LINER 1698I

LTC1698
Isolated Secondary
Synchronous Rectifier Controller
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FEATURES
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DESCRIPTIO
The LTC ®1698 is a precision secondary-side forward
converter controller that synchronously drives external
N-channel MOSFETs. It is designed for use with the
LT®3781 primary-side synchronous forward converter
controller to create a completely isolated power supply.
The LT3781 synchronizes the LTC1698 through a small
pulse transformer and the LTC1698 drives a feedback
optocoupler to close the feedback loop. Output accuracy
of ±0.8% and high efficiency over a wide range of load
currents are obtained.
High Efficiency Over Wide Load Current Range
±0.8% Output Voltage Accuracy
Dual N-Channel MOSFET Synchronous Drivers
Pulse Transformer Synchronization
Optocoupler Feedback Driver
Programmable Current Limit Protection
±5% Margin Output Voltage Adjustment
Adjustable Overvoltage Fault Protection
Power Good Flag
Auxiliary 3.3V Logic Supply
Available in 16-Lead SSOP and SO Packages
The LTC1698 provides accurate secondary-side current
limit using an external current sense resistor. The input
voltage at the MARGIN pin provides ±5% output voltage
adjustment. A power good flag and overvoltage input are
provided to ensure proper power supply conditions. An
auxiliary 3.3V logic supply is included that supplies up to
10mA of output current.
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APPLICATIO S
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48V Input Isolated DC/DC Converters
Isolated Telecommunication Power Systems
Distributed Power Step-Down Converters
Industrial Control Systems
Automotive and Heavy Equipment
, LTC and LT are registered trademarks of Linear Technology Corporation.
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TYPICAL APPLICATIO
L1
VIN
36V to 72V
VOUT
+
Q1
1
T1
2
Q4
Q2
R1
+
•
•
D1
VDD BIAS
COUT
16
Q3
D2
12
RPRISEN
VDD
CG
FG
10
CSG
LTC1698
15
•
SG
T2
CC
CFB
ISNS
VCOMP
ISNSGND
ICOMP
SYNC
OVPIN
6
13
CCILM
RCILM
9
R4
RSYNC
MARGIN
LT3781
RK
+
–
CK
VC
R5
•
TG BG
CSYNC
RC
PWRGD
8
VFB
RSECSEN
11
R2
REF
VFB
5
OPTODRV
PGND
3
VAUX
GND
4
7
VMARGIN
14
O.1µF
VAUX
3.3V
10mA
1681 F01
RE
RF
CF
ISOLATION
BOUNDARY
PLEASE REFER TO FIGURE 12 IN THE TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
SECTION FOR THE COMPLETE 3.3V/15A APPLICATION SCHEMATIC
Figure 1. Simplified 2-Transistor Isolated Forward Converter
1698f
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LTC1698
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ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
PACKAGE/ORDER INFORMATION
(Note 1)
VDD, PWRGD ....................................................... 13.2V
Input Voltage
MARGIN, VFB, OVPIN, ISNSGND, ISNS ... – 0.3V to 5.3V
SYNC ..................................................... – 14V to 14V
Output Voltage
VCOMP, ICOMP (Note 2) ......................... – 0.3V to 5.3V
Power Dissipation .............................................. 500mW
Operating Temperature Range
LTC1698E (Note 3) ............................ – 40°C to 85°C
LTC1698I ........................................... – 40°C to 85°C
Storage Temperature Range ................. – 65°C to 150°C
Lead Temperature (Soldering, 10 sec).................. 300°C
ORDER PART
NUMBER
TOP VIEW
VDD
1
16 FG
CG
2
15 SYNC
PGND
3
14 VAUX
GND
4
13 ICOMP
OPTODRV
5
12 ISNS
VCOMP
6
11 ISNSGND
MARGIN
7
10 PWRGD
VFB
8
9
LTC1698EGN
LTC1698ES
LTC1698IGN
LTC1698IS
GN PART MARKING
OVPIN
1698
1698I
GN PACKAGE
S PACKAGE
16-LEAD PLASTIC SSOP 16-LEAD PLASTIC SO
TJMAX = 125°C, θJA = 130°C/W (GN)
TJMAX = 125°C, θJA = 110°C/W (SO)
Consult LTC Marketing for parts specified with wider operating temperature ranges.
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The ● indicates specifications which apply over the full operating
temperature range, otherwise specifications are at TA = 25°C. VDD = 8V, unless otherwise noted. (Note 4)
SYMBOL
PARAMETER
VDD
Supply Voltage
VUVLO
Undervoltage Lockout
IVDD
VDD Supply Current
CONDITIONS
●
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
6
8
12.6
V
4
VFB, OVPIN, VISNS, VISNSGND = 0V,
CFG = CCG = 1000pF, CVAUX = 0.1µF,
VSYNC = 0V
1.8
●
fSYNC = 100kHz (Note 5)
V
4
5.0
mA
mA
MARGIN and Error Amplifier
VFB
Feedback Voltage
MARGIN = Open, VCOMP = 1V (Note 7)
●
1.223
1.215
1.233
1.233
1.243
1.251
V
V
0.05
1
µA
IVFB
Feedback Input Current
VFB = 1.233V
VMARGIN
MARGIN Voltage
MARGIN = Open
RMARGIN
MARGIN Input Resistance
∆VFB
Feedback Voltage Adjustment
VMARGIN = 3.3V
VMARGIN = 0V
●
●
4
–6
5
–5
GERR
Error Amplifier Open-Loop DC Gain
VCOMP = 0.8V to 1.2V, Load = 2kΩ, 100pF
●
65
90
dB
BWERR
Error Amplifier Unity-Gain Bandwidth
No Load (Note 6)
2
MHz
VCLAMP
Error Amplifier Output Clamp Voltage
VFB = 0V
2
V
IVCOMP
Error Amplifier Source Current
Error Amplifier Sink Current
VFB = 0V
VFB = 5V, VCOMP = 1.233V
●
●
– 25
7
– 10
3
mA
mA
GOPTO
Opto Driver DC Gain
OVPIN, VISNS, VISNSGND = 0V
●
4.75
5
5.25
V/V
BWOPTO
Opto Driver Unity-Gain Bandwidth
No Load (Note 6)
VOPTOHIGH
Opto Driver Output High Voltage
VFB, OVPIN, VISNSGND = 0V, VISNS = – 50mV,
IOPTODRV = –10mA
●
4
5
IOPTOSC
Opto Driver Output Short-Circuit Current
OVPIN, VISNSGND, VISNS = 0V, VFB = 1.233V
●
– 50
– 25
●
1.65
V
16.5
kΩ
6
–4
%
%
OPTODRV
1
MHz
V
– 10
mA
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LTC1698
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The ● indicates specifications which apply over the full operating
temperature range, otherwise specifications are at TA = 25°C. VDD = 8V, unless otherwise noted. (Note 4)
SYMBOL PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
3.135
3.320
3.465
V
0.05
0.05
1
1
µA
µA
VAUX
VAUX
Auxiliary Supply Voltage
CVAUX = 0.1µF, ILOAD = 0mA to 10mA, VDD = 7V to 12.6V
●
IISNSGND ISNSGND Input Current
IISNS
ISNS Input Current
VILIMTH Current Limit Threshold
(VISNS – VISNSGND)
VISNSGND = 0V
VISNS = 0V
●
IICOMP
VISNSGND = 0V, VISNS = – 0.3V, VICOMP = 2.5V (Note 8)
Current Limit Amplifier
ICOMP Source Current
ICOMP Sink Current
●
VICOMP = 2.5V, VISNSGND = 0V
●
– 27.0
– 27.5
– 25
– 25
– 23.0
– 22.5
mV
mV
●
– 280
– 370
– 200
– 200
– 120
– 80
µA
µA
●
120
80
200
200
280
370
µA
µA
5
VISNSGND = 0V, VISNS = 0.3V, VICOMP = 2.5V (Note 8)
gmILIM
Current Limit Amplifier
Transconductance
VISNSGND = 0V, VICOMP = 2.5V, IICOMP = ±10µA
●
2.2
3.5
GICOMP
Current Limit Amplifier
Open-Loop DC Gain
VICOMP = 2.5V, No Load
●
48
60
VFB ↓, MARGIN = Open (Note 9)
VFB = 2V
VFB = 0V
●
–9
–6
●
●
–3
10
10
0.4
V
1.18
1.233
0.1
1.28
1
V
µA
1
0.5
2
1
5
2.5
ms
ms
5
20
µs
V
millimho
dB
PWRGD and OVP Comparators
VPWRGD
IPWRGD
VOL
Percent Below VFB
Power Good Sink Current
IPWRGD = 3mA, VFB = 0V
●
VOVPREF OVPIN Threshold
IOVPIN
OVPIN Input Bias Current
Power Good Output Low Voltage
VFB = VISNS = VISNSGND = 0V, OVPIN ↑ (Note 9)
VOVPIN = 1.233V
●
tPWRGD
Power Good Response Time
Power Bad Response Time
VFB ↑
VFB ↓
●
●
tOVP
Overvoltage Response Time
VOVPIN ↑, COPTODRV = 0.1µF
●
SYNC and Drivers
VPT
SYNC Input Positive Threshold
●
●
1
1.6
2.2
●
– 2.2
–1.6
–1
V
1
50
µA
400
kHz
90
ns
VNT
SYNC Input Negative Threshold
ISYNC
SYNC Input Current
VSYNC = ±10V
●
fSYNC
SYNC Frequency Range
CFG = CCG = 1000pF, VSYNC = ±5V
●
td
SYNC Input to Driver Output Delay
CFG = CCG = 1000pF, fSYNC = 100kHz, VSYNC = ±5V
●
tSYNC
Minimum SYNC Pulse Width
fSYNC = 100kHz, VSYNC = ±10V (Note 6)
●
tr, tf
Driver Rise and Fall Time
CFG = CCG = 1000pF, fSYNC = 100kHz, VSYNC = ±5V,
10% to 90%
●
tDDIS
Driver Disable Time-Out
CFG = CCG = 1000pF, fSYNC = 100kHz, VSYNC = ±5V
Measured from CG ↑ (Note 10)
Note 1: Absolute Maximum Ratings are those values beyond which the life
of a device may be impaired. All voltages refer to GND.
