SEMTECH SC4901ITSTRT

SC4901
COMBI-SYNC Secondary Side
Synchronous Rectifier and Regulator
POWER MANAGEMENT
Description
Features
SC4901 is a unique secondary side regulator designed
for implementing Semtech’s proprietary Combi-Sync
topology for isolated convertors with multiple outputs. The
Combi-Sync is a true all-MOSFET topology that allows
synchronous rectification and post regulation of
transformer isolated outputs, resulting in higher efficiency
and low component count. Details of this unique topology
are described in the Application Information section.
‹ Single controller performs synchronous rectification
‹
‹
‹
‹
‹
‹
Multiple outputs can be synchronously rectified and
independently regulated by individual SC4901s. Each
output has its own ON/OFF control, soft start, remote sense
and current limits. They can be turned on or off without
affecting the primary or other outputs. The secondary side
control makes it much easier to design tight control loops
and implement load current sharing and hot swap
features. All devices are synchronised to the transformer
winding. The current sense can be either from the output
inductor for high efficiency or a resistor for better accuracy.
An amplified current signal is provided for external use.
‹
‹
‹
‹
‹
and post regulation
Independent regulation of multiple outputs from a
common secondary winding
Turn on shoot through inherently eliminated
Primary switch turns ON and OFF with zero current
No synchronising or any other signals needed across
the isolation boundary
Eliminates the need for a secondary bias supply
Independent soft start, ON/OFF, remote sense and
current limit for each output
Resistive or inductive current sensing with 2V current
signal and 2.5V reference for external applications.
4.5 to 18V operation
Max operating frequency to 1 MHz
Low profile 16 pin TSSOP package
Based on Semtech’s patented Combi Sync
concept
Applications
Each device is capable of driving high side MOSFETs with
2A current. The forward drive is configured for direct
connection to a 1:1 pulse transformer. SC4901 has an
undervoltage lockout with typical turn-on threshold of 4.5V
and is available in a low cost TSSOP-16 package
‹ Telecom isolated DC to DC converters with multiple
low voltage outputs
‹ High density brick and sub brick modules with
independently regulated multiple outputs
‹ Distributed power architectures
‹ Isolated VRMs
Typical Application Circuit
VO UT
QS
SIN GLE
EN DED
FORW ARD
CONVERTOR
QF
R4
• •
R8
R2
QR
C1
R9
••
T2
T1
R1
L1
R5
R6
R7
R3
C2
R10
C3
R TN
CT
C9
CS+
AG N D
1
CSZC D
2
C AO
R12
CAO
16
15
14
VE A
13
R11
C7
C10
Revision: May, 2005
RC T
4
VC C
C8
SSEN
5
6
RE F
VE A-
S C 4901
12
10
9
D4
O UTB
7
XF RA
U1
11
R14
O UTA
D3
8
R13
PGND
RT
D2
P VC C
RZ
D1
C5
3
C4
C6
R15
United States Patent 6,788,554
1
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SC4901
POWER MANAGEMENT
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Exceeding the specifications below may result in permanent damage to the device, or device malfunction.
Operation outside of the parameters specified in the Electrical Characteristics section is not implied.
Parameter
Symbol
Maximum
Units
Supply Voltage
AVCC, PVCC
18
V
Ground voltages
AGND to PGND
+0.3V
V
Output Voltages
OUTA, XFRA, OUTB
PVC C
V
CS+, CS-
VC C - 2
V
VZCD
0 to 6V
V
-0.3 to +6
V
CS+ and CS- common mode voltage
ZCD pin wrt to AGND
All other pins wrt AGND
Max current into ZCD pin
IZCD
5 mA
mA
Max current into RCT pin
IRCT
2 mA
mA
+2.0
A
OUTA, XFRA Current Source or Sink
OUTB Current Source or Sink
IOUTB
+1.0
A
Ambient Temperature Range
TA
-40 to +125
°C
Junction Temperature Range
TJ
-40 to +125
°C
Storage Temperature Range
TSTG
-60 to +150
°C
Lead Temperature (Soldering) 10 Sec.
TLEAD
260
°C
ESD Rating (Human Body Model)
V ESD
2.0
kV
Electrical Characteristics
Unless specified: TA = 25°C, VCC = 12V
Parameter
Test Conditions
Min
Typ
Max
Unit
7
10
mA
4.5
4.8
V
Pow er Supply
Operating Current
SSEN = 5V, VCC = 15V IOUTX = 0
Undervoltage Lockout
Start Threshold
AVCC rising
UVLO Hysteresis
AVCC falling
4.3
0.3
V
Soft Start and Enable
Enable Threshold
VENA
0.55
0.65
0.75
V
SS Charge Current
ISS
8
10
12
µA
SS Effective Discharge Current
-ISS
 2005 Semtech Corp.
2
1.5
µA
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SC4901
POWER MANAGEMENT
Electrical Characteristics (Cont.)
Unless specified: TA = 25°C, VCC = 12V
Parameter
Test Conditions
Min
Typ
Max
Unit
Output Voltage
TA = TJ = -40 °C to +125°C
2.4
2.5
2.6
V
Output Current
IREF
Line Regulation
8V < AVCC < 15V
10
mV
Load Regulation
0 mA < IREF < 5 mA
10
mV
0.76
V
0.765
V
2
µA
VREF Reference
5
mA
Error Amplifier
Reference Voltage Level
TA = 25 °C
0.74
TA = TJ = -40 °C to +125°C
0.735
Input Bias Current
Offset Voltage
(1)
Unity Gain Bandwidth
Slew Rate
0.1
(1)
Open Loop Gain
0.750
(1)
(1)
Output High Voltage
ICOMP = 0.1 mA source
Output Low Voltage
ICOMP = 0.1 mA sink
2.7
2
mV
80
dB
3
MHz
2.0
V/µS
2.9
V
0.8
V
ZCD and RCT
Frequency Range
Peak Voltage
Valley Voltage
(1)
KHz
Frequency range Min
50
Frequency range Max
1000
Clamped internally
3.0
V
1.0
V
11
mA
(1)
Timing Capacitor Discharge Current (1)
Current Limit
Cycle by Cycle Threshold
Hiccup Mode Threshold
V C AO
2.3
2.5
2.7
V
0.375
V
Delay to Output (1)
75
nS
Current Amplifier offset
2
 2005 Semtech Corp.
VEA- falling
3
5
mV
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SC4901
POWER MANAGEMENT
Electrical Characteristics (Cont.)
