SEMTECH SC441AEVB

SC441A
High Efficiency Integrated Driver for
4-Strings of 150mA LEDs
POWER MANAGEMENT
Features
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Description
Wide input voltage range from 4.5V to 21V
36V maximum output voltage
Drives up to 40 WLEDs in 4 strings
Programmable LED current for up to 150mA per
string
+/- 2% string-to-string current matching
Up to 90% efficiency
Wide 0.2% to 100% PWM dimming range
Possible analog dimming
Integrated 2.5A power switch
700KHz switching frequency for small size
Adjustable OVP for cost-effective output cap selection
Open/short LED protection
Thermal protection with auto-recovery
Thermally enhanced TSSOP-20 EDP package
Fully WEEE and RoHS compliant
The SC441A is a high-efficiency multiple string WLED driver with an integrated boost converter. It operates over a
wide input range from 4.5V to 21V with a maximum output voltage of 36V and a 2.5A internal power switch. It
can drive up to forty WLEDs in 4 strings with current up
to 150mA per string. The string-to-string current matching is 2% typical, 3% maximum. The overall efficiency is
greater than 90% due to the low current sense voltage
and a low-impedance internal power switch. The wide
PWM dimming range boasts a ratio of 500: 1.
The 700KHz switching frequency enables the user to optimize the external component sizes for efficiency. When
there are fewer than 10 LEDs in each string, users can adjust the output voltage protection yielding an allowable
reduction in associated costs, size and voltage ratings of
the output capacitor.
The SC441A also features comprehensive open and shortcircuit LED protection functions. It disables the corresponding strings with LED open or LED short conditions
while maintaining normal operation of other, unaffected
LED strings. This feature allows LCD panels to remain viewable even under LED failure, wire disconnect, or short-circuit conditions. The internal thermal shutdown protects
the IC from overheating at abnormal conditions.
Applications
Medium-sized LCD panel
Notebook Display
 Automotive Car Navigation Display
 Sub-Notebook and Tablet Computer Displays
 Portable Media Players


The SC441A is available in a thermally-enhanced TSSOP20 EDP package.
Typical Application Circuit
Vin (4.5V -21V)
1
2
VIN
SW
SW
VOUT
EN
4 Strings
OVPIN
OVPIN
FFLAG
PWM
OVPRTN
SC441A
COMP
IO1-4
IO14
4
10
IOSET
IOSET
AGND
AGND
IOGND
SS
EDP
July 23, 2009
PGND
PGND
PGND
www.semtech.com SC441A
Pin Configuration
5
IO2
D
Ordering Information
4
3
1
20
IO1
IO3
AGND
SW
SS
SW
PGND
EN
OVPIN
Package
SC441ATETRT (1,2)
TSSOP-20 EDP
SC441AEVB
Evaluation Board
Notes:
(1) Available in tape and reel only. A reel contains 2,500 devices.
(2) Available in lead-free package only. Device is WEEE and RoHS
C
compliant.
OVPRTN
IOSET
VIN
PWM
VOUT
Device
D
PGND
COMP
B
1
IO4
IOGND
C
2
10
11
B
FFLAG
θJA = 39º C/W
(TSSOP-20 EDP)
A
5
4
3
A
2
1
Marking Information
SC441A : Part Number
yyww = Date (Example: 0952)
xxxxxx = Semtech Lot# (Example: A94A01)
© 2009 Semtech Corporation
www.semtech.com SC441A
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Recommended Operating Conditions
VIN Pin: Supply Voltage …………………………… -0.3 to 25V
Input Voltage Range ……………………………… 4.5V~21V
Maximum Output Power ………………………………
22W
Output Voltage …………………………………… Up to 36V
SW, OVPIN, OVPRTN, VOUT, IO1~IO4 Voltage …… -0.3 to 40V
LED Current …………………………………… Up to 150mA
IOSET Voltage ……………………………………… -0.3 to 2V
SS, COMP Voltage …………………………………
Thermal Information
-0.3 to 4V
EN, PWM, FFLAG Voltage …………………… -0.3 to VIN +0.3V
Junction to Ambient(1) ……………………………… 39°C/W
PGND to AGND ………………………………………
± 0.3V
Maximum Junction Temperature ……………………… 150°C
Peak IR Reflow Temperature …………………………… 260°C
Storage Temperature ………………………… -65 to +150°C
ESD Protection Level ………………………………
Lead Temperature (Soldering) 10 sec ………………… 260°C
(2)
2.5kV
Exceeding the above specifications may result in permanent damage to the device or device malfunction. Operation outside of the parameters
specified in the Electrical Characteristics section is not recommended.
NOTES(1) Calculated from package in still air, mounted to 3” x 4.5”, 4 layer FR4 PCB with thermal vias under the exposed pad per JESD51 standards.
(2) Tested according to JEDEC standard JESD22-A114-B.
Electrical Characteristics
Unless otherwise specified: VIN =12V, -40°C < TA = TJ < 105°C, RIOSET=1.74kW.