Note 2: The LTC1698 incorporates a 5V linear regulator to power internal
circuitry. Driving these pins above 5.3V may cause excessive current flow.
Guaranteed by design and not subject to test.
Note 3: The LTC1698E is guaranteed to meet performance specifications
from 0°C to 70°C. Specifications over the – 40°C to 85°C operating
temperature range are assured by design, characterization and correlation
with statistical process controls. For guaranteed performance to
specifications over the –40°C to 85°C range, the LTC1698I is available.
Note 4: All currents into device pins are positive; all currents out of the
device pins are negative. All voltages are referenced to ground unless
otherwise specified. For applications with VDD < 7V, refer to the Typical
Performance Characteristics.
%
µA
mA
●
50
40
75
10
ns
10
40
ns
15
20
µs
Note 5: Supply current in active operation is dominated by the current
needed to charge and discharge the external FET gates. This will vary with
the LTC1698 operating frequency, supply voltage and the external FETs
used.
Note 6: This parameter is guaranteed by correlation and is not tested.
Note 7: VFB is tested in an op amp feedback loop which servos VFB to the
internal bandgap voltage.
Note 8: The current comparator output current varies linearly with
temperature.
Note 9: The PWRGD and OVP comparators incorporate 10mV of
hysteresis.
Note 10: The driver disable time-out is proportional to the SYNC period
within the frequency synchronization range.
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LTC1698
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TYPICAL PERFOR A CE CHARACTERISTICS
VFB vs VDD
VFB vs Temperature
1.248
1.248
VDD = 8V
VFB vs VMARGIN
1.295
TA = 25°C
1.282
1.242
1.242
1.230
1.230
1.224
1.224
1.218
–50 –25
1.218
0
6
5
25 50 75 100 125 150
TEMPERATURE (°C)
7
8
9 10
VDD (V)
11
12
ISNS Threshold vs Temperature
–22.5
VDD = 8V
0
1.221
–1
1.208
–2
1.196
–3
1.184
–4
13
1.171
14
0 0.33 0.66 0.99 1.32 1.65 1.98 2.31 2.64 2.97 3.3
VMARGIN (V)
–5
1698 G03
Current Limit Amplifier gm
vs Temperature
5.0
TA = 25°C
–23.0
VDD = 8V
4.6
ISNS THRESHOLD (mV)
ISNS THRESHOLD (mV)
–23.5
–24.0
–24.0
–24.5
–24.5
–25.0
–25.0
–25.5
–25.5
–26.0
–26.0
–26.5
–26.5
–27.0
–27.0
–27.5
–50 –25
0
5
6
7
8
9 10
VDD (V)
11
12
1.28
POWER GOOD THRESHOLD (V)
OVPIN THRESHOLD (V)
25 50
75 100 125 150
TEMPERATURE (°C)
1698 G07
25 50 75 100 125 150
TEMPERATURE (°C)
1.22
5
6
7
8
9 10
VDD (V)
11
12
13
14
1698 G08
–3.0
VDD = 8V
1.181
–4.2
1.166
–5.4
1.152
–6.6
1.137
–7.8
1.122
–50 –25
0
∆VFB (%)
1.24
1.18
0
0
1698 G06
1.196
TA = 25°C
1.20
1.20
2.2
–50 –25
14
Power Good Threshold
vs Temperature
1.26
1.26
1.18
–50 –25
13
OVPIN Threshold vs VDD
VDD = 8V
1.22
3.4
1698 G05
OVPIN Threshold vs Temperature
1.24
3.8
2.6
–27.5
25 50 75 100 125 150
TEMPERATURE (°C)
4.2
3.0
1698 G04
OVPIN THRESHOLD (V)
1
1.233
ISNS Threshold vs VDD
–23.5
1.28
2
1.245
gmILIM (millimho)
–22.5
3
1.258
1698 G02
1698 G01
–23.0
1.270
VFB (V)
VFB (V)
VFB (V)
1.236
4
∆VFB (%)
1.236
5
VDD = 8V
TA = 25°C
–9.0
25 50
75 100 125 150
TEMPERATURE (°C)
1698 G09
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LTC1698
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TYPICAL PERFOR A CE CHARACTERISTICS
VAUX vs Temperature
VAUX vs Line Voltage
3.465
3.465
3.383
3.383
3.383
3.341
3.341
3.341
VDD = 8V
3.424 ILOAD = 0mA
3.300
VDD = 8V
3.424 TA = 25°C
VAUX (V)
VAUX (V)
VDD = 8V
3.424 ILOAD = 0mA
3.300
3.300
3.259
3.259
3.259
3.218
3.218
3.218
3.176
3.176
3.176
3.135
3.135
–50 –25
25 50 75 100 125 150
TEMPERATURE (°C)
0
5
6
7
8
9 10
VDD (V)
11
12
VAUX Short-Circuit Current
vs Temperature
–30
–40
TA = 25°C
–10
–20
–30
–40
–50
0
25 50
75 100 125 150
TEMPERATURE (°C)
5
6
1698 G13
MAXIMUM OPTO DRIVER OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
MAXIMUM OPTO DRIVER OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
VDD = 8V
VDD = 7V
4
VDD = 6V
VDD = 5V
2
0
TA = 25°C
VCOMP = 0V
0
1
2
3 4 5 6 7 8
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
8
9
10
VDD (V)
11
12
13
14
9
10
1698 G22
0.8
3.018
0.6
3.012
0.4
3.006
0.2
3.000
0
2.994
–0.2
2.988
–0.4
2.982
–0.6
2.976
–0.8
2.970
0
1
2
3 4 5 6 7 8
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
8
6
VDD = 10V
VDD = 8V
VDD = 7V
4
VDD = 6V
VDD = 5V
2
VCOMP = 0V
IOPTODRV = –10mA
0
–50 –25 0
25 50 75 100 125 150
TEMPERATURE (°C)
1698 G23
9
10
–1.0
1698 G15
Maximum OPTO Driver Output
Voltage vs Temperature
VDD = 10V
6
7
10
1.0
VDD = 8V
TA = 25°C
3.024
1698 G14
Maximum OPTO Driver Output
Voltage vs Load Current
8
9
Opto Driver Load Regulation
3.030
OPTO DRIVER OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
VAUX SHORT-CIRCUIT CURRENT (mA)
–20
3 4 5 6 7 8
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
2
PERCENT (%)
VAUX SHORT-CIRCUIT CURRENT (mA)
0
–10
1
0
1698 G12
VAUX Short-Circuit Current
vs VDD
VDD = 8V
–50
–50 –25
3.135
14
1698 G11
1698 G10
0
13
Opto Driver Short-Circuit Current
vs Temperature
OPTO DRIVER SHORT-CIRCUIT CURRENT (mA)
VAUX (V)
VAUX vs Load Current
3.465
–10
VDD = 8V
–15 VOPTODRV = 1.233V
–20
–25
–30
–35
–40
–45
–50
–50 –25
0
25 50 75 100 125 150
TEMPERATURE (°C)
1698 G16
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LTC1698
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TYPICAL PERFOR A CE CHARACTERISTICS
SYNC Positive Threshold
vs Temperature
IVDD vs SYNC Frequency
CFG = CCG = 4700pF
CFG = CCG = 3300pF
35
CFG = CCG = 2200pF
30
25
20
15
10
CFG = CCG = 1000pF
5
0
2.00
1.75
1.50
1.25
0
–30
CFG = CCG = 2200pF
0
14
6
5
7
8
9 10
VDD (V)
11
Driver Rise, Fall and Propagation
Delay vs Driver Load
90
70
80
70
CG, FG tPLH
12
13
tf
40
CG, FG tPHL
tr
30
50
CG, FG tPLH
CG, FG tPHL
40
30
20
20
10
10
0
0
2000
6000
4000
DRIVER LOAD (pF)
8000
10000
1698 G25
0
–50 –25
14
0
25 50
75 100 125 150
TEMPERATURE (°C)
1698 G24
0
–50 –25
0
Driver Disable Time-Out vs SYNC
Frequency
30
VDD = 8V
CCG = CFG = 1000pF
fSYNC = 100kHz
60
t d (ns)
TIME (ns)
60
50
2
25 50 75 100 125 150
TEMPERATURE (°C)
1698 G26
2.2
VDD = 8V
TA = 25°C
2.0
25
20
tDISS × fSYNC
1.8
1.6
15
1.4
10
tDISS
5
1.2
0
1.0
50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500
fSYNC (kHz)
NORMALIZED DRIVER DISABLE TIME-OUT
tDISS × fSYNC
80
14
1
SYNC Input to Driver Output Delay
vs Temperature
VDD = 8V
TA = 25°C
13
3
1698 G18
1698 G17
90
12
CFG = CCG = 1000pF
DRIVER DISABLE TIME-OUT tDISS (µs)
13
11
4
8
2
–50
12
9 10
VDD (V)
CFG = CCG = 4700pF
10
4
–40
11
8
7
Undervoltage Lockout Threshold
vs Temperature
12
6
10
VDD (V)
6
1698 G21
VUVLO (V)
–20
9
5
CFG = CCG = 3300pF
14
IVDD (mA)
OPTO DRIVER SHORT-CIRCUIT CURRENT (mA)
TA = 25°C
fSYNC = 100kHz
18
16
8
1.24
5
20
–10
7
1.48
IVDD vs VDD
TA = 25°C
VOPTODRV = 1.233V
6
1.72
1698 G20
Opto Driver Short-Circuit Current
vs VDD
5
1.96
25 50 75 100 125 150
TEMPERATURE (°C)
1698 G19
0
TA = 25°C
1.00
1.00
–50 –25
50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500
