DATASHEET
ISL6568
FN9187
Rev 5.00
Jan 12, 2012
Two-Phase Buck PWM Controller with Integrated MOSFET Drivers for VRM9,
VRM10, and AMD Hammer Applications
The ISL6568 two-phase PWM control IC provides a precision
voltage regulation system for advanced microprocessors. The
integration of power MOSFET drivers into the controller IC
marks a departure from the separate PWM controller and
driver configuration of previous multi-phase product families.
By reducing the number of external parts, this integration is
optimized for a cost and space saving power management
solution.
Outstanding features of this controller IC include
programmable VID codes compatible with Intel VRM9,VRM10,
as well as AMD Hammer microprocessors. A unity gain,
differential amplifier is provided for remote voltage sensing,
compensating for any potential difference between remote
and local grounds. The output voltage can also be positively or
negatively offset through the use of a single external resistor.
Features
• Integrated Multi-Phase Power Conversion
- 1 or 2-Phase Operation
• Precision Core Voltage Regulation
- Differential Remote Voltage Sensing
- ±0.5% System Accuracy Over Temperature
- Adjustable Reference-Voltage Offset
• Precision Channel Current Sharing
- Uses Loss-Less rDS(ON) Current Sampling
• Accurate Load Line Programming
- Uses Loss-Less Inductor DCR Current Sampling
• Variable Gate Drive Bias: 5V to 12V
A unique feature of the ISL6568 is the combined use of both
DCR and rDS(ON) current sensing. Load line voltage positioning
(droop) and overcurrent protection are accomplished through
continuous inductor DCR current sensing, while rDS(ON) current
sensing is used for accurate channel-current balance. Using
both methods of current sampling utilizes the best advantages
of each technique.
• Microprocessor Voltage Identification Inputs
- Up to a 6-Bit DAC
- Selectable between Intel’s VRM9, VRM10, or AMD
Hammer DAC codes
- Dynamic VID-on-the-fly Technology
Protection features of this controller IC include a set of
sophisticated overvoltage, undervoltage, and overcurrent
protection. Overvoltage results in the converter turning the
lower MOSFETs ON to clamp the rising output voltage and
protect the microprocessor. The overcurrent protection level is
set through a single external resistor. Furthermore, the
ISL6568 includes protection against an open circuit on the
remote sensing inputs. Combined, these features provide
advanced protection for the microprocessor and power system.
• Multi-tiered Overvoltage Protection
FN9187 Rev 5.00
Jan 12, 2012
• Overcurrent Protection
• Digital Soft-Start
• Selectable Operation Frequency up to 1.5MHz Per Phase
• Pb-Free (RoHS Compliant)
Page 1 of 30
ISL6568
Pin Configuration
VID0
VID1
VID2
FS
PGOOD
LGATE1
ISEN1
UGATE1
ISL6568
(32 LD QFN)
TOP VIEW
32
31
30
29
28
27
26
25
OFS
3
22
VID4
VCC
4
21
VID3
COMP
5
20
ENLL
FB
6
19
PHASE2
VDIFF
7
18
BOOT2
RGND
8
17
UGATE2
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
ISEN2
PHASE1
PVCC
23
LGATE2
2
IREF
REF
ISUM
BOOT1
ICOMP
24
OCSET
1
VSEN
VID12.5
Ordering Information
PART NUMBER
(Notes 2, 3)
PART
MARKING
TEMP. RANGE
(°C)
PACKAGE
(Pb-free)
PKG.
DWG. #
ISL6568CRZ
ISL6568CRZ
0 to +70
32 Ld 5x5 QFN
L32.5x5
ISL6568CRZ-T (Note 1)
ISL6568CRZ
0 to +70
32 Ld 5x5 QFN, Tape and Reel
L32.5x5
ISL6568CRZR5184
ISL6568CRZ
0 to +70
32 Ld 5x5 QFN
L32.5x5
ISL6568CRZ-TR5184 (Note 1)
ISL6568CRZ
0 to +70
32 Ld 5x5 QFN, Tape and Reel
L32.5x5
ISL6568CRZAR5184
ISL6568CRZ
0 to +70
32 Ld 5x5 QFN
L32.5x5
ISL6568CRZA-TR5184 (Note 1)
ISL6568CRZ
0 to +70
32 Ld 5x5 QFN, Tape and Reel
L32.5x5
ISL6568IRZ
ISL6568IRZ
-40 to +85
32 Ld 5x5 QFN
L32.5x5
ISL6568IRZ-T (Note 1)
ISL6568IRZ
-40 to +85
32 Ld 5x5 QFN, Tape and Reel
L32.5x5
ISL6568IRZA
ISL6568IRZ
-40 to +85
32 Ld 5x5 QFN
L32.5x5
ISL6568IRZA-T (Note 1)
ISL6568IRZ
-40 to +85
32 Ld 5x5 QFN, Tape and Reel
L32.5x5
NOTES:
1. Please refer to TB347 for details on reel specifications.
2. These Intersil Pb-free plastic packaged products employ special Pb-free material sets, molding compounds/die attach materials, and 100% matte
tin plate plus anneal (e3 termination finish, which is RoHS compliant and compatible with both SnPb and Pb-free soldering operations). Intersil
Pb-free products are MSL classified at Pb-free peak reflow temperatures that meet or exceed the Pb-free requirements of IPC/JEDEC J STD-020.
3. For Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL), please see device information page for ISL6568. For more information on MSL please see tech brief TB363.
FN9187 Rev 5.00
Jan 12, 2012
Page 2 of 30
ISL6568
Block Diagram
ENLL
PGOOD
ICOMP OCSET
100µA
ISEN AMP
0.66V
ISUM
POWER-ON
RESET
OC
IREF
VCC
PVCC
+1V
RGND
VSEN
BOOT1
SOFT START
AND
x1
x1
FAULT LOGIC
UGATE1
SHOOTTHROUGH
PROTECTION
GATE
CONTROL
LOGIC
VDIFF
PHASE1
UVP
LGATE1
0.2V
OVP
CLOCK AND
SAWTOOTH
GENERATOR
FS
OVP
VOVP
PWM1
BOOT2
+150mV
UGATE2
x 0.82
VID4
GATE
CONTROL
LOGIC
PWM2
SHOOTTHROUGH
PROTECTION
PHASE2
VID3
VID2
VID1
LGATE2
DYNAMIC
VID
D/A
VID0
PHASE 2
DETECT
VID12.5
REF
E/A
FB
CHANNEL
CURRENT
BALANCE
COMP
OFS
1
N
OFFSET
CHANNEL
CURRENT
SENSE
ISEN1 ISEN2
FN9187 Rev 5.00
Jan 12, 2012
GND
Page 3 of 30
ISL6568
Typical Application - ISL6568
VDIFF
FB
COMP
VSEN
RGND
+12V
+5V
PVCC1
VCC
BOOT1
UGATE1
OFS
PHASE1
ISEN1
FS
REF
LGATE1
ISL6568
VID4
VID3
+12V
VID2
PVCC2
VID1
LOAD
VID0
VID12.5
BOOT2
UGATE2
PGOOD
+12V
PHASE2
ISEN2
GND
LGATE2
ENLL
IREF
OCSET
ICOMP
FN9187 Rev 5.00
Jan 12, 2012
ISUM
Page 4 of 30
ISL6568
Typical Application - ISL6568 with NTC Thermal Compensation
VDIFF
FB
COMP
VSEN
RGND
+12V
+5V
PVCC1
VCC
BOOT1
UGATE1
OFS
PHASE1
ISEN1
FS
REF
LGATE1
VID4
ISL6568
VID3
+12V
VID2
PVCC2
VID1
LOAD
VID0
VID12.5
BOOT2
PLACE IN CLOSE
PROXIMITY
UGATE2
PGOOD
+12V
PHASE2
ISEN2
NTC
GND
LGATE2
ENLL
IREF
OCSET
ICOMP
FN9187 Rev 5.00
Jan 12, 2012
ISUM
Page 5 of 30
ISL6568
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Thermal Information
Supply Voltage, VCC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -0.3V to +6V
Supply Voltage, PVCC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -0.3V to +15V
Absolute Boot Voltage, VBOOT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GND - 0.3V to GND + 36V
Phase Voltage, VPHASE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GND - 0.3V to 15V (PVCC = 12)
GND - 8V (<400ns, 20µJ) to 24V (<200ns, VBOOT-PHASE = 12V)
Upper Gate Voltage, VUGATE . . . . . . . . . . . . VPHASE - 0.3V to VBOOT + 0.3V
VPHASE - 3.5V (<100ns Pulse Width, 2µJ) to VBOOT + 0.3V
Lower Gate Voltage, VLGATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .GND - 0.3V to PVCC + 0.3V
GND - 5V (<100ns Pulse Width, 2µJ) to PVCC+ 0.3V
Input, Output, or I/O Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GND - 0.3V to VCC + 0.3V
ESD Classification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Class I JEDEC STD
Thermal Resistance
JA (°C/W) JC (°C/W)
QFN Package (Notes 4, 5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
35
5
Maximum Junction Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .+150°C
Maximum Storage Temperature Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . .-65°C to +150°C
Pb-Free Reflow Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . see link below
http://www.intersil.com/pbfree/Pb-FreeReflow.asp
Recommended Operating Conditions
VCC Supply Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +5V ±5%
PVCC Supply Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +5V to 12V ±5%
Ambient Temperature
ISL6568CRZ, ISL6568CRZR5184 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0°C to +70°C
ISL6568IRZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -40°C to +85°C
CAUTION: Do not operate at or near the maximum ratings listed for extended periods of time. Exposure to such conditions may adversely impact product
reliability and result in failures not covered by warranty.
NOTES:
4. JA is measured in free air with the component mounted on a high effective thermal conductivity test board with “direct attach” features. See Tech
Brief TB379.
5. For JC, the “case temp” location is the center of the exposed metal pad on the package underside.
Electrical Specifications Recommended Operating Conditions, Unless Otherwise Specified. Boldface limits apply over the operating
temperature ranges, 0°C to +70°C and -40°C to +85°C.