Parameter
Symbol
Conditions
Under-Voltage Lockout Threshold
UVLO-TH
VIN rising
UVLO Hysteresis
UVLO-H
Min
Typ
Max
Units
4.3
4.45
V
Input Supply
VIN Quiescent Supply Current
IIN_Q
No switching
VIN Supply Current in Shutdown
IIN_S
EN / PWM = low
250
mV
3
mA
1
µA
0.84
MHz
Oscillator
FS
0.56
0.7
Switch Current Limit
ISW
2.5
3.32
Switch Saturation Voltage
VSAT
Switching Frequency
Internal Power Switcher
Switch Leakage Current
IS_LEAK
Maximum Duty Cycle
DMAX
Minimum Duty Cycle
DMIN
Minimum On-Time
(1)
ISW = 1A
88
A
200
350
mV
0.1
1
µA
93
%
0
TON_MIN
%
100
ns
Compensation
Sourcing Current
IEA_SOURCE
VCOMP = 0.5V
5
µA
Sinking Current
IEA_SINK
VCOMP = 2V
6
µA
© 2009 Semtech Corporation
www.semtech.com SC441A
Electrical Characteristics (continued)
Parameter
Symbol
Conditions
Min
Typ
Max
Units
Control Signals
EN, PWM High Voltage
VEN_H, VPWM_H
EN, PWM Low Voltage
VEN_L, VPWM_L
IEN, IPWM
EN, PWM Leakage Current
VEN, VPWM = 5V
FDimming
PWM Dimming Frequency
(1)
PWM Dimming Minimum Duty Cycle
PWM Dimming Minimum Pulse-Width
2
DMIN_Dimming
(2)
V
0.1
50
FDimming = 200Hz
TMIN_Dimming
TMIN_Off
FFLAG Voltage
VFFLAG
IFFLAG = 2 mA
0.25
ISS_SOURCE
VSS = 0V
4.5
ISS_SINK
VSS = 2V at OVP or OTP
1
VSS_Switching
VIN = 12V, TJ = 25 °C
VSS_END
VIN = 12V
VOVPIN_TH
OVPIN - AGND
IOVPIN
OVPRTN Saturation Voltage
OVPRTN Leakage Current
SS Sink Current
SS Switching Threshold
SS End Value
V
1
µA
50k
Hz
0.2
PWM Dimming Minimum Off Time
SS Source Current
0.4
200
0.5
0.7
%
5
µs
300
ns
V
µA
0.85
2.5
V
V
Over-Voltage Protection
OVPIN Threshold
OVPIN Leakage Current
VOUT Internal Pull-down Current Source
VOUT Leakage Current
1.43
1.52
1.58
V
VOVPIN = 20V
0.1
1
µA
VOVPRTN
IOVPRTN = 100 µA
60
mV
IOVPRTN
VOVPRTN = 20V
0.1
µA
IOVP
VOUT = VIN + 3V
0.9
mA
IVOUT_Leak
VOUT = 40V
0.1
µA
IO1~IO4
TJ = 25 °C
Current Source (IO1 ~ IO4)
Current Accuracy
140
TJ = 25 °C
Current Matching
Maximum LED Current
IOMAX
LED Short-Circuit Protection
VIO_SCP
TJ = 25 °C, VIO1 ~ VIO4
Leakage Current
IIO_LEAK
EN = 0, VIO1 ~ VIO4 = VIN
150
160
mA
+/- 2
+/-3
%
200
TJ = 25 °C, VIO1 ~ VIO4
2.2
mA
2.35
2.55
V
0.1
1
µA
0.963
1.07
1.177
V
0.9095
1.07
1.2305
V
Overshoot Protection Threshold
VIO1~VIO4
Overshoot Protection Hysteresis
Any of IO1~IO4
100
mV
TOTP
150
°C
TOTP_H
30
°C
Over-Temperature Protection
Thermal Shutdown Temperature
Thermal Shutdown Hysteresis
Notes:
(1) Guaranteed by design.
(2) For achievable PWM dimming minimum pulse-width in applications, see the corresponding curves in Typical Characteristics.
© 2009 Semtech Corporation
www.semtech.com SC441A
Typical Characteristics
UVLO Threshold vs. Temperature
4.36
3.20
247
246
SS SINK/SOURCE
245
UVLO Hysteresis (mV)
4.34
4.33
4.32
4.31
VIN Quiescent Supply Current (mA)
Comp SINK SOURCE
4.35
VIN UVLO (V)
VIN Quiescent Supply Current
vs. Temperature
UVLO Hysteresis vs. Temperature
244
243
242
241
240
239
4.30
3.10
3.00
2.90
2.80
2.70
2.60
238
4.29
2.50
237
25
105
-40
25
Temperature (oC)
175
3.0
5.50
2.0
5.00 SOURCE
SINK
1.0
4.50
165
VIN = 4.5V
160
155
VIN = 12V
150
VIN = 21V
145
140
4.00
0.0
-40
25
105
-40
Temperature ( C)
2.410
0.91
2.405
0.87
0.85
0.83
VIN = 21V
0.79
VOUT = VIN + 3V
Average LED Current Source Setting
vs. Temperature
150.7
VIN = 12V
150.6
2.400
2.395
2.390
2.385
2.380
2.375
2.370
25
Temperature (oC)
© 2009 Semtech Corporation
105
150.5
150.4
150.3
150.2
150.1
150.0
149.9
VIN = 12V
RIOSET = 1.78kW
149.8
149.7
2.360
-40
105
Temperature ( C)
2.365
0.75
25
o
LED Current Source Setting (mA)
LED Current Source SCP Threshold (V)
VIN = 4.5V
0.77
-40
LED Current Source SCP Threshold
vs. Temperature
0.93
0.81
135
105
o
VOUT Pull Down Current Source
vs. Temperature
0.89
25
Temperature ( C)
o
VOUT Pull down Current Source (mA)
170
SOURCE
4.0
6.00
SOURCE
SW Saturation Voltage at 1A
vs. Temperature
VIN = 12V
5.0
SINK 6.50 SINK
105
Temperature (oC)
SS SINK / SOURCE Current
vs. Temperature
6.0
VIN = 12V
7.00
25
Temperature (oC)
COMP SINK / SOURCE Current
vs. Temperature
7.50
-40
105
SW Saturation Voltage at 1A (mV)
-40
-40
25
Temperature (oC)
105
-40
25
105
Temperature (oC)