fSYNC (kHz)
2.20
VDD = 8V
SYNC POSITIVE THRESHOLD (V)
40
IVDD (mA)
2.25
VDD = 8V
TA = 25°C
45
SYNC POSITIVE THRESHOLD (V)
50
SYNC Positive Threshold
vs VDD
1698 G27
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LTC1698
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PI FU CTIO S
VDD (Pin 1): Power Supply Input. For isolated applications, a simple rectifier from the power transformer is
used to power the chip. This pin powers the opto driver,
the VAUX supply and the FG and CG drivers. An internal 5V
regulator powers the remaining circuitry. VDD requires an
external 4.7µF bypass capacitor.
CG (Pin 2): Catch Gate Driver. If SYNC slews positive, CG
pulls high to drive an external N-channel MOSFET. CG
draws power from the VDD pin and swings between VDD
and PGND.
PGND (Pin 3): Power Ground. Connect PGND to a low
impedance ground plane in close proximity to the ground
terminal of the external current sensing resistor.
GND (Pin 4): Logic and Signal Ground. GND is referenced
to the internal low power circuitry. Careful board layout
techniques must be used to prevent corruption of signal
ground reference. Connect GND and PGND together directly at the LTC1698.
compensates the feedback loop. If VFB goes low, VCOMP
pulls high and OPTODRV goes low.
OVPIN (Pin 9): Overvoltage Input. OVPIN is a high impedance input to an internal comparator. The threshold of this
comparator is set to 1.233V. If the OVPIN potential is
higher than the threshold voltage, OPTODRV pulls high
immediately. Use an external RC lowpass filter to prevent
noisy signals from triggering this comparator.
PWRGD (Pin 10): Power Good Output. This is an opendrain output. PWRGD floats if VFB is above 94% of the
nominal value for more than 2ms. PWRGD pulls low if VFB
is below 94% of the nominal value for more than 1ms. The
PWRGD threshold is independent of the MARGIN pin
potential.
ISNSGND (Pin 11): Current Sense Ground. Connect to the
positive side of the sense resistor, normally grounded.
ISNS (Pin 12): Current Sense Input. Connect to the negative side of the sense resistor through an external RC
lowpass filter. This pin normally sees a negative voltage,
which is proportional to the average load current. If
current limit is exceeded, OPTODRV pulls high.
OPTODRV (Pin 5): Optocoupler Driver Output. This pin
drives a ground referenced optocoupler through an external resistor. If VFB is low, OPTODRV pulls low. If VFB is
high, OPTODRV pulls high. This optocoupler driver has a
DC gain of 5. During overvoltage or overcurrent conditions, OPTODRV pulls high. The output is capable of
sourcing 10mA of current and will drive an external 0.1µF
capacitive load and is short-circuit protected.
ICOMP (Pin 13): Current Amplifier Output. An RC network
at this pin compensates the current limit feedback loop.
Referencing the RC to VOUT controls output voltage overshoot on start-up. This pin can float if current limit loop
compensation is not required.
VCOMP (Pin 6): Error Amplifier Output. This error amplifier
is able to drive more than 2kΩ and 100pF of load. The
internal diode connected from VFB to VCOMP reduces
OPTODRV recovery time under start-up conditions.
VAUX (Pin 14): Auxiliary 3.3V Logic Supply. This pin
requires a 0.1µF or greater bypass capacitor. This auxiliary
power supply can power external devices and sources
10mA of current. Internal current limiting is provided.
MARGIN (Pin 7): Current Input to Adjust the Output
Voltage Linearly. The MARGIN pin connects to an internal
16.5k resistor. The other end of this resistor is regulated
to 1.65V. Connecting MARGIN to a 3.3V logic supply
sources 100µA of current into the chip and moves the
output voltage 5% higher. Connecting MARGIN to 0V
sinks 100µA out of the pin and moves the regulated output
voltage 5% lower. The MARGIN pin voltage does not affect
the PWRGD and OVPIN trip points.
SYNC (Pin 15): Drivers Synchronization Input. A negative
voltage slew at SYNC forces FG to pull high and CG to pull
low. A positive voltage slew at SYNC resets the FG pin and
CG pulls high. If SYNC loses its synchronization signal for
more than the driver disable time-out interval, both the
forward and catch drivers output are forced low. The SYNC
circuit accepts pulse and square wave signals. The minimum pulse width is 75ns. The synchronization frequency
range is between 50kHz to 400kHz.
VFB (Pin 8): Feedback Voltage. VFB senses the regulated
output voltage through an external resistor divider. The
VFB pin is servoed to the reference voltage of 1.233V under
closed-loop conditions. An RC network from VFB to VCOMP
FG (Pin 16): Forward Gate Driver. If SYNC slews negative,
FG goes high. FG draws power from VDD and swings
between VDD and PGND.
1698f
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BLOCK DIAGRA
1
VDD
14
15
VAUX
AUX GEN
VCC GEN
FG
VCC
SYNC
CG
7
16
SYNC IN
2
RMARGIN
MARGIN
I-TO-V CONVERTER
BANDGAP
±5% VREF
VREF
+
5
OPTODRV
OPTO
–
+
20k
ERR
VFB
–
100k
VCOMP
10
PWRGD
MPWRGD
ISNSGND
+
MILIM
ILIM
–
25mV
–
RILIM
3k
+
ICOMP
PWRGD
+
ROVP
3k
VFB
ISNS
0.94VREF
+
8
6
11
12
13
VREF
OVP
–
OVPIN
9
1698 BD
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OPERATIO
(Refer to Block Diagram)
The LTC1698 is a secondary-side synchronous rectifier
controller designed to work with the LT3781 primary-side
synchronous controller chip to form an isolated synchronous forward converter. This chip set uses a dual transistor forward topology that is predominantly used in distributed power supply systems where isolated low voltages
are needed to power complex electronic equipment. The
primary stage is a current mode, fixed frequency forward
converter and provides the typical PWM operation. A
power transformer is used to provide the functions of
input/output isolation and voltage step-down to achieve
the required low output voltage. Instead of using typical
Schottky diodes, synchronous rectification on the secondary offers isolation with high efficiency. It supplies
high power without the need of bulky heat sinks, which is
often a problem in any space constrained application.
The LTC1698 not only provides synchronous drivers for
the external MOSFETs, it comes with other housekeeping
functions performed on the secondary side of the power
supply, all within a single integrated controller. Figure 1
shows the typical chip-set application. Upon power up, the
LTC1698’s VDD input is low, the gate drivers TG and BG are
both at the ground potential. The secondary forward and
1698f
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OPERATIO
(Refer to Block Diagram)
catch MOSFETs Q3 and Q4 are off. As soon as transistors
Q1 and Q2 turn on, the flux in the power transformer T1
forces the body diodes of Q3 and Q4 to conduct, and the
whole circuit starts like a conventional forward converter.
