LINER LTC3859

LT3724
High Voltage, Current Mode
Switching Regulator Controller
FEATURES
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DESCRIPTION
Wide Input Range: 4V to 60V
Output Voltages up to 36V (Step-Down)
Burst Mode® Operation: <100µA Supply Current
10µA Shutdown Supply Current
±1.3% Reference Accuracy
200kHz Fixed Frequency
Drives N-Channel MOSFET
Programmable Soft-Start
Programmable Undervoltage Lockout
Internal High Voltage Regulator for Gate Drive
Thermal Shutdown
Current Limit Unaffected by Duty Cycle
16-Pin Thermally Enhanced TSSOP Package
The LT®3724 is a DC/DC controller used for medium power,
low part count, low cost, high efficiency supplies. It offers a wide 4V-60V input range (7.5V minimum startup
voltage) and can implement step-down, step-up, inverting
and SEPIC topologies.
The LT3724 includes Burst Mode operation, which reduces quiescent current below 100µA and maintains
high efficiency at light loads. An internal high voltage bias
regulator allows for simple biasing and can be back driven
to increase efficiency.
Additional features include fixed frequency current mode
control for fast line and load transient response; a gate driver
capable of driving large N-channel MOSFETs; a precision
undervoltage lockout function; 10µA shutdown current;
short-circuit protection; and a programmable soft-start
function that directly controls output voltage slew rates at
startup which limits inrush current, minimizes overshoot
and facilitates supply sequencing.
APPLICATIONS
Industrial Power Distribution
12V and 42V Automotive and Heavy Equipment
n High Voltage Single Board Systems
n Distributed Power Systems
nAvionics
n Telecom Power
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L, LT, LTC, LTM, Linear Technology and the Linear logo are registered trademarks and
Burst Mode is a trademark of Linear Technology Corporation. All other trademarks are the property
of their respective owners. Protected by U.S. Patents including 5731694, 6498466, 6611131.
TYPICAL APPLICATION
High Voltage Step-Down Regulator
VIN
30V TO
60V
CIN
68µF
12
95
VIN
BOOST
68.1k
Burst_EN
VFB
40.2k
4.99k
1000pF
EFFICIENCY
Si7852
0.025Ω
10Ω
47µH
+
SS3H9
CSS
200k
120pF
SW
VCC
1µF
PGND
VC
SENSE+
SGND
SENSE–
10
90
0.22µF
VOUT
24V
75W
COUT
330µF
85
8
80
6
4
75
LOSS
70
POWER LOSS (W)
LT3724
SHDN
TG
EFFICIENCY (%)
1M
680pF
Efficiency and Power Loss
vs Load Current
2
VIN = 48V
65
93.1k
3724 TA01a
0.1
1
LOAD CURRENT (A)
0
10
3724 TA01b
3724fd
1
LT3724
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
PIN CONFIGURATION
(Note 1)
TOP VIEW
Input Supply Voltage (VIN).......................... 65V to –0.3V
Boosted Supply Voltage (BOOST)............... 80V to –0.3V
Switch Voltage (SW)(Note 8)......................... 65V to –1V
Differential Boost Voltage
(BOOST to SW)....................................... 24V to –0.3V
Bias Supply Voltage (VCC)........................... 24V to –0.3V
SENSE+ and SENSE– Voltages.................... 40V to –0.3V
(SENSE+ to SENSE–).................................... 1V to –1V
VIN
1
16 BOOST
NC
2
15 TG
SHDN
3
14 SW
CSS
4
BURST_EN
5
VFB
6
11 PGND
VC
7
10 SENSE+
SGND
8
9
17
13 NC
12 VCC
SENSE–
FE PACKAGE
16-LEAD PLASTIC TSSOP
BURST_EN Voltage..................................... 24V to –0.3V
VC, VFB, CSS, and SHDN Voltages................. 5V to –0.3V
CSS and SHDN Pin Currents......................................1mA
Operating Junction Temperature Range (Notes 2, 3)
LT3724E.............................................. –40°C to 125°C
LT3724I............................................... –40°C to 125°C
LT3724MP.......................................... –55°C to 125°C
Storage Temperature............................... –65°C to 150°C
Lead Temperature (Soldering, 10 sec)................... 300°C
TJMAX = 125°C, θJA = 40°C/W, θJC = 10°C/W
EXPOSED PAD IS SGND (PIN 17), MUST BE SOLDERED TO PCB
ORDER INFORMATION
LEAD FREE FINISH
TAPE AND REEL
PART MARKING
PACKAGE DESCRIPTION
TEMPERATURE RANGE
LT3724EFE#PBF
LT3724EFE#TRPBF
3724EFE
16-Lead Plastic TSSOP
–40°C to 125°C
LT3724IFE#PBF
LT3724IFE#TRPBF
3724IFE
16-Lead Plastic TSSOP
–40°C to 125°C
LEAD BASED FINISH
TAPE AND REEL
PART MARKING*
PACKAGE DESCRIPTION
TEMPERATURE RANGE
LT3724MPFE
LT3724MPFE#TR
3724MPFE
16-Lead Plastic TSSOP
–55°C to 125°C
Consult LTC Marketing for parts specified with wider operating temperature ranges.
Consult LTC Marketing for information on non-standard lead based finish parts.
For more information on lead free part marking, go to: http://www.linear.com/leadfree/
For more information on tape and reel specifications, go to: http://www.linear.com/tapeandreel/
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The l denotes the specifications which apply over the full operating
temperature range, otherwise specifications are at TA = 25°C. VIN = 20V, VCC = BOOST = BURST_EN = 10V, SHDN = 2V,
SENSE – = SENSE+ = 10V, SGND = PGND = SW = 0V, unless otherwise noted.
SYMBOL
PARAMETER
VIN
Operating Voltage Range (Note 4)
Minimum Start Voltage
UVLO Threshold (Falling)
UVLO Threshold Hysteresis
IVIN
VIN Supply Current
VIN Burst Mode Current
VIN Shutdown Current
CONDITIONS
MIN
l
l
l
VCC > 9V
VBURST_EN = 0V, VFB = 1.35V
VSHDN = 0V
4
7.5
3.65
TYP
MAX
60
3.8
670
20
20
10
3.95
15
UNITS
V
V
V
mV
µA
µA
µA
3724fd
2
LT3724
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The l denotes the specifications which apply over the full operating
temperature range, otherwise specifications are at TA = 25°C. VIN = 20V, VCC = BOOST = BURST_EN = 10V, SHDN = 2V,
SENSE – = SENSE+ = 10V, SGND = PGND = SW = 0V, unless otherwise noted.
SYMBOL
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
VBOOST
Operating Voltage Range
Operating Voltage Range (Note 5)
UVLO Threshold (Rising)
UVLO Threshold Hysteresis
VBOOST - VSW
VBOOST - VSW
VBOOST - VSW
IBOOST
BOOST Supply Current (Note 6)
BOOST Burst Mode Current
BOOST Shutdown Current
VBURST_EN = 0V
VSHDN = 0V
VCC
Operating Voltage Range (Note 5)
Output Voltage
UVLO Threshold (Rising)
UVLO Threshold Hysteresis
IVCC
VCC Supply Current (Note 6)
VCC Burst Mode Current
VCC Shutdown Current
Short-Circuit Current
VBURST_EN = 0V
VSHDN = 0V
Error Amp Reference Voltage
Measured at VFB Pin
VFB
IFB
Feedback Input Current
VSHDN
Enable Threshold (Rising)
Threshold Hysteresis
VSENSE
Common Mode Range
Current Limit Sense Voltage
ISENSE
Input Current
(ISENSE+ + ISENSE–)
fSW
Operating Frequency
Over Full Line and Load Range
Soft-Start Disable Voltage
Soft-Start Disable Hysteresis
ISS
Soft-Start Capacitor Control Current
gm
Error Amp Transconductance
AV
Error Amp DC Voltage Gain
VC
Error Amp Output Range
IVC
VTG
TYP
l
l
5
400
MAX
75
20
1.4
0.1
0.1
l
l
l
–30
l
1.224
1.215
VSENSE+ – VSENSE–
1.3
l
l
0
140
VSENSE(CM) = 0V
VSENSE(CM) = 2.5V
VSENSE(CM) > 4V
V
V
V
mV
1.7
80
20
–55
2.1
mA
µA
µA
mA
1.231
1.238
1.245
1.35
120
150
190
175
165
VFB Rising
l
275
200
200
V
V
nA
1.4
V
mV
36
175
V
mV
400
2
–150
l
l
V
V
V
mV
mA
µA
µA
25
l
UNITS
20
8.3
8
6.25
500
l
MP Grade
VFB(SS)
MIN
µA
µA
µA
210
220
225
kHz
kHz
kHz
1.185
300
V
mV
2
µA
340
400
µmhos
62
dB
1.2
V
Error Amp Sink/Source Current
±30
µA
Gate Drive Output On Voltage (Note 7) CLOAD = 3300pF
Gate Drive Output Off Voltage
CLOAD = 3300pF
9.8
0.1
V
V
tTG
Gate Drive Rise/Fall Time
60
ns
tTG(OFF)
Minimum Switch Off Time
350
ns
tTG(ON)
Minimum Switch On Time
ISW
SW Pin Sink Current
Zero Current to Current Limit
10% to 90% or 90% to 10%, CLOAD = 3300pF
l
VSW = 2V
300
300
500
ns
mA
3724fd
3
LT3724
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
temperature range. The LT3724MP is 100% tested and guaranteed over
the –55°C to 125°C operating junction temperature range.