www.semtech.com SC441A
Typical Characteristics (continued)
OVPRTN Saturation Voltage
vs. Temperature
LED Current Source Saturation Voltage
vs. LED Current
IOVPRTN = 100uA
70
700
600
500
400
300
200
1.56
65
1.54
60
1.52
55
1.50
50
1.48
45
100
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
-40
25
LED Current (mA)
-40
105
PWM Dimming Minimum Pulse Width(uS)
94
IFFLAG = 2mA
VIN = 21V
92
90
Efficiency (%)
220
200
180
86
160
84
140
82
120
80
25
105
VIN = 12V
88
VIN = 5V
80
160
240
320
400
480
560
8.0
7.5
7.0
6.5
6.0
5.5
5.0
4.5
4.0
3.5
600
0.2
PWM Dimming Minimum Pulse Width
vs. PWM Dimming Frequency
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
0.5
1
2
5
10
20
30
40
50
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
10
20
30
40
50
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
0
0.2
0.5
1
2
5
10
20
30
40
50
PWM Dimming Frequency (kHz)
PWM Dimming Frequency (kHz)
Condition: VIN = 12V, VOUT = 30V / 150mA x 4 strings
Condition: VIN = 12V, VOUT = 30V / 20mA x 4 strings
© 2009 Semtech Corporation
5
14
PWM Dimming Minimum Duty Cycle(%)
PWM Dimming Minimum Duty Cycle(%)
4.5
2
PWM Dimming Minimum Duty Cycle
vs. PWM Dimming Frequency
22
5.0
1
PWM Dimming Frequency (kHz)
PWM Dimming Minimum Duty Cycle
vs. PWM Dimming Frequency
5.5
0.5
Condition: VIN = 12V, VOUT = 30V / 20mA x 4 strings
Condition: VOUT = 36V
PWM Dimming Minimum Pulse Width(uS)
8.5
Boost Section Output Current (mA)
Temperature (oC)
105
PWM Dimming Minimum Pulse Width
vs. PWM Dimming Frequency
Efficiency ( PBOOST_OUTPUT / PINPUT )
260
-40
25
Temperature (oC)
Temperature (oC)
FFLAG Saturation Voltage
vs. Temperature
240
VIN = 12V
1.46
40
10
FFLAG Saturation Voltage (mV)
1.58
75
TA = 25 oC
800
OVPRTN Saturation Voltage (V)
LED Current Source Saturation Voltage (mV)
900
OVPIN Threshold Voltage
vs. Temperature
0.5
1
2
5
10
20
30
40
50
PWM Dimming Frequency (kHz)
Condition: VIN = 12V, VOUT = 30V / 150mA x 4 strings
www.semtech.com 150mA
SC441A
10mA
Typical Characteristics
(continued)
10mA
PWM Dimming Minimum Pulse Width
vs. PWM Dimming Frequency
˄ˉ
PWM Dimming Minimum Pulse Width(uS)
PWM Dimming Minimum Pulse Width(uS)
PWM Dimming Minimum Pulse Width
vs. PWM Dimming Frequency
˄ˈ
˄ˇ
˄ˆ
˄˅
˄˄
˄˃
ˌ
ˋ
ˊ
˃ˁ˄
˃ˁ˅
˃ˁˈ
˄
˅
ˈ
˄˃
˅˃
ˆ˃
ˇ˃
ˈ˃
PWM Dimming Frequency (kHz)
Condition: VIN = 12V, VOUT = 34.5V / 10mA x 4 strings
© 2009 Semtech Corporation
˄˄
˄˃
ˌ
ˋ
ˊ
ˉ
ˈ
ˇ
ˆ
˅
˄
˃ˁ˄
˃ˁ˅
˃ˁˈ
˄
˅
ˈ
˄˃
˅˃
ˆ˃
ˇ˃
ˈ˃
PWM Dimming Frequency (kHz)
Condition: VIN = 12V, VOUT = 34.5V / 150mA x 4 strings
www.semtech.com SC441A
Typical Characteristics (continued)
Start up
Shut Down
VIN
(5V/DIV)
VIN
(10V/DIV)
VSS
(2V/DIV)
VSS
(2V/DIV)
VSW
(20V/DIV)
VSW
(20V/DIV)
VOUT
(20V/DIV)
VOUT
(20V/DIV)
Time (20mS/DIV)
Time (200mS/DIV)
Conditions: VIN = 19V,
Output = 30V / 150mA x 4 LED strings
Conditions: VIN = 12V,
Output = 27V / 20mA x 4 LED strings
Main Power Switching Waveform
VSW
(20V/DIV)
Main Power Switching Waveform
VSW
(10V/DIV)
VOUT
Accoupling
(200mV/DIV)
VOUT
Accoupling
(100mV/DIV)
Time (1uS/DIV)
Time (400nS/DIV)
Conditions: VIN = 12V,
Output = 36V / 150mA x 4 LED strings
Conditions: VIN = 12V,
Output = 27V / 20mA x 4 LED strings
© 2009 Semtech Corporation
www.semtech.com SC441A
Typical Characteristics (continued)
LED Short Circuit Protection
OTP and OTP Recovery
VIN = 12V
VIN
(10V/DIV)
VSS
(2V/DIV)
VOUT
(20V/DIV)
VSW
(20V/DIV)
IO1
(5V/DIV)
VOUT
(20V/DIV)
IO2
(1V/DIV)
Time (10mS/DIV)
Time (40mS/DIV)
Conditions: VIN = 12V,
Output = 36V / 150mA x 4 LED strings
Conditions: VIN = 12V, IO1 has one LED short circuit,
Output = 36V / 150mA x 4 LED strings
LED Open Circuit Protection
PWM Dimming
VIN = 12V
VIN
(5V/DIV)
PWM
(2V/DIV)
VOUT
(20V/DIV)
SW
(20V/DIV)
IO1
(10V/DIV)
IO2
(1V/DIV)
IO1
(5V/DIV)
Time (10mS/DIV)
Conditions: VIN = 12V, IO2 LED String is open circuit,
Output = 36V / 150mA x 3 LED strings
© 2009 Semtech Corporation
Time (10mS/DIV)
Conditions: VIN = 12V,
Output = 36V / 50mA x 4 LED strings
www.semtech.com SC441A
Pin Descriptions
Pin #
Pin Name
1
IO2
Provides constant current source to LED string 2.
