due to the efficient nature of the current mode switching regulator. Why the need for 2-phase operation? Up until the LTC1628 family of parts, 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 dual-switching 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 3 compares the input waveforms for a representative single-phase dual switching regulator to the LTC1628 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. 3707sfa 11 LTC3707-SYNC 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 IIN(MEAS) = 1.55ARMS 3707 F03a (a) 3707 F03b (b) Figure 3. 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 LTC1628 2-Phase Regulator Allows Less Expensive Input Capacitors, Reduces Shielding Requirements for EMI and Improves Efficiency It can readily be seen that the advantages of 2-phase operation are not just limited to a narrow operating range, but in fact extend over a wide region. A good rule of thumb 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. A final question: If 2-phase operation offers such an advantage over single-phase operation for dual switching regulators, why hasn’t it been done before? The answer is that, while simple in concept, it is hard to implement. Constant-frequency current mode switching regulators require an oscillator derived “slope compensation” signal to allow stable operation of each regulator at over 50% duty cycle. This signal is relatively easy to derive in single-phase dual switching regulators, but required the development of a new and proprietary technique to allow 2-phase operation. In addition, isolation between the two channels becomes more critical with 2-phase operation because switch transitions in one channel could potentially disrupt the operation of the other channel. The LTC1628 family of parts is proof that these hurdles have been surmounted. The new device offers unique advantages for the ever-expanding number of high efficiency power supplies required in portable electronics. 3.0 SINGLE PHASE DUAL CONTROLLER 2.5 INPUT RMS CURRENT (A) Of course, the improvement afforded by 2-phase operation is a function of the dual switching regulator’s relative duty cycles which, in turn, are dependent upon the input voltage VIN (Duty Cycle = VOUT/VIN). Figure 4 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 3707 F04 Figure 4. RMS Input Current Comparison 3707sfa 12 LTC3707-SYNC APPLICATIONS INFORMATION 2.5 PLLFLTR PIN VOLTAGE (V) Figure 1 on the first page is a basic IC 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 and D1 are selected. Finally, CIN and COUT are selected. The circuit shown in Figure 1 can be configured for operation up to an input voltage of 28V (limited by the external MOSFETs). 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 RSENSE Selection For Output Current RSENSE is chosen based on the required output current. The current comparator has a maximum threshold of 75mV/RSENSE and an input common mode range of SGND to 1.1(INTVCC). 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. Allowing a margin for variations in the IC and external component values yields: RSENSE = 50mV 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 to estimate this reducton in peak output current level depending upon the operating duty factor. Operating Frequency The IC uses a constant frequency phase-lockable architecture with the frequency determined by an internal capacitor. This capacitor is charged by a fixed current plus an additional current which is proportional to the voltage applied to the PLLFLTR pin. Refer to Phase-Locked Loop and Frequency Synchronization in the Applications Information section for additional information. A graph for the voltage applied to the PLLFLTR pin vs frequency is given in Figure 5. As the operating frequency is increased the gate charge losses will be higher, reducing efficiency (see Efficiency Considerations). The maximum switching frequency is approximately 310kHz. 0 120 170 220 270 OPERATING FREQUENCY (kHz) 320 3707 F05 Figure 5. PLLFLTR Pin Voltage vs Frequency 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 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. 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: ΔIL = ⎛ V ⎞ 1 VOUT ⎜ 1– OUT ⎟ ( f)(L) VIN ⎠ ⎝ 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 25% 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 3707sfa 13 LTC3707-SYNC APPLICATIONS INFORMATION 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, molypermalloy, or Kool Mμ® 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 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! Molypermalloy (from Magnetics, Inc.) is a very good, low loss core material for toroids, but it is more expensive than ferrite. A reasonable compromise from the same manufacturer is Kool Mμ. Toroids are very space efficient, especially when you can use several layers of wire. Because they generally lack a bobbin, mounting is more difficult. However, designs for surface mount are available that do not increase the height significantly. Power MOSFET and D1 Selection Two external power MOSFETs must be selected for each controller in the IC: 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), reverse transfer capacitance CRSS, input voltage and maximum output current. 