At the same time, the LTC1698 VDD potential ramps up
quickly through the VDD bias circuitry. Once the VDD
voltage exceeds 4.0V, the LTC1698 enables its drivers and
enters synchronous operation.
forcing the error amplifier reference voltage to move
linearly by ±5%. The internal RMARGIN resistor converts
the MARGIN voltage to a current and linearly controls the
offset of the error amplifier. Connecting the MARGIN pin
to 3.3V increases the VFB voltage by 5%, and connecting
the MARGIN pin to 0V reduces VFB by 5%. With the
MARGIN pin floating, the VFB voltage is regulated to the
internal bandgap voltage.
The pulse transformer T2 synchronizes the primary and
secondary MOSFET drivers. In a typical conversion cycle,
the primary MOSFETs Q1 and Q2 turn on simultaneously.
SG goes low and generates a negative spike at the LTC1698
SYNC input through the pulse transformer. The LTC1698
forces FG to turn on and CG to turn off. Power is delivered
to the load through the transformer T1 and the inductor L1.
At the beginning of the next phase in which Q1 and Q2 turn
off, SG goes high, SYNC sees a positive spike, the MOSFET
Q3 shuts off, Q4 conducts and allows continuous current
to flow through the inductor L1. The capacitor COUT filters
the switching waveform to provide a steady DC output
voltage for the load.
The current limit transconductance amplifier ILIM provides
the secondary side average current limit function. The
average voltage drops across the RSECSEN resistor is
sensed and compared to the – 25mV threshold set by the
internal ILIM amplifier. Once ILIM detects high output
current, the current amplifier output pulls high, overrides
the error amplifier, injects more current into the photo
diode and forces a lower duty cycle. An RC network
connected to the ICOMP pin is used to stabilize the secondary current limit loop. Alternatively, if only overcurrent
fault protection is required, ICOMP can float.
The LTC1698 error amplifier ERR senses the output voltage through an external resistor divider and regulates the
VFB pin potential to the 1.233V internal bandgap voltage.
An external RC network across the VFB and VCOMP pins
frequency compensates the error amplifier feedback. The
opto driver amplifies the voltage difference between the
VCOMP pin and the bandgap potential, driving the external
optocoupler diode with an inverting gain of 5. The
optocoupler feeds the amplified output error signal to the
primary controller and closes the forward converter voltage feedback loop. Under start-up conditions, the internal
diode across the LTC1698 error amplifier clamps the
VCOMP pin. This speeds up the opto driver recovery time by
reducing the negative slew rate excursion at the COMP pin.
The forward converter output voltage can be easily adjusted. The potential at the MARGIN pin is capable of
If under abnormal conditions the feedback path is broken,
OVPIN provides another route for overvoltage fault protection. If the voltage at OVPIN is higher than the bandgap
voltage, the OVP comparator forces OPTODRV high immediately. A simple external RC filter prevents a momentary overshoot at OVPIN from triggering the OVP
comparator. Short OVPIN to ground if this pin is not used.
The LTC1698 provides an open-drain PWRGD output. If
VFB is less than 94% of its nominal value for more than
1ms, the PWRGD comparator pulls the PWRGD pin low.
If VFB is higher than 94% of its nominal value for more than
2ms, the transistor MPWRGD shuts off, and an external
resistor pulls the PWRGD pin high.
The LTC1698 provides an auxiliary 3.3V logic power
supply. This auxiliary power supply is externally compensated with a minimum 0.1µF bypass capacitor. It supplies
up to 10mA of current to any external devices.
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Undervoltage Lockout
In UVLO (low VDD voltage) the drivers FG and CG are shut
off and the pins OPTODRV, VAUX, PWRGD and ICOMP are
forced low. The LTC1698 allows the bandgap and the
internal bias currents to reach their steady-state values
before releasing UVLO. Typically, this happens when VDD
reaches approximately 4.0V. Beyond this threshold, the
drivers start switching. The OPTODRV, VAUX, PWRGD and
ICOMP pins return to their normal values and the chip is
fully functional. However, if the VDD voltage is less than 7V,
the OPTODRV and VAUX current sourcing capabilities are
limited. See the OPTO driver graphs in the Typical Performance Characteristics section.
supply requirement. Under start-up conditions, it must be
small enough to power up instantaneously, enabling the
LTC1698 to regulate the feedback loop. Using a larger
capacitor requires evaluation of the start-up performance.
SYNC Input
Figure 3 shows the synchronous forward converter application. The primary controller LT3781 runs at a fixed
frequency and controls MOSFETs Q1 and Q2. The secondary controller LTC1698 controls MOSFETs Q3 and Q4. An
inexpensive, small-size pulse transformer T2 synchronizes the primary and the secondary controllers. Figure 4
shows the pulse transformer timing waveforms. When the
LT3781 synchronization output SG goes low, MOSFET
VDD Regulator
L1
The bias supply for the LTC1698 is generated by peak
rectifying the isolated transformer secondary winding. As
shown in Figure 2, the zener diode Z1 is connected from
base of Q5 to ground such that the emitter of Q5 is
regulated to one diode drop below the zener voltage. RZ is
selected to bring Z1 into conduction and also provide base
current to Q5. A resistor (on the order of a few hundred
ohms), in series with the base of Q5, may be required to
surpress high frequency oscillations depending on Q5’s
selection. A power MOSFET can also be used by increasing
the zener diode value to offset the drop of the gate-tosource voltage. VDD supply current varies linearly with the
supply voltage, driver load and clock frequency. A 4.7µF
bypass capacitor for the VDD supply is sufficient for most
applications. This capacitor must be large enough to
provide a stable DC voltage to meet the LTC1698 VDD
VOUT
TG
VIN
PRIMARY
CONTROLLER
LT3781
SG
BG
Q1
D1
Q4
•
CG
•
SECONDARY
CONTROLLER
LTC1698
T1
D2
Q2
Q3
•
CSG
T2
COUT
FG SYNC
1698 F03
•
CSYNC
RSYNC
PRIMARY
SECONDARY
ISOLATION BARRIER
Figure 3. Synchronization Using Pulse Transformer
TG
VSECONDARY
BG
1Ω
SG
D3
RZ
2k
RB*
0.47µF
Z1
10V
SYNC
Q5
FZT690
VDD
FG
4.7µF
CG
*RB IS OPTIONAL, SEE TEXT
1698 F04
1698 F02
Figure 2. VDD Regulator
Figure 4. Primary Side and Secondary Side
Synchronization Waveforms
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drivers TG and BG go high. The pulse transformer T2
generates a negative slew at the SYNC pin and forces the
secondary MOSFET driver FG to go high and CG to go low.
When TG and BG go low, SG goes high and the secondary
controller forces CG high and FG low.
For a given pulse transformer, a bigger capacitor CSG
generates a higher and wider SYNC pulse. The peak of this
pulse should be much higher than the SYNC threshold.
Amplitudes greater than ±5V help to speed up the SYNC
comparator and reduce the SYNC to FG and CG drivers
propagation delay. The minimum pulse width is 75ns.
Overshoot during the pulse transformer reset interval
must be minimized and kept below the minimum comparator thresholds of ±1V. The amount of overshoot can
be reduced by having a smaller reset resistor RSYNC. For
nonisolated applications, the SYNC input can be driven
directly by a square pulse. To reduce the propagation
delay, make the positive and negative magnitude of the
square wave much greater than the ±2.2V maximum
threshold.
In addition to the simple driver synchronization, the secondary controller requires a driver disable signal. Loss of
synchronization while CG is high will cause Q4 to discharge the output capacitor. This produces a negative
output voltage transient and possible damage to the load
circuitry connected to VOUT. To overcome this problem,
the LTC1698 comes with a unique adaptive time-out
circuit. It works well within the 50kHz to 400kHz frequency
range. At every positive SYNC pulse, the internal timer
resets. If the SYNC signal is missing, the internal timer
loses its reset command, and eventually exceeds the
internal time-out limit. This forces both the FG and CG
drivers to go low immediately.
The time-out duration varies linearly with the LT3781
primary controller clocking frequency. Upon power up,
the time-out circuitry takes a few clock cycles to adapt to
the input clock frequency. During this time interval, the
drivers pulse width might be prematurely terminated, and
the inductor current flows through the MOSFETs body
diode. Once the LTC1698 timer locks to the clocking
frequency, the LTC1698 drivers follow the SYNC signal
without fail. Figure 5 shows the SYNC time-out wave-
SG
SYNC
FG
CG
RESET
(INTERNAL)
DISDRI
(INTERNAL)
1698 F05
Figure 5. SYNC Time-Out Waveforms
forms. The time-out circuit guarantees that if the SYNC
pulse is missing for more than one period, both the
drivers will be shut down preventing the output voltage
from going below ground. The wide synchronization
frequency range adds flexibility to the forward converter
and allows this converter chip set to meet different
application requirements.
Under normal operating conditions, the time-out circuitry
adapts to the switching frequency within a few cycles.