Note 4: VIN voltages below the start-up threshold (7.5V) are only
supported when the VCC is externally driven above 6.5V.
Note 5: Operating range is dictated by MOSFET absolute maximum VGS.
Note 6: Supply current specification does not include switch drive
currents. Actual supply currents will be higher.
Note 7: DC measurement of gate drive output “ON” voltage is typically
8.6V. Internal dynamic bootstrap operation yields typical gate “ON”
voltages of 9.8V during standard switching operation. Standard operation
gate “ON” voltage is not tested but guaranteed by design.
Note 8: The –1V absolute maximum on the SW pin is a transient condition.
It is guaranteed by design and not subject to test.
Note 1: Stresses beyond those listed under Absolute Maximum Ratings
may cause permanent damage to the device. Exposure to any Absolute
Maximum Rating condition for extended periods may affect device
reliability and lifetime.
Note 2: The LT3724 includes overtemperature protection that is intended
to protect the device during momentary overload conditions. Junction
temperature will exceed 125°C when overtemperature protection is active.
Continuous operation above the specified maximum operating junction
temperature may impair device reliability.
Note 3: The LT3724E is guaranteed to meet performance specifications
from 0°C to 125°C junction temperature. Specifications over the – 40°C
to 125°C operating junction temperature range are assured by design,
characterization and correlation with statistical process controls. The
LT3724I is guaranteed over the full –40°C to 125°C operating junction
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
Shutdown Threshold (Rising)
vs Temperature
Shutdown Threshold (Falling)
vs Temperature
1.37
1.36
1.35
1.34
1.33
1.32
–50 –25
0
25
50
75
TEMPERATURE (°C)
100
125
8.2
1.25
8.1
1.23
1.22
0
25
50
75
TEMPERATURE (°C)
7.5
–50 –25
125
70
ICC = 20mA
TA = 25°C
TA = 25°C
ICC CURRENT LIMIT (mA)
8
7
VCC (V)
6
5
4
7.6
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
VIN (V)
ICC (LOAD) (mA)
3724 G04
3724 G05
100
125
3724 G03
VCC vs VIN
7.7
0
25
50
75
TEMPERATURE (°C)
3724 G02
8.0
VCC (V)
100
9
7.8
7.8
7.6
1.20
–50 –25
VCC vs ICC(LOAD)
7.9
7.9
7.7
1.21
8.2
8.1
ICC = 20mA
8.0
1.24
3724 G01
7.5
V­CC vs Temperature
1.26
VCC (V)
SHUTDOWN THRESHOLD, FALLING (V)
SHUTDOWN THRESHOLD, RISING (V)
1.38
ICC Current Limit vs Temperature
60
50
40
30
20
–50 –25
0
25
50
75
TEMPERATURE (°C)
100
125
3724 G06
3724fd
4
LT3724
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
Error Amp Transconductance
vs Temperature
ICC vs VCC (SHDN = 0V)
25
6.4
20
6.3
15
6.2
6.1
TA = 25°C
10
5
6.0
–50 –25
0
25
50
75
TEMPERATURE (°C)
100
0
125
0
2
4
6
8
I(SENSE+ + SENSE–) vs
VSENSE (CM)
100
0
–100
320
–50 –25
1.234
220
1.233
210
200
190
180
1.231
1.230
1.229
1.228
50
25
75
0
TEMPERATURE (°C)
100
125
1.227
–50 –25
152
150
148
146
144
142
100
125
3724 G13
100
3724 G12
3.86
4.52
3.84
4.50
3.82
4.48
4.46
3.80
4.44
3.78
4.42
4.40
–50 –25
125
VIN UVLO THRESHOLD, FALLING (V)
VIN UVLO THRESHOLD, RISING (V)
154
50
25
75
0
TEMPERATURE (°C)
V­IN UVLO Threshold (Falling)
vs Temperature
4.54
160
125
1.232
VIN UVLO Threshold (Rising)
vs Temperature
156
100
3724 G11
Maximum Current Sense
Threshold vs Temperature
158
50
25
75
0
TEMPERATURE (°C)
Error Amp Reference
vs Temperature
3724 G10
CURRENT SENSE THRESHOLD (mV)
325
230
170
–50 –25
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0
VSENSE (CM) (V)
50
25
75
0
TEMPERATURE (°C)
330
3724 G09
ERROR AMP REFERENCE (V)
OPERATING FREQUENCY (kHz)
I(SENSE+ + SENSE–) (µA)
200
140
–50 –25
335
Operating Frequency
vs Temperature
300
0
340
3724 G08
TA = 25°C
–200
345
10 12 14 16 18 20
VCC (V)
3724 G07
400
350
ERROR AMP TRANSCONDUCTANCE (µMhos)
6.5
ICC (µA)
VCC UVLO THRESHOLD, RISING (V)
VCC UVLO Threshold (Rising)
vs Temperature
50
25
75
0
TEMPERATURE (°C)
100
125
3724 G14
3.76
–50 –25
50
25
75
0
TEMPERATURE (°C)
100
125
3724 G15
3724fd
5
LT3724
PIN FUNCTIONS
VIN (Pin 1): The VIN pin is the main supply pin and should
be decoupled to SGND with a low ESR capacitor located
close to the pin.
NC (Pin 2): No Connection.
SHDN (Pin 3): The SHDN pin has a precision IC enable
threshold of 1.35V (rising) with 120mV of hysteresis. It is
used to implement an undervoltage lockout (UVLO) circuit.
See Application Information section for implementing a
UVLO function. When the SHDN pin is pulled below a
transistor VBE (0.7V), a low current shutdown mode is
entered, all internal circuitry is disabled and the VIN supply current is reduced to approximately 10µA. Typical
pin input bias current is <10µA and the pin is internally
clamped to 6V.
CSS (Pin 4): The soft-start pin is used to program the supply soft-start function. The pin is connected to VOUT via a
ceramic capacitor (CSS) and 200kΩ series resistor. During
start-up, the supply output voltage slew rate is controlled
to produce a 2µA average current through the soft-start
coupling capacitor. Use the following formula to calculate
CSS for a given output voltage slew rate:
CSS = 2µA(tSS/VOUT)
See the application section for more information on setting
the rise time of the output voltage during start-up. Shorting
this pin to SGND disables the soft-start function.
BURST_EN (Pin 5): The BURST_EN pin is used to enable
or disable Burst Mode operation. Connect the BURST_EN
pin to ground to enable the burst mode function. Connect
the pin to VCC to disable the burst mode function.
VFB (Pin 6): The output voltage feedback pin, VFB, is
externally connected to the supply output voltage via a
resistive divider. The VFB pin is internally connected to
the inverting input of the error amplifier. In regulation,
VFB is 1.231V.