PARAMETER
TEST CONDITIONS
MIN
(Note 6)
TYP
MAX
(Note 6)
UNITS
BIAS SUPPLY AND INTERNAL OSCILLATOR
Input Bias Supply Current
IVCC; ENLL = high
-
15
20
mA
Gate Drive Bias Current
IPVCC; ENLL = high
-
1.5
-
mA
VCC POR (Power-On Reset) Threshold
VCC Rising
4.25
4.38
4.50
V
VCC Falling
3.75
3.88
4.00
V
PVCC Rising
4.25
4.38
4.50
V
PVCC Falling
3.60
3.88
4.00
V
-
1.50
-
V
-
66.6
-
%
225
250
275
kHz
-
0.66
-
V
PVCC POR (Power-On Reset) Threshold
Oscillator Ramp Amplitude (Note 6)
VP-P
Maximum Duty Cycle (Note 6)
Oscillator Frequency, FSW
RT = 100k (±0.1%)
CONTROL THRESHOLDS
ENLL Rising Threshold
ENLL Hysteresis
-
100
-
mV
0.2
0.3
0.4
V
System Accuracy (VID = 1.0V - 1.850V)
-0.5
-
0.5
%
System Accuracy (VID = 0.8V - 1.0V)
-0.8
-
0.8
%
DAC Input Low Voltage (VR9, VR10)
-
-
0.4
V
DAC Input High Voltage (VR9, VR10)
0.8
-
-
V
-
-
0.6
V
COMP Shutdown Threshold
COMP Falling
REFERENCE AND DAC
DAC Input Low Voltage (AMD)
DAC Input High Voltage (AMD)
1.0
-
-
V
OFS Sink Current Accuracy (Negative Offset)
ROFS = 30kfrom OFS to VCC
47.5
50.0
52.5
µA
OFS Source Current Accuracy (Positive Offset)
ROFS = 10kfrom OFS to GND
47.5
50.0
52.5
µA
FN9187 Rev 5.00
Jan 12, 2012
Page 6 of 30
ISL6568
Electrical Specifications Recommended Operating Conditions, Unless Otherwise Specified. Boldface limits apply over the operating
temperature ranges, 0°C to +70°C and -40°C to +85°C. (Continued)
PARAMETER
TEST CONDITIONS
MIN
(Note 6)
TYP
MAX
(Note 6)
UNITS
ERROR AMPLIFIER
DC Gain (Note 6)
RL = 10k to ground
-
96
-
dB
Gain-Bandwidth Product (Note 6)
CL = 100pF, RL = 10k to ground
-
20
-
MHz
Slew Rate (Note 6)
CL = 100pF, Load = ±400µA
-
8
-
V/µs
Maximum Output Voltage
Load = 1mA
3.90
4.20
-
V
Minimum Output Voltage
Load = -1mA
-
0.85
1.0
V
93
100
107
µA
-5
0
5
mV
-5
0
5
mV
80
82
84
%VID
OVERCURRENT PROTECTION
OCSET trip current
OCSET Accuracy
OCSET and ISUM Difference
ICOMP Offset
PROTECTION
Undervoltage Threshold
VSEN falling
Undervoltage Hysteresis
VSEN Rising
-
3
-
%VID
Overvoltage Threshold while IC Disabled
VOVP, VRM9.0 Configuration
1.92
1.97
2.02
V
VOVP, Hammer and VRM10.0 Configurations
1.62
1.67
1.72
V
Overvoltage Threshold
VSEN Rising
VID +
125mV
VID +
150mV
VID +
175mV
V
Overvoltage Hysteresis
VSEN Falling
-
50
-
mV
Open Sense-Line Protection Threshold
IREF Rising and Falling
VDIFF +
0.9V
VDIFF +
1V
VDIFF +
1.1V
V
-
26
-
ns
SWITCHING TIME (Note 3)
UGATE Rise Time
tRUGATE; VPVCC = 12V, 3nF Load, 10% to 90%
LGATE Rise Time
tRLGATE; VPVCC = 12V, 3nF Load, 10% to 90%
-
18
-
ns
UGATE Fall Time
tFUGATE; VPVCC = 12V, 3nF Load, 90% to 10%
-
18
-
ns
LGATE Fall Time
tFLGATE; VPVCC = 12V, 3nF Load, 90% to 10%
-
12
-
ns
UGATE Turn-On Non-overlap
tPDHUGATE; VPVCC = 12V, 3nF Load, Adaptive
-
10
-
ns
LGATE Turn-On Non-overlap
tPDHLGATE; VPVCC = 12V, 3nF Load, Adaptive
-
10
-
ns
1.25
2.0
3.0
3.0
GATE DRIVE RESISTANCE (Note 3)
Upper Drive Source Resistance
VPVCC = 12V, 15mA Source Current
Upper Drive Sink Resistance
VPVCC = 12V, 15mA Sink Current
0.9
1.65
Lower Drive Source Resistance
VPVCC = 12V, 15mA Source Current
0.85
1.25
2.2
Lower Drive Sink Resistance
VPVCC = 12V, 15mA Sink Current
0.60
0.80
1.35
Thermal Shutdown Setpoint (Note 6)
-
+160
-
°C
Thermal Recovery Setpoint (Note 6)
-
+100
-
°C
OVER-TEMPERATURE SHUTDOWN
NOTE:
6. Parameters with MIN and/or MAX limits are 100% tested at +25°C, unless otherwise specified. Temperature limits established by characterization
and are not production tested.
FN9187 Rev 5.00
Jan 12, 2012
Page 7 of 30
ISL6568
Timing Diagram
tPDHUGATE
tRUGATE
tFUGATE
UGATE
LGATE
tFLGATE
tRLGATE
tPDHLGATE
Simplified Power System
Diagram
+12VIN
+5VIN
Q1
CHANNEL1
Q2
VID
5-6
DAC
VOUT
Q3
CHANNEL2
Q4
ISL6568
Functional Pin Description
VCC
VCC is the bias supply for the ICs small-signal circuitry. Connect
this pin to a +5V supply and locally decouple using a quality
1.0µF ceramic capacitor.
PVCC
This pin is the power supply pin for the MOSFET drivers. This
pin can be connected to any voltage from +5V to +12V,
depending on the desired MOSFET gate drive level.
GND
GND is the bias and reference ground for the IC.
ENLL
This pin is a threshold-sensitive (approximately 0.66V) enable
input for the controller. Held low, this pin disables controller
operation. Pulled high, the pin enables the controller for
operation. ENLL has a internal 1.0µA pull-up to 5V.
FS
VID4, VID3, VID2, VID1, VID0, and VID12.5
These are the inputs for the internal DAC that provides the
reference voltage for output regulation. These pins respond to
TTL logic thresholds. The ISL6568 decodes the VID inputs to
establish the output voltage; see VID Tables for
correspondence between DAC codes and output voltage
settings. These pins are internally pulled high, to
approximately 1.2V, by 40µA (typically) internal current
sources; the internal pull-up current decreases to 0 as the VID
voltage approaches the internal pull-up voltage. All VID pins
are compatible with external pull-up voltages not exceeding
the IC’s bias voltage (VCC).
The VID12.5 pin also serves as the internal DAC compliance
selector. The way this pin is connected selects which of the
three internal DAC codes will be used. For VRM10 codes this
pin must be less that 3V. To encode the DAC with Intel VRM9.0
codes, connect the VID12.5 pin to a +5V source through a
50k resistor. To encode the DAC with AMD Hammer VID
codes, connect this pin to a +5V source through a 5k resistor.
A resistor, placed from FS to ground, will set the switching
frequency. Refer to Equation 34 for proper resistor calculation.
FN9187 Rev 5.00
Jan 12, 2012
Page 8 of 30
ISL6568
VSEN and RGND
UGATE1 and UGATE2
VSEN and RGND are inputs to the precision differential
remote-sense amplifier and should be connected to the sense
pins of the remote load.
Connect these pins to the corresponding upper MOSFET gates.
These pins are used to control the upper MOSFETs and are
monitored for shoot-through prevention purposes. Maximum
individual channel duty cycle is limited to 66%.
ICOMP, ISUM, and IREF
ISUM, IREF, and ICOMP are the DCR current sense amplifier’s
negative input, positive input, and output respectively. For
accurate DCR current sensing, connect a resistor from each
channel’s phase node to ISUM and connect IREF to the
summing point of the output inductors, roughly VOUT. A parallel
R-C feedback circuit connected between ISUM and ICOMP will
then create a voltage from IREF to ICOMP proportional to the
voltage drop across the inductor DCR. This voltage is referred to
as the droop voltage and is added to the differential
remote-sense amplifier output.
BOOT1 and BOOT2
These pins provide the bias voltage for the corresponding
upper MOSFET drives. Connect these pins to
appropriately-chosen external bootstrap capacitors. Internal
bootstrap diodes connected to the PVCC pins provide the
necessary bootstrap charge.
PHASE1 and PHASE2
Connect these pins to the sources of the upper MOSFETs.
These pins are the return path for the upper MOSFET drives.
Note: An optional 0.01µF ceramic capacitor can be placed
from the IREF pin to the ISUM pin to help reduce any noise
affects that may occur due to layout.
LGATE1 and LGATE2
VDIFF
PGOOD
VDIFF is the output of the differential remote-sense amplifier.
The voltage on this pin is equal to the difference between VSEN
and RGND added to the difference between IREF and ICOMP.
VDIFF therefore represents the output voltage plus the droop
voltage.
FB and COMP
These pins are the internal error amplifier inverting input and
output respectively. FB, VDIFF, and COMP are tied together
through external R-C networks to compensate the regulator.
REF
The REF input pin is the positive input of the error amplifier. It is
internally connected to the DAC output through a 1k resistor. A
capacitor is used between the REF pin and ground to smooth
the voltage transition during Dynamic VID operations.
OFS
The OFS pin provides a means to program a dc current for
generating an offset voltage across the resistor between FB and
VDIFF. The offset current is generated via an external resistor
and precision internal voltage references. The polarity of the
offset is selected by connecting the resistor to GND or VCC. For
no offset, the OFS pin should be left unconnected.
These pins are used to control the lower MOSFETs. Connect
these pins to the corresponding lower MOSFETs’ gates.
During normal operation PGOOD indicates whether the output
voltage is within specified overvoltage and undervoltage limits.
If the output voltage exceeds these limits or a reset event occurs
(such as an overcurrent event), PGOOD is pulled low. PGOOD is
always low prior to the end of soft-start.
Operation
Multi-Phase Power Conversion
Microprocessor load current profiles have changed to the point
that the advantages of multi-phase power conversion are
impossible to ignore. The technical challenges associated with
producing a single-phase converter that is both cost-effective
and thermally viable have forced a change to the cost-saving
approach of multi-phase. The ISL6568 controller helps simplify
implementation by integrating vital functions and requiring
minimal external components. The “Block Diagram” on page 3
provides a top level view of multi-phase power conversion
using the ISL6568 controller.
IL1 + IL2 + IL3, 7A/DIV
OCSET
IL3, 7A/DIV
This is the overcurrent set pin. Placing a resistor from OCSET to
ICOMP allows a 100A current to flow out this pin, producing a
voltage reference. Internal circuitry compares the voltage at
OCSET to the voltage at ISUM, and if ISUM ever exceeds OCSET,
the overcurrent protection activates.
PWM3, 5V/DIV
IL2, 7A/DIV
PWM2, 5V/DIV
ISEN1 and ISEN2
These pins are used for balancing the channel currents by
sensing the current through each channel’s lower MOSFET
when it is conducting. Connect a resistor between the ISEN1
and ISEN2 pins and their respective phase node. This resistor
sets a current proportional to the current in the lower MOSFET
during its conduction interval.
FN9187 Rev 5.00
Jan 12, 2012
IL1, 7A/DIV
PWM1, 5V/DIV
1µs/DIV
FIGURE 1. PWM AND INDUCTOR-CURRENT WAVEFORMS FOR
3-PHASE CONVERTER
Page 9 of 30
ISL6568
Interleaving
The switching of each channel in a multi-phase converter is
timed to be symmetrically out of phase with each of the other
channels. In a 3-phase converter, each channel switches 1/3
cycle after the previous channel and 1/3 cycle before the
following channel. As a result, the three-phase converter has a
combined ripple frequency three times greater than the ripple
frequency of any one phase. In addition, the peak-to-peak
amplitude of the combined inductor currents is reduced in
proportion to the number of phases (Equations 1 and 2).
Increased ripple frequency and lower ripple amplitude mean
that the designer can use less per-channel inductance and
lower total output capacitance for any performance
specification.
Figure 1 illustrates the multiplicative effect on output ripple
frequency. The three channel currents (IL1, IL2, and IL3)
combine to form the AC ripple current and the DC load current.
The ripple component has three times the ripple frequency of
each individual channel current. Each PWM pulse is terminated
1/3 of a cycle after the PWM pulse of the previous phase. The
peak-to-peak current for each phase is about 7A, and the DC
components of the inductor currents combine to feed the load.
To understand the reduction of ripple current amplitude in the
multi-phase circuit, examine the equation representing an
individual channel peak-to-peak inductor current.
V IN – V OUT V OUT
I P-P = ----------------------------------------------------L fS V
(EQ. 1)
IN
In Equation 1, VIN and VOUT are the input and output voltages
respectively, L is the single-channel inductor value, and fS is
the switching frequency.
The output capacitors conduct the ripple component of the
inductor current. In the case of multi-phase converters, the
capacitor current is the sum of the ripple currents from each of
the individual channels. Compare Equation 1 to the expression
for the peak-to-peak current after the summation of N
symmetrically phase-shifted inductor currents in Equation 2.