2
IO1
Provides constant current source to LED string 1.
3
IOGND
Constant current source ground.
4
AGND
Analog ground
5
SS
6
COMP
7
EN
8
IOSET
Current source IO value set pin. By selecting the resistor connected from this pin to GND,
the corresponding maximum current on all 4 strings are set.
9
PWM
PWM dimming control pin for LED strings.
10
VOUT
Internal pull down current source in over voltage fault. Connect this pin directly to Boost output.
11
FFLAG
Power failure signal output with open collector. Held low under normal operation.
12
VIN
13
OVPRTN
14
OVPIN
Over-Voltage Protection sense signal input.
15,18
PGND
Power ground
16,17
SW
Collector of the internal power switch.
19
IO4
Provides constant current source to LED string 4. Connect to VIN for 3 strings operation.
20
IO3
Provides constant current source to LED string 3.
EDP
Pin Function
Soft-start pin
The output of the internal trans-conductance error amplifier.
Enable the device including regulator and LED drivers.
Power input voltage pin. Bypassed with capacitors close to the pin.
Over-Voltage Protection sense signal return path pin.
Solder to the ground plane of the PCB.
Note: Any unused IO pin should be pulled up to VIN.
EN
STATUS
0
backlight disable
1
backlight enable
Note: When EN = 0; the boost is turned OFF and disabled.
© 2009 Semtech Corporation
www.semtech.com 10
SC441A
5
4
3
2
Block Diagram
FFLAG
SW
HICCUP
DISABLE2
OSC
SW
S
Q
R
FAULT-1
+
LED OPEN/SHORT/OVERSHOOT
CIRCUIT PROTECTION
ILIM
-
ONE IO CHANNEL SHOWN
ISENSE
PGND
-
DISABLE1
+
IO1
PGND
+
CURRENT
SOURCE
COMP
-
LED CURRENT
SETTING
SS
IOSET
IOGND
PWM
VOUT
OVP
OVPIN
OVP
Detect
OVPRTN
Fault
Fault
HICCUP
0.9mA
3V3
CONTROL
LOGIC
VIN
HICCUP
UVLO
4.5uA
TSD
SS
UVLO & TSD
EN
Bandgap
HICCUP
AGND
1uA
Figure 1. SC441A Block Diagram
5
© 2009 Semtech Corporation
4
3
2
www.semtech.com 11
SC441A
Applications Information
SC441A Detailed Description
The SC441A contains a high frequency, current-mode
boost regulator and four programmable current sources.
The LED current source value is set using an external
resistor while the PWM controller maintains the output
voltage at a level keeping the current regulated through
the LEDs. Since the SC441A receives feedback from all of
the LED current sources, all LED strings can be turned on
at any given time. A typical application would use 3-10
backlight LEDs for each string, driven up to 150mA.
Operation
The SC441A controls the boost converter set point based
on instantaneous requirements of four current sources.
Therefore, only a single inductor and power switch is
needed to provide power to the entire lighting subsystem,
increasing efficiency and reducing part count. A digital
interface to output control is high-bandwidth, supporting
digital PWM dimming at 50Hz to 50kHz dimming
frequency, while aggressively shutting the entire supply
current down to 3mA (typical), when all LED strings are
turned off.
High frequency switching provides high output power
using a tiny 1.0mm high inductor, maximizing efficiency
for space-constrained and cost-sensitive applications.
Additionally, both converter and output capacitor are
protected from open-LED conditions by over-voltage
protection.
LED Current Programming
The SC441A features programmable LED current
regulators. The LED current set points are chosen using
external resistors tied to the IOSET pin. The relationship
between the programming resistor value and the output
current set point can be described as follows:
RIOSET = (0.261V) / ILED
Where RIOSET is in kΩ. ILED is the LED current in Amperes.
The four output channels have the same output current.
Start-Up
During start-up, when the VIN pin voltage reaches its
UVLO threshold and both the EN and PWM signals are set
to high, the SS pin begins to source 4.5µA as its voltage
begins to rise from 0V to its end value of 2.5V. The output
voltage of the internal trans-conductance error amplifier
(COMP), increases and clamps to the SS pin voltage. When
the SS pin voltage reaches its switching threshold, output
© 2009 Semtech Corporation
voltage increases. Proper decoupling is required on the
VIN pin, especially for a lower input voltage condition. A
22µF, 6.3V rated X5R ceramic capacitor is recommended
for a 5V input system.
The internal LED current source (IO1 ~ IO4) helps to
regulate the LED current to its set point while the output
voltage increases; a suitable amount of error information
will be generated on the internal error amplifier. The COMP
pin voltage keeps rising and once the LED current reaches
its set point, the error information will not be generated
by the LED current source. The COMP pin voltage stays
level while keeping the LED current in its set point.
If the EN pin voltage is pulled below 0.4V, the SC441A will
stay in shutdown mode drawing less than 1µA from its
input power supply.
During the normal operation, when PWM pin is pulled
below 0.4V, the device operates in standby mode,
drawing 3mA (typical) current from the input. Under this
condition, since the EN pin is pulled high, soft-start is
initiated and the SS pin voltage is raised to its end value.