VC (Pin 7): The VC pin is the output of the error amplifier
whose voltage corresponds to the maximum (peak) switch
current per oscillator cycle. The error amplifier is typically
configured as an integrator circuit by connecting an RC
network from the VC pin to SGND. This circuit creates the
dominant pole for the converter regulation control loop.
Specific integrator characteristics can be configured to
optimize transient response. Connecting a 100pF or greater
high frequency bypass capacitor from this pin to ground
is recommended. When Burst Mode operation is enabled
(see Pin 5 description), an internal low impedance clamp
on the VC pin is set at 100mV below the burst threshold,
which limits the negative excursion of the pin voltage.
Therefore, this pin cannot be pulled low with a low impedance source. If the VC pin must be externally manipulated,
do so through a 1kΩ series resistance.
SGND (Pin 8, 17): The SGND pin is the low noise ground
reference. It should be connected to the –VOUT side of the
output capacitors. Careful layout of the PCB is necessary
to keep high currents away from this SGND connection.
See the Application Information section for helpful hints
on PCB layout of grounds.
SENSE– (Pin 9): The SENSE– pin is the negative input for
the current sense amplifier and is connected to the VOUT
side of the sense resistor for step-down applications. The
sensed inductor current limit is set to 150mV across the
SENSE inputs.
SENSE+ (Pin 10): The SENSE+ pin is the positive input for
the current sense amplifier and is connected to the inductor side of the sense resistor for step-down applications.
The sensed inductor current limit is set to 150mV across
the SENSE inputs.
PGND (Pin 11): The PGND pin is the high-current ground
reference for internal low side switch and the VCC regulator
circuit. Connect the pin directly to the negative terminal of
the VCC decoupling capacitor. See the Application Information section for helpful hints on PCB layout of grounds.
3724fd
6
LT3724
PIN FUNCTIONS
VCC (Pin 12): The VCC pin is the internal bias supply
decoupling node. Use a low ESR 1µF ceramic capacitor
to decouple this node to PGND. Most internal IC functions are powered from this bias supply. An external
diode connected from VCC to the BOOST pin charges the
bootstrapped capacitor during the off-time of the main
power switch. Back driving the VCC pin from an external
DC voltage source, such as the VOUT output of the buck
regulator supply, increases overall efficiency and reduces
power dissipation in the IC. In shutdown mode this pin
sinks 20µA until the pin voltage is discharged to 0V.
NC (Pin 13): No Connection.
SW (Pin 14): In step-down applications the SW pin is
connected to the cathode of an external clamping Schottky
diode, the source of the power MOSFET and the inductor. The SW node voltage swing is from VIN during the
on-time of the power MOSFET, to a Schottky voltage drop
below ground during the off-time of the power MOSFET.
In start-up and in operating modes where there is insufficient inductor current to freewheel the Schottky diode, an
internal switch is turned on to pull the SW pin to ground
so that the BOOST pin capacitor can be charged. Give
careful consideration in choosing the Schottky diode to
limit the negative voltage swing on the SW pin.
TG (Pin 15): The TG pin is the bootstrapped gate drive
for the top N-Channel MOSFET. Since very fast high currents are driven from this pin, connect it to the gate of
the power MOSFET with a short and wide, typically 0.02”
width, PCB trace to minimize inductance.
BOOST (Pin 16): The BOOST pin is the supply for the
bootstrapped gate drive and is externally connected to a
low ESR ceramic boost capacitor referenced to SW pin.
The recommended value of the BOOST capacitor, CBOOST,
is 50 times greater than the total input capacitance of the
topside MOSFET. In most applications 0.1µF is adequate.
The maximum voltage that this pin sees is VIN + VCC,
ground referred.
Exposed Pad (SGND) (Pin 17): The exposed leadframe is
internally connected to the SGND pin. Solder the exposed
pad to the PCB ground for electrical contact and optimal
thermal performance.
3724fd
7
LT3724
FUNCTIONAL DIAGRAM
VIN
UVLO
(<4V)
8V VCC
REGULATOR
VIN
VCC
UVLO
(<6V)
1
VIN
CIN
CBOOST
3.8V
REGULATOR
RA
INTERNAL
SUPPLY RAIL
+
RB
–
+
gm
ERROR
AMP
VOUT
COUT
D1
D3
(OPTIONAL)
OSCILLATOR
Q
S
R
SLOPE COMP
GENERATOR
CURRENT
SENSE
COMPARATOR
+
+
CC1
RSENSE
PGND
11
–
RC
SOFT-START
DISABLE/BURST
ENABLE
D2
CVCC
DRIVE
CONTROL
0.5V
VC
7
L1
+
6
R2
R1
VCC
–
VFB
5
M1
12
–
BURST_EN
TG
15
SW
14
NOL
SWITCH
LOGIC
SHDN
3
BOOSTED
SWITCH
DRIVER
DRIVE
CONTROL
FEEDBACK
REFERENCE
1.231V
+
–
CC2
BOOST
16
BST
UVLO
~1V
–
+
–
BURST MODE
OPERATION
1.185V
2µA
CSS
4
CSS
–
+
SENSE+
10
SENSE–
SGND
8
9
3724 FD
3724fd
8
LT3724
(Refer to Functional Diagram)
The LT3724 is a PWM controller with a constant frequency,
current mode control architecture. It is designed for low
to medium power, switching regulator applications. Its
high operating voltage capability allows it to step-up
or down input voltages up to 60V without the need for
a transformer. The LT3724 is used in nonsynchronous
applications, meaning that a freewheeling rectifier diode
(D1 of Function Diagram) is used instead of a bottom
side MOSFET. For circuit operation, please refer to the
Functional Diagram of the IC and Typical Application on
the front page of the data sheet. The LT3800 is a similar
part that uses synchronous rectification, replacing the
diode with a MOSFET in a step-down application.
Main Control Loop
During normal operation, the external N-channel MOSFET
switch is turned on at the beginning of each cycle. The
switch stays on until the current in the inductor exceeds
a current threshold set by the DC control voltage, VC, the
output of the voltage control loop. The voltage control loop
monitors the output voltage, via the VFB pin voltage, and
compares it to an internal 1.231V reference. It increases
the current threshold when the VFB voltage is below the
reference voltage and decreases the current threshold
when the VFB voltage is above the reference voltage. For
instance, when an increase in the load current occurs,
the output voltage drops causing the VFB voltage to drop
relative to the 1.231V reference. The voltage control loop
senses the drop and increases the current threshold. The
peak inductor current is increased until the average inductor current equals the new load current and the output
voltage returns to regulation.
Current Limit/Short-Circuit
The inductor current is measured with a series sense
resistor (see the Typical Application on the front page).
When the voltage across the sense resistor reaches the
maximum current sense threshold, typically 150mV, the
TG MOSFET driver is disabled for the remainder of that
cycle. If the maximum current sense threshold is still exceeded at the beginning of the next cycle, the entire cycle
is skipped. Cycle skipping keeps the inductor currents to
a controlled value during a short-circuit, particularly when
VIN is high. Setting the sense resistor value is discussed
in the “Application Information” section.
VCC/Boosted Supply
An internal VCC regulator provides VIN derived gate-drive
power for start-up under all operating conditions with
MOSFET gate charge loads up to 90nC. The regulator can
operate continuously in applications with VIN voltages
up to 60V, provided the VIN voltage and/or MOSFET gate
charge currents do not create excessive power dissipation in the IC. Safe operating conditions for continuous
regulator use are shown in Figure 1. In applications where
these conditions are exceeded, VCC must be derived from
an external source after start-up. The LT3724 regulator
can, however, be used for “full time” use in applications
where short-duration VIN transients exceed allowable
continuous voltages.