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 The power dissipation for the main and synchronous MOSFETs at maximum output current are given by: VOUT 2 IMAX ) (1+ δ )RDS(ON) + ( VIN 1 2 VIN ) (IMAX )(RDR )(CMILLER ) ( 2 ⎡ 1 1 ⎤ + ⎢ ⎥ ( f) ⎣ VINTVCC – VTH VTH ⎦ PMAIN = PSYNC = VIN – VOUT 2 IMAX ) (1+ δ )RDS(ON) ( VIN where δ is the temperature dependency of RDS(ON), RDR is the effective top driver resistance over the (of approximately 4Ω at VGS = VMILLER), VIN is the drain potential and the change in drain potential in the particular application. VTH is the data sheet specified typical gate threshold voltage specified in the power MOSFET data sheet. CMILLER is the calculated capacitance using the gate charge curve from the MOSFET data sheet. CMILLER is determined by dividing the increase in charge indicated on the x axis during the flat, Miller portion of the curve by the stated VDS transition voltage specified on the curve. 3707sfa 14 LTC3707-SYNC APPLICATIONS INFORMATION 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 Schottky diode D1 shown in Figure 1 conducts 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 multiphase 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 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 current requirement. Increasing the output current, drawn from the other out-of-phase controller, will actually decrease the input RMS ripple current from this maximum value (see Figure 4). The out-of-phase 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. The type of input capacitor, value and ESR rating have efficiency effects that need to be considered in the selection process. The capacitance value chosen should be sufficient to store adequate charge to keep high peak battery currents down. 20μF to 40μF is usually sufficient for a 25W output supply operating at 200kHz. The ESR of the capacitor is important for capacitor power dissipation as well as overall battery efficiency. All of the power (RMS ripple current • ESR) not only heats up the capacitor but wastes power from the battery. Medium voltage (20V to 35V) ceramic, tantalum, OS-CON and switcher-rated electrolytic capacitors can be used as input capacitors, but each has drawbacks: ceramic voltage coefficients are very high and may have audible piezoelectric effects; tantalums need to be surge-rated; OS-CONs suffer from higher inductance, larger case size and limited surface-mount applicability; electrolytics’ higher ESR and dryout possibility require several to be used. Multiphase systems allow the lowest amount of capacitance overall. As little as one 22μF or two to three 10μF ceramic capacitors are an ideal choice in a 20W to 35W power supply due to their extremely low ESR. Even though the capacitance at 20V is substantially below their rating at zero-bias, very low ESR loss makes ceramics an ideal candidate for highest efficiency battery operated systems. Also consider parallel ceramic and high quality electrolytic capacitors as an effective means of achieving ESR and bulk capacitance goals. In continuous mode, the source current of the top N-channel MOSFET is a square wave of duty cycle VOUT/VIN. To prevent large voltage transients, a low ESR input capacitor sized for the maximum RMS current of one channel must be used. The maximum RMS capacitor current is given by: CIN RequiredIRMS ≈ IMAX ⎡⎣ VOUT ( VIN − VOUT ) ⎤⎦ VIN 1/ 2 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 manufacturer’s ripple current ratings are often based on only 2000 hours of life. This makes it advisable to further derate the capacitor, or 3707sfa 15 LTC3707-SYNC APPLICATIONS INFORMATION to choose a capacitor rated at a higher temperature than required. Several capacitors may also be paralleled to meet size or height requirements in the design. Always consult the manufacturer if there is any question. The benefit of the LTC3707-SYNC multiphase 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 switch on at the same time. The total RMS power lost is lower when both controllers are operating due to the interleaving of current pulses 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 controller design. Remember that input protection fuse resistance, battery resistance and PC board trace resistance losses are also reduced due to the reduced peak currents in a multiphase 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 drains of the two top MOSFETS should be placed within 1cm of each other and share a common CIN(s). Separating the drains and CIN may produce undesirable voltage and current resonances at VIN. The selection of COUT is driven by the required effective series resistance (ESR). Typically once the ESR requirement is satisfied the capacitance is adequate for filtering. The output ripple (ΔVOUT) is determined by: ⎛ 1 ⎞ ΔVOUT ≈ ΔIL ⎜ ESR + 8 fCOUT ⎟⎠ ⎝ Where f = operating frequency, COUT = output capacitance, and ΔIL= ripple current in the inductor. The output ripple is highest at maximum input voltage since ΔIL increases with input voltage. With ΔIL = 0.3IOUT(MAX) the output ripple will typically be less than 50mV at max VIN assuming: COUT Recommended ESR < 2 RSENSE and COUT > 1/(8fRSENSE) The first condition relates to the ripple current into the ESR of the output