Following this, when the PWM signal goes high to enable
the SC441A, the COMP pin voltage will rise quickly since
it is not limited by the SS pin. A proper capacitance (10nF
~ 100nF) is required to prevent output voltage overshoot
on the COMP pin and its external RC network.
Shut Down
If the VIN pin voltage falls below its UVLO, or the voltage
on the EN pin goes low, the device will run in shutdown
mode as the internal switch and the LED current sources
will immediately turn off. The SS capacitor is discharged
by the internal current source of the SS pin. The SS pin
voltage decreases to 0V while the output voltage falls to
the same level as the input voltage.
If the PWM pin voltage goes low while SC441A is in
normal operation, then the SC441A will run in standby
mode. The Internal switcher and the LED current source
will immediately turn off.
NOTE–
The PWM signal does not affect the SS pin nor its final value.
Main Power Operation
SC441A is a 700KHz fixed-frequency, peak current-mode
step-up switching regulator with an integrated 2.5A
(minimum) power transistor.
www.semtech.com 12
SC441A
Applications Information (continued)
Referring to the Block Diagram, Figure 1, the clock from the
oscillation section resets the latch and turns on the power
transistor. Switch current is sensed with an integrated
sense resistor. The sensed current is summed with the
slope-compensating ramp and fed into the modulating
ramp input of the PWM comparator. The latch is set and
the power transistor conduction is terminated when
the modulating ramp intersects with the error amplifier
output (COMP).
The current-mode switching regulator is a dual-loop
feedback control system. In the inner current loop, the
EA output (COMP) controls the peak inductor current. In
the outer loop, the error amplifier regulates the output
voltage to keep the LED current at setting point. The
double reactive poles of the output LC filter are reduced
to a single real pole by the inner current loop, allowing
the simple loop compensation network to accommodate
a wide range of input and output voltages.
It is well known that, in Boost converter, Vo is greater than
or equal to Vin. In normal continuous conduction mode
(CCM) operation,
Vo
Vin
1
1 D
Where, D is the duty ratio of the PWM power switch. As
Vin increases, in order to regulate Vo to a given constant
value, D decreases. When Vin approaches Vo, D surely
leads to 0. In practice, due to the minimum on-time of
the PWM power switch, D usually could not approach 0
with infinitely small granularity. At some point, it either
produces one pulse with minimum on-time or generates
0 by skipping the pulse. Such point could be theoretically
calculated for SC441A as follows.
For CCM: Vin ≥ 0.92 Vo.
For DCM (Discontinuous conduction mode):
Vin t
2
1 1 1.6 *102 *
Ro
L
Vo
Where, Ro is the Boost equivalent output resistance (=Vo/
Io), L is the Boost inductor (in uH).
In many Boost converter designs and operations, pulse
skipping is normally allowed at light load conditions.
Some designers even purposely let the Boost power converter enter the pulse skipping in order to save power at
light load conditions. If some designers do not want pulse
skipping mode, based on the conditions provided above,
© 2009 Semtech Corporation
there are some choices.
1) Leave some room between Vin range and Vo.
2) Operate the Boost converter at normal load (less Ro)
3) Increases the Boost inductance (L).
Over-Current Protection
SC441A provides cycle-by-cycle current limiting for its
internal switch. If the switch current exceeds 3.32A (the
typical current-limit trip point), then the current-limit
comparator ILIM, will set the latch immediately turning off
internal power. All LED current sources keep operating in
an over-current condition. Due to separate pulse-width
modulating and current limiting paths, the OCP trip point
is not affected by slope compensation (i.e. trip point is not
affected by switching duty cycle).
Over-Voltage Protection (OVP)
SC441A includes an external programming over-voltage
protection circuit to prevent damage to the IC and output
capacitor in the event of an open-circuit condition. The
boost converter’s output voltage is detected at the OVPIN
pin. If the voltage at the OVPIN pin exceeds 1.52V (typical),
the boost converter will shut down and a 0.9mA pull-down
current will be applied to the VOUT pin to quickly discharge
the output capacitor. This added protection prevents a
condition where the output capacitor and Schottky diode
must endure high voltage for an extended time, which
can pose a reliability risk for the user’s system.
Refer to evaluation application circuit in page15. The
output over voltage trip point can be programmed by R5
and R7 resistor divider.
The relationship can be described as follows:
OVP _ trip OVPIN _ TH u
R5 R7
R7
Where OVPIN_TH is 1.52V typical.
An OVP event causing a fault could disable the boost
converter enabling the device to a strong pull-down. This
event would cause the FFLAG pin to go high and the softstart capacitor to discharge. When the soft-start capacitor
voltage falls below 0.5V, and the output voltage falls to
VIN, SC441A enters a soft-start process.
The OVP detection circuitry provides a disconnect function
during the shutdown state to prevent any leakage from
the output. The external OVP resistor divider should be
connected between VOUT and OVPRTN with the central
www.semtech.com 13
SC441A
Applications Information (continued)
tap connected to OVPIN.
Note: If this disconnect function is not desired, bypass
the OVPRTN pin and connect the end of the OVP resistor
divider directly to GND. The OVPIN pin is sensitive to
noise, and a proper decoupling capacitor (1nF ~ 10nF) is
required. The combined impedance of the resistor divider
for OVPIN should be greater than 200kΩ.
LED Short-Circuit Protection
If one or more LEDs are detected as short-circuit, that
string will be latched off. Voltage is monitored if it exceeds
2.35V on the internal LED current source (IO pins). (The IO
voltage on an abnormal LED string will rise earlier than
other normal LED strings). If the voltage exceeds 2.35V
on any IO pin, the IO current source will latch off and the
FFLAG will go high. The latch is reset if VIN falls below
UVLO or it will recycle the EN signal. Other LED strings
operate normally.