70
60
50
VIN (V)
OPERATIONS
40
30
SAFE
OPERATING
AREA
20
10
0
20
40
60
80
MOSFET TOTAL GATE CHARGE (nC)
100
3724 F01
Figure 1. VCC Regulator Continuous Operating Conditions
For higher converter efficiency and less power dissipation in the IC, VCC can also be supplied from an external
supply such as the converter output. When an external
supply back drives the internal VCC regulator through an
external diode and the VCC voltage is pulled to a diode
above its regulation voltage, the internal regulator is disabled and goes into a low current mode. VCC is the bias
supply for most of the internal IC functions and is also
used to charge the bootstrapped capacitor (CBOOST) via an
external diode. The external MOSFET switch is biased from
the bootstrapped capacitor. While the external MOSFET
switch is off, an internal BJT switch, whose collector is
connected to the SW pin and emitter is connected to the
PGND pin, is turned on to pull the SW node to PGND and
recharge the bootstrap capacitor. The switch stays on until
3724fd
9
LT3724
OPERATIONS
(Refer to Functional Diagram)
either the start of the next cycle or until the bootstrapped
capacitor is fully charged.
MOSFET Driver
The LT3724 contains a high speed boosted driver to turn
on and off an external N-channel MOSFET switch. The
MOSFET driver derives its power from the boost capacitor
which is referenced to the SW pin and the source of the
MOSFET. The driver provides a large pulse of current to
turn on the MOSFET fast and minimize transition times.
Multiple MOSFETs can be paralleled for higher current
operation.
To eliminate the possibility of shoot through between the
MOSFET and the internal SW pull-down switch, an adaptive nonoverlap circuit ensures that the internal pull-down
switch does not turn on until the gate of the MOSFET is
below its turn on threshold.
Low Current Operation (Burst Mode Operation)
To increase low current load efficiency, the LT3724 is
capable of operating in Linear Technology’s proprietary
Burst Mode operation where the external MOSFET operates
intermittently based on load current demand. The Burst
Mode function is disabled by connecting the BURST_EN
pin to VCC and enabled by connecting the pin to SGND.
When the required switch current, sensed via the VC pin
voltage, is below 15% of maximum, Burst Mode operation
is employed and that level of sense current is latched onto
the IC control path. If the output load requires less than
this latched current level, the converter will overdrive the
output slightly during each switch cycle. This overdrive
condition is sensed internally and forces the voltage on the
VC pin to continue to drop. When the voltage on VC drops
150mV below the 15% load level, switching is disabled,
and the LT3724 shuts down most of its internal circuitry,
reducing total quiescent current to 100µA. When the
converter output begins to fall, the VC pin voltage begins
to climb. When the voltage on the VC pin climbs back to
the 15% load level, the IC returns to normal operation and
switching resumes. An internal clamp on the VC pin is set
at 100mV below the output disable threshold, which limits
the negative excursion of the pin voltage, minimizing the
converter output ripple during Burst Mode operation.
During Burst Mode operation, the VIN pin current is 20µA
and the VCC current is reduced to 80µA. If no external drive
is provided for VCC, all VCC bias currents originate from the
VIN pin, giving a total VIN current of 100µA. Burst current
can be reduced further when VCC is driven using an output
derived source, as the VCC component of VIN current is
then reduced by the converter duty cycle ratio.
Start-Up
The following section describes the start-up of the supply
and operation down to 4V once the step-down supply is
up and running. For the protection of the LT3724 and the
switching supply, there are internal undervoltage lockout
(UVLO) circuits with hysteresis on VIN, VCC and VBOOST,
as shown in the Electrical Characteristics table. Start-up
and continuous operation require that all three of these
undervoltage lockout conditions be satisfied because
the TG MOSFET driver is disabled during any UVLO fault
condition. In startup, for most applications, VCC is powered
from VIN through the high voltage linear regulator of the
LT3724. This requires VIN to be high enough to drive the
VCC voltage above its undervoltage lockout threshold.
VCC, in turn, has to be high enough to charge the BOOST
capacitor through an external diode so that the BOOST
voltage is above its undervoltage lockout threshold. There
is an NPN switch that pulls the SW node to ground each
cycle during the TG power MOSFET off-time, ensuring the
BOOST capacitor is kept fully charged. Once the supply
is up and running, the output voltage of the supply can
backdrive VCC through an external diode. Internal circuitry
disables the high voltage regulator to conserve VIN supply
current. Output voltages that are too low or too high to
backdrive VCC require additional circuitry such as a voltage
doubler or linear regulator. Once VCC is backdriven from
a supply other than VIN, VIN can be reduced to 4V with
normal operation maintained.
3724fd
10
LT3724
OPERATIONS
(Refer to Functional Diagram)
Soft-Start
The soft-start function controls the slew rate of the power
supply output voltage during start-up. A controlled output
voltage ramp minimizes output voltage overshoot, reduces
inrush current from the VIN supply, and facilitates supply
sequencing. A capacitor, CSS, connected between VOUT of
the supply and the CSS pin of the IC, programs the slew
rate. The capacitor provides a current to the CSS pin which
is proportional to the dV/dt of the output voltage. The
soft-start circuit overrides the control loop and adjusts the
inductor current until the output voltage slew rate yields a
2µA current through the soft-start capacitor. If the current is
greater than 2µA, then the current threshold set by the DC
control voltage, VC, is decreased and the inductor current
is lowered. This in turn lowers the output current and the
output voltage slew rate is decreased. If the current is less
than 2µA, then the current threshold set by the DC control
voltage, VC, is increased and the inductor current is raised.
This in turn increases the output current and the output
voltage slew rate is increased. Once the output voltage is
within 5% of its regulation voltage, the soft-start circuit
is disabled and the main control regulates the output. The
soft-start circuit is reactivated when the output voltage
drops below 70% of its regulation voltage.
Slope/Antislope Compensation
The IC incorporates slope compensation to eliminate
potential subharmonic oscillations in the current control
loop. The IC’s slope compensation circuit imposes an
artificial ramp on the sensed current to increase the rising
slope as duty cycle increases.
Unfortunately, this additional ramp typically affects the
sensed current value, thereby reducing the achievable
current limit value by the same amount as the added ramp
represents. As such, the current limit is typically reduced
as the duty cycle increases. The LT3724, however, contains
antislope compensation circuitry to eliminate the current
limit reduction associated with slope compensation. As the
slope compensation ramp is added to the sensed current,
a similar ramp is added to the current limit threshold. The
end result is that the current limit is not compromised so
the LT3724 can provide full power regardless of required
duty cycle.
Shutdown
The LT3724 includes a shutdown mode where all the
internal IC functions are disabled and the VIN current is
reduced to less than 10µA. The shutdown pin can be used
for undervoltage lockout with hysteresis, micropower shutdown or as a general purpose on/off control of the converter
output. The shutdown function has two thresholds. The
first threshold, a precision 1.23V threshold with 120mV
of hysteresis, disables the converter from switching. The
second threshold, approximately a 0.7V referenced to
SGND, completely disables all internal circuitry and reduces
the VIN current to less than 10µA. See the Application
Information section for more information.
3724fd
11
LT3724
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
The basic LT3724 step-down (buck) application, shown
in the Typical Application on the front page, converts a
larger positive input voltage to a lower positive or negative
output voltage. This Application Information section assists
selection of external components for the requirements of
the power supply.
RSENSE Selection
The current sense resistor, RSENSE, monitors the inductor
current of the supply (See Typical Application on front
page). Its value is chosen based on the maximum required
output load current. The LT3724 current sense amplifier
has a maximum voltage threshold of, typically, 150mV.
Therefore, the peak inductor current is 150mV/RSENSE.
The maximum output load current, IOUT(MAX), is the peak
inductor current minus half the peak-to-peak ripple current, ∆IL.
Allowing adequate margin for ripple current and external
component tolerances, RSENSE can be calculated as follows:
100mV
RSENSE =
IOUT(MAX)
Typical values for RSENSE are in the range of 0.005Ω
to 0.05Ω.
Inductor Selection
The critical parameters for selection of an inductor are
minimum inductance value, volt-second product, saturation current and/or RMS current.
The minimum inductance value is calculated as follows:
L ≥ VOUT •
VIN(MAX) – VOUT
fSW • VIN(MAX) • ∆IL
fSW is the switch frequency (200kHz).
