LINER LTC1627

LTC1627
Monolithic Synchronous
Step-Down Switching Regulator
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DESCRIPTION
FEATURES
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High Efficiency: Up to 96%
Constant Frequency 350kHz Operation
2.65V to 8.5V VIN Range
VOUT from 0.8V to VIN, IOUT to 500mA
No Schottky Diode Required
Synchronizable Up to 525kHz
Selectable Burst ModeTM Operation
Low Dropout Operation: 100% Duty Cycle
Precision 2.5V Undervoltage Lockout
Secondary Winding Regulation
Current Mode Operation for Excellent Line and
Load Transient Response
Low Quiescent Current: 200µA
Shutdown Mode Draws Only 15µA Supply Current
±1.5% Reference Accuracy
Available in 8-Lead SO Package
The LTC®1627 is a monolithic current mode synchronous
buck regulator using a fixed frequency architecture. The
operating supply range is from 8.5V down to 2.65V, making
it suitable for one or two lithium-ion battery-powered applications. Burst Mode operation provides high efficiency at
low load currents. 100% duty cycle provides low dropout
operation, which extends operating time in battery-operated
systems.
Cellular Telephones
Portable Instruments
Wireless Modems
RF Communications
Distributed Power Systems
Scanners
Single and Dual Cell Lithium
Optional bootstrapping enhances the internal switch drive for
single lithium-ion cell applications. The internal synchronous
switch increases efficiency and eliminates the need for an
external Schottky diode, saving components and board
space. The LTC1627 comes in an 8-lead SO package.
The operating frequency is internally set at 350kHz, allowing
the use of small surface mount inductors. For switching noise
sensitive applications it can be externally synchronized up to
525kHz. The SYNC/FCB control pin guarantees regulation of
secondary windings regardless of load on the main output by
forcing continuous operation. Burst Mode operation is inhibited during synchronization or when the SYNC/FCB pin is
pulled low to reduce noise and RF interference. Soft-start is
provided by an external capacitor.
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APPLICATIONS
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, LTC and LT are registered trademarks of Linear Technology Corporation.
Burst Mode is a trademark of Linear Technology Corporation.
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TYPICAL APPLICATION
47pF
CSS
0.1µF
2
3
4
ITH
SYNC/FCB
RUN/SS
VDR
LTC1627
VFB
VIN
GND
SW
VOUT = 3.3V
8
VIN = 6V
7
6
5
VIN = 3.6V
95
L1 15µH
COUT +
100µF
6.3V
VOUT
3.3V
+
VIN
2.8V*
TO 8.5V
CIN
22µF
16V
249k
EFFICIENCY (%)
1
100
90
85
VIN = 8.4V
80
75
70
*VOUT CONNECTED TO VIN FOR 2.8V < VIN < 3.3V
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80.6k
1627 F01a
Figure 1a. High Efficiency Step-Down Converter
10
100
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
1000
1627 F01b
Figure 1b. Efficiency vs Output Load Current
1
LTC1627
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ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
PACKAGE/ORDER INFORMATION
(Note 1)
Input Supply Voltage ................................ – 0.3V to 10V
Driver Supply Voltage (VIN – VDR) ........... – 0.3V to 10V
ITH Voltage .................................................. – 0.3V to 5V
Run/SS, VFB Voltages ................................ – 0.3V to VIN
Sync/FCB Voltage ...................................... – 0.3V to VIN
VDR Voltage (VIN ≤ 5V) ............................... – 5V to 0.3V
P-Channel Switch Source Current (DC) .............. 800mA
N-Channel Switch Sink Current (DC) .................. 800mA
Peak SW Sink and Source Current.......................... 1.5A
Operating Ambient Temperature Range
Commercial ............................................ 0°C to 70°C
Industrial ........................................... – 40°C to 85°C
Junction Temperature (Note 2) ............................. 125°C
Storage Temperature Range ................. – 65°C to 150°C
Lead Temperature (Soldering, 10 sec).................. 300°C
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
ORDER PART
NUMBER
TOP VIEW
ITH 1
8
SYNC/FCB
RUN/SS 2
7
VDR
VFB 3
6
VIN
GND 4
5
SW
LTC1627CS8
LTC1627IS8
S8 PART MARKING
S8 PACKAGE
8-LEAD PLASTIC SO
1627
1627I
TJMAX = 125°C, θJA = 110°C/ W
Consult factory for Military grade parts.
TA = 25°C, VIN = 5V unless otherwise specified.