If all IO pin voltages reach 1.07V then the internal main
switch will be off until any of the IO voltages is lower than
970mV.
LED Open-Circuit Protection
If any LED string is detected as an open-circuit, that
string will latch off. If any given string is open, the IO
current source will go to deep saturation; the COMP and
FFLAG pins will be driven high and the boost converter
duty cycle will increase causing VOUT to rise. At some
point VOUT will rise high enough to cause all the IO pin
voltages of the intact strings to reach the shorted LED
detection level and latch off those strings. Because of the
LED open string VOUT will continue to rise until it reaches
the programmed OVP level.
When OVP is reached, the voltage on the IO pins are
monitored and if any IO voltage is less than 0.2V that
string will be identified as open and will latch off.
Only when VIN falls below UVLO, or an EN signal is recycled, and if thermal shutdown occurs, can this latch be
reset. A hiccup cycle is then initiated and the SS pin is
discharged slowly with a 1µA current source and a 0.9mA
discharge path (turned on to pull down VOUT). When SS
falls below 0.5V and VOUT falls below to VIN, the shorted
LED detection latches are reset and a new soft-start sequence is initiated to resume normal operation.
Thermal Shutdown (TSD)
© 2009 Semtech Corporation
If the thermal shutdown temperature of 150°C is reached,
a hiccup sequence is initiated where the boost converter
and all IO current sources are turned off. SS is discharged
by a 1µA current source, and a 0.9mA discharge path is
turned on to pull down VOUT. As temperature falls below
the TSD trip point, SC441A will retry when SS falls below
0.5V and VOUT falls to VIN.
PWM Dimming
The PWM input needs to be held high for normal operation.
PWM dimming can be done by cycling the PWM input at a
given frequency where a “low” on the PWM input turns off
all IO current sources and a “high” turns on all IO current
sources. The short and open detection latches are blanked
for approximately 2µs as the PWM input transitions from
low-to-high to prevent a false fault detection during PWM
dimming.
The PWM pin can be toggled by external circuitry to allow
PWM dimming. In a typical application, a microcontroller
sets a register – or counter, that varies the pulse-width
on a GPIO pin. The SC441A allows dimming over two
decades in frequency (50Hz–50kHz), in order to allow
compatibility with a wide range of devices, including the
newest dimming strategies that avoid the audio band
by using high frequency PWM dimming. In this manner,
a wide range of illumination can be generated while
keeping the instantaneous LED current at its peak value
for luminescent efficiency and color purity. Furthermore,
advanced lighting effects such as backlight dim-on can be
implemented as the SC441A can resolve 10µs (minimum),
PWM dimming pulse-width.
As far as the maximum PWM dimming pulse-width, it
depends on the PWM dimming frequency. Clearly, it is
trivial to get 100% LED brightness by pulling PWM pin
“High” constantly. When the user tries to dim the LED
brightness using PWM signal from 100% down, he or she
needs to observe the following. When the PWM dimming
signal is actively switching from “High” to “Low” and to
“High”, there is a minimal OFF time (T_off_min, 200ns,
guaranteed by design) requirement of the PWM dimming
signal with this IC.
Such minimal OFF time sets the
maximum PWM duty ratio before hitting to 100% in the
following way.
Dmax 1 Toff _ min f PWM
For example, if the PWM dimming frequency f_
PWM=200Hz, the D_max=99.996%. If f_PWM=25kHz, the
D_max=99.5%. With most practical dimming interfaces,
www.semtech.com 14
SC441A
Applications Information (continued)
the needed dimming steps and resolutions, it is uncommon
to run into the above D_max before reaching 100%. While
most applications will not run into D_max, the designer
should be aware of possible parasitic elements from PWM
dimming interface to the PWM pin of SC441A. Usually,
simply checking signal D_max at PWM pin of SC441A is
sufficient.
5
4
3
2
1
Linear Dimming
The linear dimming control is available for SC441A
D
by applying an external control voltage on IOSET pin
through an external resistor-like circuit (shown below).
External environment brightness compensation can also
be achieved when the control voltage is generated by a
light sensor circuit.
C
V_EXT
B
A
IOSET
R_EXT
R_IOSET
The IOSET voltage is 0.5V when linear dimming is used and
the minimum IOSET current must be higher than 27µA
(i.e. 15mA per LED string). The external control voltage
slew rate must slow at 1V/10ms.
LED Strings Connection
Generally, LED strings are connected to IO1 ~ IO4 pins
through a mechanical connector which, generally, cannot support
an electrical
connection
thereby
resulting
in
5
4
3
2
1
significant noise. Consequently, the SC441A LED shortcircuit protection may false trip when the noise level is
large. Certain ceramic decoupling capacitor on pins IO1
~ IO4 to GND are useful to prevent the SC441A from noise
influence.
As a general guideline, the decoupling capacitance should
be limited as follows.
Cdcple
0.6uS
I LED *
Vo
Where, I_LED is the LED current per string, Vo is the Boost
output voltage and C_dcple is the suggested decoupling
capacitor value.
For example, if I_LED=10mA, Vo=13.5V, the calculated
upper bound of C_dcple is about 444pF. One could use
390pF or less in the circuit. If I_LED=100mA, Vo=13.5V,
the calculated upper bound of C_dcple is about 4.44nF.
© 2009 Semtech Corporation
One may use 3.9nF or less in the circuit. In some applications, circuit designers tend to select the decoupling
capacitors in the range of (100pF ~ 1nF). For some low
LED current (e.g. 10mA) applications, it is recommended
to add 1M-10Mohm resistor from IO pin to GND in order
to reduce IO pin voltage during PWM dimming.