The typical range of values for ∆IL is (0.2 • IOUT(MAX)) to
(0.5 • IOUT(MAX)), where IOUT(MAX) is the maximum load
current of the supply. Using ∆IL = 0.3 • IOUT(MAX) yields a
good design compromise between inductor performance
versus inductor size and cost. Higher values of ∆IL will
increase the peak currents, requiring more filtering on
the input and output of the supply. If ∆IL is too high,
the slope compensation circuit is ineffective and current
mode instability may occur at duty cycles greater than
50%. Lower values of ∆IL require larger and more costly
magnetics. A value of ∆IL = 0.3 • IOUT(MAX) produces a
±15% of IOUT(MAX) ripple current around the DC output
current of the supply.
Some magnetics vendors specify a volt-second product
in their datasheet. If they do not, consult the magnetics
vendor to make sure the specification is not being exceeded
by your design. The volt-second product is calculated as
follows:
Volt-second (µsec) =
(VIN(MAX) – VOUT ) • VOUT
VIN(MAX) • fSW
The magnetics vendors specify either the saturation current, the RMS current or both. When selecting an inductor
based on inductor saturation current, use the peak current through the inductor, IOUT(MAX) + ∆IL/2. The inductor
saturation current specification is the current at which
the inductance, measured at zero current, decreases by
a specified amount, typically 30%.
When selecting an inductor based on RMS current rating,
use the average current through the inductor, IOUT(MAX).
The RMS current specification is the RMS current at which
the part has a specific temperature rise, typically 40°C,
above 25°C ambient.
After calculating the minimum inductance value, the voltsecond product, the saturation current and the RMS current
for your design, select an off-the-shelf inductor. A list of
magnetics vendors can be found at www.linear.com, or
contact the Linear Technology Application Department.
For more detailed information on selecting an inductor,
please see the “Inductor Selection” section of Linear
Technology Application Note 44.
Step-Down Converter: MOSFET Selection
The selection criteria of the external N-channel standard
level power MOSFET include on resistance(RDS(ON)), reverse transfer capacitance (CRSS), maximum drain source
voltage (VDSS), total gate charge (QG), and maximum
continuous drain current.
3724fd
12
LT3724
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
For maximum efficiency, minimize RDS(ON) and CRSS.
Low RDS(ON) minimizes conduction losses while low CRSS
minimizes transition losses. The problem is that RDS(ON) is
inversely related to CRSS. Balancing the transition losses
with the conduction losses is a good idea in sizing the
MOSFET. Select the MOSFET to balance the two losses.
Calculate the maximum conduction losses of the MOSFET:
V 
PCOND = (IOUT(MAX) )2  OUT  (RDS(ON) )
 VIN 
Note that RDS(ON) has a large positive temperature dependence. The MOSFET manufacturer’s data sheet contains a
curve, RDS(ON) vs Temperature.
Calculate the maximum transition losses:
PTRAN = (k)(VIN)2 (IOUT(MAX))(CRSS)(fSW)
where k is a constant inversely related to the gate driver
current, approximated by k = 2 for LT3724 applications.
The total maximum power dissipation of the MOSFET is
the sum of these two loss terms:
PFET(TOTAL) = PCOND + PTRAN
To achieve high supply efficiency, keep the PFET(TOTAL) to
less than 3% of the total output power. Also, complete
a thermal analysis to ensure that the MOSFET junction
temperature is not exceeded.
TJ = TA + PFET(TOTAL) • θJA
where θJA is the package thermal resistance and TA is the
ambient temperature. Keep the calculated TJ below the
maximum specified junction temperature, typically 150°C.
Note that when VIN is high, the transition losses may
dominate. A MOSFET with higher RDS(ON) and lower CRSS
may provide higher efficiency. MOSFETs with higher voltage VDSS specification usually have higher RDS(ON) and
lower CRSS.
Choose the MOSFET VDSS specification to exceed the
maximum voltage across the drain to the source of the
MOSFET, which is VIN(MAX) plus any additional ringing
on the switch node. Ringing on the switch node can be
greatly reduced with good PCB layout and, if necessary,
an RC snubber.
The internal VCC regulator operating range limits the maximum total MOSFET gate charge, QG, to 90nC. The QG vs
VGS specification is typically provided in the MOSFET data
sheet. Use QG at VGS of 8V. If VCC is back driven from an
external supply, the MOSFET drive current is not sourced
from the internal regulator of the LT3724 and the QG of the
MOSFET is not limited by the IC. However, note that the
MOSFET drive current is supplied by the internal regulator
when the external supply back driving VCC is not available
such as during startup or short-circuit.
The manufacturer’s maximum continuous drain current
specification should exceed the peak switch current,
IOUT(MAX) + ∆IL/2.
During the supply startup, the gate drive levels are set by
the VCC voltage regulator, which is approximately 8V. Once
the supply is up and running, the VCC can be back driven
by an auxiliary supply such as VOUT. It is important not to
exceed the manufacturer’s maximum VGS specification.
A standard level threshold MOSFET typically has a VGS
maximum of 20V.
Step-Down Converter: Rectifier Selection
The rectifier diode (D1 on the Functional Diagram) in a
buck converter generates a current path for the inductor
current when the main power switch is turned off. The
rectifier is selected based upon the forward voltage, reverse voltage and maximum current. A Schottky diode is
recommended. Its low forward voltage yields the lowest
power loss and highest efficiency. The maximum reverse
voltage that the diode will see is VIN(MAX).
In continuous mode operation, the average diode current is calculated at maximum output load current and
maximum VIN:
IDIODE(AVG) =IOUT(MAX)
VIN(MAX) − VOUT
VIN(MAX)
To improve efficiency and to provide adequate margin for
short-circuit operation, a diode rated at 1.5 to 2 times the
maximum average diode current, IDIODE(AVG), is recommended.
3724fd
13
LT3724
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
Step-Down Converter: Input Capacitor Selection
Step-Down Converter: Output Capacitor Selection
A local input bypass capacitor is required for buck converters because the input current is pulsed with fast rise and
fall times. The input capacitor selection criteria are based
on the bulk capacitance and RMS current capability. The
bulk capacitance will determine the supply input ripple
voltage. The RMS current capability is used to keep from
overheating the capacitor.
The output capacitance, COUT , selection is based on the
design’s output voltage ripple, ∆VOUT , and transient load
requirements. ∆VOUT is a function of ∆IL and the COUT
ESR. It is calculated by:
The bulk capacitance is calculated based on maximum
input ripple, ∆VIN:
The maximum ESR required to meet a ∆VOUT design
requirement can be calculated by:
CIN(BULK) =
IOUT(MAX) • VOUT
ESR(MAX) =
∆VIN • fSW • VIN(MIN)
∆VIN is typically chosen at a level acceptable to the user.
100mV-200mV is a good starting point. Aluminum electrolytic capacitors are a good choice for high voltage, bulk
capacitance due to their high capacitance per unit area.
The capacitor’s RMS current is:
ICIN(RMS) = IOUT


1
∆VOUT = ∆IL •  ESR +
(8 • fSW • COUT ) 

VOUT (VIN – VOUT )
(VIN )2
If applicable, calculate it at the worst case condition,
VIN = 2VOUT. The RMS current rating of the capacitor
is specified by the manufacturer and should exceed the
calculated ICIN(RMS). Due to their low ESR (Equivalent
Series Resistance), ceramic capacitors are a good choice
for high voltage, high RMS current handling. Note that the
ripple current ratings from aluminum electrolytic capacitor
manufacturers are based on 2000 hours of life. This makes
it advisable to further derate the capacitor or to choose a
capacitor rated at a higher temperature than required.
The combination of aluminum electrolytic capacitors and
ceramic capacitors is an economical approach to meeting the input capacitor requirements. The capacitor voltage rating must be rated greater than VIN(MAX). Multiple
capacitors may also be paralleled to meet size or height
requirements in the design. Locate the capacitor very close
to the MOSFET switch and use short, wide PCB traces to
minimize parasitic inductance.
(∆VOUT )(L)(fSW )


V
VOUT •  1– OUT 
 VIN(MAX) 
Worst-case ∆VOUT occurs at highest input voltage. Use
paralleled multiple capacitors to meet the ESR requirements. Increasing the inductance is an option to lower the
ESR requirements. For extremely low ∆VOUT, an additional
LC filter stage can be added to the output of the supply.
Application Note 44 has some good tips on sizing an additional output filter.