Peak-to-peak ripple current decreases by an amount
proportional to the number of channels. Output-voltage ripple
is a function of capacitance, capacitor equivalent series
resistance (ESR), and inductor ripple current. Reducing the
inductor ripple current allows the designer to use fewer or less
costly output capacitors.
V IN – N V OUT V OUT
I C P-P = ----------------------------------------------------------L fS V
(EQ. 2)
IN
Another benefit of interleaving is to reduce input ripple current.
Input capacitance is determined in part by the maximum input
ripple current. Multi-phase topologies can improve overall
system cost and size by lowering input ripple current and
allowing the designer to reduce the cost of input capacitance.
The example in Figure 2 illustrates input currents from a
three-phase converter combining to reduce the total input
ripple current.
The converter depicted in Figure 2 delivers 1.5V to a 36A load
from a 12V input. The RMS input capacitor current is 5.9A.
Compare this to a single-phase converter also stepping down
FN9187 Rev 5.00
Jan 12, 2012
12V to 1.5V at 36A. The single-phase converter has 11.9ARMS
input capacitor current. The single-phase converter must use an
input capacitor bank with twice the RMS current capacity as the
equivalent three-phase converter.
INPUT-CAPACITOR CURRENT, 10A/DIV
CHANNEL 3
INPUT CURRENT
10A/DIV
CHANNEL 2
INPUT CURRENT
10A/DIV
CHANNEL 1
INPUT CURRENT
10A/DIV
1µs/DIV
FIGURE 2. CHANNEL INPUT CURRENTS AND INPUT-CAPACITOR
RMS CURRENT FOR 3-PHASE CONVERTER
Figures 22 and 23 in “Input Capacitor Selection” on page 25
can be used to determine the input-capacitor RMS current
based on load current, duty cycle, and the number of channels.
They are provided as aids in determining the optimal input
capacitor solution.
PWM Operation
The timing of each converter leg is set by the number of active
channels. The default channel setting for the ISL6568 is two.
One switching cycle is defined as the time between the
internal PWM1 pulse termination signals. The pulse
termination signal is the internally generated clock signal that
triggers the falling edge of PWM1. The cycle time of the pulse
termination signal is the inverse of the switching frequency set
by the resistor between the FS pin and ground. Each cycle
begins when the clock signal commands PWM1 to go low. The
PWM1 transition signals the internal channel-1 MOSFET driver
to turn off the channel-1 upper MOSFET and turn on the
channel-1 synchronous MOSFET. In the default channel
configuration, the PWM2 pulse terminates 1/2 of a cycle after
the PWM1 pulse.
If the BOOT2 and PHASE2 pins are both connected to +12V
single channel operation is selected.
Once a PWM pulse transitions low, it is held low for a minimum
of 1/3 cycle. This forced off time is required to ensure an
accurate current sample. Current sensing is described in the
next section. After the forced off time expires, the PWM output
is enabled. The PWM output state is driven by the position of
the error amplifier output signal, VCOMP, minus the current
correction signal relative to the sawtooth ramp as illustrated in
Figure 3. When the modified VCOMP voltage crosses the
sawtooth ramp, the PWM output transitions high. The internal
MOSFET driver detects the change in state of the PWM signal
and turns off the synchronous MOSFET and turns on the upper
MOSFET. The PWM signal will remain high until the pulse
termination signal marks the beginning of the next cycle by
triggering the PWM signal low.
Page 10 of 30
ISL6568
Channel-Current Balance
One important benefit of multi-phase operation is the thermal
advantage gained by distributing the dissipated heat over
multiple devices and greater area. By doing this the designer
avoids the complexity of driving parallel MOSFETs and the
expense of using expensive heat sinks and exotic magnetic
materials.
In order to realize the thermal advantage, it is important that
each channel in a multi-phase converter be controlled to carry
about the same amount of current at any load level. To achieve
this, the currents through each channel must be sampled
every switching cycle. The sampled currents, In, from each
active channel are summed together and divided by the
number of active channels. The resulting cycle average
current, IAVG, provides a measure of the total load-current
demand on the converter during each switching cycle.
Channel-current balance is achieved by comparing the
sampled current of each channel to the cycle average current,
and making the proper adjustment to each channel pulse
width based on the error. Intersil’s patented current-balance
method is illustrated in Figure 3, with error correction for
channel 1 represented. In the figure, the cycle average current,
IAVG, is compared with the channel 1 sample, I1, to create an
error signal IER.
The filtered error signal modifies the pulse width commanded
by VCOMP to correct any unbalance and force IER toward zero.
The same method for error signal correction is applied to each
active channel.
VCOMP
+
+
FILTER
PWM1
-
IER
IAVG
-
+
N
IL
PWM
SWITCHING PERIOD
ISEN
SAMPLING PERIOD
NEW SAMPLE
CURRENT
OLD SAMPLE
CURRENT
TIME
FIGURE 4. SAMPLE AND HOLD TIMING
The ISL6568 supports MOSFET rDS(ON) current sensing to
sample each channel’s current for channel-current balance.
The internal circuitry, shown in Figure 5 represents channel n
of an N-channel converter. This circuitry is repeated for each
channel in the converter, but may not be active depending on
the status of the BOOT2 and PHASE2 pins, as described in
“PWM Operation” on page 10.
VIN
TO GATE
CONTROL
LOGIC
SAWTOOTH SIGNAL
f(s)
period sample. The sampled current is used only for
channel-current balance.
I2
In
r DS ON
I SEN = I ------------------------L R
ISEN
SAMPLE
&
HOLD
IL
ISEN(n)
+
In order to realize proper current-balance, the currents in each
channel must be sampled every switching cycle. This sampling
occurs during the forced off-time, following a PWM transition
low. During this time the current-sense amplifier uses the ISEN
inputs to reproduce a signal proportional to the inductor
current, IL. This sensed current, ISEN, is simply a scaled version
of the inductor current. The sample window opens exactly 1/6
of the switching period, tSW, after the PWM transitions low.
The sample window then stays open the rest of the switching
cycle until PWM transitions high again, as illustrated in
Figure 4.
I L r DS ON
CHANNEL N
LOWER MOSFET
NOTE: Channel 2 is optional.
Current Sampling
RISEN
+
I1
FIGURE 3. CHANNEL-1 PWM FUNCTION AND CURRENT-BALANCE
ADJUSTMENT
CHANNEL N
UPPER MOSFET
ISL6565A INTERNAL CIRCUIT
EXTERNAL CIRCUIT
FIGURE 5. ISL6568 INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL
CURRENT-SENSING CIRCUITRY FOR CURRENT
BALANCE
The ISL6568 senses the channel load current by sampling the
voltage across the lower MOSFET rDS(ON), as shown in
Figure 5. A ground-referenced operational amplifier, internal to
the ISL6568, is connected to the PHASE node through a
resistor, RISEN. The voltage across RISEN is equivalent to the
voltage drop across the rDS(ON) of the lower MOSFET while it is
conducting. The resulting current into the ISEN pin is
proportional to the channel current, IL. The ISEN current is
sampled and held as described in the “Current Sampling” on
page 11. From Figure 5, Equation 3 for In is derived
The sampled current, at the end of the tSAMPLE, is proportional
to the inductor current and is held until the next switching
FN9187 Rev 5.00
Jan 12, 2012
Page 11 of 30
ISL6568
r DS ON
I n = I L ---------------------R ISEN
(EQ. 3)
TABLE 2. AMD HAMMER VOLTAGE IDENTIFICATION
CODES (Continued)
VID4
VID3
VID2
VID1
VID0
VDAC
1
1
0
0
1
0.925
1
1
0
0
0
0.950
1
0
1
1
1
0.975
1
0
1
1
0
1.000
1
0
1
0
1
1.025
1
0
1
0
0
1.050
1
0
0
1
1
1.075
1
0
0
1
0
1.100
The ISL6568 accommodates three different DAC ranges: Intel
VRM9.0, AMD Hammer, or Intel VRM10.0. The state of the
VID12.5 pin decides which DAC version is active. Refer to
Table 1 for a description of how to select the desired DAC
version.
1
0
0
0
1
1.125
1
0
0
0
0
1.150
0
1
1
1
1
1.175
0
1
1
1
0
1.200
TABLE 1. ISL6568 DAC SELECT TABLE
0
1
1
0
1
1.225
0
1
1
0
0
1.250
0
1
0
1
1
1.275
0
1
0
1
0
1.300
0
1
0
0
1
1.325
0
1
0
0
0
1.350
0
0
1
1
1
1.375
0
0
1
1
0
1.400
0
0
1
0
1
1.425
0
0
1
0
0
1.450
0
0
0
1
1
1.475
0
0
0
1
0
1.500
0
0
0
0
1
1.525
0
0
0
0
0
1.550
where IL is the channel current.
Output Voltage Setting
The ISL6568 uses a digital to analog converter (DAC) to
generate a reference voltage based on the logic signals at the
VID pins. The DAC decodes the 5 or 6-bit logic signals into one
of the discrete voltages shown in Tables 2, 3, and 4. Each VID
pin is pulled up to an internal 1.2V voltage by a weak current
source (40mA current), which decreases to 0 as the voltage at
the VID pin varies from 0 to the internal 1.2V pull-up voltage.
External pull-up resistors or active-high output stages can
augment the pull-up current sources, up to a voltage of 5V.
.