Parallel Operation
When two or more SC441As are operating in parallel for
a large-sized panel application, audible noise may be
D
observed due to non-synchronous switching frequency.
The ripple voltage on the input voltage rail will be modulated by the beat frequency resulting in audible noise.
This situation can be resolved by adding an input inductor between input voltage rail and the SC441A VIN pin.
This situation can also be improved by adding more input
C
decoupling capacitors.
Inductor Selection
The inductance value of the inductor affects the converter’s steady state operation, transient response, and its
loop stability. Special attention needs to be paid to three
B
specifications of the inductor, its value, its DC resistance
and saturation current. The inductor’s inductance value
also determines the inductor ripple current. The converter
can operate in either CCM or DCM depending on its working conditions. The inductor DC current or input current
A can be calculated as,
,,1
9287 ˜,287
9,1 ˜ Ș
IIN - Input current;
IOUT – Output current;
VOUT – Boost output voltage;
VIN – Input voltage;
η – Efficiency of the boost converter.
Then the duty ratio is,
'
9287 9,1 9'
9287 9'
VD – Forward conduction drop of the output rectifying
diode
When the boost converter runs in DCM ( L < Lboundary), it takes
the advantages of small inductance and quick transient
response while avoiding the bandwidth limiting instability
of the RHP zero found in CCM boost converters.
www.semtech.com 15
SC441A
Applications Information (continued)
The inductor peak current is,
I L − peak =
VIN ⋅ D
FS ⋅ L
The converter will work in CCM if L > Lboundary. Generally
the converter has higher efficiency under CCM and the
inductor peak current is,
,/ SHDN
C OUT
9 ˜'
,,1 ,1
˜ )6 ˜ /
For many applications, an inductor with value of 4.7µH to
22µH should be fine, such as for the typical case shown
on page 1. The inductor peak current must be less than its
saturation rating. When the inductor current is close to the
saturation level, its inductance can decrease 20% to 35%
from the 0A value depending on the vendor specifications.
Using a small value inductor forces the converter under
DCM in which case the inductor current ramps down to
zero before the end of each switching cycle. It reduces the
boost converter’s maximum output current, and produces
large input voltage ripple. An inductor with larger
inductance will reduce the bandwidth of the feedback
loop, possibly higher DC resistance (DCR). Inductor’s
DCR plays a significant role for the total efficiency since
the power transistor is integrated inside the SC441A. Of
course, there is a trade-off between the DCR and inductor
size. Table 2 lists recommended inductors and their
vendors.
Table 2. Recommended Inductors
Inductor
DR74, 4.7μH ~ 15μH
IHLP-2525CZ-01, 4.7μ ~ 10μH
DS85LC, 6.8μH ~ 10μH
Output Capacitor Selection
Website
www.cooperet.com
www.vishay.com
www.tokoam.com
The next task in SC441A design is targeting the proper
amount of ripple voltage due to the constant-current
LED loads. The two error amplifiers that control the PWM
converter sense the delta between requested current
and actual current in each output current regulator. On
a cycle-by-cycle basis, a small amount of output ripple
ensures good sensing and tight regulation, while the
output current regulators keep each LED current at a fixed
value. Overall, this allows usage of small output caps while
ensuring precision LED current regulation. Although
© 2009 Semtech Corporation
the mechanics of regulation and frequency dependence
may be complex, actual selection of output capacitor can
be simplified because this capacitor is mainly selected
for the output ripple of the converter. Assume a ceramic
capacitor is used. The minimum capacitance needed for a
given ripple can be estimated by,
(VOUT VIN ) x IOUT
VOUT ˜ FS ˜ VRIPPLE
VRIPPLE – Peak to peak output ripple;
IOUT – Output current;
VOUT – Boost output voltage;
VIN – Input voltage;
FS – Switching frequency.
During load transient, the output capacitor supplies or
absorbs additional current before the inductor current
reaches its steady state value. Larger capacitance helps
with the overshoot and undershoots during load transient,
and loop stability. Recommended ceramic capacitor
manufacturers are listed in Table 3.
Table 3. Recommended Ceramic Capacitor
Manufacturers
Vendor
Phone
Website
Kemet
408-986-0424
www.kemet.com
Murata
814-237-1431
www.murata.com
Taiyo Yuden
408-573-4150
www.t-yuden.com
Output Rectifying Diode Selection
Schottky diodes are the ideal choice for SC441A due to
their low forward voltage drop and fast switching speed.
Table 4 shows several different Schottky diodes that work
well with the SC441A. Make sure that the diode has a
voltage rating greater that the possible maximum ouput
voltage. The diode conducts current only when the power
switch is turned off. A diode of 2A will be sufficient for
most designs.
Table 4. Recommended Rectifying Diodes
Part
Vendor
SS23
SS24
Vishay
www.vishay.com
www.semtech.com 16
SC441A
Applications Information (continued)
Layout Guidelines
The SC441A contains a boost converter and the placements of the power components outside the SC441A
should follow the layout guidelines of a general boost
converter. The evaluation application circuit on page 17
will be used as an example. C2 and C3 are input decoupling capacitor for SC441A VIN pin and main power input.
C2,C3 should be placed as close as possible to the VIN pin
to achieve the best decoupling performance.
To minimize the switching noise, The switching loop
formed by input decoupling capacitors, internal switch,
output Schottky diode and output capacitors must be
minimized. The LED current programming resistor(R6),
compensation network (R9,C5,C7) and soft start capacitor
(C6) should be placed as close as possible to SC441A. The
C14~C17 are decoupling capacitors for LED current source
which prevent IO pins from noise influence. C14~C17
should be placed close to each corresponding IO pin.
Use an isolated local AGND plane underneath the controller and tie it to the negative side of output capacitor
through R14 for better noise immunity.