Once synchronized, internal circuitry ensures the maximum time that the Catch FET (Q4) could be left turned on
is typically just over one switching period. This is particularly important with high output voltages that can generate
significant negative output inductor currents if the Catch
FET Q4 is left on. Poor feedback loop performance including output voltage overshoot can cause the primary controller to interrupt the synchronization pulse train. While
this generally is not a problem, it is possible that low
frequency interruptions could lead to a time-out period
longer than a switching period, limited only by the internal
timer clamp (50µs typical).
Output Voltage Programming
The switching regulator output voltage is programmed
through a resistor feedback network (R1 and R2 in
Figure 1) connected to VFB. If the output is at its nominal
value, the divider output is regulated to the error amplifier
threshold of 1.233V.
The output voltage is thus set according to the relation:
VOUT = 1.233 • (1 + R2/R1)
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MARGIN Adjustment
The MARGIN input is used for adjusting the programmed
output voltage linearly by varying the current flowing into
and out of the pin. Forcing 100µA into the pin moves the
output voltage 5% higher. Forcing 100µA out of the pin
moves the output voltage 5% lower. With the MARGIN pin
floating, the VFB pin is regulated to the bandgap voltage of
1.233V. The MARGIN pin is a high impedance input. It is
important to keep this pin away from any noise source like
the inductor switching node. Any stray signal coupled to
the MARGIN pin can affect the switching regulator output
voltage.
This pin is internally connected to a 16.5k resistor that
feeds the I-V converter. The I-V converter output linearly
controls the error amplifier offset voltage. The input of the
I-V converter is biased at 1.65V. This allows the ±100µA
current to be obtained by connecting the MARGIN pin to
the VAUX 3.3V supply (+ 5%) or GND (– 5%). For output
voltage adjustment smaller than ±5%, an external resistor
REXT as shown in Figure 6 is added in series with the
internal resistor to lower the current flowing into or out of
the MARGIN pin. The value of REXT is calculated as follow:


5%
REXT = 
– 1 • 16.5k
 REQUIRED % 
REXT
(OPTIONAL)
REDUCE
VFB
INCREASE
VFB
BANDGAP
VOVERVOLTAGE = 1.233 • (1 + R5/R4)
The OVP comparator is designed to respond quickly to an
overvoltage condition. A small capacitor from OVPIN to
ground keeps any noise spikes from coupling to the OVP
pin. This simple RC filter prevents a momentary overshoot
from triggering the OVP comparator.
The OVP comparator threshold is independent of the
potential at the MARGIN pin. If the OVP function is not
used, connect OVPIN to ground.
The PWRGD pin is an open-drain output for power good
indication. PWRGD floats if VFB is above 94% of the
nominal value for more than 2ms. An external pull-up
resistor is required for PWRGD to swing high. PWRGD
pulls low if VFB drops below 94% of the nominal value for
more than 1ms. The PWRGD threshold is referenced to the
1.233V bandgap voltage, which remains unchanged if the
MARGIN pin is exercised.
I-V CONVERTER
MARGIN
The OVPIN senses the output voltage through a resistor
divider network (R4 and R5 in Figure 1). The divider is
ratioed such that the voltage at OVPIN equals 1.233V when
the output voltage rises to the overvoltage level. The
overvoltage level is set following the relation:
Power Good
RMARGIN
7
VFB loop causes the error amplifier to drive the OPTODRV
pin low, forcing the primary controller to increase the duty
cycle. This causes the output voltage to increase to a
dangerously high level. To eliminate this fault condition,
the OVP comparator monitors the output voltage with a
resistive divider at OVPIN. A voltage at OVPIN higher than
the VREF potential forces the OPTODRV pin high and
reduces the duty cycle, thus preventing the output voltage
from increasing further.
VREF
±5% VREF
+
VDD
ERR
VAUX
3.3V
14
0.1µF
VAUX
AUX GEN
–
VFB
VCOMP
8
6
1698 F06
Figure 6. Output Voltage Adjustment
Overvoltage Function
The OVPIN is used for overvoltage protection and is
designed to protect against an open VFB loop. Opening the
Opto Feedback and Frequency Compensation
For a forward converter to obtain good load and line
regulation, the output voltage must be sensed and compared to an accurate reference potential. Any error voltage
must be amplified and fed back to the supply’s control
circuitry where the sensed error can be corrected. In an
isolated supply, the control circuitry is frequently located
on the primary. The output error signal in this type of
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supply must cross the isolation boundary. Coupling this
signal requires an element that will withstand the isolation
potentials and still transfer the loop error signal.
Optocouplers are widely used for this function due to their
ability to couple DC signals. To properly apply them, a
number of factors must be considered. The gain, or
current transfer ratio (CTR) through an optocoupler is
loosely specified and is a strong function of the input
current through the diode. It changes considerably as a
function of time (aging) and temperature. The amount of
aging accelerates with higher operating current. This
variation directly affects the overall loop gain of the system. To be an effective optical detector, the output transistor of the optocoupler must have a large base area to
collect the light energy. This gives it a large collector to
base capacitance which can introduce a pole into the
feedback loop. This pole varies considerably with the
current and interacts with the overall loop frequency
compensation network.
increases the frequency response. Figure 7 shows the
optocoupler feedback circuitry using the common collector approach. Note that the terms RD, CTR, CDE and rπ vary
from part to part. They also change with bias current. The
dominant pole of the opto feedback is due to RF and CF. The
feedforward capacitor CK at the optocoupler creates a low
frequency zero. This zero should be chosen to provide a
phase boost at the loop crossover frequency. The parallel
combination of RK and RD form a high frequency pole with
CK. For most optocouplers, RD is 50Ω at a DC bias of 1mA,
and 25Ω at a DC bias of 2mA. The CTR term is the small
signal AC current transfer ratio. For the QT Optoelectronics MOC207 optocoupler used here, the AC CTR is around
1, even though the DC CTR is much lower when biased at
1mA or 2mA. The first denominator term in the VC/VOUT
equation has been simplified and assumes that CFB<<CC.
The actual term is:
The common collector optocoupler configuration removes
the miller effect due to the parasitic capacitance and

C •C 
s • R2 • (C C + C FB )•  1 + s • RC • C FB 
C C + C FB 

 R • CTR 
(1 + s • C C • RC )
(1 + s • RK • C K )
1
1
VC
=–
•5•
• F
•
•


(s • R2 • C C )• (1 + s • RC • C FB )
VOUT
RK • RD   RD + RK  (1 + s • rπ • C DE ) (1 + s • RF • C F )
1
+
•
•
s
C
K


RK + RD 

where:
RD = Optocoupler diode equivalent small − signal resis tan ce
CTR = Optocoupler current transfer ratio
C DE = Optocoupler nonlinear capacitor across base to emitter
= Optocoupler small − signal resis tan ce across the base emitter
rπ
LTC1698
+
OPTODRV
LT3781
VCC
+
RK
–
CK
+
20k
MOC207
VFB
–
VFB
R1
VCOMP
CC
VC
VOUT
VREF
R2
100k
VREF
–
VREF
RC
RE
CFB
RF
CF
1698 F07
Figure 7. Error Signal Feedback
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A series RC network can be added in parallel with R2
(Figure 7) to provide a zero for the feedback loop frequency compensation.
The opto driver will drive a capacitive load up to 0.1µF. For
optocouplers with a base pin, switching signal noise can
get into this high impedance node. Connect a large resistor, 1M or 2M between the base and the emitter. This
increases the diode current and the overall feedback
bandwidth slightly, and decreases the optocoupler gain.
When designing the resistor in series with the optocoupler
diode, it is important to consider the part to part variations
in the current transfer ratio and its reduction over temperature and aging. The bigger the biasing current, the
faster the aging. The LTC1698 opto driver is designed to
source up to 10mA of current and swing between 0.4V to
(VDD – 2.5V). This should meet the design consideration
of most optocouplers.
Besides the voltage feedback function, the LTC1698 opto
driver couples fault signals to the primary controller and
prevents catastrophic damage to the circuit. Upon current
limit or an overvoltage fault, the ILIM or OVP comparator
overrides the error amplifier output and forces the
OPTODRV pin high. This sources maximum current into
the external optodiode and reduces the forward converter
duty cycle.
amplifier ILIM has a – 25mV threshold. As shown in
Figure 8, if the secondary current is small, the ICOMP pin
goes low and the transistor MILIM shuts off. The potential
at VCOMP determines the OPTODRV output. If the secondary current is large, ICOMP pulls high and forces the transistor MILIM to turn on hard. Thus the current limit circuit
overrides the voltage feedback and forces OPTODRV high
and injects maximum current into the external optocoupler.
The RILIM resistor provides a linear relationship between
the current sensed and the OPTODRV output.