DAC VERSION
VID12.5 PIN CONDITION
VRM10.0
Less than 3V
VRM9.0
50k resistor to +5V
AMD HAMMER
5k resistor to +5V
TABLE 2. AMD HAMMER VOLTAGE IDENTIFICATION
CODES
VID4
VID3
VID2
VID1
VID0
VDAC
1
1
1
1
1
Off
1
1
1
1
0
0.800
1
1
1
0
1
0.825
1
1
1
0
0
0.850
1
1
0
1
1
0.875
1
1
0
1
0
0.900
FN9187 Rev 5.00
Jan 12, 2012
Page 12 of 30
ISL6568
TABLE 3. VRM9 VOLTAGE IDENTIFICATION CODES
TABLE 4. VRM10 VOLTAGE IDENTIFICATION CODES
VID4
VID3
VID2
VID1
VID0
VDAC
VID4
VID3
VID2
VID1
VID0
VID12.5
VDAC
1
1
1
1
1
Off
1
1
1
1
1
1
Off
1
1
1
1
0
1.100
1
1
1
1
1
0
Off
1
1
1
0
1
1.125
0
1
0
1
0
0
0.8375
1
1
1
0
0
1.150
0
1
0
0
1
1
0.8500
1
1
0
1
1
1.175
0
1
0
0
1
0
0.8625
1
1
0
1
0
1.200
0
1
0
0
0
1
0.8750
1
1
0
0
1
1.225
0
1
0
0
0
0
0.8875
1
1
0
0
0
1.250
0
0
1
1
1
1
0.9000
1
0
1
1
1
1.275
0
0
1
1
1
0
0.9125
1
0
1
1
0
1.300
0
0
1
1
0
1
0.9250
1
0
1
0
1
1.325
0
0
1
1
0
0
0.9375
1
0
1
0
0
1.350
0
0
1
0
1
1
0.9500
1
0
0
1
1
1.375
0
0
1
0
1
0
0.9625
1
0
0
1
0
1.400
0
0
1
0
0
1
0.9750
1
0
0
0
1
1.425
0
0
1
0
0
0
0.9875
1
0
0
0
0
1.450
0
0
0
1
1
1
1.0000
0
1
1
1
1
1.475
0
0
0
1
1
0
1.0125
0
1
1
1
0
1.500
0
0
0
1
0
1
1.0250
0
1
1
0
1
1.525
0
0
0
1
0
0
1.0375
0
1
1
0
0
1.550
0
0
0
0
1
1
1.0500
0
1
0
1
1
1.575
0
0
0
0
1
0
1.0625
0
1
0
1
0
1.600
0
0
0
0
0
1
1.0750
0
1
0
0
1
1.625
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0875
0
1
0
0
0
1.650
1
1
1
1
0
1
1.1000
0
0
1
1
1
1.675
1
1
1
1
0
0
1.1125
0
0
1
1
0
1.700
1
1
1
0
1
1
1.1250
0
0
1
0
1
1.725
1
1
1
0
1
0
1.1375
0
0
1
0
0
1.750
1
1
1
0
0
1
1.1500
0
0
0
12.75
1
1.775
1
1
1
0
0
0
1.1625
0
0
0
1
0
1.800
1
1
0
1
1
1
1.1750
0
0
0
0
1
1.825
1
1
0
1
1
0
1.1875
0
0
0
0
0
1.850
1
1
0
1
0
1
1.2000
1
1
0
1
0
0
1.2125
1
1
0
0
1
1
1.2250
1
1
0
0
1
0
1.2375
1
1
0
0
0
1
1.2500
1
1
0
0
0
0
1.2625
FN9187 Rev 5.00
Jan 12, 2012
Page 13 of 30
ISL6568
TABLE 4. VRM10 VOLTAGE IDENTIFICATION CODES (Continued)
VID4
VID3
VID2
VID1
VID0
VID12.5
VDAC
1
0
1
1
1
1
1.2750
1
0
1
1
1
0
1.2875
1
0
1
1
0
1
1.300
1
0
1
1
0
0
1.3125
1
0
1
0
1
1
1.3250
1
0
1
0
1
0
1.3375
1
0
1
0
0
1
1.3500
1
0
1
0
0
0
1.3625
1
0
0
1
1
1
1.3750
1
0
0
1
1
0
1.3875
1
0
0
1
0
1
1.4000
1
0
0
1
0
0
1.4125
1
0
0
0
1
1
1.4250
1
0
0
0
1
0
1.4375
1
0
0
0
0
1
1.4500
1
0
0
0
0
0
1.4625
0
1
1
1
1
1
1.4750
0
1
1
1
1
0
1.4875
0
1
1
1
0
1
1.5000
0
1
1
1
0
0
1.5125
0
1
1
0
1
1
1.5250
0
1
1
0
1
0
1.5375
0
1
1
0
0
1
1.5500
0
1
1
0
0
0
1.5625
0
1
0
1
1
1
1.5750
0
1
0
1
1
0
1.5875
0
1
0
1
0
1
1.6000
Voltage Regulation
In order to regulate the output voltage to a specified level, the
ISL6568 uses the integrating compensation network shown in
Figure 6. This compensation network insures that the
steady-state error in the output voltage is limited only to the
error in the reference voltage (output of the DAC) and offset
errors in the OFS current source, remote-sense and error
amplifiers. Intersil specifies the guaranteed tolerance of the
ISL6568 to include the combined tolerances of each of these
elements.
FN9187 Rev 5.00
Jan 12, 2012
EXTERNAL CIRCUIT
R C CC
COMP
ISL6568 INTERNAL CIRCUIT
VID DAC
1k
REF
CREF
FB
RFB
+
VOFS
-
+
-
VCOMP
ERROR AMPLIFIER
IOFS
VDIFF
VSEN
+
VOUT
-
RGND
IREF
+
-
VDROOP
-
+
+
ICOMP
DIFFERENTIAL
REMOTE-SENSE
AMPLIFIER
FIGURE 6. OUTPUT VOLTAGE AND LOAD-LINE REGULATION WITH
OFFSET ADJUSTMENT
The ISL6568 incorporates an internal differential
remote-sense amplifier in the feedback path. The amplifier
removes the voltage error encountered when measuring the
output voltage relative to the controller ground reference point,
resulting in a more accurate means of sensing output voltage.
Connect the microprocessor sense pins to the non-inverting
input, VSEN, and inverting input, RGND, of the remote-sense
amplifier. The droop voltage, VDROOP, also feeds into the
remote-sense amplifier. The remote-sense output, VDIFF, is
therefore equal to the sum of the output voltage, VOUT, and the
droop voltage. VDIFF is connected to the inverting input of the
error amplifier through an external resistor.
The output of the error amplifier, VCOMP, is compared to the
sawtooth waveform to generate the PWM signals. The PWM
signals control the timing of the Internal MOSFET drivers and
regulate the converter output so that the voltage at FB is equal
to the voltage at REF. This will regulate the output voltage to be
equal to Equation 4. The internal and external circuitry that
controls voltage regulation is illustrated in Figure 6.
V OUT = V REF – V OFS – V DROOP
(EQ. 4)
Page 14 of 30
ISL6568
+
The droop voltage, VDROOP, is created by sensing the current
through the output inductors. This is accomplished by using a
continuous DCR current sensing method.
Inductor windings have a characteristic distributed resistance
or DCR (Direct Current Resistance). For simplicity, the inductor
DCR is considered as a separate lumped quantity, as shown in
Figure 7. The channel current, IL, flowing through the inductor,
passes through the DCR. Equation 5 shows the s-domain
equivalent voltage, VL, across the inductor.
V L s = I L s L + DCR
(EQ. 5)
The inductor DCR is important because the voltage dropped
across it is proportional to the channel current. By using a
simple R-C network and a current sense amplifier, as shown in
Figure 7, the voltage drop across all of the inductors’ DCRs can
be extracted. The output of the current sense amplifier,
VDROOP, can be shown to be proportional to the channel
currents IL1 and IL2, shown in Equation 6.
sL
------------
R
DCR + 1
COMP
V
s = -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- I + I DCR
DROOP
L1 L2
s R
C
+ 1
R
COMP
COMP
S
(EQ. 6)
If the R-C network components are selected such that the R-C
time constant matches the inductor L/DCR time constant,
then VDROOP is equal to the sum of the voltage drops across
the individual DCRs, multiplied by a gain. As Equation 7 shows,
VDROOP is therefore proportional to the total output current,
IOUT.
R COMP
V DROOP = --------------------- I OUT DCR
RS
FN9187 Rev 5.00
Jan 12, 2012
(EQ. 7)
PHASE1
RS
L1
VOUT
COUT
L
PHASE2
IOUT
DCR
INDUCTOR
I
DCR
INDUCTOR
I
RS
L2
ISUM
-
+
As shown in Figure 6, a voltage, VDROOP, proportional to the
total current in all active channels, IOUT, feeds into the
differential remote-sense amplifier. The resulting voltage at
the output of the remote-sense amplifier is the sum of the
output voltage and the droop voltage. Equation 4 shows that
feeding this voltage into the compensation network causes the
regulator to adjust the output voltage so it will be equal to the
reference voltage minus the droop voltage.
VL(s)
L
Some microprocessor manufacturers require a
precisely-controlled output impedance. This dependence of
output voltage on load current is often termed “droop” or “load
line” regulation.
-
Load-Line (Droop) Regulation
CCOMP
RCOMP
ICOMP
VDROOP
+
(optional)
IREF
ISL6568
FIGURE 7. DCR SENSING CONFIGURATION
By simply adjusting the value of RS, the load line can be set to
any level, giving the converter the right amount of droop at all
load currents. It may also be necessary to compensate for any
changes in DCR due to temperature. These changes cause the
load line to be skewed, and cause the R-C time constant to not
match the L/DCR time constant. If this becomes a problem a
simple negative temperature coefficient resistor network can
be used in the place of RCOMP to compensate for the rise in
DCR due to temperature.
Note: An optional 10nF ceramic capacitor from the ISUM pin to
the IREF pin is recommended to help reduce any noise affects
on the current sense amplifier due to layout.
Output-Voltage Offset Programming
The ISL6568 allows the designer to accurately adjust the
offset voltage by connecting a resistor, ROFS, from the OFS pin
to VCC or GND. When ROFS is connected between OFS and
VCC, the voltage across it is regulated to 1.5V. This causes a
proportional current (IOFS) to flow into the OFS pin and out of
the FB pin. If ROFS is connected to ground, the voltage across it
is regulated to 0.5V, and IOFS flows into the FB pin and out of
the OFS pin. The offset current flowing through the resistor
between VDIFF and FB will generate the desired offset voltage
which is equal to the product (IOFS x RFB). These functions are
shown in Figures 8 and 9.
Page 15 of 30
ISL6568
regulator to do this by making changes to the VID inputs. The
core-voltage regulator is required to monitor the DAC inputs and
respond to on-the-fly VID changes in a controlled manner,
supervising a safe output voltage transition without
discontinuity or disruption.
VDIFF
+
VOFS
-
RFB
VREF
E/A
FB
IOFS
-
OFS
ISL6568
ROFS
-
0.5V
GND
GND
1.5V
+
+
VCC
FIGURE 8. POSITIVE OFFSET OUTPUT VOLTAGE PROGRAMMING
VDIFF
VOFS
+
RFB
In order to ensure the smooth transition of output voltage
during a VRM10 VID change, a VID step change smoothing
network is required for an ISL6568 based voltage regulator.
This network is composed of a 1k internal resistor between
the output of DAC and the capacitor CREF, between the REF pin
and ground. The selection of CREF is based on the time
duration for 1-bit VID change and the allowable delay time.
Assuming the microprocessor controls the VID change at 1-bit
every T VID, the relationship between CREF and TVID is given by
Equation 10.
VREF
E/A
FB
C REF = 0.004X T VID
IOFS
(EQ. 10)
As an example, for a VID step change rate of 5µs per bit, the
value of CREF is 22nF based on Equation 10.
VCC
-
ROFS
ISL6568
GND
1.5V
+
+
OFS
The DAC mode the ISL6568 is operating in determines how the
controller responds to a dynamic VID change. When in VRM10
mode the ISL6568 checks the VID inputs six times every
switching cycle. If a new code is established and it stays the
same for 3 consecutive readings, the ISL6568 recognizes the
change and increments the reference. Specific to VRM10, the
processor controls the VID transitions and is responsible for
incrementing or decrementing one VID step at a time. In
VRM10 setting, the ISL6568 will immediately change the
reference to the new requested value as soon as the request is
validated; in cases where the reference step is too large, the
sudden change can trigger overcurrent or overvoltage events.
0.5V
VCC
FIGURE 9. NEGATIVE OFFSET OUTPUT VOLTAGE PROGRAMMING
Once the desired output offset voltage has been determined,
use formulas in Equations 8 and 9 to set ROFS:
For Positive Offset (connect ROFS to GND):
0.5 R FB
R OFS = -------------------------V OFFSET
(EQ. 8)
For Negative Offset (connect ROFS to VCC):
1.5 R FB
R OFS = -------------------------V OFFSET
(EQ. 9)
Dynamic VID
Modern microprocessors need to make changes to their core
voltage as part of normal operation. They direct the core-voltage
FN9187 Rev 5.00
Jan 12, 2012
When running in VRM9 or AMD Hammer operation, the ISL6568
responds slightly differently to a dynamic VID change than when
in VRM10 mode. In these modes the VID code can be changed
by more than a 1-bit step at a time. Once the controller receives
the new VID code it waits half of a phase cycle and then begins
slewing the DAC 12.5mV every phase cycle, until the VID and
DAC are equal. Thus, the total time required for a VID change,
tDVID, is dependent on the switching frequency (fS), the size of
the change (VVID), and the time required to register the VID
change. The one-cycle addition in the tDVID equation is due to the
possibility that the VID code change may occur up to one full
switching cycle before being recognized. The approximate time
required for a ISL6568-based converter in AMD Hammer
configuration running at fS = 335kHz to make a 1.1V to 1.5V
reference voltage change is about 100µs, as calculated using
Equation 11.