Unless specified: TA = 25°C, VCC = 12V
Parameter
Test Conditions
Min
Typ
Max
Unit
Output Drivers
Output High Voltage OUTA
(1)
IOUTA = 0.2 A Source
10
10.5
V
Output High Voltage OUTB
(1)
IOUTB = 0.1 A Source
10
10.5
V
Output Low Voltage - OUTA
(1)
IOUTA = 0.2 A Sink
1
1.2
V
Output Low Voltage - XFRA
(1)
IXFRA = 0.2 A Sink
1
1.2
V
Output Low Voltage - OUTB
(1)
IOUTB = 0.1 A Sink
1
1.2
V
COUTA = 2000 pF
30
nS
COUTB = 1000 pF
30
nS
Rise and Fall Time
OUTA Falling to OUTB Rising
TA = TJ = -40 °C to +125°C
85
110
135
nS
Notes:
(1) Assured by design. Not tested in production.
Pin Configurations
Ordering Information
TOP VIEW
CS+
1
16
AGND
CS-
2
15
ZCD
CAO
3
14
RCT
SSEN
4
13
VEA
AVCC
5
12
VEA-
OUTB
6
11
REF
XFRA
7
10
OUTA
PGND
8
9
PVCC
 2005 Semtech Corp.
Part Number
P ackag e
Temp. Range (TA)
SC4901ITSTRT(2)
TSSOP-16(1)
-40°C to +125°C
Notes:
1) Only available in tape and reel packaging. A reel
contains 2500 devices.
2) Lead free product. This product is fully WEEE and RoHS
compliant.
4
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SC4901
POWER MANAGEMENT
Pin Descriptions
Pin #
Pin Name
1
C S+
Current sense non inverting input to the differential current amplifier.
Maximum differential wrt to CS- is 200 mV.
2
C S-
Current sense inverting input to the differential current amplifier.
3
C AO
Output of the differential current amplifier. Current limit threshold is set to 2.5V at this pin.
4
SSEN
Soft Start and Enable pin. Taking this pin below 0.65V will shut down both the gate drives
5
AVCC
Analog supply voltage. Max rating is up to 18V.
6
OUTB
Gate drive for the low side rectifying MOSFET.
7
XFRA
Transformer connection for the gate driver of the bidirectional forward MOSFET pair.
High current sinking open collector terminal synchronised to OUTA.
Connect the lower end of the gate drive transformer to this pin.
8
PGND
Ground return for gate drive currents.
9
PVC C
Power supply for the gate drive circuits.
Bypass with a minimum of 10 uF electrolytic and a 1 uF Ceramic capacitor to PGND.
10
OUTA
Gate drive for the high side bidirectional forward MOSFET pair.
11
REF
Reference out voltage of 2.5V for external use.
Up to 5 mA can be drawn from the pin.
12
VEA-
Output voltage sense feedback to error amplifier inverting input. Reference level is 0.75V
13
VEA
Error amplifier output for feedback compensation.
14
RCT
Connection pin for the timing resistor and capacitor.
15
ZCD
Zero Crossover Detect. Detects the transitions of the transformer secondary and
synchronises the ramp set up by RCT components.
Internally clamped to AGND on the low side
16
AGND
 2005 Semtech Corp.
Pin Function
Analog Ground for all the signal return paths.
5
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SC4901
POWER MANAGEMENT
Block Diagram
 2005 Semtech Corp.
6
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SC4901
POWER MANAGEMENT
Charecteristic Curves
Current Amplifier Offset vs Temperature
8.000
4.00
7.900
3.50
Current Amp Offset (mV)
Quiescent Current mA
Quiescent Current vs AVCC
7.800
7.700
7.600
7.500
7.400
7.300
7.200
7.100
3.00
2.50
2.00
1.50
1.00
0.50
0.00
-0.50
-1.00
7.000
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
-40 -30 -20 -10
20
0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Temperature (°C)
AVCC Volts
Internal Reference vs Temperature
External Reference vs Temperature
2.51
0.7550
2.51
External Refernce
Internal Ref. (mV)
0.7530
0.7510
0.7490
0.7470
2.50
2.50
2.50
2.50
2.50
2.49
0.7450
-40 -30 -20 -10 0
-40 -30 -20 -10
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Temperature (°C)
Temperature (°C)
 2005 Semtech Corp.
0
7
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SC4901
POWER MANAGEMENT
Application Information
Introduction
ZCD and RCT
The SC4901 is a voltage mode PWM controller for
implementing secondary side synchronous rectification
and simultaneous post regulation in forward convertors.
Multiple outputs can be derived off the same transformer
winding. Each output is independently regulated by
modulating the on time of the forward MOSFET pair which
acts as a bidirectional switch. An introduction to this unique
Combi Sync topology is presented later in this section.
The device takes the transformer secondary voltage as the
clock input and generates an internal ramp. The switching
frequency and maximum duty cycle are always determined
by the transformer waveform.
Since the SC4901 is specifically designed for secondary
side control, the oscillator is always derived from the
transformer winding. Special care must be taken to ensure
that the transformer voltage, with all its variations in rise
time, shape, magnitude and duty ratio is translated into a
steady ramp on a cycle by cycle basis. SC4901 provides
two pins, ZCD and RCT, for this purpose.
The transformer voltage is sensed at the Zero Crossover
Detect or the ZCD pin. A limiting resistor, RZ in the Typical
Application Circuit, from the winding to ZCD pin is required
to limit the peak input current into the pin to 5 mA under
all conditions. The ZCD pin has two comparators with
hysteretic thresholds. One comparator has lower thresholds
of 0.75/0.25V and the other has 3.5V/2.5V. Together they
ensure proper turn on and turn off timings for the forward
and the rectifying FETs. There is also an internal clamp
which prevents the pin voltage from going below zero.