capacitance while the second term guarantees that the output capacitance does not significantly discharge during the operating frequency period due to ripple current. The choice of using smaller output capacitance increases the ripple voltage due to the discharging term but can be compensated for by using capacitors of very low ESR to maintain the ripple voltage at or below 50mV. The ITH pin OPTI-LOOP compensation components can be optimized to provide stable, high performance transient response regardless of the output capacitors selected. Manufacturers such as Nichicon, United Chemicon and Sanyo can be considered for high performance through-hole capacitors. The OS-CON semiconductor dielectric capacitor available from Sanyo has the lowest (ESR)(size) product of any aluminum electrolytic at a somewhat higher price. An additional ceramic capacitor in parallel with OS-CON capacitors is recommended to reduce the inductance effects. In surface mount applications multiple capacitors may need to be used in parallel to meet the ESR, RMS current handling and load step requirements of the application. Aluminum electrolytic, dry tantalum and special polymer capacitors are available in surface mount packages. Special polymer surface mount capacitors offer very low ESR but have lower storage capacity per unit volume than other capacitor types. These capacitors offer a very cost-effective output capacitor solution and are an ideal choice when combined with a controller having high loop bandwidth. Tantalum capacitors offer the highest capacitance density and are often used as output capacitors for switching regulators having controlled soft-start. Several excellent surge-tested choices are the AVX TPS, AVX TPSV or the KEMET T510 series of surface mount tantalums, available in case heights ranging from 2mm to 4mm. Aluminum electrolytic capacitors can be used in cost-driven applications providing that consideration is given to ripple current ratings, temperature and long term reliability. A typical application will require several to many aluminum electrolytic capacitors in parallel. A combination of the above mentioned capacitors will often result in maximizing performance and minimizing overall cost. Other capacitor types include Nichicon PL series, NEC Neocap, Cornell Dubilier ESRE and Sprague 595D series. Consult manufacturers for other specific recommendations. 3707sfa 16 LTC3707-SYNC APPLICATIONS INFORMATION INTVCC Regulator EXTVCC Connection An internal P-channel low dropout regulator produces 5V at the INTVCC pin from the VIN supply pin. INTVCC powers the drivers and internal circuitry within the LTC3707-SYNC. The INTVCC pin regulator 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 type electrolytic capacitor. A 1μF ceramic capacitor placed directly adjacent to the INTVCC and PGND IC pins is highly recommended. Good bypassing is necessary to supply the high transient currents required by the MOSFET gate drivers and to prevent interaction between channels. The IC contains an internal P-channel MOSFET switch connected between the EXTVCC and INTVCC pins. When the voltage applied to EXTVCC rises above 4.7V, the internal regulator is turned off and the switch closes, connecting the EXTVCC pin to the INTVCC pin thereby supplying internal power. The switch remains closed as long as the voltage applied to EXTVCC remains above 4.5V. This allows the MOSFET driver and control power to be derived from the output during normal operation (4.7V < VOUT < 7V) and from the internal regulator when the output is out of regulation (start-up, short-circuit). If more current is required through the EXTVCC switch than is specified, an external Schottky diode can be added between the EXTVCC and INTVCC pins. Do not apply greater than 7V to the EXTVCC pin and ensure that EXTVCC ≤ VIN. Higher input voltage applications in which large MOSFETs are being driven at high frequencies may cause the maximum junction temperature rating for the IC to be exceeded. The system supply current is normally dominated by the gate charge current. Additional external loading of the INTVCC and 3.3V linear regulators also needs to be taken into account for the power dissipation calculations. The total INTVCC current can be supplied by either the 5V internal linear regulator or by the EXTVCC input pin. When the voltage applied to the EXTVCC pin is less than 4.7V, all of the INTVCC current is supplied by the internal 5V linear regulator. Power dissipation for the IC in this case is highest: (VIN)(IINTVCC), and overall efficiency is lowered. 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 equations given in Note 2 of the Electrical Characteristics. For example, the IC VIN current is limited to less than 24mA from a 24V supply when not using the EXTVCC pin as follows: TJ = 70°C + (24mA)(24V)(95°C/W) = 125°C Use of the EXTVCC input pin reduces the junction temperature to: TJ = 70°C + (24mA)(5V)(95°C/W) = 81°C Dissipation should be calculated to also include any added current drawn from the internal 3.3V linear regulator. To prevent maximum junction temperature from being exceeded, the input supply current must be checked operating in continuous mode at maximum VIN. Significant efficiency 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)/(Efficiency). For 5V regulators this supply means connecting the EXTVCC pin directly to VOUT. However, for 3.3V and other lower voltage regulators, 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 5V 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 regulator and provides the highest efficiency. 