1 V VID
- + 1.5
t DVID = ----- ----------------
f S 0.0125
(EQ. 11)
Advanced Adaptive Zero Shoot-Through
Deadtime Control (Patent Pending)
The integrated drivers incorporate a unique adaptive deadtime
control technique to minimize deadtime, resulting in high
efficiency from the reduced freewheeling time of the lower
MOSFET body-diode conduction, and to prevent the upper and
lower MOSFETs from conducting simultaneously. This is
Page 16 of 30
ISL6568
accomplished by ensuring either rising gate turns on its MOSFET
with minimum and sufficient delay after the other has turned off.
1.2
1.0
0.8
0.6
QGATE = 100nC
0.4
50nC
0.2
20nC
0.0
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
VBOOT_CAP (V)
Internal Bootstrap Device
Both integrated drivers feature an internal bootstrap Schottky
diode. Simply adding an external capacitor across the BOOT
and PHASE pins completes the bootstrap circuit. The bootstrap
function is also designed to prevent the bootstrap capacitor
from overcharging due to the large negative swing at the
PHASE node. This reduces voltage stress on the boot to phase
pins.
The bootstrap capacitor must have a maximum voltage rating
above PVCC + 5V and its capacitance value can be chosen
from Equation 12:
Q GATE
C BOOT_CAP -------------------------------------V BOOT_CAP
1.4
CBOOT_CAP (µF)
During turn-off of the lower MOSFET, the PHASE voltage is
monitored until it reaches a -0.3V/+0.8V trip point for a
forward/reverse current, at which time the UGATE is released to
rise. An auto-zero comparator is used to correct the rDS(ON) drop
in the phase voltage preventing false detection of the -0.3V phase
level during rDS(ON) conduction period. In the case of zero current,
the UGATE is released after 35ns delay of the LGATE dropping
below 0.5V. During the phase detection, the disturbance of LGATE
falling transition on the PHASE node is blanked out to prevent
falsely tripping. Once the PHASE is high, the advanced adaptive
shoot-through circuitry monitors the PHASE and UGATE voltages
during a PWM falling edge and the subsequent UGATE turn-off. If
either the UGATE falls to less than 1.75V above the PHASE or the
PHASE falls to less than +0.8V, the LGATE is released to turn on.
1.6
(EQ. 12)
Q G1 PVCC
Q GATE = ------------------------------------ N Q1
V GS1
where QG1 is the amount of gate charge per upper MOSFET at
VGS1 gate-source voltage and NQ1 is the number of control
MOSFETs. The VBOOT_CAP term is defined as the allowable
droop in the rail of the upper gate drive.
FIGURE 10. BOOTSTRAP CAPACITANCE vs BOOT RIPPLE VOLTAGE
Gate Drive Voltage Versatility
The ISL6568 provides the user flexibility in choosing the gate
drive voltage for efficiency optimization. The controller ties the
upper and lower drive rails together. Simply applying a voltage
from 5V up to 12V on PVCC sets both gate drive rail voltages
simultaneously.
Initialization
Prior to initialization, proper conditions must exist on the ENLL,
VCC, PVCC and the VID pins. When the conditions are met, the
controller begins soft-start. Once the output voltage is within the
proper window of operation, the controller asserts PGOOD.
Enable and Disable
While in shutdown mode, the PWM outputs are held in a
high-impedance state. This forces the drivers to short
gate-to-source of the upper and lower MOSFET’s to assure the
MOSFETs remain off. The following input conditions must be
met before the ISL6566 is released from this shutdown mode.
1. The bias voltage applied at VCC must reach the internal
power-on reset (POR) rising threshold. Once this threshold
is reached, proper operation of all aspects of the ISL6568
is guaranteed. Hysteresis between the rising and falling
thresholds assure that once enabled, the ISL6568 will not
inadvertently turn off unless the bias voltage drops
substantially (see “Electrical Specifications” on page 6).
FN9187 Rev 5.00
Jan 12, 2012
Page 17 of 30
ISL6568
ISL6568 INTERNAL CIRCUIT
EXTERNAL CIRCUIT
VCC
V DAC 1280
T SS = --------------------------------fS
PVCC1
+12V
POR
CIRCUIT
ENABLE
COMPARATOR
10.7k
ENLL
+
-
Thus, the soft-start period (not including the 16 PHASE clock
cycle delay) up to a given voltage, VDAC, can be approximated
by Equation 13.
1.40k
0.66V
SOFT-START
AND
FAULT LOGIC
where VDAC is the DAC-set VID voltage, and fS is the switching
frequency.
The ISL6568 also has the ability to start up into a pre-charged
output, without causing any unnecessary disturbance. The FB
pin is monitored during soft-start, and should it be higher than
the equivalent internal ramping reference voltage, the output
drives hold both MOSFETs off. Once the internal ramping
reference exceeds the FB pin potential, the output drives are
enabled, allowing the output to ramp from the pre-charged
level to the final level dictated by the DAC setting. Should the
output be pre-charged to a level exceeding the DAC setting, the
output drives are enabled at the end of the soft-start period,
leading to an abrupt correction in the output voltage down to
the DAC-set level.
FIGURE 11. POWER SEQUENCING USING THRESHOLD-SENSITIVE
ENABLE (ENLL) FUNCTION
OUTPUT PRECHARGED
ABOVE DAC LEVEL
2. The voltage on ENLL must be above 0.66V. The EN input
allows for power sequencing between the controller bias
voltage and another voltage rail. The enable comparator
holds the ISL6568 in shutdown until the voltage at ENLL
rises above 0.66V. The enable comparator has 60mV of
hysteresis to prevent bounce.
3. The driver bias voltage applied at the PVCC pin must reach
the internal power-on reset (POR) rising threshold.
Hysteresis between the rising and falling thresholds assure
that once enabled, the ISL6568 will not inadvertently turn
off unless the PVCC bias voltage drops substantially (see
“Electrical Specifications” on page 6).
4. The VID code must not be 111111 or 111110 in VRM10
mode or 11111 in AMD Hammer or VRM9 modes. These
codes signal the controller that no load is present. The
controller will enter shut-down mode after receiving either
of these codes and will execute soft-start upon receiving
any other code. These codes can be used to enable or
disable the controller but it is not recommended. After
receiving one of these codes, the controller executes a
2-cycle delay before changing the overvoltage trip level to
the shut-down level and disabling PWM. Overvoltage
shutdown cannot be reset using one of these codes.
When each of these conditions is true, the controller
immediately begins the soft-start sequence.
(EQ. 13)
OUTPUT PRECHARGED
BELOW DAC LEVEL
GND>
VOUT (0.5V/DIV)
GND>
ENLL (5V/DIV)
T1 T2
T3
FIGURE 12. SOFT-START WAVEFORMS FOR ISL6568-BASED
MULTI-PHASE CONVERTER
Fault Monitoring and Protection
The ISL6568 actively monitors output voltage and current to
detect fault conditions. Fault monitors trigger protective
measures to prevent damage to a microprocessor load. One
common power good indicator is provided for linking to
external system monitors. The schematic in Figure 13 outlines
the interaction between the fault monitors and the power good
signal.
SOFT-START
The soft-start function allows the converter to bring up the
output voltage in a controlled fashion, resulting in a linear
ramp-up. Following a delay of 16 PHASE clock cycles between
enabling the chip and the start of the ramp, the output voltage
progresses at a fixed rate of 12.5mV per each 16 PHASE clock
cycles.
FN9187 Rev 5.00
Jan 12, 2012
Page 18 of 30
ISL6568
ROCSET
ICOMP
-
VOCSET
+
OCSET
IREF
+
ISEN
-
VDROOP
ISUM
100uA
+
+1V
-
+
VDIFF
At the inception of an overvoltage event, all LGATE signals are
commanded high, and the PGOOD signal is driven low. This
causes the controller to turn on the lower MOSFETs and pull
the output voltage below a level that might cause damage to
the load. The LGATE outputs remain high until VDIFF falls to
within the overvoltage limits explained above. The ISL6568 will
continue to protect the load in this fashion as long as the
overvoltage condition recurs.
OC
+
-
VID + 150mV
Once an overvoltage condition ends the ISL6568 continues
normal operation and PGOOD returns high.
SOFT-START, FAULT
AND CONTROL LOGIC
VOVP
Pre-POR Overvoltage Protection
-
VSEN
+
voltage, VOVP. The fixed voltage, VOVP, is 1.67V when running in
AMD Hammer, or VRM10 modes, and 1.97V for VRM9 mode.
Upon successful soft-start, the overvoltage trip level is only DAC
plus 150mV. OVP releases 50mV below its trip point if it was
“DAC plus 150mV” that tripped it, and releases 100mV below its
trip point if it was the fixed voltage, VOVP, that tripped it. Actions
are taken by the ISL6568 to protect the microprocessor load
when an overvoltage condition occurs, until the output voltage
falls back within set limits.
+
OV
PGOOD
x1
-
-
RGND
+
0.82 x DAC
UV
ISL6568 INTERNAL CIRCUITRY
FIGURE 13. POWER GOOD AND PROTECTION CIRCUITRY
Prior to PVCC and VCC exceeding their POR levels, the ISL6568
is designed to protect the load from any overvoltage events
that may occur. This is accomplished by means of an internal
10k resistor tied from PHASE to LGATE, which turns on the
lower MOSFET to control the output voltage until the
overvoltage event ceases or the input power supply cuts off.
For complete protection, the low side MOSFET should have a
gate threshold well below the maximum voltage rating of the
load/microprocessor.
In the event that during normal operation the PVCC or VCC
voltage falls back below the POR threshold, the pre-POR
overvoltage protection circuitry reactivates to protect from any
more pre-POR overvoltage events.
Power-Good Signal
Open Sense Line Protection
The power good pin (PGOOD) is an open-drain logic output that
transitions high when the converter is operating after softstart. PGOOD pulls low during shutdown and releases high
after a successful soft-start. PGOOD transitions low when an
undervoltage, overvoltage, or overcurrent condition is detected
or when the controller is disabled by a reset from ENLL, POR,
or one of the no-CPU VID codes. If after an undervoltage or
overvoltage event occurs the output returns to within under
and overvoltage limits, PGOOD will return high.
In the case that either of the remote sense lines, VSEN or GND,
become open, the ISL6568 is designed to detect this and shut
down the controller. This event is detected by monitoring the
voltage on the IREF pin, which is a local version of VOUT sensed
at the outputs of the inductors.
Undervoltage Detection
The undervoltage threshold is set at 82% of the VID code.
When the output voltage (VSEN-RGND) is below the
undervoltage threshold, PGOOD gets pulled low. No other
action is taken by the controller. PGOOD will return high if the
output voltage rises above 85% of the VID code.
Overvoltage Protection
The ISL6568 constantly monitors the difference between the
VSEN and RGND voltages to detect if an overvoltage event
occurs. During soft-start, while the DAC is ramping up, the
overvoltage trip level is the higher of DAC plus 150mV or a fixed
FN9187 Rev 5.00
Jan 12, 2012
If VSEN or RGND become opened, VDIFF falls, causing the duty
cycle to increase and the output voltage on IREF to increase. If
the voltage on IREF exceeds “VDIFF+1V”, the controller will
shut down. Once the voltage on IREF falls below “VDIFF+1V”,
the ISL6568 will restart at the beginning of soft-start.
Overcurrent Protection
The ISL6568 detects overcurrent events by comparing the
droop voltage, VDROOP, to the OCSET voltage, VOCSET, as
shown in Figure 13. The droop voltage, set by the external
current sensing circuitry, is proportional to the output current
as shown in Equation 7. A constant 100µA flows through
ROCSET, creating the OCSET voltage. When the droop voltage
exceeds the OCSET voltage, the overcurrent protection circuitry
activates. Since the droop voltage is proportional to the output
current, the overcurrent trip level, IMAX, can be set by selecting
the proper value for ROCSET, as shown in Equation 14.