Output Voltage Programming
A resistive divider sets the DC output voltage according
to the following formula:
 V

R2 = R1 OUT – 1
 1.231V 
The external resistor divider is connected to the output
of the converter as shown in Figure 2. Tolerance of the
feedback resistors will add additional error to the output
voltage.
Example: VOUT = 12V; R1 = 10kΩ
 12V

R2 = 10kΩ 
− 1 = 87.48kΩ − use 86.6kΩ 1%
 1.231V 
3724fd
14
LT3724
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
VSUPPLY
L1
VOUT
R2
RA
COUT
SHDN PIN
VFB PIN
RB
R1
3724 F03
3724 F02
Figure 2. Output Voltage Feedback Divider
Figure 3. Undervoltage Lockout Circuit
The VFB pin input bias current is typically 25nA, so use
of extremely high value feedback resistors could cause a
converter output that is slightly higher than expected. Bias
current error at the output can be estimated as:
If additional hysteresis is desired for the enable function,
an external positive feedback resistor can be used from
the LT3724 regulator output.
∆VOUT(BIAS) = 25nA • R2
Supply UVLO and Shutdown
The SHDN pin has a precision voltage threshold with
hysteresis which can be used as an undervoltage lockout
threshold (UVLO) for the power supply. Undervoltage
lockout keeps the LT3724 in shutdown until the supply
input voltage is above a certain voltage programmed by
the user. The hysteresis voltage prevents noise from falsely
tripping UVLO.
Resistors are chosen by first selecting RB. Then:
⎛ VSUPPLY(ON) ⎞
RA = RB • ⎜
– 1⎟
1.35V
⎝
⎠
VSUPPLY(ON) is the input voltage at which the undervoltage
lockout is disabled and the supply turns on.
Example: Select RB = 49.9kΩ, VSUPPLY(ON) = 14.5V (based
on a 15V minimum input voltage)
⎛ 14.5V ⎞
RA = 49.9kΩ • ⎜
–1
⎝ 1.35V ⎟⎠
= 486.1kΩ (499kΩ resistor is selected)
If low supply current in standby mode is required, select
a higher value of RB.
The supply turn off voltage is 9% below turn on. In the
example the VSUPPLY(OFF) would be 13.2V.
The shutdown function can be disabled by connecting the
SHDN pin to the VIN through a large value pull-up resistor.
This pin contains a low impedance clamp at 6V, so the SHDN
pin will sink current from the pull-up resistor(RPU):
I SHDN =
VIN – 6V
RPU
Because this arrangement will clamp the SHDN pin to the
6V, it will violate the 5V absolute maximum voltage rating of
the pin. This is permitted, however, as long as the absolute
maximum input current rating of 1mA is not exceeded.
Input SHDN pin currents of <100µA are recommended: a
1MΩ or greater pull-up resistor is typically used for this
configuration.
Soft-Start
The soft-start function forces the programmed slew rate
while the converter output rises to 95% of regulation,
which corresponds to 1.185V on the VFB pin. Once 95%
regulation is achieved, the soft-start circuit is disabled.
The soft-start circuit will re-enable when the VFB pin drops
below 70% of regulation, which corresponds to 300mV
of control hysteresis on the VFB pin. This allows for a
controlled recovery from a “brown-out” condition.
LT3724
CSS1
VOUT
A
RSS
CSS
3724 F04
Figure 4.Soft-Start Circuit
3724fd
15
LT3724
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
The desired soft-start rise time (tSS) is programmed via
a programming capacitor CSS1, using a value that corresponds to 2µA average current during the soft-start
interval. This capacitor value follows the relation:
CSS1 =
VOUT
2 • 10 –6 • t SS
VOUT
VOUT(SS)
V(VC)
RSS is typically set to 200k for most applications.
TIME, 250µs/DIV
3724 F05
Considerations for Low-Voltage Output Applications
Figure 5. Soft-Start Characteristic
Showing Excessive Ripple Component
The LT3724 CSS pin biases to 220mV during the soft-start
cycle, and this voltage is increased at Figure 4 node “A” by
the 2µA signal current through RSS, so the output has to
reach this value before the soft-start function is engaged.
The value of this output soft-start startup voltage offset
(VOUT(SS)) follows the relation:
VOUT
VOUT(SS) = 220mV + RSS • 2 • 10– 6
VOUT(SS)
V(VC)
Which is typically 0.64V for RSS = 200k.
In some low voltage output applications, it may be desirable to reduce the value of this soft-start startup voltage
offset. This is possible by reducing the value of RSS. With
reduced values of RSS, the signal component caused by
voltage ripple on the output must be minimized for proper
soft-start operation.
Peak-to-peak output voltage ripple (∆VOUT) will be imposed
on node “A” through the capacitor CSS1. The value of RSS
can be set using the following equation:
RSS =
∆VOUT
1.3 • 10 – 6
It is important to use low ESR output capacitors for LT3724
voltage converter designs to minimize this ripple voltage
component. A design with an excessive ripple component
can be evidenced by observing the VC pin during the start
cycle.
The soft-start cycle should be evaluated to verify that the
reduced RSS value allows operation without excessive
modulation of the VC pin before finalizing the design.
If VC pin has an excessive ripple component during the
soft-start cycle, converter output ripple should be reduced.
TIME, 250µs/DIV
3724F06
Figure 6. Desirable Soft-Start Characteristic
This is typically accomplished by increasing output capacitance and/or reducing output capacitor ESR.
External Current Limit Foldback Circuit
An additional startup voltage offset can occur during the
period before the LT3724 soft-start circuit becomes active. Before the soft-start circuit throttles back the VC pin
in response to the rising output voltage, current as high
as the peak programmed current limit (IMAX) can flow in
the switched inductor. Switching will stop once the softstart circuit takes hold and reduces the voltage on the
VC pin, but the output voltage will continue to increase
as the stored energy in the inductor is transferred to the
output capacitor. With IMAX in the inductor, the resulting
leading-edge rise on VOUT due to energy stored in the
inductor follows the relation:
∆VOUT =IMAX
 L 
•
 COUT 
1/2
3724fd
16
LT3724
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
Inductor current typically does not reach IMAX in the few
cycles that occur before soft-start becomes active, but can
with high input voltages or small inductors, so the above
relation is useful as a worst-case scenario.
This energy transfer increase in output voltage is typically
small, but for some low voltage applications with relatively
small output capacitors, it can become significant. The voltage rise can be reduced by increasing output capacitance,
which puts additional limitations on COUT for these low
voltage supplies. Another approach is to add an external
current limit foldback circuit which reduces the value of
IMAX during start-up.
VC
1N4148
1N4148
27k
39k
VOUT
3724 F07
Figure 8. Current Limit Foldback Circuit for Applications
that have Soft-Start Disabled (CSS Pin Shorted to SGND)
Efficiency Considerations
An external current limit foldback circuit can be easily
incorporated into an LT3724 DC/DC converter application
by placing a 1N4148 diode and a 47kΩ resistor from the
converter output (VOUT) to the LT3724’s VC pin. This limits
the peak current to 0.25 • IMAX when VOUT = 0V. A current limit foldback circuit also has the added advantage of
providing reduced output current in the DC/DC converter
during short-circuit fault conditions, so a foldback circuit
may be useful even if the soft-start function is disabled.
% Efficiency = 100% - (L1 + L2 + L3 + ...)
If the soft-start circuit is disabled by shorting the CSS pin
to ground, the external current limit foldback circuit must
be modified by adding an additional diode and resistor.
The 2-diode, 2-resistor network shown also provides 0.25
• IMAX when VOUT = 0V.
1. LT3724 VIN and VCC current loss
VC
The efficiency of a switching regulator is equal to the output
power divided by the input power times 100%. Express
percent efficiency as:
where L1, L2, etc. are individual loss terms as a percentage of input power.
Although all dissipative elements in the circuit produce
losses, four main contributors usually account for most
of the losses in LT3724 circuits:
2. I2R conduction losses
3. MOSFET transition loss
4. Schottky diode conduction loss
1N4148
47k
VOUT
3724 F03
Figure 7. Current Limit Foldback Circuit
for Applications that use Soft-Start
1. The VIN and VCC currents are the sum of the quiescent
currents of the LT3724 and the MOSFET drive currents.