3. EXTVCC Connected to an External supply. If an external supply is available in the 5V to 7V range, it may be used to power EXTVCC providing it is compatible with the MOSFET gate drive requirements. 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 3707sfa 17 LTC3707-SYNC APPLICATIONS INFORMATION than 4.7V. This can be done with either the inductive boost winding as shown in Figure 6a or the capacitive charge pump shown in Figure 6b. The charge pump has the advantage of simple magnetics. 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. Output Voltage The IC output voltages are each set by an external feedback resistive divider carefully placed across the output capacitor. The resultant feedback signal is compared with the internal precision 0.800V voltage reference by the error amplifier. The output voltage is given by the equation: ⎛ R2⎞ VOUT = 0.8V⎜ 1 + ⎟ ⎝ R1⎠ where R1 and R2 are defined in Figure 2. SENSE+/SENSE– Pins The common mode input range of the current comparator sense pins is from 0V to (1.1)INTVCC. Continuous linear operation is guaranteed throughout this range allowing output voltage setting from 0.8V to 7.7V, depending upon the voltage applied to EXTVCC. A differential NPN input stage is biased with internal resistors from an internal 2.4V source as shown in the Functional Diagram. This requires that current either be sourced or sunk from the SENSE pins depending on the output voltage. If the output voltage is below 2.4V current will flow out of both SENSE pins to the main output. The output can be easily preloaded by VIN OPTIONAL EXTVCC CONNECTION 5V < VSEC < 7V + CIN CIN VSEC VIN LTC3707-SYNC + VIN + N-CH + BAT85 VIN 1μF LTC3707-SYNC TG1 FCB BG1 T1 1:N R6 VOUT L1 SW + R5 + COUT BG1 N-CH SGND BAT85 RSENSE EXTVCC COUT BAT85 VN2222LL VOUT SW 0.22μF N-CH TG1 RSENSE EXTVCC 1μF N-CH PGND PGND 3707 F06a Figure 6a. Secondary Output Loop and EXTVCC Connection 3707 F06b Figure 6b. Capacitive Charge Pump for EXTVCC 3707sfa 18 LTC3707-SYNC APPLICATIONS INFORMATION the VOUT resistive divider to compensate for the current comparator’s negative input bias current. The maximum current flowing out of each pair of SENSE pins is: VIN 3.3V OR 5V INTVCC RUN/SS RSS* D1 RUN/SS ISENSE+ + ISENSE– = (2.4V – VOUT)/24k Since VOSENSE is servoed to the 0.8V reference voltage, we can choose R1 in Figure 2 to have a maximum value to absorb this current. ⎛ ⎞ 0.8V R1(MAX) = 24k⎜ ⎟ ⎝ 2.4V – VOUT ⎠ for VOUT < 2.4V Regulating an output voltage of 1.8V, the maximum value of R1 should be 32k. Note that for an output voltage above 2.4V, R1 has no maximum value necessary to absorb the sense currents; however, R1 is still bounded by the VOSENSE feedback current. Soft-Start/Run Function The RUN/SS1 and RUN/SS2 pins are multipurpose pins that provide a soft-start function and a means to shut down the IC. Soft-start reduces the input power source’s surge currents by gradually increasing the controller’s current limit (proportional to VITH). This pin can also be used for power supply sequencing. An internal 1.2μA current source charges up the CSS capacitor. When the voltage on RUN/SS1 (RUN/SS2) reaches 1.5V, the particular controller is permitted to start operating. As the voltage on RUN/SS increases from 1.5V to 3.0V, the internal current limit is increased from 25mV/RSENSE to 75mV/RSENSE. The output current limit ramps up slowly, taking an additional 1.25s/μF to reach full current. The output current thus ramps up slowly, reducing the starting surge current required from the input power supply. If RUN/SS has been pulled all the way to ground there is a delay before starting of approximately: t DELAY = 1.5V C = (1.25s / µF ) CSS 1.2µA SS 3V − 1.5V t IRAMP = C = (1.25s / µF ) CSS 1.2µA SS RSS* CSS CSS *OPTIONAL TO DEFEAT OVERCURRENT LATCHOFF (a) (b) 3707 F07 Figure 7. RUN/SS Pin Interfacing By pulling both RUN/SS pins below 1V, the IC is put into low current shutdown (IQ = 20μA). The RUN/SS pins can be driven directly from logic as shown in Figure 7. Diode D1 in Figure 7 reduces the start delay but allows CSS to ramp up slowly providing the soft-start function. Each RUN/SS pin has an internal 6V zener clamp (See Functional Diagram). Fault Conditions: Overcurrent Latchoff The RUN/SS pins also provide the ability to latch off the controller(s) when an overcurrent condition is detected. The RUN/SS capacitor, CSS, is used initially to turn on and limit the inrush current. After the controller has been started and been given adequate time to charge up the output capacitor and provide full load current, the RUN/SS capacitor is used for a short-circuit timer. If the regulator’s output voltage falls to less than 70% of its nominal value after CSS reaches 4.1V, CSS begins discharging on the assumption that the output is in an overcurrent condition. If the condition lasts for a long enough period as determined by the size of the CSS and the specified discharge current, the controller will