Page 19 of 30
ISL6568
I MAX R COMP DCR
R OCSET = --------------------------------------------------------100 R S
(EQ. 14)
Once the output current exceeds the overcurrent trip level,
VDROOP will exceed VOCSET, and a comparator will trigger the
converter to begin overcurrent protection procedures. At the
beginning of overcurrent shutdown, the controller turns off
both upper and lower MOSFETs. The system remains in this
state for a period of 4096 switching cycles. If the controller is
still enabled at the end of this wait period, it will attempt a
soft-start (as shown in Figure 14). If the fault remains, the tripretry cycles will continue indefinitely until either the controller
is disabled or the fault is cleared. Note that the energy
delivered during trip-retry cycling is much less than during
full-load operation, so there is no thermal hazard.
OUTPUT CURRENT, 50A/DIV
0A
OUTPUT VOLTAGE,
500mV/DIV
0V
2ms/DIV
FIGURE 14. OVERCURRENT BEHAVIOR IN HICCUP MODE
FSW = 500kHz
General Design Guide
This design guide is intended to provide a high-level explanation of
the steps necessary to create a multi-phase power converter. It is
assumed that the reader is familiar with many of the basic skills
and techniques referenced below. In addition to this guide, Intersil
provides complete reference designs that include schematics, bill
of materials, and example board layouts for all common
microprocessor applications.
Power Stages
The first step in designing a multi-phase converter is to
determine the number of phases. This determination depends
heavily on the cost analysis which in turn depends on system
constraints that differ from one design to the next. Principally,
the designer will be concerned with whether components can
be mounted on both sides of the circuit board, whether
through-hole components are permitted, the total board space
available for power-supply circuitry, and the maximum amount
of load current. Generally speaking, the most economical
solutions are those in which each phase handles between 25A
and 30A. All surface-mount designs will tend toward the lower
end of this current range. If through-hole MOSFETs and
inductors can be used, higher per-phase currents are possible.
In cases where board space is the limiting constraint, current
FN9187 Rev 5.00
Jan 12, 2012
can be pushed as high as 40A per phase, but these designs
require heat sinks and forced air to cool the MOSFETs,
inductors and heat-dissipating surfaces.
MOSFETS
The choice of MOSFETs depends on the current each MOSFET
will be required to conduct, the switching frequency, the
capability of the MOSFETs to dissipate heat, and the availability
and nature of heat sinking and air flow.
LOWER MOSFET POWER CALCULATION
The calculation for power loss in the lower MOSFET is simple,
since virtually all of the loss in the lower MOSFET is due to
current conducted through the channel resistance (rDS(ON)). In
Equation 15, IM is the maximum continuous output current,
IP-P is the peak-to-peak inductor current (see Equation 1 on
page 10), and d is the duty cycle (VOUT/VIN).
I L P-P 2 1 – d
I M 2
P LOW 1 = r DS ON ----- 1 – d + -----------------------------------12
N
(EQ. 15)
An additional term can be added to the lower-MOSFET loss
equation to account for additional loss accrued during the
dead time when inductor current is flowing through the
lower-MOSFET body diode. This term is dependent on the diode
forward voltage at IM, VD(ON), the switching frequency, fS, and
the length of dead times, td1 and td2, at the beginning and the
end of the lower-MOSFET conduction interval respectively.
I
IM I
M I P-P
P-P- t
P LOW 2 = V D ON f S ----d1 + ------ – ---------- t d2
N- + --------2
N
2
(EQ. 16)
The total maximum power dissipated in each lower MOSFET is
approximated by the summation of PLOW,1 and PLOW,2.
UPPER MOSFET POWER CALCULATION
In addition to rDS(ON) losses, a large portion of the upperMOSFET losses are due to currents conducted across the input
voltage (VIN) during switching. Since a substantially higher
portion of the upper-MOSFET losses are dependent on
switching frequency, the power calculation is more complex.
Upper MOSFET losses can be divided into separate
components involving the upper-MOSFET switching times, the
lower-MOSFET body-diode reverse-recovery charge, Qrr, and
the upper MOSFET rDS(ON) conduction loss.
When the upper MOSFET turns off, the lower MOSFET does not
conduct any portion of the inductor current until the voltage at
the phase node falls below ground. Once the lower MOSFET
begins conducting, the current in the upper MOSFET falls to
zero as the current in the lower MOSFET ramps up to assume
the full inductor current. In Equation 17, the required time for
this commutation is t1 and the approximated associated
power loss is PUP,1.
I M I P-P t 1
P UP 1 V IN ----- ---- f
N- + --------2 2 S
(EQ. 17)
Page 20 of 30
ISL6568
At turn-on, the upper MOSFET begins to conduct and this
transition occurs over a time t2. In Equation 18, the
approximate power loss is PUP,2.
I M I P-P t 2
P UP 2 V IN ----- ---- f
N- – --------2 2 S
(EQ. 18)
A third component involves the lower MOSFET reverse-recovery
charge, Qrr. Since the inductor current has fully commutated to
the upper MOSFET before the lower-MOSFET body diode can
recover all of Qrr, it is conducted through the upper MOSFET
across VIN. The power dissipated as a result is PUP,3.
(EQ. 19)
P UP 3 = V IN Q rr f S
Finally, the resistive part of the upper MOSFET is given in
Equation 20 as PUP(4).
2
I P-P2
I M
P UP 4 r DS ON ----- d + ---------12
N
Calculating the power dissipation in the drivers for a desired
application is critical to ensure safe operation. Exceeding the
maximum allowable power dissipation level will push the IC
beyond the maximum recommended operating junction
temperature of +125°C. The maximum allowable IC power
dissipation for the 5x5 QFN package is approximately 4W at
room temperature. See “Layout Considerations” on page 26
for thermal transfer improvement suggestions.
When designing the ISL6568 into an application, it is
recommended that the following calculation is used to ensure
safe operation at the desired frequency for the selected
MOSFETs. The total gate drive power losses, PQg_TOT, due to
the gate charge of MOSFETs and the integrated driver’s
internal circuitry and their corresponding average driver
current can be estimated with Equations 21 and 22,
respectively.
P Qg_TOT = P Qg_Q1 + P Qg_Q2 + I Q VCC
(EQ. 21)
(EQ. 20)
The total power dissipated by the upper MOSFET at full load
can now be approximated as the summation of the results
from Equations 17, 18, 19 and 20. Since the power equations
depend on MOSFET parameters, choosing the correct
MOSFETs can be an iterative process involving repetitive
solutions to the loss equations for different MOSFETs and
different switching frequencies.
Package Power Dissipation
When choosing MOSFETs it is important to consider the
amount of power being dissipated in the integrated drivers
located in the controller. Since there are a total of two drivers
in the controller package, the total power dissipated by both
drivers must be less than the maximum allowable power
dissipation for the QFN package.
3
P Qg_Q1 = --- Q G1 PVCC F SW N Q1 N PHASE
2
P Qg_Q2 = Q G2 PVCC F SW N Q2 N PHASE
(EQ. 22)
3
I DR = --- Q G1 N
+ Q G2 N Q2 N PHASE F SW + I Q
2
Q1
In Equations 21 and 22, PQg_Q1 is the total upper gate drive
power loss and PQg_Q2 is the total lower gate drive power loss;
the gate charge (QG1 and QG2) is defined at the particular gate to
source drive voltage PVCC in the corresponding MOSFET data
sheet; IQ is the driver total quiescent current with no load at both
drive outputs; NQ1 and NQ2 are the number of upper and lower
MOSFETs per phase, respectively; NPHASE is the number of active
phases. The IQ*VCC product is the quiescent power of the
controller without capacitive load and is typically 75mW at
300kHz.
PVCC
BOOT
D
CGD
RHI1
RLO1
UGATE
G
RG1
CDS
RGI1
CGS
Q1
S
PHASE
FIGURE 15. TYPICAL UPPER-GATE DRIVE TURN-ON PATH
FN9187 Rev 5.00
Jan 12, 2012
Page 21 of 30
ISL6568
VIN
PVCC
D
CHANNEL N
UPPER MOSFET
CGD
RHI2
LGATE
RLO2
IL
G
RG2
CDS
ISEN(n)
RGI2
CGS
RISEN
Q2
S
ISL6568
I
+
CHANNEL N
LOWER MOSFET
FIGURE 16. TYPICAL LOWER-GATE DRIVE TURN-ON PATH
The total gate drive power losses are dissipated among the
resistive components along the transition path and in the
bootstrap diode. The portion of the total power dissipated in the
controller itself is the power dissipated in the upper drive path
resistance, PDR_UP, the lower drive path resistance, PDR_UP, and
in the boot strap diode, PBOOT. The rest of the power will be
dissipated by the external gate resistors (RG1 and RG2) and the
internal gate resistors (RGI1 and RGI2) of the MOSFETs. Figures 15
and 16 show the typical upper and lower gate drives’ turn-on
transition path. The total power dissipation in the controller itself,
PDR, can be roughly estimated as Equation 23:
P DR = P DR_UP + P DR_LOW + P BOOT + I Q VCC
(EQ. 23)
P Qg_Q1
P BOOT = --------------------3
R LO1
R HI1
P Qg_Q1
P DR_UP = -------------------------------------+ --------------------------------------- --------------------3
R HI1 + R EXT1 R LO1 + R EXT1
R LO2
R HI2
P Qg_Q2
+ --------------------------------------- --------------------P DR_LOW = -------------------------------------2
R HI2 + R EXT2 R LO2 + R EXT2
R GI1
R EXT1 = R G1 + ------------N
Q1
R GI2
R EXT2 = R G2 + ------------N
Q2
Current Balancing Component Selection
The ISL6568 senses the channel load current by sampling the
voltage across the lower MOSFET rDS(ON), as shown in
Figure 17. The ISEN pins are denoted ISEN1 and ISEN2. The
resistors connected between these pins and the respective
phase nodes determine the gains in the channel-current
balance loop.
FN9187 Rev 5.00
Jan 12, 2012
r
L DS ON
FIGURE 17. ISL6568 INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL
CURRENT-SENSING CIRCUITRY
Select values for these resistors based on the room
temperature rDS(ON) of the lower MOSFETs; the full-load
operating current, IFL; and the number of phases, N using
Equation 24.
r DS ON
R ISEN = ---------------------50 10 – 6
I FL
------N
(EQ. 24)
In certain circumstances, it may be necessary to adjust the
value of one or more ISEN resistors. When the components of
one or more channels are inhibited from effectively dissipating
their heat so that the affected channels run hotter than desired,
choose new, smaller values of RISEN for the affected phases
(see the section entitled “Channel-Current Balance” on
page 11). Choose RISEN,2 in proportion to the desired decrease
in temperature rise in order to cause proportionally less current
to flow in the hotter phase.
T
R ISEN ,2 = R ISEN ----------2
T 1
(EQ. 25)
In Equation 25, make sure that T2 is the desired temperature
rise above the ambient temperature, and T1 is the measured
temperature rise above the ambient temperature. While a
single adjustment according to Equation 25 is usually sufficient,
it may occasionally be necessary to adjust RISEN two or more
times to achieve optimal thermal balance between all channels.
Load Line Regulation Component Selection
(DCR Current Sensing)
For accurate load line regulation, the ISL6568 senses the total
output current by detecting the voltage across the output
inductor DCR of each channel (see “Load-Line (Droop)
Regulation” on page 15). Figure 18 illustrates that an R-C
network is required to accurately sense the inductor DCR
voltage and convert this information into a “droop” voltage,
which is proportional to the total output current.
Page 22 of 30
ISL6568
Choosing the components for this current sense network is a
two step process. First, RCOMP and CCOMP must be chosen so
that the time constant of this RCOMP-CCOMP network matches
the time constant of the inductor L/DCR. Then the resistor RS
must be chosen to set the current sense network gain,
obtaining the desired full load droop voltage. Follow the steps
below to choose the component values for this R-C network.