Ensure that the ZCD pin is not forced into any negative
voltage by external circuits. During the rise, ZCD pin voltage
is also internally clamped to one diode drop above the 3.5V
threshold.
QS
1
CS +
2
CS -
3
CAO
4
AG N D
16
ZCD
15
RC T
14
VE A
13
VE A12
RE F
11
10
9
RT
O UT A
SC4901
P VC C
D1
SSEN
7
6
O UT B
U?
PGND
8
C3
RZ
C2
R TN
XFRA
T2
Undervoltage, Soft Start and Enable
 2005 Semtech Corp.
L1
QR
T1
The SC4901 has an operating range of 4.5V to 18V with
undervoltage lockout. Two conditions must be met before
the controller is operational. The input supply should be
above the undervoltage threshold of 4.5V and the SSEN
pin should be above 0.65V typical. If not, the device is
deactivated - the outputs are held active low, the SSEN
and the VEA pins are also held low. The controller is in
standby mode and draws only the quiescent current of 7
mA typical. Once the undervoltage threshold has been
exceeded and the SSEN pin is released, the soft start
capacitor at pin 5 is charged by a constant current of 10
µA. The VEA follows the SSEN voltage and the output
gradually ramps up. Once the SSEN pin charges to 3.3V,
the soft start cycle is complete and the device is fully
operational.
VO UT
QF
•
••
SINGLE
•
ENDED
FORWARD
CONVERTOR
5
The controller implements the classical trailing edge
modulation and the outputs are complementary PWM
signals that drive the forward and rectifying MOSFETs. The
high side outputs can source up to + 2A peak current and
can be easily configured for driving a pulse transformer
with duty ratios greater than 50%.
AVCC
The output current is sensed as a low level differential input
signal. An amplified current signal is put out by the device
for further use in current share and hot swap applications.
Overload protection is achieved by peak current limiting
followed by hiccup mode under short circuit. A buffered
2.5V reference is also put out for system monitoring and
other purposes.
CT
Fig 1. Generating the Zero Crossover Detect (ZCD) and the
Timing Ramp (RCT) signals
The waveform at the ZCD pin should be held tightly in phase
with the transformer secondary voltage. In some cases it
may be useful to have a small capacitor in parallel with RZ
to speed up the rise of ZCD input.
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SC4901
POWER MANAGEMENT
Application Information (Cont.)
The RCT pin has a timing capacitor CT connected to AGND
and a charging resistor RT connected to the source, which
is typically derived from the transformer voltage. The RCT
pin is clamped to 3V peak internally and the ramp operates
between 0V and 3V. The high side forward pulse is
terminated whenever the RCT ramp hits the 3V peak.
The timings for the idealised waveforms above are easier
to implement if the transformer has some form of constant
volt-second operation or control; the secondary voltage can
be directly used to charge the timing capacitor CT. The
maximum input current into the RCT pin under clamped
conditions should be limited to 2 mA.
Ensure that the ramp reaches this peak only after the
negative transition of the transformer voltage, even under
the worst case conditions of high line and maximum
applicable duty ratio. Otherwise the available pulse width
for post regulation will be limited. On the other hand, the
timing capacitor should get charged fully to 3V prior to
positive transition of the transformer voltage. This will
ensure that the dead time between the rectifying and
forward gate drives is consistently maintained. Ideally the
ramp should be charged to its peak of 3V just after the
falling edge of the transformer secondary voltage so that
the voltage error amplifier output utilises the full range of
0 to 3V. This is shown in the idealised waveforms below.
Turn On Sequence
Prior to transformer voltage going positive, the ramp
capacitor is at its maximum of 3.0V. On the rising edge of
transformer secondary, 0.75V at the ZCD pin is detected
first and OUTB gate drive goes low which turns off the low
side rectifying FET QR (Fig. 1). Simultaneously a current
sink of 10 mA is activated to discharge the timing capacitor
CT to the lower threshold of 1V. This discharge time
provides the delay between turn off of rectifying FET and
turn on of the forward MOSFETs and is given by
DLon = CT × 0.2
where CT is the ramp capacitor value in pF and DLon is
the dead time in nS. The actual dead time is extended by
the propagation delays internal to the controller, which
should be taken into account while choosing CT. The
propagation delays are typically in the range of a few tens
of nanoseconds.
XFR SEC
VOLTAGE
When the RCT pin goes down to 1V, OUTA is enabled to
drive the high side pair of FETs. Meanwhile, on the rising
edge of ZCD pin, a higher threshold of 3.5V is detected.
Once both these conditions have been met, OUTA goes
high, XFRA and the forward FETs QS and QF are turned on.
Setting the RCT Ramp
ZCD INPUT
The CT capacitor is typically charged from the transformer
secondary voltage through RT. The current through RT is
given by (VSEC - VFWD - VCT) / RT where
RCT RAM P
VSEC
VFWD
VCT
As a first approximation the average current can be
assumed to be (VSEC - 2V ) / RT.
Fig 2. Idealised ZCD and RCT waveforms
 2005 Semtech Corp.
= Peak of the transformer secondary voltage
= Forward drop of the signal diode (D1 in Fig 1)
= Instantaneous capacitor voltage
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SC4901
POWER MANAGEMENT
Application Information (Cont.)
Current Sense and Current Limit
Having chosen CT to meet dead time requirements, the
resistor is chosen so that the ramp voltage is just below
3.0V peak at the end of the maximum ON time.
RT ≅
Current sensing is done as the input of an uncommitted
differential amplifier. The current limit threshold is 2.5V at
the CAO pin. This allows the user considerable flexibility to
design the current sensing circuit. A very low value sense
resistor which results in a current signal of a few tens of
millivolts or inductor drop sensing can be used for simple
protection and maximum efficiency. The current amplifier
gain has to be correspondingly higher. A larger current
sense signal with lower gain may be preferred for better
noise immunity and more precise current limit. Maximum
recommended differential input is 200 mV and minimum
differential gain for the current amplifier is 10, to ensure
proper operation. The CAO output is typically 2V at full load.