The quiescent currents are in the LT3724 Electrical Characteristics table. The MOSFET drive current is a result
of charging the gate capacitance of the power MOSFET
each cycle with a packet of charge, QG. QG is found in
the MOSFET data sheet. The average charging current is
calculated as QG • fSW . The power loss term due to these
currents can be reduced by backdriving VCC with a lower
voltage than VIN such as VOUT.
3724fd
17
LT3724
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
2. I2R losses are calculated from the DC resistances of the
MOSFET, the inductor, the sense resistor, and the input and
output capacitors. In continuous conduction mode the average output current flows through the inductor and RSENSE
but is chopped between the MOSFET and the Schottky
diode. The resistances of the MOSFET (RDS(ON)) and the
RSENSE multiplied by the duty cycle can be summed with
the resistances of the inductor and RSENSE to obtain the
total series resistance of the circuit. The total conduction
power loss is proportional to this resistance and usually
accounts for between 2% to 5% loss in efficiency.
3. Transition losses of the MOSFET can be substantial with
input voltages greater than 20V. See MOSFET Selection
section.
4. The Schottky diode can be a major contributor of power
loss especially at high input to output voltage ratios (low
duty cycles) where the diode conducts for the majority
of the switch period. Lower Vf reduces the losses. Note
that oversizing the diode does not always help because
as the diode heats up the Vf is reduced and the diode loss
term is decreased.
I2R losses and the Schottky diode loss dominate at high
load currents. Other losses including CIN and COUT ESR
dissipative losses and inductor core losses generally account for less than 2% total additional loss in efficiency.
PCB Layout Checklist
When laying out the printed circuit board, the following
checklist should be used to ensure proper operation. These
items are illustrated graphically in the layout diagram of
Figure 9.
1. Keep the signal and power grounds separate. The signal
ground consists of the LT3724 SGND pin, the exposed pad
on the backside of the LT3724 IC and the (–) terminal of
VOUT. The signal ground is the quiet ground and does not
contain any high, fast currents. The power ground consists
of the Schottky diode anode, the (–) terminal of the input
capacitor, and the ground return of the VCC capacitor. This
ground has very fast high currents and is considered the
noisy ground. The two grounds are connected to each
other only at the (–) terminal of VOUT.
2. Use short wide traces in the loop formed by the MOSFET,
the Schottky diode and the input capacitor to minimize
high frequency noise and voltage stress from parasitic
inductance. Surface mount components are preferred.
3. Connect the VFB pin directly to the feedback resistors
independent of any other nodes, such as the SENSE– pin.
Connect the feedback resistors between the (+) and (–)
terminals of COUT. Locate the feedback resistors in close
proximity to the LT3724 to keep the high impedance node,
VFB, as short as possible.
4. Route the SENSE– and SENSE+ traces together and
keep as short as possible.
5. Locate the VCC and BOOST capacitors in close proximity
to the IC. These capacitors carry the MOSFET driver’s high
peak currents. Place the small signal components away
from high frequency switching nodes (BOOST, SW, and
TG). In the layout shown in Figure 9, place all the small
signal components on one side of the IC and all the power
components on the other. This helps to keep the signal
and power grounds separate.
6. A small decoupling capacitor (100pF) is sometimes
useful for filtering high frequency noise on the feedback
and sense nodes. If used, locate as close to the IC as
possible.
7. The LT3724 packaging will efficiently remove heat from
the IC through the exposed pad on the backside of the part.
The exposed pad is soldered to a copper footprint on the
PCB. Make this footprint as large as possible to improve
the thermal resistance of the IC case to ambient air. This
helps to keep the LT3724 at a lower temperature.
8. Make the trace connecting the gate of MOSFET M1 to
the TG pin of the LT3724 short and wide.
3724fd
18
LT3724
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
VIN+
RA
1
RB
3
4
RCSS
CSS
5
6
7
R2
RC
R1
CC1
8
VIN
BOOST
LT3724
SHDN
CSS
SW
15
CIN
M1
VIN–
L1
14
RSENSE
+
D2
17
BURST_EN
VFB
TG
CBOOST
16
VCC
PGND
VC
SENSE+
SGND
SENSE–
12
11
COUT
CVCC
10
D3
VOUT
D1
9
–
CC2
3724 F06
Figure 9. LT3724 Layout Diagram (See PCB Layout Checklist).
Minimum On-Time Considerations
(Step-Down Converters)
Minimum on-time (tTG(ON)) is the least amount of time
that the LT3724 is capable of turning the MOSFET on and
then off again. It is determined by internal timing delays
and the gate charge of the MOSFET. Applications with high
input to output differential voltages operate at low duty
cycles and may approach this minimum on-time, typically
300nS. The LT3724 switching frequency is internally set to
200kHz, therefore, the minimum duty cycle of the MOSFET
switch is 6%. When the duty cycle needs to be less than
6% the output will stay regulated, but cycle skipping may
occur. Cycle skipping results in an increase in inductor
ripple current. If it is important that cycle skipping does
not occur, follow this guideline which takes into account
worst case fSW and tTG(ON):
VIN(MAX) ≤ 9 • VOUT
This is only an issue for supplies with VOUT < 7V.
3724fd
19
LT3724
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
12V to 24V/50W Boost (Step-Up) Converter
D1
BAV99
1
VIN
8V TO16V
CIN
33µF ×2
25V
C1
1500pF
0.1µF
25V
R3
4.7M
3
RCSS
200k
4
5
R2
187k
6
7
R1
10k
C2
120pF
R6
40.2k
8
VIN
BOOST
LT3724
SHDN
TG
SW
RSENSE
0.015Ω
16
L1
10µH
D2
SBM540
15
14
VOUT
24V AT 50W
CSS
BURST_EN
VFB
VCC
PGND
VC
SENSE+
SGND
SENSE–
M1
12
C4
1µF
25V
11
10
9
C3
4700pF
3724 TA02
COUT1
330µF
35V
COUT2
2.2µF x3
50V
CIN = SANYO, 25SVP33M
L1 = VISHAY, IHLP-5050FD-011
M1 = SILICONIX, Si7370DP
COUT1 = SANYO, 35CV330AXA
COUT2 = TDK, C4532X7R1H225K
D2 = DIODESINC., SBM540
RSENSE = IRC LRF2512-01-R0I5-F