Due to errors in the inductance or DCR it may be necessary to
adjust the value of RCOMP to match the time constants
correctly. The effects of time constant mismatch can be seen
in the form of droop overshoot or undershoot during the initial
load transient spike, as shown in Figure 19. Follow the steps
below to ensure the R-C and inductor L/DCR time constants
are matched accurately.
1. Choose an arbitrary value for CCOMP. The recommended
value is 0.01µF.
1. Capture a transient event with the oscilloscope set to about
L/DCR/2 (sec/div). For example, with L = 1H and DCR =
1m, set the oscilloscope to 500s/div.
2. Plug the inductor L and DCR component values, and the
values for CCOMP chosen in steps 1, into Equation 26 to
calculate the value for RCOMP.
L
R COMP = --------------------------------------DCR C COMP
(EQ. 26)
3. Use the new value for RCOMP obtained from Equation 26,
as well as the desired full load current, IFL, full load droop
voltage, VDROOP, and inductor DCR in Equation 27 to
calculate the value for RS.
I FL
R S = ------------------------- R COMP DCR
V DROOP
VL(s)
L
PHASE1
RS
RS
IOUT
3. Select a new value, RCOMP,2, for the time constant resistor
based on the original value, RCOMP,1, using the following
equation.
V 1
R COMP 2 = R COMP 1 ---------V
(EQ. 28)
2
4. Replace RCOMP with the new value and check to see that
the error is corrected. Repeat the procedure if necessary.
After choosing a new value for RCOMP, it will most likely be
necessary to adjust the value of RS to obtain the desired full
load droop voltage. Use Equation 27 to obtain the new value
for RS.
DCR
INDUCTOR
I L1
L
PHASE2
-
+
(EQ. 27)
2. Record V1 and V2 as shown in Figure 19.
DCR
VOUT
COUT
V2
V1
VOUT
INDUCTOR
I L2
ITRAN
I
-
+
ISUM
CCOMP
RCOMP
ICOMP
VDROOP
+
(optional)
IREF
FIGURE 19. TIME CONSTANT MISMATCH BEHAVIOR
Compensation
ISL6568
FIGURE 18. DCR SENSING CONFIGURATION
The two opposing goals of compensating the voltage regulator
are stability and speed.
The load-line regulated converter behaves in a similar manner
to a peak current mode controller because the two poles at the
output filter L-C resonant frequency split with the introduction
of current information into the control loop. The final location
of these poles is determined by the system function, the gain
of the current signal, and the value of the compensation
components, RC and CC.
FN9187 Rev 5.00
Jan 12, 2012
Page 23 of 30
ISL6568
In Equation 29, L is the per-channel filter inductance divided by
the number of active channels; C is the sum total of all output
capacitors; ESR is the equivalent series resistance of the bulk
output filter capacitance; and VP-P is the peak-to-peak
sawtooth signal amplitude as described in the “Electrical
Specifications” on page 6.
C2 (OPTIONAL)
RC
CC
COMP
Once selected, the compensation values in Equations 29
assure a stable converter with reasonable transient
performance. In most cases, transient performance can be
improved by making adjustments to RC. Slowly increase the
value of RC while observing the transient performance on an
oscilloscope until no further improvement is noted. Normally,
CC will not need adjustment. Keep the value of CC from
Equations 29 unless some performance issue is noted.
FB
ISL6568
RFB
VDIFF
FIGURE 20. COMPENSATION CONFIGURATION FOR
LOAD-LINE REGULATED ISL6568 CIRCUIT
Since the system poles and zero are affected by the values of
the components that are meant to compensate them, the
solution to the system equation becomes fairly complicated.
Fortunately, there is a simple approximation that comes very
close to an optimal solution. Treating the system as though it
were a voltage-mode regulator, by compensating the L-C poles
and the ESR zero of the voltage mode approximation, yields a
solution that is always stable with very close to ideal transient
performance.
Select a target bandwidth for the compensated system, f0. The
target bandwidth must be large enough to assure adequate
transient performance, but smaller than 1/3 of the perchannel switching frequency. The values of the compensation
components depend on the relationships of f0 to the L-C pole
frequency and the ESR zero frequency. For each of the
following three, there is a separate set of equations for the
compensation components.
Case 1:
1
------------------- > f 0
2 LC
2f 0 V pp LC
R C = R FB ----------------------------------0.66V
IN
0.66V IN
C C = ----------------------------------2V PP R FB f 0
Case 2:
1
1
------------------- f 0 < ----------------------------2C ESR
2 LC
V PP 2 2 f 02 LC
R C = R FB -------------------------------------------0.66 V
IN
0.66V IN
C C = ----------------------------------------------------------- 2 2 f 02 V PP R FB LC
Case 3:
1
f 0 > -----------------------------2C ESR
2 f 0 V pp L
R C = R FB ----------------------------------------0.66 V IN ESR
0.66V IN ESR C
C C = -----------------------------------------------2V PP R FB f 0 L
FN9187 Rev 5.00
Jan 12, 2012
(EQ. 29)
The optional capacitor C2, is sometimes needed to bypass
noise away from the PWM comparator (See Figure 20). Keep a
position available for C2, and be prepared to install a
high-frequency capacitor of between 22pF and 150pF in case
any leading edge jitter problem is noted.
Output Filter Design
The output inductors and the output capacitor bank together to
form a low-pass filter responsible for smoothing the pulsating
voltage at the phase nodes. The output filter also must provide
the transient energy until the regulator can respond. Because
it has a low bandwidth compared to the switching frequency,
the output filter limits the system transient response. The
output capacitors must supply or sink load current while the
current in the output inductors increases or decreases to meet
the demand.
In high-speed converters, the output capacitor bank is usually
the most costly (and often the largest) part of the circuit. Output
filter design begins with minimizing the cost of this part of the
circuit. The critical load parameters in choosing the output
capacitors are the maximum size of the load step, I, the
load-current slew rate, di/dt, and the maximum allowable
output-voltage deviation under transient loading, VMAX.
Capacitors are characterized according to their capacitance,
ESR, and ESL (equivalent series inductance).
At the beginning of the load transient, the output capacitors
supply all of the transient current. The output voltage will
initially deviate by an amount approximated by the voltage
drop across the ESL. As the load current increases, the voltage
drop across the ESR increases linearly until the load current
reaches its final value. The capacitors selected must have
sufficiently low ESL and ESR so that the total output-voltage
deviation is less than the allowable maximum. Neglecting the
contribution of inductor current and regulator response, the
output voltage initially deviates by an amount as shown by
Equation 30.
di
V ESL ----- + ESR I
dt
(EQ. 30)
The filter capacitor must have sufficiently low ESL and ESR so
that V < VMAX.
Most capacitor solutions rely on a mixture of high frequency
capacitors with relatively low capacitance in combination with
Page 24 of 30
ISL6568
bulk capacitors having high capacitance but limited
high-frequency performance. Minimizing the ESL of the
high-frequency capacitors allows them to support the output
voltage as the current increases. Minimizing the ESR of the
bulk capacitors allows them to supply the increased current
with less output voltage deviation.
(EQ. 31)
(EQ. 32)
(EQ. 33)
Switching frequency is determined by the selection of the
frequency-setting resistor, RT. Figure 21 and Equation 34 are
provided to assist in selecting the correct value for RT.
FN9187 Rev 5.00
Jan 12, 2012
FIGURE 21. RT vs SWITCHING FREQUENCY
The input capacitors are responsible for sourcing the AC
component of the input current flowing into the upper
MOSFETs. Their RMS current capacity must be sufficient to
handle the ac component of the current drawn by the upper
MOSFETs which is related to duty cycle and the number of
active phases.
0.3
0.2
0.1
IL(P-P) = 0
IL(P-P) = 0.5 IO
IL(P-P) = 0.75 IO
0
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
FIGURE 22. NORMALIZED INPUT-CAPACITOR RMS CURRENT FOR
2-PHASE CONVERTER
There are a number of variables to consider when choosing the
switching frequency, as there are considerable effects on the
upper MOSFET loss calculation. These effects are outlined in
“MOSFETs” on page 20, and they establish the upper limit for
the switching frequency. The lower limit is established by the
requirement for fast transient response and small
output-voltage ripple as outlined in “Output Filter Design” on
page 24. Choose the lowest switching frequency that allows
the regulator to meet the transient-response requirements.
10.61 – 1.035 log f S
10000
DUTY CYCLE (VIN/VO)
Switching Frequency
R T = 10
1000
Input Capacitor Selection
Equation 32 gives the upper limit on L for the cases when the
trailing edge of the current transient causes a greater
output-voltage deviation than the leading edge. Equation 33
addresses the leading edge. Normally, the trailing edge
dictates the selection of L because duty cycles are usually less
than 50%. Nevertheless, both inequalities should be
evaluated, and L should be selected based on the lower of the
two results. In each equation, L is the per-channel inductance,
C is the total output capacitance, and N is the number of active
channels.
1.25 N C
L ---------------------------------- V MAX – I ESR V IN – V O
I 2
100
SWITCHINGFREQUENCY (kHz)
Since the capacitors are supplying a decreasing portion of the
load current while the regulator recovers from the transient,
the capacitor voltage becomes slightly depleted. The output
inductors must be capable of assuming the entire load current
before the output voltage decreases more than VMAX. This
places an upper limit on inductance.
2 N C VO
L --------------------------------- V MAX – I ESR
I 2
100
10
10
INPUT-CAPACITOR CURRENT (IRMS/IO)
V – N V
OUT V OUT
IN
L ESR -----------------------------------------------------------f S V IN V P-P MAX
RT (k)
The ESR of the bulk capacitors also creates the majority of the
output-voltage ripple. As the bulk capacitors sink and source
the inductor ac ripple current (See “Interleaving” and
Equation 2 on page 10), a voltage develops across the bulk
capacitor ESR equal to IC(P-P) (ESR). Thus, once the output
capacitors are selected, the maximum allowable ripple
voltage, VP-P(MAX), determines the lower limit on the
inductance as shown by Equation 31.
1000
For a two-phase design, use Figure 22 to determine the
input-capacitor RMS current requirement set by the duty cycle,
maximum sustained output current (IO), and the ratio of the
peak-to-peak inductor current (IL(P-P)) to IO. Select a bulk
capacitor with a ripple current rating which will minimize the
total number of input capacitors required to support the RMS
current calculated. The voltage rating of the capacitors should
also be at least 1.25x greater than the maximum input
voltage. Figure 23 provides the same input RMS current
information for single-phase designs. Use the same approach
for selecting the bulk capacitor type and number.
(EQ. 34)
Page 25 of 30
ISL6568
When placing the MOSFETs try to keep the source of the upper
FETs and the drain of the lower FETs as close as thermally possible.
Input Bulk capacitors should be placed close to the drain of the
upper FETs and the source of the lower FETs. Locate the output
inductors and output capacitors between the MOSFETs and the load.
The high-frequency input and output decoupling capacitors
(ceramic) should be placed as close as practicable to the decoupling
target, making use of the shortest connection paths to any internal
planes, such as vias to GND next or on the capacitor solder pad.
INPUT-CAPACITOR CURRENT (IRMS/IO)
0.6
0.4
0.2
IL(P-P) = 0
IL(P-P) = 0.5 IO
IL(P-P) = 0.75 IO
0
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
DUTY CYCLE (VIN/VO)
FIGURE 23. NORMALIZED INPUT-CAPACITOR RMS CURRENT FOR
SINGLE-PHASE CONVERTER
Low capacitance, high-frequency ceramic capacitors are needed in
addition to the input bulk capacitors to suppress leading and
falling edge voltage spikes. The spikes result from the high current
slew rate produced by the upper MOSFET turn on and off. Select
low ESL ceramic capacitors and place one as close as possible to
each upper MOSFET drain to minimize board parasitics and
maximize suppression.