The ISNS and ISNSGND pins allow a true Kelvin current
sense measurement and offer true differential measurement across the sense resistor. A differential lowpass
filter formed by R6 and C2 removes the pulse-to-pulse
inductor current ripple and generates the average secondary current which is equal to the load current. The
lowpass corner frequency is typically set to 1 to 2 orders
of magnitude below the switching frequency and follows
the relationship:
25mV
ILMAX
1
R6 =
fSW
2 • π • C2 •
10
RSECSEN =
where:
Average Current Limit
The secondary current limit function is implemented by
measuring the negative voltage across the current sense
resistor RSECSEN. The current limit transconductance
RSECSEN = Secondary current sense resistor
ILMAX = Maximum allowed secondary current
fSW = Forward converter switching frequency
DRIVE
CG
+
5
OPTODRV
OPTO
–
VOUT
VREF
FG
20k
VCOMP
100k
13
ICOMP
MILIM
+
ISNS
Q4
16
ISNSGND
T1
Q3
R6
12
C2
ILIM
RILIM
3k
+
CCILM
25mV
–
RCILM
2
RDIV
(OPTIONAL)
R6
RSECSEN
11
1698 F08
LTC1698
Figure 8. Secondary Average Current Limit
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If the application generates a bigger current sense voltage,
a potential divider can be easily obtained by adding a
resistor across C2. With this additional resistor, the voltage sensed by the current comparator becomes:
RDIV
• VRSENSE
RDIV + (2 • R6)
An RC network formed by RCILM and CCILM between ICOMP
and VOUT can be used to stabilize the current limit loop.
Connecting the compensation network to VOUT minimizes
output overshoot during start-up or short-circuit recovery. The RCILM and CCILM zero should be chosen to be well
within the closed-loop crossover frequency. This pin can
be left floating if current loop compensation is not required. The forward converter secondary current limit function can be disabled by shorting ISNS and ISNSGND to ground.
Auxiliary 3.3V Logic Power Supply
An internal P-channel LDO (low dropout regulator) produces the 3.3V auxiliary supply that can power external
devices or drive the MARGIN pin. This supply can source
up to 10mA of current and the current limit is provided
internally. The pin requires at least a 0.1µF bypass
capacitor.
MOSFET Selection
Two logic-level N-channel power MOSFETs (Q3 and Q4 in
Figure 1) are required for most LTC1698 circuits. They are
selected based primarily on the on-resistance and body
diode considerations. The required MOSFET RDS(ON) should
be determined based on input and output voltage, allowable power dissipation and maximum required output
current.
The average inductor (L1) current is equal to the output
load current. This current is always flowing through either
Q3 or Q4 with the power dissipation split up according to
the duty cycle:
VOUT NP
•
VIN NS
V
N 
DC (Q 4) = 1 –  OUT • P 
 VIN NS 
DC (Q 3) =
where NP/NS is the turns ratio of the transformer T1.
The RDS(ON) required for a given conduction loss can now
be calculated by rearranging the relation P = I2R.
2
PMAX(Q3) = IMAX • RDS(ON)Q3 • DC (Q 3)
PMAX(Q3)
⇒ RDS(ON)Q3 =
2
IMAX • DC (Q 3)
2
PMAX(Q4) = IMAX • RDS(ON)Q4 • DC (Q 4)
⇒ RDS(ON)Q4 =
PMAX(Q4)
2
IMAX • DC (Q 4)
where IMAX is the maximum load current and PMAX is the
allowable conduction loss.
In a typical 2-transistor forward converter circuit, the duty
cycle is less than 50% to prevent the transformer core
from saturating. This results in the duty cycle of Q4 being
greater than that of Q3. Q4 will dissipate more power due
to the higher duty cycle. A lower RDS(ON) MOSFET can be
used for Q4. This will slow down the turn-on time of Q4
since a lower RDS(ON) MOSFET will have a larger gate
capacitance.
The next consideration for the MOSFET is the characteristic of the body diode. The body diodes conduct during the
power-up phase, when the LTC1698 VDD supply is ramping up and the time-out circuit is adapting to the SYNC
input frequency. The CG and FG signals terminate prematurely and the inductor current flows through the body
diodes. The body diodes must be able to take the comparable amount of current as the MOSFETs. Most power
MOSFETs have the same current rating for the body diode
and the MOSFET itself.
The LTC1698 CG and FG MOSFET drivers will dissipate
power. This will increase with higher switching frequency,
higher VDD or larger MOSFETs. To calculate the driver
dissipation, the total gate charge Qg is used. This parameter is found on the MOSFET manufacturers data sheet.
The power dissipated in each LTC1698 MOSFET driver is:
PDRIVER = Qg • VDD • fSW
where fSW is the switching frequency of the converter.
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Power Transformer Selection
The forward transformer provides DC isolation and delivers energy from the primary to the secondary. Unlike the
flyback topology, the transformer in the forward converter
is not an energy storage device. As such, ungapped ferrite
material is typically used. Select a power material rated
with low loss at the switching frequency. Many core
manufacturers have selection guides and application notes
for transformer design. A brief overview of the more
important design considerations is presented here.
For operating frequencies greater than 100kHz, the flux
in the core is usually limited by core loss, not saturation.
It is important to review both criteria when selecting the
transformer. The AC operating flux density for core loss is
given by:
B AC =
VIN • DC • 108
2 • NP • Ae • fSW
where:
BAC is the AC operating flux density (gauss)
DC is the operating duty cycle
Ae is the effective cross sectional core area (cm2)
fSW is the switching frequency
To prevent core saturation during a transient condition,
the peak flux density is:
BPK =
VIN(MAX) • DC (MAX)• 108
NP • Ae • f SW
The core must be sized to provide sufficient window area
for the amount of wire and insulation needed. The best
performance is achieved by making each winding a single
layer evenly distributed across the width of the bobbin.
Multiple layers may be used to increase the copper area.
Interleaving the primary and secondary windings will
decrease the leakage inductance.
In a single-ended forward converter, much of the energy
stored in the leakage inductance is dissipated in the
primary-side MOSFET during turn-off. It is good design
practice to sandwich the secondary winding between two
primary windings.
For the 2-transistor forward converter shown in Figure 1,
energy stored in the leakage inductance is returned to the
input by diodes D1 and D2. With this topology, additional
insulation for higher isolation can be used without significant penalty.
For a more detailed discussion on transformer core and
winding losses, see Application Note AN19.
Inductor Selection
The output inductor in a typical LTC1698 circuit is chosen
for inductance value and saturation current rating. The
output inductor in a forward converter operates the same
as in a buck regulator. The inductance sets the ripple
current, which is commonly chosen to be 40% of the full
load current. Ripple current is set by:
IRIPPLE =
VOUT • tOFF(MAX)
where:
The minimum secondary turns count is:
NS(MIN)
VOUT + VD
= NP •
VIN(MIN)• D C (MAX)
where:
VOUT is the secondary output voltage
VD is the voltage drop across the rectifier in the secondary
VIN(MIN) is the minimum input voltage
DC(MAX) is the maximum duty cycle
L
tOFF(MAX) =
(1– DC (MIN))
fSW
and DC(MIN) is calculated based on the maximum input
voltage.
DC (MIN) =
NP
V
• OUT
NS VIN(MAX)
1698f
16
LTC1698
U
W
U U
APPLICATIO S I FOR ATIO
Once the value of the inductor has been determined, an
inductor with sufficient DC current rating is selected. Core
saturation must be avoided under all operating conditions.
Under start-up conditions, the converter sees a short
circuit while charging the output capacitor. If the inductor
saturates, the peak current will dramatically increase. The
current will be limited only by the primary controller
minimum on time and the circuit impedances.
High efficiency converters generally cannot afford the core
loss found in low cost iron powder cores, forcing the use
of more expensive ferrite, molypermalloy, or Kool Mµ®
cores. As inductance increases, core loss goes down.
Increased inductance requires more turns of wire so
copper losses will increase. The optimum inductor will
have equal core and copper loss.
Ferrite designs have very low core losses and are preferred
at higher switching frequencies. Therefore, design goals
concentrate on minimizing copper loss and preventing
saturation. Kool Mµ is a very good, low-loss powder
material with a “soft” saturation characteristic.
Molypermalloy is more efficient at higher switching frequencies, but is also more expensive. Surface mount
designs are available from many manufacturers using all
of these materials.
Output Capacitor Selection
The output capacitor selection is primarily determined by
the effective series resistance (ESR) to minimize voltage
ripple. In a forward converter application, the inductor
current is constantly flowing to the output capacitor,
therefore, the ripple current at the output capacitor is
small. The output ripple voltage is approximately given by:


1
VRIPPLE ≈ IRIPPLE •  ESR +

8 • fSW • C OUT 

The output ripple is highest at maximum input voltage
since IRIPPLE increases with input voltage. Typically, once
the ESR requirement for COUT has been satisfied the
capacitance is adequate for filtering and has the required
RMS current rating.