be shut down until the RUN/SS pin voltage is recycled. If the overload occurs during start-up, the time can be approximated by: tLO1 ≈ [CSS(4.1 – 1.5 + 4.1 – 3.5)]/(1.2μA) = 2.7 • 106 (CSS) If the overload occurs after start-up the voltage on CSS will begin discharging from the zener clamp voltage: tLO2 ≈ [CSS (6 – 3.5)]/(1.2μA) = 2.1 • 106 (CSS) 3707sfa 19 LTC3707-SYNC APPLICATIONS INFORMATION This built-in overcurrent latchoff can be overridden by providing a pull-up resistor to the RUN/SS pin as shown in Figure 7. This resistance shortens the soft-start period and prevents the discharge of the RUN/SS capacitor during an over current condition. Tying this pull-up resistor to VIN as in Figure 7a, defeats overcurrent latchoff. Diode-connecting this pull-up resistor to INTVCC, as in Figure 7b, eliminates any extra supply current during controller shutdown while eliminating the INTVCC loading from preventing controller start-up. Why should you defeat overcurrent latchoff? During the prototyping stage of a design, there may be a problem with noise pickup or poor layout causing the protection circuit to latch off. Defeating this feature will easily allow troubleshooting of the circuit and PC layout. The internal short-circuit and foldback current limiting still remains active, thereby protecting the power supply system from failure. After the design is complete, a decision can be made whether to enable the latchoff feature. The value of the soft-start capacitor CSS may need to be scaled with output voltage, output capacitance and load current characteristics. The minimum soft-start capacitance is given by: CSS > (COUT )(VOUT) (10–4) (RSENSE) The minimum recommended soft-start capacitor of CSS = 0.1μF will be sufficient for most applications. Fault Conditions: Current Limit and Current Foldback The current comparators have a maximum sense voltage of 75mV resulting in a maximum MOSFET current of 75mV/RSENSE. The maximum value of current limit generally occurs with the largest VIN at the highest ambient temperature, conditions that cause the highest power dissipation in the top MOSFET. The IC includes current foldback to help further limit load current when the output is shorted to ground. The foldback circuit is active even when the overload shutdown latch described above is overridden. If the output falls below 70% of its nominal output level, then the maximum sense voltage is progressively lowered from 75mV to 25mV. Under short-circuit conditions with very low duty cycles, the controller 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 LTC3707-SYNC (less than 200ns), the input voltage and inductor value: ΔIL(SC) = tON(MIN) (VIN/L) The resulting short-circuit current is: ISC = 25mV 1 + ΔI 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 7.5% 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 output of this comparator is only latched by the overvoltage condition itself and will therefore allow a switching regulator system having a poor PC layout to function while the design is being debugged. 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. Phase-Locked Loop and Frequency Synchronization The IC has a phase-locked loop comprised of an internal voltage controlled oscillator and phase detector. This allows the top MOSFET turn-on to be locked to the rising edge of an external source. The frequency range of the voltage controlled oscillator is ±50% around the center frequency fO. A voltage applied to the PLLFLTR pin of 1.2V 3707sfa 20 LTC3707-SYNC APPLICATIONS INFORMATION corresponds to a frequency of approximately 220kHz. The nominal operating frequency range of the PLL is 140kHz to 310kHz. The phase detector used is an edge sensitive digital type which provides zero degrees phase shift between the external and internal oscillators. This type of phase detector will not lock up on input frequencies close to the harmonics of the VCO center frequency. The PLL hold-in range, ΔfH, is equal to the capture range, ΔfC: ΔfH = ΔfC = ±0.5 fO (150kHz-300kHz) The output of the phase detector is a complementary pair of current sources charging or discharging the external filter network on the PLLFLTR pin. A simplified block diagram is shown in Figure 7. If the external frequency (fPLLIN) is greater than the oscillator frequency fOSC, current is sourced continuously, pulling up the PLLFLTR pin. When the external frequency is less than fOSC, current is sunk continuously, pulling down the PLLFLTR 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. Thus the voltage on the PLLFLTR pin is adjusted until the phase and frequency of the external and internal oscillators are identical. At this stable operating point the phase comparator output is open and the filter capacitor CLP holds the voltage. The IC PLLIN pin must be driven from a low impedance source such as a logic gate located close to the pin. When using multiple LTC3707-SYNC’s (or LTC1629’s, as shown in Figure 14) for a phase-locked system, the PLLFLTR pin of the master oscillator should be biased at a voltage that will guarantee the slave oscillator(s) ability to lock onto the master’s frequency. A DC voltage of 0.7V to 1.7V applied to the master oscillator’s PLLFLTR pin is recommended in order to meet this requirement. The resultant operating frequency can range from 170kHz to 270kHz. The loop filter components (CLP, 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 =10kΩ and CLP is 0.01μF to 0.1μF. Minimum On-Time Considerations Minimum on-time tON(MIN) is the smallest time duration that the IC 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 t ON(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 controller is generally less than 200ns. However, as the peak sense voltage decreases the minimum on-time gradually increases up to about 300ns. 