This signal can be brought out and used further for current
sharing applications. The current sense pins have a
maximum common mode range of AVCC - 2V.
300000 × (Vsec − 2) × D
Fsw × CT
where
RT
Fsw
D
CT
=
=
=
=
Timing resistor in kΩ
Switching frequency in kHz
Operating duty cycle at which Vsec is applied
Timing capacitor in pF
If the primary side is PWM modulated in a feedback loop
or has a volt second clamp, the product Vsec x D is fairly
constant. If it is free running with a fixed duty cycle, use
the maximum value of Vsec. The formula assumes that
Vsec is much larger than the ramp voltage of 3.0V. For
lower secondary voltages, use a smaller value of RT.
When 2.5V limit is reached at CAO pin, the bidirectional
forward switch QS/QF is turned off for the rest of the cycle.
The rectifying FET is kept ON throughout to discharge the
high inductor current. As the overload level is increased,
the ON time continues to reduce and the output drops
gradually. The output is continuously monitored for
undervoltage and when it falls below 50% of the nominal
voltage, an abnormal condition is detected and both the
outputs are shut down. The soft start capacitor is
discharged by a 2 uA current sink down to 0.8V at which
point a soft start cycle is initiated to restart the convertor.
This effectively provides hiccup mode of protection under
short circuit.
REF Output and Error Amplifier
The reference level for output voltage feedback is 0.75V
bandgap. This is amplified, buffered and put out as a 2.5V
REF output. The REF voltage can be used for external
monitoring circuits or for regulating output voltages less
than 0.75V. The output of the error amplifier can swing
between 0.3V to 2.9V, just below the clamped peak of the
timing ramp. The REF pin should be bypassed to AGND
with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor. A maximum of 5 mA can
be drawn from the REF output.
Delays and Turn Off Sequence
Output Drivers
The delay between turn off of the rectifying MOSFET QR to
the turn on of the forward MOSFETs QS and QF is
determined by the discharge of the ramp capacitor CT
through a 10 mA current. The other delay, between turn
off of the forward MOSFETs and turn on of the rectifying
MOSFET is fixed and typically 110 nS. This delay is valid
when the output is in regulation and the forward FETs are
turned off by the PWM comparator. During transients or if
the output loses regulation, QS and QF will be turned off
on the falling edge of the transformer voltage. First, the
high comparator detects the 2.5V threshold and pulls down
OUTA. This turns off the forward FETs. Further down, the
lower comparator detects the 0.25V threshold and turns
on OUTB. This ensures that the forward FET pair is off
before transformer voltage goes negative.
 2005 Semtech Corp.
There are two complementary outputs designated A and
B. Output A and XFRA are the PWM drives that control the
bidirectional forward MOSFETs. The complementary output
for driving the ground referenced rectifying MOSFET QR is
designated as OUTB. This drive is capable of sourcing and
sinking +1A. OUTA is enabled when the transformer
voltage turns on and ZCD voltage exceeds 3.5V. It is turned
off on any one of the three conditions.
a) the ramp voltage on RCT exceeds the error amplifier
output at VEA or
b) ZCD detects that the transformer voltage is turning off
and gone below 2.5V or
c) overcurrent is detected at 2.5V on the CAO pin.
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SC4901
POWER MANAGEMENT
Application Information (Cont.)
In all these cases OUTA and XFRA are turned off and, after
a fixed delay of 110 nS, the rectifier MOSFET is turned on.
Both OUTA and XFRA can sink or source + 2A peak current.
If maximum duty ratio is more than 50% a ceramic
capacitor C RES may be added in series to the transformer
primary as shown in Fig 3b). The capacitor carries a small
voltage only when duty ratio is more than 50% which
correspondingly reduces the gate drive voltage during the
ON time.
Since OUTA has to drive a level shifted MOSFET gate, it
must be used with a pulse transformer. Note that the
common source of the high side FETs presents a negative
voltage to the return pin of any high side drive circuit and
therefore a semiconductor driver is not recommended in
this application. Another pin called XFRA is provided to
simplify the gate drive design with a 1:1 transformer. The
XFRA is configured as a high current open collector
transistor and is turned on and off synchronously with
OUTA. If the maximum duty cycle expected is less than 50%,
the pulse transformer can be connected directly between
OUTA and XFRA. This ensures that the gate is always driven
with PVCC during both on and off periods. A 1A Schottky or
ultrafast rectifier should be connected in reverse across
the XFRA transistor. This is required to discharge the
MOSFET gate rapidly during turn off. Refer to DTO in Fig.
3a) In addition, a smaller signal diode should be connected
from XFRA to PVCC supply to reset the driver transformer.
This diode may be rated to carry the magnetising current
of the drive transformer. Refer DRES in Fig 3a) below.
Alternately an additional zener Z RES may be used to reset
the transformer during the OFF time as shown in Fig 3c).
The zener voltage VZ should be
VZ > PVCC x (2D -1 ) / (1-D) to reset the transformer
Note that in this arrangement the OFF voltage applied to
the MOSFET gates increases to ( PVCC + VZ ).
Inside the SC4901, the drive circuits are powered by a
separate supply and ground pair, designated as PVCC and
PGND. Adequate and independent noise bypassing of both
AVCC and PVCC to the corresponding grounds is strongly
recommended.