SYMBOL
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
IVFB
Feedback Current
(Note 3)
VFB
Regulated Feedback Voltage
(Note 3)
20
60
0.788
0.80
0.812
∆VOVL
∆Output Overvoltage Lockout
∆VOVL = VOVL – VFB
20
60
110
mV
∆VFB
Reference Voltage Line Regulation
VLOADREG
Output Voltage Load Regulation
VIN = 2.8V to 8.5V (Note 3)
0.002
0.01
%/V
ITH Sinking 2µA (Note 3)
ITH Sourcing 2µA (Note 3)
0.5
– 0.5
0.8
– 0.8
%
%
IS
Input DC Bias Current
Synchronized
Burst Mode Operation
Shutdown
Shutdown
(Note 4)
VIN = 8.5V, VOUT = 3.3V, Frequency = 525kHz
VITH = 0V, VIN = 8.5V, VSYNC/FCB = Open
VRUN/SS = 0V, 2.65V < VIN < 8.5V
VRUN/SS = 0V, VIN < 2.65V
450
200
15
6
320
35
µA
µA
µA
µA
0.4
0.7
1.0
V
µA
●
VRUN/SS
Run/SS Threshold
IRUN/SS
Soft-Start Current Source
VRUN/SS = 0V
VSYNC/FCB
Auxiliary Feedback Threshold
VSYNC/FCB Ramping Negative
ISYNC/FCB
Auxiliary Feedback Current
fOSC
MAX
UNITS
nA
V
1.2
2.25
3.3
0.755
0.8
0.835
V
VSYNC/FCB = 0V
0.5
1.5
2.5
µA
Oscillator Frequency
VFB = 0.8V
VFB = 0V
315
350
35
385
kHz
kHz
VUVLO
Undervoltage Lockout
VIN Ramping Down from 3V
VIN Ramping Up from 0V
2.4
2.50
2.65
2.65
2.80
V
V
RPFET
RDS(ON) of P-Channel FET
(VIN – VDR) = 5V, ISW = 100mA
0.5
0.7
Ω
RNFET
RDS(ON) of N-Channel FET
ISW = – 100mA
0.6
0.8
Ω
ILSW
SW Leakage
VRUN/SS = 0V
±10
±1000
nA
The ● denotes specifications which apply over the full operating
temperature range.
Note 1: Absolute Maximum Ratings are those values beyond which the life
of a device may be impaired.
Note 2: TJ is calculated from the ambient temperature TA and power
dissipation PD according to the following formula:
TJ = TA + (PD • 110°C/W)
2
●
●
Note 3: The LTC1627 is tested in a feedback loop that servos VFB to the
balance point for the error amplifier (VITH = 0.8V).
Note 4: Dynamic supply current is higher due to the gate charge being
delivered at the switching frequency.
LTC1627
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TYPICAL PERFOR A CE CHARACTERISTICS
Efficiency vs Input Voltage
Efficiency vs Load Current
100
95
95
VOUT = 2.5V
L = 15µH
VDR = 0V
Burst Mode OPERATION
80
90
VDR = – VIN
85
80
75
8
UNDERVOLTAGE LOCKOUT THRESHOLD (V)
VIN = 2.8V
95
VIN = 3.6V
85
VIN = 7.2V
80
VOUT = 2.5V
L = 15µH
VDR = 0V
Burst Mode OPERATION
70
10
100
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
1
10
100
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
1
1000
1000
1627 G03
Undervoltage Lockout Threshold
vs Temperature
100
75
SYNCHRONIZED
AT 525kHz
80
1627 G02
Efficiency vs Load Current
90
85
70
10
100
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
1
10
2.75
550
2.70
500
2.65
TJ = 25°C
VOUT = 1.8V
450
2.60
VIN
RAMPING UP
2.55
2.50
2.45
VIN
RAMPING DOWN
2.40
SYNCHRONIZED AT 525kHz
400
350
300
250
200
Burst Mode OPERATION
2.35
150
2.30
– 50
1000
DC Supply Current*
vs Input Voltage
BATTERY VOLTAGE (V)
6
4
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
90
75
70
2
0
Burst Mode
OPERATION
FORCED
CONTINUOUS
VIN = 3.6V
VOUT = 2.5V
L = 15µH
Burst Mode OPERATION
1627 G01
EFFICIENCY (%)
EFFICIENCY (%)
ILOAD = 10mA
85
VIN = 3.6V
VOUT = 2.5V
L = 15µH
VDR = 0V
VDR = 0V
ILOAD = 300mA
90
75
100
ILOAD = 100mA
EFFICIENCY (%)
EFFICIENCY (%)
95
Efficiency vs Load Current
100
100
– 25
0
25
50
75
TEMPERATURE (°C)
1627 G04
100
125
2.5
3.5
4.5
5.5
6.5
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
7.5
1627 G05
8.5
1627 G06
*DOES NOT INCLUDE GATE CHARGE CURRENT
0.808
VRUN/SS = 0V
20
VIN = 5V
0.806
TJ = 85°C
18
REFERENCE VOLTAGE (V)
SUPPLY CURRENT IN SHUTDOWN (µA)
22
Forced Continuous Threshold
Voltage vs Temperature
TJ = 25°C
16
14
12
TJ = – 40°C
10
8
6
0.804
0.802
0.800
0.798
0.796
0.794
0.792
4
2.5
3.5
4.5
5.5
6.5
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
7.5
8.5
1627 G07
0.790
– 50
– 25
0
25
50
75
TEMPERATURE (°C)
100
125
1627 G08
FORCED CONTINUOUS THRESHOLD VOLTAGE (V)
Reference Voltage
vs Temperature
Supply Current in Shutdown
vs Input Voltage
0.808
VIN = 5V
0.806
0.804
0.802
0.800
0.798
0.796
0.794
0.792
0.790
– 50
– 25
0
25
50
75
TEMPERATURE (°C)
100
125
1627 G09
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LTC1627
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TYPICAL PERFOR A CE CHARACTERISTICS
Oscillator Frequency
vs Temperature
1100
MAXIMUM OUTPUT LOAD CURRENT (mA)
VSYNC/FCB = 0V
380
370
360
350
340
330
320
310
370
360
350
340
330
320
310
300
– 50
0
25
50
75
TEMPERATURE (°C)
100
125
0.8
SWITCH RESISTANCE (Ω)
SYNCHRONOUS SWITCH LEAKAGE (nA)
0.9
1200
1000
SYNCHRONOUS
SWITCH
600
400
MAIN
SWITCH
200
0
– 50
– 25
0
25
50
75
TEMPERATURE (°C)
700
600
500
400
100
3.5
4.5
5.5
6.5
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
7.5
2.5