Layout Considerations
MOSFETs switch very fast and efficiently. The speed with which
the current transitions from one device to another causes voltage
spikes across the interconnecting impedances and parasitic
circuit elements. These voltage spikes can degrade efficiency,
radiate noise into the circuit and lead to device overvoltage
stress. Careful component selection, layout, and placement
minimizes these voltage spikes. Consider, as an example, the
turnoff transition of the upper PWM MOSFET. Prior to turnoff, the
upper MOSFET was carrying channel current. During the turnoff,
current stops flowing in the upper MOSFET and is picked up by
the lower MOSFET. Any inductance in the switched current path
generates a large voltage spike during the switching interval.
Careful component selection, tight layout of the critical
components, and short, wide circuit traces minimize the
magnitude of voltage spikes.
There are two sets of critical components in a DC/DC converter
using a ISL6566 controller. The power components are the most
critical because they switch large amounts of energy. Next, are
small signal components that connect to sensitive nodes or
supply critical bypassing current and signal coupling.
The power components should be placed first, which include the
MOSFETs, input and output capacitors, and the inductors. It is
important to have a symmetrical layout for each power train,
preferably with the controller located equidistant from each.
Symmetrical layout allows heat to be dissipated equally across all
three power trains. Equidistant placement of the controller to the
three power trains also helps keep the gate drive traces equally
short, resulting in equal trace impedances and similar drive
capability of all sets of MOSFETs.
FN9187 Rev 5.00
Jan 12, 2012
The critical small components include the bypass capacitors for
VCC and PVCC, and many of the components surrounding the
controller including the feedback network and current sense
components. Locate the VCC/PVCC bypass capacitors as close to
the ISL6566 as possible. It is especially important to locate the
components associated with the feedback circuit close to their
respective controller pins, since they belong to a high-impedance
circuit loop, sensitive to EMI pick-up. It is also important to place
the current sense components close to their respective pins on
the ISL6566, including RISEN, RS, RCOMP, and CCOMP.
A multi-layer printed circuit board is recommended. Figure 24 shows
the connections of the critical components for the converter. Note
that capacitors CxxIN and CxxOUT could each represent numerous
physical capacitors. Dedicate one solid layer, usually the one
underneath the component side of the board, for a ground plane
and make all critical component ground connections with vias to
this layer. Dedicate another solid layer as a power plane and break
this plane into smaller islands of common voltage levels. Keep the
metal runs from the PHASE terminal to output inductors short. The
power plane should support the input power and output power
nodes. Use copper filled polygons on the top and bottom circuit
layers for the phase nodes. Use the remaining printed circuit layers
for small signal wiring.
Routing UGATE, LGATE, and PHASE Traces
Great attention should be paid to routing the UGATE, LGATE, and
PHASE traces since they drive the power train MOSFETs using
short, high current pulses. It is important to size them as large and
as short as possible to reduce their overall impedance and
inductance. They should be sized to carry at least one ampere of
current (0.02” to 0.05”). Going between layers with vias should also
be avoided, but if so, use two vias for interconnection when possible.
Extra care should be given to the LGATE traces in particular since
keeping their impedance and inductance low helps to significantly
reduce the possibility of shoot-through. It is also important to route
each channels UGATE and PHASE traces in as close proximity as
possible to reduce their inductances.
Thermal Management
For maximum thermal performance in high current, high
switching frequency applications, connecting the thermal GND
pad of the ISL6566 to the ground plane with multiple vias is
recommended. This heat spreading allows the part to achieve
its full thermal potential. It is also recommended that the
controller be placed in a direct path of airflow if possible to help
thermally manage the part.
Page 26 of 30
ISL6568
Suppressing MOSFET Gate Leakage
With VCC at ground potential, UGATE is high impedance. In this
state, any stray leakage has the potential to deliver charge to the
gate of the upper MOSFET. If UGATE receives sufficient charge to
bias the device on, a low impedance path will be connected
between the upper MOSFET drain and PHASE. If this occurs and
the input power supply is present and active, the system could
see potentially damaging current. Worst-case leakage currents
are on the order of pico-amps; therefore, a 10k resistor,
connected from UGATE to PHASE, is more than sufficient to bleed
off any stray leakage current. This resistor will not affect the
normal performance of the driver or reduce its efficiency.
© Copyright Intersil Americas LLC 2004-2012. All Rights Reserved.
All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
For additional products, see www.intersil.com/en/products.html
Intersil products are manufactured, assembled and tested utilizing ISO9001 quality systems as noted
in the quality certifications found at www.intersil.com/en/support/qualandreliability.html
Intersil products are sold by description only. Intersil may modify the circuit design and/or specifications of products at any time without notice, provided that such
modification does not, in Intersil's sole judgment, affect the form, fit or function of the product. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned to verify that datasheets are
current before placing orders. Information furnished by Intersil is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed by Intersil or its
subsidiaries for its use; nor for any infringements of patents or other rights of third parties which may result from its use. No license is granted by implication or
otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Intersil or its subsidiaries.
For information regarding Intersil Corporation and its products, see www.intersil.com
FN9187 Rev 5.00
Jan 12, 2012
Page 27 of 30
ISL6568
Revision History
The revision history provided is for informational purposes only and is believed to be accurate, but not warranted. Please go to web to make sure you
have the latest revision.
DATE
REVISION
CHANGE
January 3, 2012
FN9187.5
Updated to new Intersil format including Intersil standards.
New part numbers added to “Ordering Information” on page 2 (ISL6568CRZ, ISL6568CRZ-T)
Four obsolete part numbers removed from “Ordering Information” on page 2 (ISL6568IR, ISL6568IR-T,
ISL6568CRR5184, ISL6568CR-TR5184)
Updated POD L32.5x5 to latest revision with the following changes:
Corrected Note 4 from:"Dimension b applies to..." to:
"Dimension applies to.." ("b" leftover from when dimensions were in table format)
Enclosed Note #'s 4, 5 and 6 in a triangle
March 9, 2006
FN9187.4
Changed the Ordering Information on the front page to reflect the new ISL6568 part numbers. Set Customer
Portal attributes for Apple
July 25, 2005
FN9187.3
1) Rewrote the Layout Considerations Section to flow better and provide a better explanation of proper layout
guidelines.
2) Added a "Thermal Management" section to the Layout Considerations section
3) Added a "Suppressing MOSFET Gate Leakage" section to the Layout Considerations section
July 11, 2005
FN9187.2
1) Changed Multiple "Gate Drive Resistance" specs on Page 6
2) All "Gate Drive Resistance" specs are now marked "Parameter magnitude guaranteed by design. Not 100%
tested."
3) Added a spec to page 5 for "Oscillator Frequency" tolerance
4) Added "DAC Input Low and High" specs for AMD mode to page 5
5) Made a change to the Block Diagram on Page 2: added resistors between the LGATE and PHASE pins
6) Made a change to the Application Diagrams on pages 3 and 4: added a capacitors from the IREF pin to ground
7) Made a slight change to the "Pre-POR Overvoltage Protection" section description
October 28, 2004
FN9187.1
Change OFST to OFS throughout
October 22, 2004
FN9187.0
Initial release
Products
Intersil Corporation is a leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance analog semiconductors. The Company's products
address some of the industry's fastest growing markets, such as, flat panel displays, cell phones, handheld products, and notebooks.
Intersil's product families address power management and analog signal processing functions. Go to www.intersil.com/products for a
complete list of Intersil product families.
For a complete listing of Applications, Related Documentation and Related Parts, please see the respective device information page on
intersil.com: ISL6568
To report errors or suggestions for this datasheet, please go to: www.intersil.com/askourstaff
FITs are available from our website at: http://rel.intersil.com/reports/search.php
© Copyright Intersil Americas LLC 2004-2012. All Rights Reserved.
All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
For additional products, see www.intersil.com/en/products.html
Intersil products are manufactured, assembled and tested utilizing ISO9001 quality systems as noted
in the quality certifications found at www.intersil.com/en/support/qualandreliability.html
Intersil products are sold by description only. Intersil may modify the circuit design and/or specifications of products at any time without notice, provided that such
modification does not, in Intersil's sole judgment, affect the form, fit or function of the product. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned to verify that datasheets are
current before placing orders. Information furnished by Intersil is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed by Intersil or its
subsidiaries for its use; nor for any infringements of patents or other rights of third parties which may result from its use. No license is granted by implication or
otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Intersil or its subsidiaries.
For information regarding Intersil Corporation and its products, see www.intersil.com
FN9187 Rev 5.00
Jan 12, 2012
Page 28 of 30
ISL6568
LOCATE CLOSE TO IC
(MINIMIZE CONNECTION PATH)
C2
KEY
HEAVY TRACE ON CIRCUIT PLANE LAYER
RFB
ISLAND ON POWER PLANE LAYER
C1
VDIFF
ISLAND ON CIRCUIT PLANE LAYER
R1
FB
VIA CONNECTION TO GROUND PLANE
COMP
+12V
VSEN
LOCATE NEAR SWITCHING TRANSISTORS;
(MINIMIZE CONNECTION PATH)
RGND
+5V
PVCC
(CF2)
VCC
CBIN1
BOOT1
(CF1)
CBOOT1
UGATE1
ROFS
PHASE1
OFS
ISEN1
RISEN1
FS
RT
LGATE1
REF
CREF
ISL6568
VID4
VID3
CBOUT
+12V
VID2
(CHFOUT)
CBIN2
VID1
LOAD
VID0
BOOT2
VID12.5
CBOOT2
UGATE2
PGOOD
+12V
LOCATE NEAR LOAD;
(MINIMIZE CONNECTION PATH)
PHASE2
ISEN2
GND
RISEN2
LGATE2
ENLL
IREF
OCSET
ICOMP
ISUM
RCOMP
RS
ROCSET
CCOMP
RS
FIGURE 24. PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD POWER PLANES AND ISLANDS
FN9187 Rev 5.00
Jan 12, 2012
Page 29 of 30
ISL6568
Package Outline Drawing
L32.5x5
32 LEAD QUAD FLAT NO-LEAD PLASTIC PACKAGE
Rev 3, 4/10
4X 3.5
5.00
28X 0.50
A
B
6
PIN 1
INDEX AREA
6
PIN #1 INDEX AREA
32
25
1
5.00
24
3 .10 ± 0 . 15
17
(4X)
8
0.15
9
16
TOP VIEW
0.10 M C A B
+ 0.07
32X 0.40 ± 0.10
4 32X 0.23 - 0.05
BOTTOM VIEW
SEE DETAIL "X"
0.10 C
0 . 90 ± 0.1
C
BASE PLANE
SEATING PLANE
0.08 C
( 4. 80 TYP )
(
( 28X 0 . 5 )
SIDE VIEW
3. 10 )
(32X 0 . 23 )
C
0 . 2 REF
5
( 32X 0 . 60)
0 . 00 MIN.
0 . 05 MAX.
DETAIL "X"
TYPICAL RECOMMENDED LAND PATTERN
NOTES:
1. Dimensions are in millimeters.
Dimensions in ( ) for Reference Only.
2. Dimensioning and tolerancing conform to AMSE Y14.5m-1994.
3. Unless otherwise specified, tolerance : Decimal ± 0.05
4. Dimension applies to the metallized terminal and is measured
between 0.15mm and 0.30mm from the terminal tip.
5. Tiebar shown (if present) is a non-functional feature.
6. The configuration of the pin #1 identifier is optional, but must be
located within the zone indicated. The pin #1 indentifier may be
either a mold or mark feature.
FN9187 Rev 5.00
Jan 12, 2012
Page 30 of 30