Efficiency and Power Loss vs Load Current
100
98
2.5
VIN = 16V
96
2.0
VIN = 12V
94
92
1.5
1.0
VIN = 8V
0.5
90
88
POWER LOSS (W)
EFFICIENCY (%)
3.0
LOSS
VIN = 12V
0.1
1
LOAD CURRENT (A)
0
10
3724 F08
3724fd
20
LT3724
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
High Voltage LED Driver with Dimmer Control
LED
L1
300µH
VIN
8V TO 60V
C1
(OPTIONAL)
CIN
22µF
1
OPTIONAL
DIMMER
CONTROL
1kHz
R1
4.7M
M2
2N7002
3
4
5
6
C1 = OPTIONAL TO REDUCE LED RIPPLE CURRENT
CIN = TDK, C4532X7R2A225K
D1 = DIODESINC., B170
M1 = ZETEX, ZXMN10A07F
RSENSE = VISHAY, WSL2010R0150FEA
L1 = COILTRONICS, CTX300-4
7
C1
100pF
8
VIN
BOOST
LT3724
SHDN
TG
SW
16
15
VFB
VCC
PGND
VC
SENSE+
SGND
SENSE–
M1
ZXMN10A07F
14
CSS
BURST_EN
D1
B170
12
CVCC
1µF
16V
ADJUST ILED:
0.15V
ILED =
RSENSE
11
10
RSENSE
0.5Ω
9
3724 TA03
3724fd
21
LT3724
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
4.5V to 20V Input to 12V at 25W Output SEPIC Converter with 60V Input Transient Capability
VIN
4.5V TO 20V
TO 60V
TRANSIENT
CIN1
22µF
2x
25V
CIN2
25V
1µF RA
100k
1
3
C1
390pF
RB
49.9k
R3
200k
4
5
R2
130k
6
7
R1
14.7k
R4
47k
C2
120pF
R5
40.2k
C3
680pF
8
VIN
BOOST
TG
SHDN
CSS
LT3724
BURST_EN
VFB
SW
VCC
PGND
VC
SENSE+
SGND
SENSE–
D1B
GSD2004
16
L1
20µH
C7
0.1µF
15
M1
•
C5
22µF
3x
25V
D2
14
R6
10Ω
12
C4
1µF
25V
11
10
C6
56pF
R7
10Ω
9
L1
20µH
•
RSENSE
0.010Ω
D1A
GSD2004
VOUT
12V AT 25W
COUT1
330µF
16V
COUT2
22µF
25V
3724 TA07a
C5, CIN1, COUT2 = TDKC453X7R1E226M
COUT1 = SANYO, OS-CON 16SVP330M
D2 = ON SEMI, MBRD660
L1 = COILCRAFT VERSAPAC VP5-D83
M1 = VISHAY, Si7852DP
D3
D1N4148
Efficiency and Power Loss
vs Load Current
92
3.5
VIN = 20V
91
3.0
VIN = 15V
EFFICIENCY (%)
VIN = 10V
89
2.0
1.5
88
LOSS
VIN = 15V
87
1.0
0.5
86
85
POWER LOSS (W)
2.5
90
0.1
1
LOAD CURRENT (A)
0
10
3724 TA07b
3724fd
22
LT3724
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
12V Step-Down with VCC Back Driven from VOUT and Ceramic Capacitor in Output Filter
VIN
15V TO 60V
CIN
100µF
100V
+
2.2µF x2
100V
R3
49.9k
C1
3300pF
R2
499k
3
RCSS
200k
R4
130k
1
4
5
6
7
R5
14.7k
C2
120pF
R6
15k
8
VIN
BOOST
TG
SHDN
LT3724
SW
C6
0.1µF
16V
16
15
R7
20Ω
14
CSS
BURST_EN
VFB
VCC
PGND
M1
Si7852DP
D2A
BAV99
12
11
VC
10
SENSE+
SGND
SENSE–
C4
1µF
16V
D2B
BAV99
L1
47µH
VOUT
12V AT 50W
RSENSE
0.020Ω
COUT
33µF x3
16V
D1
9
C3
680pF
CIN: TDK, C4532X7R2A225MT
COUT: TDK, C4532X7R1C336MT
D1: DIODESINC., PDS5100H
L1: COEV DU1971-470M
M1: VISHAY Si7852DP
3724 TA04
3724fd
23
LT3724
PACKAGE DESCRIPTION
FE Package
16-Lead Plastic TSSOP (4.4mm)
(Reference LTC DWG # 05-08-1663 Rev I)
Exposed Pad Variation BC
4.90 – 5.10*
(.193 – .201)
3.58
(.141)
16 1514 13 12 11
6.60 ±0.10
4.50 ±0.10
0.48
(.019)
REF
3.58
(.141)
2.94
(.116)
10 9
DETAIL B
6.40
2.94
(.252)
(.116)
BSC
SEE NOTE 4
0.45 ±0.05
1.05 ±0.10
0.51
(.020)
REF
DETAIL B IS THE PART OF
THE LEAD FRAME FEATURE
FOR REFERENCE ONLY
NO MEASUREMENT PURPOSE
0.65 BSC
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
RECOMMENDED SOLDER PAD LAYOUT
4.30 – 4.50*
(.169 – .177)
0.09 – 0.20
(.0035 – .0079)
0.25
REF
0.50 – 0.75
(.020 – .030)
NOTE:
1. CONTROLLING DIMENSION: MILLIMETERS
MILLIMETERS
2. DIMENSIONS ARE IN
(INCHES)
3. DRAWING NOT TO SCALE
1.10
(.0433)
MAX
0° – 8°
0.65
(.0256)
BSC
0.195 – 0.30
(.0077 – .0118)
TYP
0.05 – 0.15
(.002 – .006)
FE16 (BC) TSSOP REV I 1210
4. RECOMMENDED MINIMUM PCB METAL SIZE
FOR EXPOSED PAD ATTACHMENT
*DIMENSIONS DO NOT INCLUDE MOLD FLASH. MOLD FLASH
SHALL NOT EXCEED 0.150mm (.006") PER SIDE
3724fd
24
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.
LT3724
REVISION HISTORY
(Revision history begins at Rev D)
REV
DATE
DESCRIPTION
PAGE NUMBER
D
3/11
Deleted last paragraph of Description
1
Minor text edits made to SW and BOOST pin descriptions in Pin Functions section
7
Minor text edits made to Main Control Loop and Current Limit/Short Circuit sections in Operations
9
Revised High Voltage LED Driver with Dimmer Control in Typical Applications
21
Revised Typical Application drawing and Related Parts list
24
3724fd
25
LT3724
TYPICAL APPLICATION
Inverting –12V 1.5A Converter
VIN
18V TO 36V
1
VIN
0.1µF
LT3724
3
4
R1
88.7k
CSS
1000pF
RCSS
200k
CC2
680pF
CC1
120pF
SHDN
TG
SW
CSS
VCC
6
R6, 40.2k
R2
10.2k
BOOST
7
8
VFB
VC
GND
PGND
SENSE+
0.1µF
16V
16
15
M1
14
12
11
+
D1A
D1B
CIN1
220µF
50V
L1
47µH
D2
1µF
16V
10
9
SENSE–
D1 = BAV99
D2 = ON SEMI, MBRD350
L1 = COEV, DU1311-470M
M1 = VISHAY, Si7370DP
CIN1 = SANYO, 50CV220KX
COUT1 = SANYO, 16SVP330M
VOUT
–12V
1.5A
RSENSE
0.040Ω
+
R3
2M
COUT1
330µF
16V
3724 TA05
RELATED PARTS
PART NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
COMMENTS
LT3845A
60V, Low IQ, High Voltage Synchronous
Step-Down DC/DC Controller
Adjustable Fixed Frequency 100kHz to 500kHz, 4V≤ VIN ≤ 60V, 1.23V ≤
VOUT ≤ 36V, IQ = 120µA, TSSOP-16
LTC3891
60V, Low IQ, High Voltage Synchronous
Step-Down DC/DC Controller
Phase-Lockable Fixed Frequency 50kHz to 900kHz, 4V ≤ VIN ≤ 60V, 0.8V
≤ VOUT ≤ 24V, IQ = 50µA
LT3844
60V, Low IQ, Single Output Step-Down
DC/DC Controller
Synchronizable Fixed Frequency 50kHz to 600kHz, 4V≤ VIN ≤ 60V, 1.23V
≤ VOUT ≤ 36V, IQ = 120µA, TSSOP-16
LT3741
High Power, Constant Current, Constant Voltage,
Step-Down Controller
Fixed 200kHz to 1MHz Operating Frequency, ±6% Current Regulation,
6V≤ VIN ≤ 36V, VOUT Up to (VIN - 2V)
LTC3824
60V, Low IQ, Step-Down DC/DC Controller with
100% Duty Cycle
Selectable Fixed Frequency 200kHz to 600kHz, 4V≤ VIN ≤ 60V, 0.8V ≤
VOUT ≤ VIN, IQ = 40µA, MSOP-10E
LTC3834/LTC3834-1
LTC3835/LTC3835-1
Low IQ, Single Output Synchronous Step-Down
DC/DC Controller with 99% Duty Cycle
Phase-Lockable Fixed Frequency 140kHz to 650kHz, 4V≤ VIN ≤ 36V, 0.8V
≤ VOUT ≤ 10V, IQ = 30µA/80µA
LTC3859
Low IQ, Triple Output Buck/Buck/Boost
Synchronous DC/DC Controller
All Outputs Remain in Regulation Through Cold Crank 2.5V≤ VIN ≤ 38V,
VOUT(BUCKS) Up to 24V, VOUT(BOOST) Up to 60V, IQ = 55µA
3724fd
26 Linear Technology Corporation
LT 0311 REV D • PRINTED IN USA
1630 McCarthy Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035-7417
(408) 432-1900 ● FAX: (408) 434-0507
●
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 LINEAR TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 2005