VOUT
V SE C
S I N GLE
EN DED
F ORW ARD
C O N VER T O R
QS
RZ
RGS
O PTIO N A L
L
QF
• •
DVCC
QR
COUT
R TN
RT
14
13
12
11
RC T
VE A
VE A-
RE F
10
OUT A
-
+
-
X F R A IS A N O PE N
C O LLE C T O R T HA T TU R N S
O N W HE N O U TA IS O N
P WM L O G IC
A ND
O UT P UT
DRIV E RS
••
DRES
SC 4 9 0 1
CS+
CS-
1
2
C u rre n t
Se n s e
C AO
3
SSEN
4
VC C
5
OUT B
6
XF RA
7
X F R A PIN IS PR O V IDE D TO
SIM PLIF Y PU LSE
TR A N SF O R M E R DE SIGN
9
P VC C
+
T RANS FO RM ER
SE CO NDARY
SY NC AND RA M P
RG
PGND
8
XFRA
C SS
DTO
PGN D
Ga t e Driv e
Tra n s fo rm e r
15
ZC D
C VCC
16
GND
PV C C
O U TA
CT
F O R O PE R A TIN G DU TY
R A TIO S O F 5 0 % THE PU LS E
TR A N SF O R M E R IS
C O N N E C TE D DIR E C TLY
B E TW E E N O U TA A N D X F R A
'DR E S' R E SE TS T HE PU LSE
X F R DU R IN G T HE OF F
TIM E .
'DTO ' PR O V IDE S A HIGH
C U R R E N T TU R N O F F P A TH
F O R THE GA T E C HA R GE S
OF QS AN D QF
Fig 3a. Driving a Pulse Transformer using XFRA and OUTA with < 50% duty ratio
 2005 Semtech Corp.
11
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SC4901
POWER MANAGEMENT
Application Information (Cont.)
V SE C
SIN GLE
•
E N DE D
FORW ARD
C ON V E R TO R
VOUT
QS
RZ
RGS
O PTION A L
L
QF
•
QR
DVCC
COUT
R TN
CT
RT
16
G ND
PV C C
15
14
13
12
11
ZCD
RCT
VE A
VE A-
RE F
10
OUT A
X F R A PIN IS PR O V IDE D TO
SIM P LIF Y PU LSE
TR A N SF O R M E R DE S IGN
RG
C RES
9
X F R A IS A N O PE N
C OLLE C TO R TH A T TU R N S
O N W H E N O U TA IS O N
P VCC
-
••
DRES
SC 4 9 0 1
CS +
CS -
1
2
C u rre n t
Se n se
CAO
3
SSEN
VCC
4
5
OUT B
6
XFRA
7
F O R OPE R A TIN G DU TY
R A TIOS OF > 5 0 % A
C A PA C ITOR C A N B E
C ON N E C TE D IN SE R IE S
W ITH PU LSE
TR A N SF O R M E R
Ga te Driv e
Tra n sf o rm e r
+
P WM L O G IC
A ND
O UT P UT
DRIV E RS
C VCC
+
T RA NSFO RM ER
SE CONDA RY
S YNC A ND RA M P
'DR E S' A N D 'C R E S'
TOGE TH E R R E SE T TH E
PU LS E X F R DU R IN G THE
O F F TIM E .
PGND
8
XFRA
C SS
DTO
GA TE DR IV E V OLTA GE
A PPLIE D IS R E DU C E D B Y
THE V OLTA GE A C R O SS 'C
R E S'. TH IS H A PE N S O N LY
W HEN D > 5 0 %
PGN D
Fig 3b. Driving the Pulse Transformer with > 50% duty ratio using using a series capacitor
V SE C
SIN GLE
•
E N DE D
F OR W A R D
C O N V E R TOR
V OU T
QS
RGS
OPTION A L
RZ
L
QF
•
DVCC
QR
COUT
R TN
RT
GND
15
14
13
12
11
ZC D
RC T
VE A
VE A-
RE F
10
OU T A
X F R A PIN IS PR OV IDE D TO
SIM PLIF Y PU LSE
TR A N SF OR M E R DE SIGN
9
P VC C
+
+
-
P WM L O G IC
A ND
O UT P UT
DRIV E RS
C VCC
T RANSFORM E R
S ECONDARY
SY NC A ND RAM P
CS-
1
2
C u rre n t
Se n se
C AO
3
SSEN
4
VC C
5
OU T B
6
XF RA
7
X F R A IS A N O PE N C O LLE C TOR
TH A T TU R N S ON W H E N OU TA
IS ON
DRES
••
Z RES
SC 4 9 0 1
CS+
RG
Ga t e Driv e
Tra n sf o rm e r
16
PV C C
OU TA
CT
XFRA
X F R A PIN W ILL B E STR E SSE D
TO PV C C + Z E N E R V OLTA GE
DU R IN G TH E OF F PE R IOD
PGN D
GA TE V OLTA GE W ILL A LW A Y S
B E E Q U A L TO PV C C DU R IN G
ON TIM E IR R E SPE C TIV E OF
DU TY R A TIO
PGND
8
F OR OPE R A TIN G DU TY R A TIO S
OF > 5 0 % A Z E N E R M A Y B E
A DDE D IN R E V E R SE SE R IE S
W ITH D R E S A S SHO W N
C SS
DTO
Fig 3c. Driving a Pulse Transformer with > 50% duty ratio using using a zener for reset
 2005 Semtech Corp.
12
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SC4901
POWER MANAGEMENT
Application Information (Cont.)
Layout Guidelines
Reference Design and Typical Waveforms
The Combi Sync topology and SC4901 are intended for
use in multi output convertors and demand careful
attention to good layout practices. The topology has an
inherent advantage in that all switching circuits naturally
operate at the same frequency set by the primary controller.
But the operating duty ratio is different for different outputs
and this may cause unexpected interferences. Make sure
that the currents in the RTN path are kept separate and
returned to a single node at the transformer end. High
current returns from one output should be isolated from
the signal current returns going into the AGND pins of other
outputs. A dedicated ground plane is strongly
recommended to improve noise immunity.
The complete schematic of a secondary channel delivering
3.3V/10A is shown in Fig 4). Typical waveforms are shown
in Figs 5) to Fig 8) These waveforms were taken on a dual
output convertor with 48V input and a transformer turns
ratio of 6:1. Both outputs were generated off a single
secondary winding. The primary topology was a free
running, active reset, forward convertor operating at 225
kHz. Volt second control was implemented using input
feedforward with a maximum duty ratio of 65% at 40V
input. The two outputs were rated at 3.3V/13A and 2.5V/
13A for a total of 75W power. Of special interest are the
primary side waveforms shown in Fig 8). The zero current
turn on can be clearly seen. During turn off, the current
decreases as 2.5V forward FETs turn off first, followed by
3.3V output. The last small step at final turn off represents
the magnetising current in transformer primary.