8.5
0.7
0.9
SYNCHRONOUS
SWITCH
0.5
MAIN
SWITCH
0.4
0.3
0.2
0
– 50
0.7
SYNCHRONOUS SWITCH
0.6
0.5
MAIN SWITCH
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
– 25
0
25
50
75
TEMPERATURE (°C)
100
125
2.5
3.5
4.5
5.5
6.5
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
7.5
8.5
1627 G15
1627 G14
Burst Mode Operation
Load Step Transient Response
ITH
0.5V/DIV
VOUT
50mV/DIV
AC COUPLED
VOUT
50mV/DIV
AC COUPLED
VOUT
20mV/DIV
AC COUPLED
ILOAD
500mA/DIV
ILOAD
500mA/DIV
ILOAD
200mA/DIV
4
8.5
VDR = 0V
ITH
0.5V/DIV
VIN = 5V
VOUT = 3.3V
L = 15µH
CIN = 22µF
COUT = 100µF
ILOAD = 0mA TO 500mA
Burst Mode OPERATION
7.5
0.8
0.6
Load Step Transient Response
1627 G16
4.5
5.5
6.5
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
1627 G12
VIN = 5V
VDR = 0V
1627 G13
25µs/DIV
3.5
Switch Resistance
vs Input Voltage
0.1
125
VOUT = 2.5V
L = 15µH
300
Switch Resistance
vs Temperature
1400
VDR = 0V
1627 G11
VIN = 8.4V
VDR = 0V
800
900
800
200
2.5
Switch Leakage Current
vs Temperature
1600
VDR = –VIN
1000
300
– 25
1627 G10
1800
Maximum Output Load Current
vs Input Voltage
SWITCH RESISTANCE (Ω)
OSCILLATOR FREQUENCY (kHz)
380
390
VIN = 5V
VSYNC/FCB = 0V
OSCILLATOR FREQUENCY (kHz)
390
Oscillator Frequency
vs Input Voltage
SW
5V/DIV
25µs/DIV
VIN = 5V
VOUT = 3.3V
L = 15µH
CIN = 22µF
COUT = 100µF
ILOAD = 0mA TO 500mA
FORCED CONTINUOUS MODE
1627 G17
10µs/DIV
VIN = 5V
VOUT = 3.3V
L = 15µH
CIN = 22µF
COUT = 100µF
ILOAD = 50mA
1627 G18
LTC1627
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PIN FUNCTIONS
ITH (Pin 1): Error Amplifier Compensation Point. The
current comparator threshold increases with this control
voltage. Nominal voltage range for this pin is 0V to 1.2V.
VIN (Pin 6): Main Supply Pin. Must be closely decoupled
to GND, Pin 4.
VDR (Pin 7): Top Driver Return Pin. This pin can be
bootstrapped to go below ground to improve efficiency at
low VIN (see Applications Information).
RUN/SS (Pin 2): Combination of Soft-Start and Run
Control Inputs. A capacitor to ground at this pin sets the
ramp time to full current output. The time is approximately
0.5s/µF. Forcing this pin below 0.4V shuts down all the
circuitry.
SYNC/FCB (Pin 8): Multifunction Pin. This pin performs
three functions: 1) secondary winding feedback input, 2)
external clock synchronization and 3) Burst Mode operation or forced continuous mode select. For secondary
winding applications connect a resistive divider from the
secondary output. To synchronize with an external clock
apply a TTL/CMOS compatible clock with a frequency
between 385kHz and 525kHz. To select Burst Mode operation, float the pin or tie it to VIN. Grounding Pin 8 forces
continuous operation (see Applications Information).
VFB (Pin 3): Feedback Pin. Receives the feedback voltage
from an external resistive divider across the output.
GND (Pin 4): Ground Pin.
SW (Pin 5): Switch Node Connection to Inductor. This pin
connects to the drains of the internal main and synchronous power MOSFET switches.
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FUNCTIONAL DIAGRA
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BURST
DEFEAT
X
VIN
Y = “0” ONLY WHEN X IS A CONSTANT “1”
VIN
Y
VIN
1.5µA
SLOPE
COMP
SYNC/FCB
8
OSC
0.4V
–
0.6V
VFB
+
6 VIN
–
3
FREQ
SHIFT
0.8V
0.12V
EA
2.25µA
–
6Ω
+
ICOMP
BURST
RUN/SOFT
START
UVLO
TRIP = 2.5V
+
ITH 1
VIN
RUN/SS 2
SLEEP
+
–
0.8V
REF
EN
–
+
VIN
+
S
Q
R
Q
SWITCHING
LOGIC
AND
BLANKING
CIRCUIT
ANTISHOOT-THRU
7 VDR
OVDET
0.86V
–
+
SHUTDOWN
5 SW
IRCMP
0.8V
–
–
+
FCB
4 GND
1627 BD
5
LTC1627
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OPERATIO
(Refer to Functional Diagram)
Main Control Loop
The LTC1627 uses a constant frequency, current mode
step-down architecture. Both the main and synchronous
switches, consisting of top P-channel and bottom
N-channel power MOSFETs, are internal. During normal
operation, the internal top power MOSFET is turned on
each cycle when the oscillator sets the RS latch, and
turned off when the current comparator, ICOMP, resets the
RS latch. The peak inductor current at which ICOMP resets
the RS latch is controlled by the voltage on the ITH pin,
which is the output of error amplifier EA. The VFB pin,
described in the Pin Functions section, allows EA to
receive an output feedback voltage from an external resistive divider. When the load current increases, it causes a
slight decrease in the feedback voltage 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. While the top MOSFET is off, the bottom
MOSFET is turned on until either the inductor current
starts to reverse as indicated by the current reversal
comparator IRCMP, or the beginning of the next cycle.