Fast load current transitions at the output will appear as a
voltage across the ESR of the output capacitor until the
feedback loop can change the inductor current to match
the new load current value. As an example: at 3.3V out, a
10A load step with a 0.01Ω ESR output capacitor would
experience a 100mV step at the output, a 3% output
change. In surface mount applications, multiple capacitors may have to be placed in parallel to meet the ESR
requirement.
PC Board Layout Checklist
When laying out the printed circuit board, the following
checklist should be used to ensure proper operation of the
LTC1698. These items are also illustrated graphically in
Figure 9. Check the following for your layout:
1. Keep the power circuit and the signal circuit segregated. Place the power circuit, shown in bold, so that
the two MOSFET drain connections are made directly at
the transformer. The two MOSFET sources should be as
close together as possible.
2. Connect PGND directly to the sense resistor with as
short a path as possible. The MOSFET gate drive return
currents flow through this connection.
3. Connect the 4.7µF ceramic capacitor directly between
VDD and PGND. This supplies the FG and CG drivers and
must supply the gate drive current.
4. Bypass the VAUX supply with a 0.1µF ceramic capacitor
returned to GND.
5. Place all signal components in close proximity to their
associated LTC1698 pins. Return all signal component
grounds directly to the GND pin. One common connection can be made to VOUT+ from R2, R5 and CCILM.
6. Make the connection between GND and PGND right at
the LTC1698 pins.
7. Use a Kelvin-sense connection from the ISNS and ISNSGND
pins to the secondary-side current-limit resistor
RSECSEN.
Kool Mµ is a registered trademark of Magnetics, Inc.
1698f
17
LTC1698
U
W
U U
APPLICATIO S I FOR ATIO
L1
VOUT+
•
•
T1
+
1Ω
Q3
COUT
Q4
RSECSEN
VOUT –
D3
1
C4
2
•
•
T2
4.7µF
R7
FG
LTC1698
CG
SYNC
3
R2
VAUX
PGND
4 GND
5
6
RK
MOC207
R1
CK
VDD
RC
CC
7
CFB
8
ICOMP
ISNS
OPTODRV
ISENSGND
VCOMP
MARGIN
PWRGD
VFB
OVPIN
16
CCILM
15
RCILM
14
R5
13
1k
12
0.1µF
11
10
1k
0.1µF
9
0.1µF
BOLD LINES INDICATE HIGH CURRENT PATHS
R4
1698 F09
Figure 9. LTC1698 Layout Diagram
VOUT1
3.3V
AT 10A
L1
VIN
36V
TO 72V
VCC
BIAS
10k
VCC BOOST
VDD
•
•
CMDSH-3
SYNC GBIAS
VCOMP
10pF
CG
4.7µF
LT3710
VFB
CS
680pF
FG
CSET
Q1
TG
L2
1.8µH
0.1µF
0.006Ω
SW
ISNS
LTC1698
10k
180pF
TG BG
LT3781
SG
•
•
+
Q2
ILCOMP BG
0.01µF
SS
B340A
VOUT2
1.8V
AT 10A
COUT2
4700pF
VAOUT
BGS
SYNC
3.3k
3.01k
220Ω
33nF
PGND
VFB
CL– CL+
2.32k
1698 F10
OPTODRV
VC
+
–
VREF
GND
VFB
ISOLATION
BOUNDARY
COUT2: POSCAP, 680µF/4V
L2: SUMIDA CEP125-IR8MC-H
Q1, Q2: SILICONIX Si7440DP
Figure 10. Simplified Single Secondary Winding 3.3V and 1.8V Output Isolated DC/DC Converter
1698f
18
4.7µF
16V
1000pF
10k
VIN
5241B
11V
20k
270k
0.25W
VIN
MMBD4148
VCC
1µF
ON/OFF
VIN–
0.56µH
DO1813P-561HC
VCC
0.1µF
100V
100Ω
FMMT718
FMMT619
VCC
B2100
10k
0.047µF
330pF
BAT54
1.24k
1%
1µF
5VREF
52.3k
1%
5
RT1
100k
82pF
6
0Ω
7
0.1µF
8
4
10Ω
10
3300pF
3k
1k
5VREF
5
6
7
1•
4
MOC207
8
4 3
220pF
0Ω
2
1
•8
7
T2
PULSE ENG
P2033
2200pF
250VAC
3.3Ω
2200pF
4700pF
VOUT
1µF
16V
1
VAUX
FG
16
GND
4
LTC1698
ISNSGND
11
0.22µF
50V
PGND
3
ISNS
12
2k
0.25W
1000pF
2
6
ICOMP
MARGIN
OVPIN
VFB
VCOMP
PWRGD
10
CG
13
7
9
8
0.022µF
3.3k
1698 F11
1.24k
1%
VOUT–
RTN
VOUT+
5V /30A
976Ω
1%
VOUT
TRIM
3.01k
1%
VOUT
22µF
6.3V
4.22k
1%
470µF
6.3V
POSCAP
470µF
6.3V
Si7884DP Si7884DP Si7884DP POSCAP
+
470µF
6.3V
POSCAP
+
+
470µF
6.3V
POSCAP
VOUT
+
OPTODRV
SYNC
VDD
0.1µF
14
5
15
MMBZ5240B
100Ω
0.25W
Si7884DP
470Ω
1k
4.7µF
16V
FZT690B
B0540W
Si7884DP
1000pF
100V
10Ω
1/4W
10Ω
1/4W
1000pF
100V
PULSE
PA0265
Figure 11. 36VIN-72VIN to 5V/30A Isolated Synchronous Forward Converter
0.01µF
2.43k
1%
3
VCC
BAT54S
BAS21
3
4
2
5
7
T1
PULSE
PA0285
1
Si7456DP
BAS21
0.008Ω
1%, 1W
ZVN3310F
10Ω
B2100
Si7456DP
1mH
DO1608C-105
COILCRAFT
VCC
Si7456DP
Si7456DP
20
18
19
15
11
14
13
VCC VBST
BSTREF
TG
BG SENSE PGND 12
2
SG
OVLO
LT3781
1 SHDN
9
5VREF FSET
THERM SYNC SS SGND VC VFB
BAS21
73.2k
1%
B0540W
FZT853
1.5µF
100V
1.5µF
100V
0Ω
•
VIN
•
•
•
VIN+
36V TO 72V
LTC1698
TYPICAL APPLICATIO S
1698f
19
U
0.1µF
20V
270k
1/4W
47k
100Ω
1/4W
0.82µF
100V
×2
3300pF
10k
RIN
(OPTIONAL)
VIN
20
18
19
17
16
15
10Ω
MMBT3906
11
10k
BAT54
BAT54
0.1µF
12
VCC
330pF
ZETEX
ZVN3310F
1mH
DO1608C-105
COILCRAFT
1.24k
1%
52.3k
1%
5
RT1
100k
82pF
6
0.01µF
2.43k
1%
3
10k
7
4
4700pF
8
3k
1k
3300pF
10Ω
10
5
8
4 3
MOC207
8
100Ω
2
1
5
•4
4700pF
1k
8
470Ω
10V
MMBZ5240B
2k
PULSE ENG
PA0184
1•
3.3Ω
2200pF
250V
6
5
7
•
14
1
12
VAUX
PGND
3
OPTODRV
SYNC
11
1k
16 2
10Ω
1/4W
GND
4
LTC1698
6
PWRGD
10
7
9
8
+
+
4
3
3.01k
1%
100Ω
1/4W
3.01k
1% –SENSE
3.01k
1%
100Ω
1/4W +SENSE
+
330µF
6.3V
KEMET
T520
1.78k
1%
3.01k
1%
1698 F12
0.22µF
1.24k
1%
1k
2.43k
1%
VOUT+
VOUT+
TRIM
OPTIONAL DIFFERENTIAL SENSE**
3.01k 2
1%
–
LT1783CS5
ROUT
(OPTIONAL)
1
9V
5
+
VOUT
330µF
6.3V +
KEMET
Si7892DP Si7892DP T520
ICOMP 13
MARGIN
OVPIN
VFB
0.022µF 1k
1000pF
1000pF
100V
VCOMP
10Ω
1/4W
FG CG
Si7892DP
ISNSGND
0.1µF
1k
VDD ISNS
9V
0.1µF
5
15
4.7µF
FZT690B
MBR0540
4.7Ω
Si7892DP
1000pF
100V
330µF
6.3V
KEMET
T520
Figure 12. LT3781/LTC1698 36VIN-72VIN to 3.3V/15A Isolated Synchronous Forward Converter-Quarter Brick
1µF
5VREF
7
6
5VREF
BAT54
220pF
0.22µF
BAS21
BAS21
0.03Ω
3
4
2
1
T1
38431
SCHOTT
Si7456DP
Si7456DP
MURS120
MMBT3906
VCC
MURS120
10Ω
13
VCC VBST BSTREF TG NC NC BG SENSE SG
14
2
PGND
OVLO
LT3781
1 SHDN
9
THERM SYNC SS SGND VC VFB
5VREF FSET
BAS21
73.2k