SC4901 requires a clean synchronising signal at the ZCD
pin to ensure proper operation. There are several sources
that may contribute to the noise at this pin. The traces
from the transformer terminals to the corresponding QS
drain and QR source pins must be kept to the absolute
minimum. When the FETs are turned ON or OFF, the current
in the transformer secondary winding is subjected to a rapid
rate of di/dt. Long traces that encompass wide areas have
higher parasitic lead inductances. The combination of a
rapid di/dt and large parasitic inductance is a dip or spike
in the transformer waveform which can confuse the ZCD
pin and lead to random transitions at the output. The series
resistor RZ shown in the Typical Application Circuit should
have a separate connection to the transformer secondary
terminal where the source waveform is relatively free of
distortions.
The primary side layout also requires special attention.
Excessive ringing or spikes on the primary side will be
reflected to the secondary and interfere with the controller
operation. It is important to physically separate the primary
and secondary circuits and use separate ground planes to
minimise interference.
The drive transformer for the forward FETs can contribute
significantly to the overall performance. For fast rise and
fall times and low switching losses, choose a driver with
low inductances. The traces from the transformer to OUTA
and XFRA pins must be kept short to minimise the overall
inductance in the drive path.
 2005 Semtech Corp.
13
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C27
10 uF
33 pF
5% NPO
2R
100K
1%
RCT1
R33
5.1R
R29
R32
D8
4148
AVCC1
D17
4148
C26
RTN
VSEC
T2
3.3K
10 pF
D9
4148
4.7V
D15
D7
4148
• •
C28
R34
OUTA1
1R
1
4
D19
Q11
4126
8
5
184
4148
10K
R20
7344
10 uF
T P3
10K
47 nF
C21
Q7
R27
511R
R22
D5
301K
R25
10K
4148
VEA1
ZCD1
RTN
CS-1
R26
10K
13V
D6
U3
100K
R36
C25
T P5
SC 4 9 0 1
CS+1
1 uF
C16
L1 2.8 uH
2.2 nF
C30
100 pF
2.2 nF
C23
100R
R30
ENA1
VFB1
R28
301K
J2-5
J2-4
J2-3
J2-2
J2-1
J2-6
100 uF
C24
3. 3V
2.94K
1%
R35
10K
1%
R31
C19
C18
VOUT1
C17
Fig 4) Complete secondary side schematic for a 3.3V/10A output.
0.1 uF
C29
T P4
PH1
3704Z
C20
R23
1R
GDL1
GDH1
Q6
8
PV CC PGND
9
470 uF
CSRC1
7
OU TA XFR A
10
XFRA1
6
OU TB
REF
11
7344
5
V CC
V EA 12
4
SSEN
13
V EA
3
CA O
RCT
2
CS-
14
R54
15
ZCD
1
CS+
14
GND
R24
16
470 uF
 2005 Semtech Corp.
100 uF
Q5
SC4901
POWER MANAGEMENT
Application Information (Cont.)
www.semtech.com
SC4901
POWER MANAGEMENT
Application Information (Cont.)
FIg 5) Transformer secondary voltage and ramp at RCT
pin
Fig 7) Transformer scondary voltage (top),
rectified PWM output for 2.5V (center)
and rectified PWM output for 3.3V (bottom)
Fig 6) Transformer scondary voltage (top),
OUTA gate drive for forward MOSFET pair (center)
and OUTB gate drive for the rectifying FET (botom)
Fig 8) Primary MOSFET waveforms
Drain to Source Voltage (Blue) and
Current (green) .
 2005 Semtech Corp.
15
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SC4901
POWER MANAGEMENT
Application Information (Cont.)
Combi-Sync Topology
Combi-Sync is a unique secondary side topology that
overcomes most of the problems associated with
synchronous rectification of isolated outputs. It also
incorporates synchronous post regulation, making it the
ideal solution for low voltage, high current outputs.
Independently regulated multiple outputs can be derived
from a common transformer winding. The output stage
replaces the conventional rectifiers and regulators with
three MOSFETs, two of which switch at zero voltage. The
topology inherently eliminates turn on shoot through
without complicated timing or look ahead circuits to
maximise efficiency. All secondary switching circuits are
naturally synchronised to primary which simplifies noise
suppression. There are no separate synchronising, current
sensing or gate driving signals crossing the isolation
boundary. In most cases, there will be no need for a
separate bias supply on the secondary side further
simplifying the system design.
QR
QF
DF
Fig 9) Isolated Synchronous Rectification
One is that QR can conduct synchronously only while the
transformer is being reset. Thereafter there is no gate
voltage to drive it and the circuit must employ diode.
Secondly since the gate voltages, and the peak of
transformer secondary, must be with 4.5V to 20V under
all conditions, the scheme may fail at lower voltage and
wide input ranges.
The primary side in a Combi-Sync circuit is a typical single
ended forward convertor which may be regulated or free
running. An additional benefit of the Combi-Sync topology
is the zero current turn on and turn off for the primary
MOSFET as well. The free running mode is preferred when
there are multiple outputs without minimum load and cross
regulation constraints. Input voltage feedforward is
recommended to achieve volt-second clamp and minimise
core losses in the free running mode.
An alternative is to use a control driven approach where a
synchronous controller provides the gate drive. This
provides the low loss FET conduction over the entire cycle
and is not limited by output or input ranges. However it is
not without its own problems. At the instant transformer
voltage turns positive the body diode of QF gets forward
biased. At the same time, QR would also be fully conducting
and the result is a shorted winding just when the primary
switch is trying to turn ON. To prevent catastrophe it is
necessary to turn QR OFF prior to transformer voltage going
positive. This requires an advanced signal from the primary
side crossing the isolation boundary. Attempts have been
made to avoid this by complex timing or look ahead circuits
on the secondary side itself and several patents have been
issued for them.