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. FCB Pin Operation The FCB pin can be used to regulate a secondary winding or as a logic level input. Continuous operation is forced on both controllers when the FCB pin drops below 0.8V. During continuous mode, current flows continuously in the transformer primary. The secondary winding(s) draw current only when the bottom, synchronous switch is on. When primary load currents are low and/or the VIN/VOUT ratio is low, the synchronous switch may not be on for a sufficient amount of time to transfer power from the output capacitor to the secondary load. Forced continuous operation will support secondary windings providing there is sufficient synchronous switch duty factor. Thus, the FCB input pin removes the requirement that power must be drawn from the inductor primary in order to extract power from the auxiliary windings. With the loop in continuous mode, the auxiliary outputs may nominally be loaded without regard to the primary output load. 3707sfa 21 LTC3707-SYNC APPLICATIONS INFORMATION The secondary output voltage VSEC is normally set as shown in Figure 6a by the turns ratio N of the transformer: VSEC ≅ (N + 1) VOUT However, if the controller goes into Burst Mode operation and halts switching due to a light primary load current, then VSEC will droop. An external resistive divider from VSEC to the FCB pin sets a minimum voltage VSEC(MIN): ⎛ R6 ⎞ VSEC(MIN) ≈ 0.8 V ⎜ 1+ ⎟ ⎝ R5 ⎠ where R5 and R6 are shown in Figure 2. If VSEC drops below this level, the FCB voltage forces temporary continuous switching operation until VSEC is again above its minimum. In order to prevent erratic operation if no external connections are made to the FCB pin, the FCB pin has a 0.18μA internal current source pulling the pin high. Include this current when choosing resistor values R5 and R6. The following table summarizes the possible states available on the FCB pin: Table 1 FCB PIN CONDITION 0V to 0.75V Forced Continuous Both Controllers (Current Reversal Allowed— Burst Inhibited) 0.85V < VFCB < 4.3V Minimum Peak Current Induces Burst Mode Operation No Current Reversal Allowed Feedback Resistors Regulating a Secondary Winding >4.8V Burst Mode Operation Disabled Constant Frequency Mode Enabled No Current Reversal Allowed No Minimum Peak Current Voltage Positioning Voltage positioning can be used to minimize peak-to-peak output voltage excursions under worst-case transient loading conditions. The open-loop DC gain of the control loop is reduced depending upon the maximum load step specifications. Voltage positioning can easily be added to the controller by loading the ITH pin with a resistive divider having a Thevenin equivalent voltage source equal to the midpoint operating voltage range of the error amplifier, or 1.2V (see Figure 8). The resistive load reduces the DC loop gain while maintaining the linear control range of the error amplifier. The maximum output voltage deviation can theoretically be reduced to half or alternatively the amount of output capacitance can be reduced for a particular application. A complete explanation is included in Design Solutions 10. (See www.linear-tech.com) INTVCC RT2 ITH RT1 RC LTC3707-SYNC CC 3707 F08 Figure 8. Active Voltage Positioning Applied to the LTC3707-SYNC 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 application circuits: 1) IC VIN current (including loading on the 3.3V internal regulator), 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. 3707sfa 22 LTC3707-SYNC APPLICATIONS INFORMATION 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 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: 1 Transition Loss = VIN2IO(MAX )RDRCMILLER 2 ⎡ 1 1 ⎤ + ⎢ ⎥ ( f) ⎣ VINTVCC – VTH VTH ⎦ 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 LTC3707-SYNC 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 3707sfa 23 LTC3707-SYNC APPLICATIONS INFORMATION 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 the Figure 1 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 resistance is low and it is driven quickly. If the ratio of CLOAD to COUT is greater than1:50, 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. Automotive Considerations: Plugging into the Cigarette Lighter As battery-powered devices go mobile, there is a natural interest in plugging into the cigarette lighter in order to conserve or even recharge battery packs during operation. But before you connect, be advised: you are plugging into the supply from hell. The main power line in an automobile is the source of a number of nasty potential transients, including load-dump, reverse-battery, and double-battery. Load-dump is the result of a loose battery cable. When the cable breaks connection, the field collapse in the alternator can cause a positive spike as high as 60V which takes several hundred milliseconds to decay. Reverse-battery is just what it says, while double-battery is a consequence of tow-truck operators finding that a 24V jump start cranks cold engines faster than 12V. The network shown in Figure 9 is the most straight forward approach to protect a DC/DC converter from the ravages of an automotive power line. The series diode prevents current from flowing during reverse-battery, while the transient suppressor clamps the input voltage during load-dump. Note that the transient suppressor should not conduct during double-battery operation, but must still clamp the input voltage below breakdown of the converter. 