The main control loop is shut down by pulling the RUN/SS
pin low. Releasing RUN/SS allows an internal 2.25µA
current source to charge soft-start capacitor CSS. When
CSS reaches 0.7V, the main control loop is enabled with the
ITH voltage clamped at approximately 5% of its maximum
value. As CSS continues to charge, ITH is gradually
released, allowing normal operation to resume.
Comparator OVDET guards against transient overshoots
> 7.5% by turning the main switch off and turning the
synchronous switch on. With the synchronous switch
turned on, the output is crowbarred. This may cause a
large amount of current to flow from VIN if the main switch
is damaged, blowing the system fuse.
Burst Mode Operation
The LTC1627 is capable of Burst Mode operation in which
the internal power MOSFETs operate intermittently based
on load demand. To enable Burst Mode operation, simply
allow the SYNC/FCB pin to float or connect it to a logic
high. To disable Burst Mode operation and enable forced
continuous mode, connect the SYNC/FCB pin to GND. In
this mode, the efficiency is lowest at light loads, but
becomes comparable to Burst Mode operation when the
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output load exceeds 100mA. The threshold voltage between Burst Mode operation and forced continuous mode
is 0.8V. This can be used to assist in secondary winding
regulation as described in Auxiliary Winding Control Using
SYNC/FCB Pin in the Applications Information section.
When the converter is in Burst Mode operation, the peak
current of the inductor is set to approximately 200mA,
even though the voltage at the ITH pin indicates a lower
value. The voltage at the ITH pin drops when the inductor’s
average current is greater than the load requirement. As
the ITH voltage drops below 0.12V, the BURST comparator
trips, causing the internal sleep line to go high and turn off
both power MOSFETs.
In sleep mode, both power MOSFETs are held off and the
internal circuitry is partially turned off, reducing the quiescent current to 200µA. The load current is now being
supplied from the output capacitor. When the output
voltage drops, causing ITH to rise above 0.22V, the top
MOSFET is again turned on and this process repeats.
Short-Circuit Protection
When the output is shorted to ground, the frequency of the
oscillator is reduced to about 35kHz, 1/10 the nominal
frequency. This frequency foldback ensures that the
inductor current has more time to decay, thereby preventing runaway. The oscillator’s frequency will progressively
increase to 350kHz (or the synchronized frequency) when
VFB rises above 0.3V.
Frequency Synchronization
The LTC1627 can be synchronized with an external
TTL/CMOS compatible clock signal. The frequency range
of this signal must be from 385kHz to 525kHz. Do not
attempt to synchronize the LTC1627 below 385kHz as this
may cause abnormal operation and an undesired frequency spectrum. The top MOSFET turn-on follows the
rising edge of the external source.
When the LTC1627 is clocked by an external source, Burst
Mode operation is disabled; the LTC1627 then operates in
PWM pulse skipping mode. In this mode, when the output
load is very low, current comparator ICOMP remains tripped
for more than one cycle and forces the main switch to stay
off for the same number of cycles. Increasing the output
LTC1627
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OPERATIO
load slightly allows constant frequency PWM operation
to resume.
Frequency synchronization is inhibited when the feedback
voltage VFB is below 0.6V. This prevents the external clock
from interfering with the frequency foldback for shortcircuit protection.
Dropout Operation
When the input supply voltage decreases toward the output voltage, the duty cycle increases toward the maximum
on-time. Further reduction of the supply voltage forces the
main switch to remain on for more than one cycle until it
reaches 100% duty cycle. The output voltage will then be
determined by the input voltage minus the voltage drop
across the P-channel MOSFET and the inductor.
VDR
C1
0.1µF
LTC1627 VIN
VIN < 4.5V
D1 L1
SW
+
C2
0.1µF
VOUT
COUT
100µF
D2
1627 F02
Figure 2. Using a Charge Pump to Bias VDR
the charge pump at VIN ≥ 4.5V is not recommended to
ensure that (VIN – VDR) does not exceed its absolute
maximum voltage.
Undervoltage Lockout
Slope Compensation and Inductor Peak Current
A precision undervoltage lockout shuts down the LTC1627
when VIN drops below 2.5V, making it ideal for single
lithium-ion battery applications. In lockout, the LTC1627
draws only several microamperes, which is low enough to
prevent deep discharge and possible damage to the lithiumion battery nearing its end of charge. A 150mV hysteresis
ensures reliable operation with noisy supplies.