Background on Synchronous Rectification and Post
Regulation
The synchronous rectifier technology is widely used in non
isolated DC-DC convertors but its use has been limited in
isolated convertors because of various difficulties. An
example of synchronous rectification on the secondary side
of a forward convertor is shown in Fig 9. DF and DR are
the parasitic body diodes of their respective FETs. The
forward MOSFET QF is turned ON when the transformer
secondary voltage goes positive and the rectifying MOSFET
QR is turned ON when the transformer secondary is
negative. Two approaches have been used to drive the
MOSFETs. One is the self driven scheme where the
transformer secondary itself provides the gate voltage for
the appropriate FET. While the scheme is simple and has
a very low cost, it has several limitations.
 2005 Semtech Corp.
DR
• •
It should be understood that all these techniques for
isolated synchronous rectification have been restricted to
a single unregulated secondary output.. The existing
circuits only rectify the output but do not synchronously
regulate it any further. Nor is it possible to generate multiple
outputs from the same winding. Post regulation of the
isolated outputs has been implemented so far using either
the saturable magnetic inductor or a power MOSFET in
series with the forward diode. The saturable magnetic
element is bulky and inefficient at high frequencies. The
circuit with series MOSFET is widely known and well
documented. Fig 10) shows a standard implementation.
16
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SC4901
POWER MANAGEMENT
Application Information (Cont.)
The series FET QS is turned ON and OFF in a controlled
manner synchronously with the secondary waveform. The
width of the ON time pulse is varied to regulate the output.
d) After the forward FETs QS and QF are turned OFF, the
rectifying FET QR is turned after a short delay. QR continues
to conduct until the beginning of the next cycle when
transformer secondary voltage goes positive again. By
modulating the ON time of the high side power MOSFETs
output regulation is achieved.
DS
T
QS
• •
This arrangement of MOSFETs and their control provides
a highly efficient combination of synchronous rectification
and simultaneous control of isolated secondary voltages.
OUT P UT
C
Trailing Edge Modulation
The Combi Sync topology offers the option of both leading
and trailing edge modulations to achieve synchronous post
regulation. With leading edge modulation, QS and QF are
turned on during the forward mode, with a PWM dictated
delay, but the turn off is synchronised to the falling edge
of the transformer voltage. This results in zero current turn
on for the primary switch but a hard turn off with full load.
On the other hand, in conventional secondary side post
regulation, the trailing edge modulation results in hard turn
on and zero current turn off for the primary switch. However,
the Combi Sync topology already has an inherent turn on
delay for the forward FETs on the secondary side. This
ensures zero current turn on for the primary switch,
irrespective of the modulation scheme used. It is therefore
advantageous to use trailing edge modulation which now
results in both zero current turn on and turn off for the
primary switch. If some form of ZVS is used in primary
control, all of the switching losses may be eliminated on
the primary side. Trailing edge modulation is the method
employed in SC4901.
Fig 10) Synchronous Post Regulation
Again it should be understood that all previous attempts
have used a non synchronously rectified secondary.. That
is, the transformer secondary was rectified using power
diodes and the series MOSFET was added to synchronously
regulate it further.
The Combi Sync Technique
The Combi Sync, as the name indicates is a unique
secondary configuration that combines synchronous
rectification and post regulation on transformer isolated
multiple secondary voltages. The proposed implementation
as well as typical waveforms are shown in Fig 11) on the
next page. The highlights of its operation are as follows
a) Prior to the transformer voltage going positive, the
rectifying MOSFET QR is conducting. When the voltage goes
positive, QR is turned OFF.
Switching Waveforms
Theoretical switching waveforms of the Combi Sync
topology are shown on the next page. The first is the
transformer secondary voltage which acts as the reference.
Second and third are the gate drives for forward and
rectifying FETs respectively. Rectified and pulse width
modulated output that appears before the LC filter stage
is shown next. Notice that this rectified output rises after a
delay which is crucial to isolated synchronous rectification.
In the simple isolated synchronous rectifiers, there is no
QS, and QF begins to conduct (initially through its body
diode) at the same instant as the transformer voltage going
positive. Transformer secondary and inductor currents are
also shown. The delay T1-T0 is set by the capacitor CT and
the T3-T2 delay is fixed internally in SC4901
b) After a delay, both QF and QS are turned ON. This delay
prevents both high and low side FETs conducting at the
same time and shorting the secondary winding.
c) The forward pair of QS and QF acts as a bidirectional
switch and can be turned off in a controlled manner
irrespective of the polarity of the transformer voltage. This
is the key to the topology. With SC4901 the forward pair is
turned off on any of the following conditions i) end of the
active PWM duration ii) peak current crosses the overload
limit or, iii) transformer secondary voltage begins to fall.
 2005 Semtech Corp.
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SC4901
POWER MANAGEMENT
Application Information (Cont.)
DS
FIg 11) Theoretical waveforms of Combi Sync topology
DF
Se c C u rre n t
In d C u rre n t
T
SIN GLE E N DE D
F ORW ARD
C O N V E R TO R
PR IM A R Y
QS
QF
OUT P UT
• •
Vsec
L
QR
DR
GATE F
C
V re c
G AT E R
+ VE
Vsec
Tra n s f o rm e r Se c V o lt a ge
-V E
GA TE F
Ga te Driv e f o r
F o rw a rd M O SF E TS QS, QF
GA TE R
Ga te Driv e F o r Q R
V re c
Pu l s e W id th M o d u l a te d b y
Se c o n d a ry Sid e C o n tro ll e r
R ECTIF IED SECON DAR Y V OL TAGE
W ITH POST RE GU L ATION
Tra n s f o rm e r Se co n d a ry C u rre n t
In d u ct o r C u rre n t
T0 T1
T2 T3
 2005 Semtech Corp.
T0
T1
T1
T2
:
:
:
Tra nsf o rme r se co nda ry v o lt a ge go e s + v e , QR is t urne d OF F a t t his inst a nt .
F o rw a rd MOS F ETs QS a nd QF are sw it ched ON
T0 : F o rw a rd de lay t o pre v e nt sho rt ing the se co nda ry w inding
QS , QF are t urne d OF F .