50A IPK RATING 12V VIN LTC3707-SYNC TRANSIENT VOLTAGE SUPPRESSOR GENERAL INSTRUMENT 1.5KA24A 3707 F09 Figure 9. Automotive Application Protection 3707sfa 24 LTC3707-SYNC APPLICATIONS INFORMATION Design Example As a design example for one channel, assume VIN = 12V(nominal), VIN = 22V(max), VOUT = 1.8V, IMAX = 5A, and f = 300kHz. 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 PLLFLTR pin to the INTVCC pin for 300kHz operation. The minimum inductance for 30% ripple current is: ΔIL = 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 200ns is not violated. The minimum on-time occurs at maximum VIN: t ON(MIN) = VOUT 1.8 V = 273ns VIN(MAX )f 22V(300kHz) = The RSENSE resistor value can be calculated by using the maximum current sense voltage specification with some accommodation for tolerances: RSENSE ≤ 60mV ≈ 0.01Ω 5.84A Since the output voltage is below 2.4V the output resistive divider will need to be sized to not only set the output voltage but also to absorb the SENSE pins specified input current. ⎛ ⎞ 0.8V R1(MAX) = 24k⎜ ⎟ ⎝ 2.4V – VOUT ⎠ ⎛ 0.8V ⎞ = 24K⎜ ⎟ = 32k ⎝ 2.4V – 1.8V ⎠ Choosing 1% resistors; R1 = 25.5k and R2 = 32.4k yields an output voltage of 1.816V. The power dissipation on the top side MOSFET can be easily estimated. Choosing a Fairchild FOS6982S results in; RDS(ON) = 0.035Ω/0.022Ω, calculated CMILLER is 3nC/15V = 200pF. At maximum input voltage with T(estimated) = 50°C: 1.8 V 2 (5) [1+ (0.005)(50°C – 25°C)](0.035Ω) 22V 1 1⎞ ⎛ 1 2 + ( 22V ) ( 5A ) ( 4Ω )( 200pF ) ⎜ + ⎟ ( 300kHz ) ⎝ 5 – 2 2⎠ 2 = 323mW PMAIN = A short-circuit to ground will result in a folded back current of: ISC = 25mV 1 ⎛ 200ns(22V) ⎞ + = 3.2A 0.01Ω 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 – 1.8 V 2 3.2A ) (1.1) ( 0.022Ω ) ( 22V = 227mW 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 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 10. The Figure 11 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: 3707sfa 25 LTC3707-SYNC APPLICATIONS INFORMATION 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. 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 IC VOSENSE pins resistive dividers connect to the (+) terminals of COUT? The resistive divider must be connected between the (+) terminal of COUT and signal ground. The R2 and R4 connections should not be along the high current input feeds from the input capacitor(s). 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. RPU 3 R2 R1 4 5 fIN 6 12 R4 SENSE1– SW1 VOSENSE1 BOOST1 PLLFLTR VIN PLLIN BG1 13 14 L1 VOUT1 26 25 CB1 M1 3.3VOUT ITH2 PGND BG2 BOOST2 VOSENSE2 SW2 SENSE2– TG2 SENSE2+ RUN/SS2 M2 D1 24 23 COUT1 RIN CIN FCB SGND RSENSE 20 CVIN CINTVCC GND + 10 11 R3 TG1 PGOOD 27 22 EXTVCC LTC3707-SYNC 21 8 ITH1 INTVCC 7 9 3.3V SENSE1+ PGOOD + INTVCC RUN/SS1 VPULL-UP (<7V) + 2 28 + 1 VIN COUT2 19 18 17 D2 CB2 M3 M4 RSENSE 16 15 VOUT2 L2 3707 F10 Figure 10. LTC3707-SYNC Recommended Printed Circuit Layout Diagram 3707sfa 26 LTC3707-SYNC APPLICATIONS INFORMATION SW1 L1 D1 RSENSE1 COUT1 VOUT1 + RL1 VIN RIN CIN + SW2 BOLD LINES INDICATE HIGH, SWITCHING CURRENT LINES. KEEP LINES TO A MINIMUM LENGTH. D2 L2 RSENSE2 COUT2 VOUT2 + RL2 3707 F11 Figure 11. Branch Current Waveforms 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 IC 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. 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% to 20% of the maximum designed current level in Burst Mode operation. 3707sfa 27 LTC3707-SYNC APPLICATIONS INFORMATION 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 their 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. Short-circuit testing can be performed to verify proper overcurrent latchoff, or 5μA can be provided to the RUN/SS pin(s) by resistors from VIN to prevent the short-circuit latchoff from occurring. Reduce VIN from its nominal level to verify operation of the regulator in dropout. Check the operation of the 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. 