Slope compensation provides stability by preventing
subharmonic oscillations. It works by internally adding a
ramp to the inductor current signal at duty cycles in excess
of 40%. As a result, the maximum inductor peak current
is lower for VOUT/VIN > 0.4 than when VOUT/VIN < 0.4. See
the inductor peak current as a function of duty cycle graph
in Figure 3. The worst-case peak current reduction occurs
with the oscillator synchronized at its minimum frequency,
i.e., to a clock just above the oscillator free-running
Low Supply Operation
The LTC1627 is designed to operate down to 2.65V supply
voltage. At this voltage the converter is most likely to be
running at high duty cycles or in dropout where the main
switch is on continuously. Hence, the I2R loss is due
mainly to the RDS(ON) of the P-channel MOSFET. See
Efficiency Considerations in the Applications Information
section.
When VIN is low (< 4.5V) the RDS(ON) of the P-channel
MOSFET can be lowered by driving its gate below ground.
The top P-channel MOSFET driver makes use of a floating
return pin, VDR, to allow biasing below GND. A simple
charge pump bootstrapped to the SW pin realizes a
negative voltage at the VDR pin as shown in Figure 2. Using
MAXIMUM INDUCTOR PEAK CURRENT (mA)
In Burst Mode operation or pulse skipping mode operation
(externally synchronized) with the output lightly loaded,
the LTC1627 transitions through continuous mode as it
enters dropout.
When VIN decreases to a voltage close to VOUT, the loop
may enter dropout and attempt to turn on the P-channel
MOSFET continuously. When the VDR charge pump is
enabled, a dropout detector counts the number of oscillator cycles that the P-channel MOSFET remains on, and
periodically forces a brief off period to allow C1 to
recharge. 100% duty cycle is allowed when VDR is grounded.
950
900
WITHOUT
EXTERNAL
CLOCK SYNC
850
800
WORST CASE
EXTERNAL
CLOCK SYNC
750
700
650
600
550
VIN = 5V
500
0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
DUTY CYCLE (%)
1627 F03
Figure 3. Maximum Inductor Peak Current vs Duty Cycle
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LTC1627
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APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
frequency. The actual reduction in average current is less
than for peak current.
The basic LTC1627 application circuit is shown in Figure
1. External component selection is driven by the load
requirement and begins with the selection of L followed by
CIN and COUT.
Inductor Value Calculation
The inductor selection will depend on the operating frequency of the LTC1627. The internal preset frequency is
350kHz, but can be externally synchronized up to 525kHz.
The operating frequency and inductor selection are interrelated in that higher operating frequencies allow the use
of smaller inductor and capacitor values. However, operating at a higher frequency generally results in lower
efficiency because of internal gate charge losses.
The inductor value has a direct effect on ripple current. The
ripple current ∆IL decreases with higher inductance or
frequency and increases with higher VIN or VOUT.
∆IL =
 V 
VOUT 1 − OUT 
VIN 

f L
1
( )( )
(1)
Accepting larger values of ∆IL 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 ∆IL = 0.4(IMAX).
The inductor value also has an effect on Burst Mode
operation. The transition to low current operation begins
when the inductor current peaks fall to approximately
200mA. Lower inductor values (higher ∆IL) will cause this
to occur at lower load currents, which can cause a dip in
efficiency in the upper range of low current operation. In
Burst Mode operation, lower inductance values will cause
the burst frequency to increase.
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
Kool Mµ is a registered trademark of Magnetics, Inc.
8
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 losses 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!
Kool Mµ (from Magnetics, Inc.) is a very good, low loss
core material for toroids with a “soft” saturation characteristic. Molypermalloy is slightly more efficient at high
(>200kHz) switching frequencies but quite a bit more
expensive. Toroids are very space efficient, especially
when you can use several layers of wire, while inductors
wound on bobbins are generally easier to surface mount.
New designs for surface mount are available from
Coiltronics, Coilcraft and Sumida.
CIN and COUT Selection
In continuous mode, the source current of the top MOSFET
is a square wave of duty cycle VOUT/VIN. To prevent large
voltage transients, a low ESR input capacitor sized for the
maximum RMS current must be used. The maximum
RMS capacitor current is given by:
CIN required IRMS ≅ IMAX
[
(
VOUT VIN − VOUT
)]
1/ 2
VIN
This formula has a maximum at VIN = 2VOUT, where
IRMS = IOUT /2. This simple worst-case condition is commonly used for design because even significant deviations
do not offer much relief. Note that capacitor manufacturer’s
ripple current ratings are often based on 2000 hours of life.
This makes it advisable to further derate the capacitor, or
choose a capacitor rated at a higher temperature than
required. Several capacitors may also be paralleled to meet
size or height requirements in the design. Always consult the
manufacturer if there is any question.
LTC1627
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APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
0.8V ≤ VOUT ≤ 8.5V
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 ∆VOUT is determined by:
R2
VFB
LTC1627

1 
∆VOUT ≅ ∆IL  ESR +
4fCOUT 

GND
1627 F04
where f = operating frequency, COUT = output capacitance
and ∆IL = ripple current in the inductor. The output ripple
is highest at maximum input voltage since ∆IL increases
with input voltage. For the LTC1627, the general rule for
proper operation is:
COUT required ESR < 0.25Ω
Manufacturers such as Nichicon, United Chemicon and
Sanyo should be considered for high performance throughhole capacitors. The OS-CON semiconductor dielectric
capacitor available from Sanyo has the lowest ESR/size
ratio of any aluminum electrolytic at a somewhat higher
price. Once the ESR requirement for COUT has been met,
the RMS current rating generally far exceeds the
IRIPPLE(P-P) requirement.