This e dge is Pulse Widt h M o dula t e d t o po st - re gulat e t he o ut p ut .
T3 : QR is t urne d ON
T3 - T2 : Turn OF F dela y t o prev ent sho o t thro ugh
18
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SC4901
POWER MANAGEMENT
Application Information (Cont.)
Features and Applications of the Combi Sync Circuit
with SC4901
f) It is necessary to drive the forward FETs through a
transformer interface. The common source of the two
devices is a floating return and will swing to the peak
negative voltage appearing at the transformer secondary;
see the Vsec waveform in Fig 11). This negative swing
does not allow a semiconductor device to be used for
driving the forward FET pair. An additional pin called XFRA
is provided in SC4901 to simplify the design of driver
transformer interface, particularly with duty ratios of >50%.
XFRA is an open collector sink which turns on and off
simultaneously with OUTA.
The Combi Sync topology is quite versatile and has a
number of useful features
a) There is no connection between primary and secondary
sides. No synchronising signals, drive pulses, voltage or
current information needs to be exchanged across the
isolation boundary. The bias supply for the controller is
also generated on the secondary side, eliminating the
additional burden of a low power bias supply. SC4901 is
designed to operate over a range of 4.5V to 18V AVCC
supply which is the typical range for MOSFET gate drives.
g) The no load condition at the output needs special
consideration in this topology. Under light load, the inductor
current is negative as in any synchronous rectifier. When
the synchronous MOSFET QR is turned off, the current is
interrupted and tends to charge the drain source capacitor
of QR. The back to back connected forward FETs prevent
this current being returned to the source. The resulting
overshoot on QR can be clamped by connecting a zener
and diode combination across the inductor as shown in
Fig 4). The zener clamp conducts only during the dead
time and also provides a small benefit of reducing the
voltage across the forward FETs during turn on. The detailed
application schematic in Fig 4) shows diode D1 and zener
D2 connected across the output inductor L1 to reduce the
no load spike.
b) For multiple secondary windings, each winding can have
its own set of synchronous MOSFETs and each set can be
controlled by an individual SC4901 to generate
independently regulated outputs. There is no cross
regulation or minimum load requirement, each output can
be turned ON or OFF independently of others. Placing the
controller on the secondary side also helps to optimise
the transient response.
c) It is possible to have multiple sets of synchronous FETs
attached to the same transformer secondary and control
them individually as shown in Fig 12. This way multiple
secondary outputs with a common ground can be regulated
off the same secondary winding.
DS1
DF1
L1
QS1
QF1
• •
d) All secondary switching is synchronised automatically
with the transformer waveform. There is only one switching
frequency in the convertor which simplifies EMI filter
design. Zero current switching of the primary FET further
reduces the switching noise generated on the primary side.
OU T P UT 1
QR1
DR1
GATE DRV1
DS2
DF2
L2
QS2
QF2
OU T P UT 2
QR2
e) A number of options can be used to generate and control
the transformer secondary voltage.
DR2
GATE DRV2
i) The primary may be free running, that is without being
regulated by a feedback loop. It may further employ
constant volt second operation to reduce magnetic
stresses. In this mode the duty cycle is always at an
optimum value to maximise the efficiency.
DSN
C2
DFN
LN
QSN
QFN
OU T P UT N
QRN
GATE DRV N
ii) The primary may be regulated in a feedback loop by one
of the outputs; such regulation will typically employ voltage
mode or average current mode control. Note that peak
current mode control is not suitable with the trailing edge
modulation.
 2005 Semtech Corp.
C1
DRN
CN
Fig 12) Generating Multiple Outputs from the same
secondary winding using Combi Sync Topology
19
www.semtech.com
SC4901
POWER MANAGEMENT
Outline Drawing - TSSOP-16
A
DIM
D
e
A
A1
A2
b
c
D
E1
E
e
L
L1
N
01
aaa
bbb
ccc
N
2X E/2
E1
E
PIN 1
INDICATOR
1 2 3
ccc C
2X N/2 TIPS
e/2
B
.047
.002
.006
.031
.042
.007
.012
.003
.007
.192 .196 .201
.169 .173 .177
.252 BSC
.026 BSC
.018 .024 .030
(.039)
16
0°
8°
.004
.004
.008
NOTES:
1.20
0.15
0.05
1.05
0.80
0.19
0.30
0.09
0.20
4.90 5.00 5.10
4.30 4.40 4.50
6.40 BSC
0.65 BSC
0.45 0.60 0.75
(1.0)
16
0°
8°
0.10
0.10
0.20
1.
CONTROLLING DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS (ANGLES IN DEGREES).
2.
DATUMS -A- AND -B- TO BE DETERMINED AT DATUM PLANE -H-
3.
DIMENSIONS "E1" AND "D" DO NOT INCLUDE MOLD FLASH, PROTRUSIONS
OR GATE BURRS.
4.
REFERENCE JEDEC STD MO-153, VARIATION AB.
D
aaa C
SEATING
PLANE
DIMENSIONS
MILLIMETERS
INCHES
MIN NOM MAX MIN NOM MAX
A2 A
C
H
A1
bxN
bbb
C A-B D
c
GAGE
PLANE
0.25
SIDE VIEW
SEE DETAIL
L
(L1)
DETAIL
A
01
A
Land Pattern - TSSOP-16
X
DIM
(C)
G
C
G
P
X
Y
Z
Z
Y
DIMENSIONS
INCHES
MILLIMETERS
(.222)
.161
.026
.016
.061
.283
(5.65)
4.10
0.65
0.40
1.55
7.20
P
NOTES:
1.
THIS LAND PATTERN IS FOR REFERENCE PURPOSES ONLY.
CONSULT YOUR MANUFACTURING GROUP TO ENSURE YOUR
COMPANY'S MANUFACTURING GUIDELINES ARE MET.
Contact Information
Semtech Corporation
Power Management Products Division
200 Flynn Road, Camarillo, CA 93012
Phone: (805)498-2111 FAX (805)498-3804
 2005 Semtech Corp.
20
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