1%
62k
1/4W
0.1µF
VIN
MMBT3904
18V
MMBZ5248B
100Ω
1/4W
0.82µF
100V
VIN
OPTIONAL FAST START*
4.7µF
5VREF
MMBD914
VCC
FQT7N10L
1000pF
VCC
+
100µF
ON/OFF
VIN–
VIN+
•
•
20
•
3.3µH
D01608C-332
COILCRAFT
VOUT–
330µF
6.3V
KEMET
T520
VOUT+
LTC1698
TYPICAL APPLICATIO S
1698f
U
1.5µF
100V
+
68µF
25V
1000pF
18V
MMBZ5248BLT1
0.33µF
50V
0.1µF
50V
270k
0.25W
20k
10k
15V
MMBZ5245BLT1
VCC
PINS 9-10 5T BIFILAR 33AWG
PINS 2-5 12T BIFILAR 33AWG
PINS 4-3 7T QUADFILAR 26AWG
PINS 7,8-11,12 12T BIFILAR 24AWG
PINS 6-4 8T QUADFILAR 26AWG
VIN–
VIN+
1.24k
1%
24k
56k
73.2k
1%
VIN
0.1µF
100V VTOP
2M
POLYESTER
FILM
1.5µF
100V
100pF
200Ω
10Ω
VCC
330pF
ZVN3310F
VTOP
BAT54
10k
BAT54
1mH
DO1608C-105
COILCRAFT
VCC
1µF
25V
5VREF
52.3k
1%
5
6
7
4700pF
8
4
10Ω
10
3300pF
3k
5
6
1
4
2
100Ω
0.25W
1k
5
7
6
1•
3
8
2
ISO1
MOC207
4 3 1
1k
4
•6
0.1µF
50V
10k
4.7µF
16V
5
15
Si4486EY
×2
VDD
1
22Ω
0.25W
470pF
100V
22Ω
0.25W
FG
16
LTC1698
2
CG
Si4486EY
×2
+
6
OVPIN
VFB
VCOMP
9
215Ω
215Ω
VOUT–
0.1µF
110Ω
0.033µF
3.3k
1000pF
8
+
68µF
25V
AVX
BAT54
0.022µF
+
68µF
25V
AVX
7
MARGIN
ICOMP 13
VAUX ISNS ISNSGND PGND GND PWRGD
14
12
11
3
4
10
OPTODRV
SYNC
470pF
100V
MURS120T3
10Ω
0.25W
FZT603
ZETEX
0.1µF
50V
4700pF
1k
220pF
10V
MMBZ5240BLT1
20k
0.25W
2200pF
250V
3.3Ω
9
10
7
8
11
12
25µH
MAG INC CORE
55380-A2 18T #18AWG
Figure 13. 36VIN-72VIN to 12V/5A Isolated Synchronous Forward Converter
82pF
3
T1
3 EFD25
T2
0.01µF
50V MIDCOM, INC
31264R
5VREF
BAT54
47Ω
0.22µF
50V
BAS21LT1
NC
VTOP
SUD40N10-25
BAS21LT1
0.025Ω
1/2W
MURS120T3
SUD40N10-25
SUD40N10-25
MURS120T3
10Ω
12 13
20
18 19
17 16 11
14
VCC VBST BSTREF TG BLKSENS BG SENSE IMAX SG
15
2
PGND
OVLO
LT3781
1 SHDN
9
5VREF FSET THERM SYNC
SGND VC VFB
SS
BAS21LT1
SQUARE 0.031 INCH
MARGIN TAPE
T1 EFD25-3F3
LP = 120µH
2mil GAP EACH LEG
1.5µF
100V
VIN
•
•
•
•
4.7µH
DO1608C-472
COILCRAFT
1698 F13
909Ω
0.1%
0.015Ω
68µF
25V
AVX
0.01µF
VOUT+
VOUT–
UNLESS NOTED:
ALL PNPs MMBT39O6LT1
1k
8.25k
0.1%
VOUT+
+
68µF
25V
AVX
VOUT+
LTC1698
TYPICAL APPLICATIO S
1698f
21
U
LTC1698
U
PACKAGE DESCRIPTIO
GN Package
16-Lead Plastic SSOP (Narrow .150 Inch)
(Reference LTC DWG # 05-08-1641)
.189 – .196*
(4.801 – 4.978)
.045 ±.005
16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9
.254 MIN
.009
(0.229)
REF
.150 – .165
.229 – .244
(5.817 – 6.198)
.0165 ± .0015
.150 – .157**
(3.810 – 3.988)
.0250 TYP
RECOMMENDED SOLDER PAD LAYOUT
1
.015 ± .004
× 45°
(0.38 ± 0.10)
.007 – .0098
(0.178 – 0.249)
.053 – .068
(1.351 – 1.727)
2 3
4
5 6
7
8
.004 – .0098
(0.102 – 0.249)
0° – 8° TYP
.016 – .050
(0.406 – 1.270)
NOTE:
1. CONTROLLING DIMENSION: INCHES
INCHES
2. DIMENSIONS ARE IN
(MILLIMETERS)
3. DRAWING NOT TO SCALE
*DIMENSION DOES NOT INCLUDE MOLD FLASH. MOLD FLASH
SHALL NOT EXCEED 0.006" (0.152mm) PER SIDE
**DIMENSION DOES NOT INCLUDE INTERLEAD FLASH. INTERLEAD
FLASH SHALL NOT EXCEED 0.010" (0.254mm) PER SIDE
.008 – .012
(0.203 – 0.305)
.0250
(0.635)
BSC
GN16 (SSOP) 0502
1698f
22
LTC1698
U
PACKAGE DESCRIPTIO
S Package
16-Lead Plastic Small Outline (Narrow .150 Inch)
(Reference LTC DWG # 05-08-1610)
.386 – .394
(9.804 – 10.008)
NOTE 3
.045 ±.005
.050 BSC
16
N
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
N
.245
MIN
.160 ±.005
.150 – .157
(3.810 – 3.988)
NOTE 3
.228 – .244
(5.791 – 6.197)
1
.030 ±.005
TYP
2
3
N/2
N/2
RECOMMENDED SOLDER PAD LAYOUT
1
.010 – .020
× 45°
(0.254 – 0.508)
2
3
4
5
6
.053 – .069
(1.346 – 1.752)
.008 – .010
(0.203 – 0.254)
NOTE:
1. DIMENSIONS IN
.014 – .019
(0.355 – 0.483)
TYP
8
.004 – .010
(0.101 – 0.254)
0° – 8° TYP
.016 – .050
(0.406 – 1.270)
7
.050
(1.270)
BSC
S16 0502
INCHES
(MILLIMETERS)
2. DRAWING NOT TO SCALE
3. THESE DIMENSIONS DO NOT INCLUDE MOLD FLASH OR PROTRUSIONS.
MOLD FLASH OR PROTRUSIONS SHALL NOT EXCEED .006" (0.15mm)
1698f
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.
23
LTC1698
U
TYPICAL APPLICATIO S
LT3781/LTC1698 Isolated 5V/30A Converter
Efficiency vs Load Current
LT3781/LTC1698 Isolated 3.3V/15A Converter
95
VIN = 36V
90
EFFICIENCY (%)
VIN = 48V
85
80
VIN = 72V
75
70
65
TOP
0
10
15
20
LOAD CURRENT (A)
5
25
30
1698 TA01
LT3781/LTC1698 Isolated 3.3V/15A Converter
LT3781/LTC1698 Isolated 3.3V/15A Converter
Efficiency vs Load Current
95
VIN = 36V
EFFICIENCY (%)
90
85
VIN = 48V
80
75
VIN = 72V
70
BOTTOM
0
3
9
6
IOUT (XX)
12
15
1698 TA02
RELATED PARTS
PART NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
COMMENTS
LT1339
High Power Synchronous DC/DC Controller
Operation Up to 60V Maximum
LT1425
Isolated Flyback Switching Regulator
General Purpose with External Application Resistor
LT1431
Programmable Reference
0.4% Initial Voltage Tolerance
LT1680
High Power DC/DC Step-Up Controller
Operation Up to 60V Maximum
LT1681
Dual Transistor Synchronous Forward Controller
Operation Up to 72V Maximum
LT1725
General Purpose Isolated Flyback Controller
Drives External Power MOSFET with External ISENSE Resistor
LT1737
High Power Isolated Flyback Controller
Sense Output Voltage Directly from Primary-Side Winding
LT3710
Secondary Side Synchronous Post Regulator
Generates a Regulated Auxiliary Output in Isolated DC/DC Converters, Dual
N-Channel MOSFET Synchronous Drivers
LT3781
Dual Transistor Synchronous Forward Controller
Operation up to 72V Maximum
1698f
24
Linear Technology Corporation
LT/TP 0203 2K • PRINTED IN THE USA
1630 McCarthy Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035-7417
(408) 432-1900 ● FAX: (408) 434-0507
●
www.linear.com
 LINEAR TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 2000