In surface mount applications multiple capacitors may
have to be paralleled to meet the ESR or RMS current
handling requirements of the application. Aluminum electrolytic and dry tantalum capacitors are both available in
surface mount configurations. In the case of tantalum, it is
critical that the capacitors are surge tested for use in
switching power supplies. An excellent choice is the AVX
TPS series of surface mount tantalum, available in case
heights ranging from 2mm to 4mm. Other capacitor types
include Sanyo POSCAP, KEMET T510 and T495 series,
Nichicon PL series and Sprague 593D and 595D series.
Consult the manufacturer for other specific recommendations.
Output Voltage Programming
The output voltage is set by a resistive divider according
to the following formula:
 R2 
VOUT = 0.8V 1 + 
 R1 
R1
Figure 4. Setting the LTC1627 Output Voltage
Run/Soft-Start Function
The RUN/SS pin is a dual purpose pin that provides the
soft-start function and a means to shut down the LTC1627.
Soft-start reduces surge currents from VIN by gradually
increasing the internal current limit. Power supply
sequencing can also be accomplished using this pin.
An internal 2.25µA current source charges up an external
capacitor CSS. When the voltage on RUN/SS reaches 0.7V
the LTC1627 begins operating. As the voltage on RUN/SS
continues to ramp from 0.7V to 1.8V, the internal current
limit is also ramped at a proportional linear rate. The
current limit begins at 25mA (at VRUN/SS ≤ 0.7V) and ends
at the Figure 3 value (VRUN/SS ≈ 1.8V). The output current
thus ramps up slowly, charging the output capacitor. If
RUN/SS has been pulled all the way to ground, there will
be a delay before the current starts increasing and is given
by:
tDELAY =
0.7CSS
2.25µA
Pulling the RUN/SS pin below 0.4V puts the LTC1627 into
a low quiescent current shutdown (IQ < 15µA). This pin can
be driven directly from logic as shown in Figure 5. Diode
D1 in Figure 5 reduces the start delay but allows CSS to
ramp up slowly providing the soft-start function. This
diode can be deleted if soft-start is not needed.
3.3V OR 5V
RUN/SS
RUN/SS
D1
CSS
(2)
The external resistive divider is connected to the output,
allowing remote voltage sensing as shown in Figure 4.
CSS
1627 F05
Figure 5. RUN/SS Pin Interfacing
9
LTC1627
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APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
Auxiliary Winding Control Using SYNC/FCB Pin
The SYNC/FCB pin can be used as a secondary feedback
input to provide a means of regulating a flyback winding
output. When this pin drops below its ground referenced
0.8V threshold, continuous mode operation is forced. In
continuous mode, the main and synchronous MOSFETs
are switched continuously regardless of the load on the
main output.
Synchronous switching removes the normal limitation
that power must be drawn from the inductor primary
winding in order to extract power from auxiliary windings.
With continuous synchronous operation power can be
drawn from the auxiliary windings without regard to the
primary output load.
The secondary output voltage is set by the turns ratio of the
transformer in conjunction with a pair of external resistors
returned to the SYNC/FCB pin as shown in Figure 6. The
secondary regulated voltage VSEC in Figure 6 is given by:
 R4 
VSEC ≅ N + 1 VOUT − VDIODE > 0.8V  1 + 
 R3 
where N is the turns ratio of the transformer, VOUT is the
main output voltage sensed by VFB and VDIODE is the
voltage drop across the Schottky diode.
( )(
)
R4
VSEC
SYNC/FCB
R3
LTC1627
SW
+
L1
1:N
1µF
VOUT
+
COUT
1627 F06
Figure 6. Secondary Output Loop Connection
Efficiency Considerations
The efficiency of a switching regulator is equal to the
output power divided by the input power times 100%. It is
often useful to analyze individual losses to determine what
is limiting the efficiency and which change would produce
the most improvement. Efficiency can be expressed as:
10
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, two main sources usually account for most of the
losses in LTC1627 circuits: VIN quiescent current and I2R
losses.
1. The VIN quiescent current is due to two components:
the DC bias current as given in the electrical characteristics and the internal main switch and synchronous
switch gate charge currents. The gate charge current
results from switching the gate capacitance of the
internal power MOSFET switches. Each time the gate is
switched from high to low to high again, a packet of
charge dQ moves from VIN to ground. The resulting
dQ/dt is the current out of VIN that is typically larger
than the DC bias current. In continuous mode, IGATECHG
= f(QT + QB) where QT and QB are the gate charges of
the internal top and bottom switches. Both the DC bias
and gate charge losses are proportional to VIN and thus
their effects will be more pronounced at higher supply
voltages.
2. I2R losses are calculated from the resistances of the
internal switches RSW and external inductor RL. In
continuous mode the average output current flowing
through inductor L is “chopped” between the main
switch and the synchronous switch. Thus, the series
resistance looking into SW pin from L is a function of
both top and bottom MOSFET RDS(ON) and the duty
cycle (DC) as follows:
RSW = (RDS(ON)TOP)(DC) + (RDS(ON)BOT)(1 – DC)
The RDS(ON) for both the top and bottom MOSFETs can
be obtained from the Typical Performance Characteristics curves. Thus, to obtain I2R losses, simply add RSW
to RL and multiply by the square of the average output
current.
Other losses including CIN and COUT ESR dissipative losses,
MOSFET switching losses and inductor core losses generally
account for less than 2% total additional loss.