© 2009 Semtech Corporation
www.semtech.com 17
SC441A
5
4
3
2
1
Evaluation Application Circuit
VIN
VOUT
R1
0R
10K
R8
VIN
1R
C2
C3
10uF/25V
N.P.
C4
L1
6.8uH
C1
1nF
R7
10K
2.2uF/25V
R5
220K
VOUT
D1
C8
C9
4.7uF/50V
4.7uF/50V
IO3
IO4
R10
1R
FFLAG
VOUT
10
12
VIN
PWM
9
13
OVPRTN
IOSET
8
14
OVPIN
EN
7
15
PGND
COMP
6
16
SW
SS
5
17
SW
AGND
4
18
PGND
IOGND
3
19
IO4
IO1
2
20
IO3
IO2
1
R12
1R
SC441A
21
VOUT
11
EDP
R3
C14
1nF
C15
1nF
D
R2
10K
R4
10K
PWM
R6
RIOSET
EN
C
R9
1.5K
C7
N.P.
C6
100nF
C5
47n
R11
1R
R13
1R
U1
C16
1nF
C17
1nF
IO1
IO2
B
R14
0R
Evaluation Board Bill of Materials
Item
Reference
Quantity
Description
Package
Part
Vendor
1
C1, C14, C15,
C16, C17
5
50V ceramic capacitor, X7R
SM_0603
1nF
Panasonic
2
C2
1
25V ceramic capacitor, X5R
SM_1206
10uF
Panasonic
35
C8, C9
2
3
50V ceramic capacitor,
X5R
SM_12062
4.7uF
1
Panasonic
4
C4
1
25V ceramic capacitor, X5R
SM_0805
2.2uF
Panasonic
5
C5
1
6.3V ceramic capacitor, X7R
SM_0603
47nF
Panasonic
6
C6
1
6.3V ceramic capacitor, X7R
SM_0603
100nF
Panasonic
7
D1
1
40V, 3A Schottky diode
SMA
B340
Diodes or Any
8
L1
1
6.8μH, 6.6A
DR125
6.8μH
Copper or Any
9
R1, R14
2
1% SMD resistor
SM_0603
0R
Any
10
R2, R3, R4, R7
4
5% SMD resistor
SM_0603
10K
Any
11
R5
1
1% SMD resistor
SM_0603
220K
Any
12
R6
1
1% SMD resistor
SM_0603
RIOSET
Any
13
R9
1
5% SMD resistor
SM_0603
1.5K
Any
14
R8, R10, R11,
R12, R13
5
5% SMD resistor
SM_0603
1R
Any
15
U1
1
Controller
EDP TSSOP-20
SC441A
SEMTECH
© 2009 Semtech Corporation
4
www.semtech.com 18
A
SC441A
Outline Drawing - TSSOP-20 EDP
A
D
e
N
DIM
2X E/2
E1
PIN 1
INDICATOR
ccc C
2X N/2 TIPS
123
E
e/2
B
aaa C
SEATING
PLANE
D
A2 A
C
A1
bxN
bbb
A
A1
A2
b
c
D
E1
E
e
F
H
L
L1
N
01
aaa
bbb
ccc
DIMENSIONS
INCHES
MILLIMETERS
MIN NOM MAX MIN NOM MAX
.047
1.20
.001
.006 0.025
0.15
.031
.042 0.80
1.05
.007
.012 0.19
0.30
.003
.007 0.09
0.20
.251 .255 .259 6.40 6.50 6.60
.169 .173 .177 4.30 4.40 4.50
.252 BSC
6.40 BSC
.026 BSC
0.65 BSC
.144 .150 .154 3.66 3.81 3.91
.112 .118 .122 2.85 3.00 3.10
.018 .024 .030 0.45 0.60 0.75
(.039)
(1.0)
20
20
0°
8°
0°
8°
.004
0.10
.004
0.10
.008
0.20
C A-B D
F
SEE DETAIL
SIDE VIEW
A
EXPOSED PAD
H
H
c
GAGE
PLANE
BOTTOM VIEW
0.25
L
(L1)
DETAIL
NOTES:
1.
01
A
CONTROLLING DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS (ANGLES IN DEGREES).
2. DATUMS -A- AND -B- TO BE DETERMINED AT DATUM PLANE -H3. DIMENSIONS "E1" AND "D" DO NOT INCLUDE MOLD FLASH, PROTRUSIONS
OR GATE BURRS.
© 2009 Semtech Corporation
© 2009 Semtech Corporation
www.semtech.com 19
SC441A
Land Pattern -TSSOP-20 EDP
F
DIM
(C)
H
G
Y
P
Z
C
F
G
H
P
X
Y
Z
DIMENSIONS
INCHES
MILLIMETERS
(.222)
.157
.161
.126
.026
.016
.061
.283
(5.65)
4.00
4.10
3.20
0.65
0.40
1.55
7.20
X
NOTES:
1. CONTROLLING DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS (ANGLES IN DEGREES).
2. THIS LAND PATTERN IS FOR REFERENCE PURPOSES ONLY.
CONSULT YOUR MANUFACTURING GROUP TO ENSURE YOUR
COMPANY'S MANUFACTURING GUIDELINES ARE MET.
3. THERMAL VIAS IN THE LAND PATTERN OF THE EXPOSED PAD
SHALL BE CONNECTED TO A SYSTEM GROUND PLANE.
FAILURE TO DO SO MAY COMPROMISE THE THERMAL AND/OR
FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE OF THE DEVICE.
Contact Information
Semtech Corporation
Power Management Products Division
200 Flynn Road, Camarillo, CA 93012
Phone: (805) 498-2111 Fax: (805) 498-3804
www.semtech.com
© 2009 Semtech Corporation
www.semtech.com 20