3707sfa 28 LTC3707-SYNC TYPICAL APPLICATIONS 59k 1M 100k 0.1μF 2 1000pF 180pF 3 105k, 1% 4 20k 1% INTVCC 5 6 33pF 15k 1000pF 9 33pF 3.3V 10 11 15k 1000pF 12 20k 1% 13 63.4k 1% 180pF 1000pF 14 SENSE1+ TG1 SENSE1– SW1 VOSENSE1 BOOST1 PLLFLTR VIN PLLIN EXTVCC FCB ITH1 BG1 3.3VOUT ITH2 PGND BG2 BOOST2 VOSENSE2 SW2 SENSE2– TG2 SENSE2+ RUN/SS2 0.015Ω 27 VOUT1 5V 3A; 4A PEAK 26 8 0.1μF 25 M1 M2 5 D1 MBRM 140T3 LT1121 3 10Ω 22 19 CMDSH-3TR 2× 10μF 35V 150μF, 6.3V PANASONIC SP VOUT2 12V 120mA + 100k 0.1μF 1μF 10V 1μF 25V GND 4.7μF 180μF, 4V PANASONIC SP CMDSH-3TR 18 17 1 220k 23 20 ON/OFF 2 24 LTC3707-SYNC 21 INTVCC SGND 33μF 25V + 8 PGOOD + T1, 1:1.8 10μH + 7 RUN/SS1 28 + 1 MBRS1100T3 VPULL-UP (<7V) PGOOD 0.1μF M3 M4 D2 MBRM 140T3 16 15 L1 6.3μH VIN 7V TO 28V 0.01Ω VOUT2 3.3V 5A; 6A PEAK 0.1μF 3707 F12 VIN: 7V TO 28V VOUT: 5V, 3A/3.3V, 6A, 12V, 150mA SWITCHING FREQUENCY = 300kHz MI, M2, M3, M4: NDS8410A L1: SUMIDA CEP123-6R3MC T1: 10mH 1:1.8 — DALE LPE6562-A262 GAPPED E-CORE OR BH ELECTRONICS #501-0657 GAPPED TOROID Figure 12. LTC3707-SYNC High Efficiency Low Noise 5V/3A, 3.3V/5A, 12V/120mA Regulator 3707sfa 29 LTC3707-SYNC TYPICAL APPLICATIONS 0.1μF 68pF 20k 1% 10k 2 1000pF 105k 1% 3 4 0.01μF 5 1000pF 68pF 6 7 1000pF 1000pF 68pF 1000pF VOSENSE1 BOOST1 PLLFLTR VIN PLLIN BG1 10 14 SGND PGND 3.3VOUT ITH2 BG2 BOOST2 VOSENSE2 SW2 SENSE2– TG2 SENSE2+ 0.1μF 25 RUN/SS2 VOUT1 5V/5A M1A M1B 24 23 10Ω 22 FCB 0.007Ω 26 20 13 63.4k 1% SW1 9 12 20k 1% SENSE1– L1 4.3μH PGOOD 27 EXTVCC LTC3707-SYNC 21 ITH1 INTVCC 11 5.1k TG1 8 68pF 3.3V SENSE1+ 28 19 CMDSH-3TR 2s 10μF 35V 150μF 6.3V 0.1μF 1μF 10V GND + 6.34k PGOOD + fSYNC RUN/SS1 + 1 VPULL-UP (<7V) 4.7μF 180μF, 4V CMDSH-3TR VIN 7V TO 24V 18 17 0.1μF M2A M2B 16 15 L2 4.3μH 0.007Ω VOUT2 3.3V/5A 0.1μF 3707 F13 VIN: 7V TO 24V VOUT: 5V/5A, 3.3V/5A SWITCHING FREQUENCY = 300kHz MI, M2: FAIRCHILD FDS6982S (INTERNAL SCHOTTKY) L1, L2: 8mH SUMIDA CDEP105-4R3MC-88 OUTPUT CAPACITORS: PANASONIC SP SERIES Figure 13. LTC3707-SYNC 5V/5A, 3.3V/5A Regulator with External Frequency Synchronization 3707sfa 30 LTC3707-SYNC PACKAGE DESCRIPTION GN Package 28-Lead Plastic SSOP (Narrow .150 Inch) (Reference LTC DWG # 05-08-1641) .386 – .393* (9.804 – 9.982) .045 p.005 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 1615 .254 MIN .033 (0.838) REF .150 – .165 .229 – .244 (5.817 – 6.198) .0165 p.0015 .150 – .157** (3.810 – 3.988) .0250 BSC 1 RECOMMENDED SOLDER PAD LAYOUT .015 p .004 s 45o (0.38 p 0.10) .0075 – .0098 (0.19 – 0.25) 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 .0532 – .0688 (1.35 – 1.75) .004 – .0098 (0.102 – 0.249) 0o – 8o TYP .016 – .050 (0.406 – 1.270) NOTE: 1. CONTROLLING DIMENSION: INCHES INCHES 2. DIMENSIONS ARE IN (MILLIMETERS) .008 – .012 (0.203 – 0.305) TYP .0250 (0.635) BSC GN28 (SSOP) 0204 3. DRAWING NOT TO SCALE *DIMENSION DOES NOT INCLUDE MOLD FLASH. MOLD FLASH SHALL NOT EXCEED 0.006" (0.152mm) PER SIDE **DIMENSION DOES NOT INCLUDE INTERLEAD FLASH. INTERLEAD FLASH SHALL NOT EXCEED 0.010" (0.254mm) PER SIDE 3707sfa 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 LTC3707-SYNC TYPICAL APPLICATION IIN 12VIN CIN I1 PHASMD OPEN TG1 U1 TG2 LTC1629 90° 0° IIN* BUCK: 2.5V/15A 180° BUCK: 2.5V/15A I1 2.5VO/30A I2 CLKOUT I2 I3 I3 TG1 U2 TG2 LTC3707-SYNC 90° 90° BUCK: 1.5V/15A 270° BUCK: 1.8V/15A 1.5VO/15A I4 PLLIN I4 1.8VO/15A 3707 F14 *INPUT RIPPLE CURRENT CANCELLATION INCREASES THE RIPPLE FREQUENCY AND REDUCES THE RMS INPUT RIPPLE CURRENT THUS, SAVING INPUT CAPACITORS Figure 14. Multioutput Multiphase Application RELATED PARTS PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION COMMENTS LTC1438/LTC1439 Dual High Efficiency Low Noise Synchronous Step-Down Switching Regulators POR, Auxiliary Regulator LTC1438-ADJ Dual Synchronous Controller with Auxiliary Regulator POR, External Feedback Divider LTC1538-AUX Dual High Efficiency Low Noise Synchronous Step-Down Switching Regulator Auxiliary Regulator, 5V Standby LTC1539 Dual High Efficiency Low Noise Synchronous Step-Down Switching Regulator 5V Standby, POR, Low-Battery, Aux Regulator LTC1530 High Power Step-Down Synchronous DC/DC Controller in SO-8 High Efficiency 5V to 3.3V Conversion at Up to 15A TM LTC1625/LTC1775 No RSENSE Current Mode Synchronous Step-Down Controllers 97% Efficiency, No Sense Resistor, 16-Pin SSOP LTC1628-SYNC Higher Voltage and Higher Accuracy Specified LTC3707-SYNC VIN up to 36V, 1% VOUT Accuracy TM LTC1629/ LTC1629-PG 20A to 200A PolyPhase Synchronous Controllers Expandable from 2-Phase to 12-Phase, Uses All Surface Mount Components, No Heat Sink LTC1702 No RSENSE 2-Phase Dual Synchronous Step-Down Controller 550kHz, No Sense Resistor LTC1703 No RSENSE 2-Phase Dual Synchronous Step-Down Controller with 5-Bit Mobile VID Control Mobile Pentium III Processors, 550kHz, VIN ≤ 7V LTC1708-PG 2-Phase, Dual Synchronous Controller with Mobile VID 3.5V ≤ VIN ≤ 36V, VID Sets VOUT1, PGOOD LT1709/ LT1709-8 High Efficiency, 2-Phase Synchronous Step-Down Switching Regulators with 5-Bit VID 1.3V ≤ VOUT ≤ 3.5V, Current Mode Ensures Accurate Current Sharing, 3.5V ≤ VIN ≤ 36V LTC1735 High Efficiency Synchronous Step-Down Switching Regulator Output Fault Protection, 16-Pin SSOP LTC1736 High Efficiency Synchronous Controller with 5-Bit Mobile VID Control Output Fault Protection, 24-Pin SSOP, 3.5V ≤ VIN ≤ 36V LTC1929/ LTC1929-PG 2-Phase Synchronous Controllers Up to 42A, Uses All Surface Mount Components, No Heat Sinks, 3.5V ≤ VIN ≤ 36V LTC3707 Includes Standby Mode Function VIN up to 36V, PGOOD ® Adaptive Power, No RSENSE and PolyPhase are trademarks of Linear Technology Corporation. 3707sfa 32 Linear Technology Corporation LT 0508 REV A • PRINTED IN USA 1630 McCarthy Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035-7417 (408) 432-1900 ● FAX: (408) 434-0507 ● www.linear.com © LINEAR TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 2002