LTC1627
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APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
Checking Transient Response
The regulator loop response can be checked by looking at
the load transient response. Switching regulators take
several cycles to respond to a step in load current. When
a load step occurs, VOUT immediately shifts by an amount
equal to (∆ILOAD • ESR), where ESR is the effective series
resistance of COUT. ∆ILOAD also begins to charge or discharge COUT, which generates a feedback error signal. The
regulator loop then acts to return VOUT to its steady-state
value. During this recovery time VOUT can be monitored for
overshoot or ringing that would indicate a stability problem. The internal compensation provides adequate compensation for most applications. But if additional compensation is required, the ITH pin can be used for external
compensation as shown in Figure 7.
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
deliver enough current to prevent this problem if the load
switch resistance is low and it is driven quickly. The only
solution is to limit the rise time of the switch drive 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 130mA.
PC Board Layout Checklist
When laying out the printed circuit board, the following
checklist should be used to ensure proper operation of the
LTC1627. These items are also illustrated graphically in
the layout diagram of Figure 7. Check the following in your
layout:
1. Are the signal and power grounds segregated? The
LTC1627 signal ground consists of the resistive
divider, the optional compensation network (RC and
CC1), CSS and CC2. The power ground consists of the
(–) plate of CIN, the (–) plate of COUT and Pin 4 of the
LTC1627. The power ground traces should be kept
short, direct and wide. The signal ground and power
ground should converge to a common node in a starground configuration.
2. Does the VFB pin connect directly to the feedback
resistors? The resistive divider R1/R2 must be connected between the (+) plate of COUT and signal ground.
CC2
OPTIONAL
RC
CC1
CSS
1
2
3
4
ITH
SYNC/FCB
8
OPTIONAL
RUN/SS
VDR
7
CV
LTC1627
VFB
VIN
GND
SW
6
+
5
L1
+
+
CIN
D1
R2
+
VOUT
COUT
VIN
D2
R1
–
BOLD LINES INDICATE
HIGH CURRENT PATHS
CB
–
1627 F07
Figure 7. LTC1627 Layout Diagram
11
LTC1627
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APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
3. Does the (+) plate of CIN connect to VIN as closely as
possible? This capacitor provides the AC current to the
internal power MOSFETs.
L=
 2.5V 
1 −
 = 14.5µH
350kHz 200mA  4.2V 
2.5V
(
)(
)
4. Keep the switching node SW away from sensitive smallsignal nodes.
A 15µH inductor works well for this application. For good
efficiency choose a 1A inductor with less than 0.25Ω
series resistance.
Design Example
CIN will require an RMS current rating of at least 0.25A at
temperature and COUT will require an ESR of less than
0.25Ω. In most applications, the requirements for these
capacitors are fairly similar.
As a design example, assume the LTC1627 is used in a
single lithium-ion battery-powered cellular phone application. The VIN will be operating from a maximum of 4.2V
down to about 2.7V. The load current requirement is a
maximum of 0.5A but most of the time it will be on standby
mode, requiring only 2mA. Efficiency at both low and high
load currents is important. Output voltage is 2.5V. With
this information we can calculate L using equation (1),
L=
 V 
VOUT 1 − OUT 
VIN 

f ∆IL
1
( )( )
(3)
For the feedback resistors, choose R1 = 80.6k. R2 can then
be calculated from equation (2) to be:
V

R2 =  OUT − 1 • R1 = 171k; use 169k
 0.8

Figure 8 shows the complete circuit along with its efficiency curve.
Substituting VOUT = 2.5V, VIN = 4.2V, ∆IL = 200mA and
f = 350kHz in equation (3) gives:
CITH
47pF
2
CSS
0.1µF
3
4
ITH
SYNC/FCB
8
100
RUN/SS
VDR
LTC1627
VFB
GND
VIN
SW
7
95
C1
0.1µF
6
5
15µH*
R2
169k
1%
R1
80.6k
1%
VOUT
2.5V
0.5A
+
COUT†
100µF
6.3V
VIN
2.8V TO
4.5V
BAT54S**
+
D1
CIN††
22µF
16V
VIN = 3.6V
90
VIN = 4.2V
85
EFFICIENCY (%)
1
80
75
70
65
60
D2
C2
0.1µF
55
50
VOUT = 2.5V
45
1
* SUMIDA CD54-150
** ZETEX BAT54S
† AVX TPSC107M006R0150
††
AVX TPSC226M016R0375
1627 F08a
1000
1627 F08b
Figure 8. Single Lithium-Ion to 2.5V/0.5A Regulator
12
10
100
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
LTC1627
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TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
5V Input to 3.3V/0.5A Regulator
CITH
47pF
1
ITH
SYNC/FCB
* SUMIDA CD54-150
8
**
AVX TPSC107M006R0150
***
AVX TPSC226M016R0375
2
CSS
0.1µF
3
4
RUN/SS
VDR
LTC1627
VFB
VIN
GND
SW
7
6
5
VIN = 5V
15µH*
R2
249k
1%
VOUT
3.3V
0.5A
+
R1
80.6k
1%
+
COUT **
100µF
6.3V
CIN***
22µF
16V
1627 TA03
Double Lithium-Ion to 5V/0.5A Low Dropout Regulator
CITH
47pF
1
ITH
SYNC/FCB
* SUMIDA CD54-330
8
**
AVX TPSD107M010R0100
***
AVX TPSC226M016R0375
2
CSS
0.1µF
3
4
RUN/SS
VDR
LTC1627
VFB
GND
VIN
SW
7
6
5
VIN ≤ 8.4V
33µH*
R2
422k
1%
R1
80.6k
1%
VOUT
5V
0.5A
+
COUT **
100µF
10V
+
CIN***
22µF
16V
1627 TA04
13
LTC1627
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TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
3.3V Input to 2.5V/0.5A Regulator
CITH
47pF
1
2
CSS
0.1µF
3
4
ITH
SYNC/FCB
RUN/SS
VDR
LTC1627
VFB
VIN
GND
SW
8
7
C1
0.1µF
6
10µH*
5
R2
169k
1%
VIN = 3.3V
VOUT
2.5V
0.5A
+
R1
80.6k
1%
BAT54S**
+
D1
COUT†
100µF
6.3V
D2
C2
0.1µF
* SUMIDA CD54-100
** ZETEX BAT54S
† AVX TPSC107M006R0150
†† AVX TPSC226M016R0375
1627 TA05
Single Lithium-Ion to 1.8V/0.3A Regulator
CITH
47pF
1
ITH
SYNC/FCB
* SUMIDA CD54-150
8
**
AVX TPSC107M006R0150
***
AVX TPSC226M016R0375
2
CSS
0.1µF
3
4
RUN/SS
VDR
LTC1627
VFB
GND
VIN
SW
7
6
5
VIN ≤ 4.2V
15µH*
R2
100k
1%
R1
80.6k
1%
VOUT
1.8V
0.3A
+
COUT **
100µF
6.3V
+
CIN***
22µF
16V
1627 TA01
14
CIN††
22µF
16V
LTC1627
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PACKAGE DESCRIPTION
Dimensions in inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted.
S8 Package
8-Lead Plastic Small Outline (Narrow 0.150)
(LTC DWG # 05-08-1610)
0.189 – 0.197*
(4.801 – 5.004)
8
7
6
5
0.150 – 0.157**
(3.810 – 3.988)
0.228 – 0.244
(5.791 – 6.197)
1
0.010 – 0.020
× 45°
(0.254 – 0.508)
0.008 – 0.010
(0.203 – 0.254)
0.053 – 0.069
(1.346 – 1.752)
0°– 8° TYP
0.016 – 0.050
0.406 – 1.270
0.014 – 0.019
(0.355 – 0.483)
2
3
4
0.004 – 0.010
(0.101 – 0.254)
0.050
(1.270)
TYP
*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
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.
SO8 0996
15
LTC1627
U
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
Double Lithium-Ion to 2.5V/0.5A Regulator
CITH
47pF
1
ITH
SYNC/FCB
* SUMIDA CD54-250
8
**
AVX TPSC107M006R0150
***
AVX TPSC226M016R0375
2
CSS
0.1µF
3
4
RUN/SS
VDR
LTC1627
VFB
VIN
GND
SW
7
6
VIN ≤ 8.4V
25µH*
5
R2
169k
1%
VOUT
2.5V
0.5A
+
R1
80.6k
1%
+
COUT **
100µF
6.3V
CIN***
22µF
16V
1627 TA01
Dual Output 1.8V/300mA and 3.3V/100mA Application
CITH
47pF
1
2
CSS
0.1µF
3
4
ITH
SYNC/FCB
RUN/SS
VDR
LTC1627
VFB
VIN
GND
SW
* AVX TPSC226M016R0375
** AVX TPSC107M006R0150
*** AVX TAJA226M006R
R3
249k
1%
8
R4
80.6k
1%
7
6
VIN ≤ 8.5V
***22µF
6.3V
VSEC †††
3.3V
100mA
+
D2††
ZENER
1.8V
D1
25µH† MBR0520LT1
1:1
VOUT
1.8V
0.3A
5
+
CIN*
22µF
16V
† COILTRONICS CTX25-1
††
MMSZ4678T1
†††
A 10mA MIN LOAD CURRENT
IS RECOMMENDED
R2
100k
1%
+
COUT **
100µF
6.3V
R1
80.6k
1%
1627 TA02
RELATED PARTS
PART NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
COMMENTS
LTC1174/LTC1174-3.3
LTC1174-5
High Efficiency Step-Down and Inverting DC/DC Converters
Monolithic Switching Regulators, IOUT to 450mA,
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LTC1265
1.2A, High Efficiency Step-Down DC/DC Converter
Constant Off-Time, Monolithic, Burst Mode Operation
LT ®1375/LT1376
1.5A, 500kHz Step-Down Switching Regulators
High Frequency, Small Inductor, High Efficiency
LTC1435
High Efficiency, Synchronous Step-Down Converter
16-Pin SO and SSOP
LTC1436/LTC1436-PLL
High Efficiency, Low Noise, Synchronous Step-Down Converters
24-Pin Narrow SSOP
LTC1438/LTC1439
Dual, Low Noise, Synchronous Step-Down Converters
Multiple Output Capability
LTC1474/LTC1475
Low Quiescent Current Step-Down DC/DC Converters
Monolithic, IOUT to 250mA, IQ = 10µA, 8-Pin MSOP
LTC1626
Low Voltage, High Efficiency Step-Down DC/DC Converter
Monolithic, Constant Off-Time, IOUT to 600mA,
Low Supply Voltage Range: 2.5V to 6V
16
Linear Technology Corporation
1627f LT/TP 0199 4K • PRINTED IN USA
1630 McCarthy Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035-7417
(408)432-1900 ● FAX: (408) 434-0507 ● www.linear-tech.com
 LINEAR TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 1998