TI LM3218

LM3218
LM3218 650 mA Miniature, Adjustable, Step-Down DC-DC Converter for RF
Power Amplifiers
Literature Number: SNOSB11A
LM3218
650 mA Miniature, Adjustable, Step-Down DC-DC
Converter for RF Power Amplifiers
General Description
Features
The LM3218 is a DC-DC converter with inductor which is optimized for powering RF power amplifiers (PAs) from a single
Lithium-Ion cell. It steps down an input voltage in the range
from 2.7V to 5.5V to an adjustable output voltage of 0.8V to
3.6V. Output voltage is set by using a VCON analog input to
control power levels and efficiency of the RF PA.
The LM3218 offers superior electrical performance for mobile
phones and similar RF PA applications with a reduced footprint (3mm x 2.5mm x 1.2mm). Fixed-frequency PWM operation minimizes RF interference. A shutdown function turns
the device off and reduces battery consumption to 0.01 µA
(typ.).
The LM3218 is available in an integrated inductor 8–pin LTCC
package. A high switching frequency (2 MHz typ.) allows use
of tiny surface-mount components. Only two small external
surface-mount components, two ceramic capacitors, are required. The overall board space is reduced up to 25% from
the typical discrete inductor solution.
■ Includes 2.6 µH Inductor in very small form factor (3mm x
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
2.5mm x 1.2mm)
2 MHz (typ.) PWM Switching Frequency
Operates from a single Li-Ion cell (2.7V to 5.5V)
Adjustable Output Voltage (0.8V to 3.6V)
Fast Output Voltage Transient (0.8V to 3.4V in 25 µs typ.)
650 mA Maximum load capability
High Efficiency (95% typ. at 3.9 VIN, 3.4 VOUT at 400 mA)
8-pin LTCC Package
Current Overload Protection
Thermal Overload Protection
Applications
■
■
■
■
Cellular Phones
Hand-Held Radios
RF PC Cards
Battery-Powered RF Devices
Typical Application
30050401
FIGURE 1. LM3218 Typical Application
© 2009 National Semiconductor Corporation
300504
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LM3218 650 mA Miniature, Adjustable, Step-Down DC-DC Converter with Integrated Inductor for
RF Power Amplifiers
January 21, 2009
LM3218
Connection Diagram
30050420
NS Package Number SE08A
Order Information
Order Number
Package Marking (Note)
Supplied As
LM3218SE
XVS SA
250 units, Tape-and-Reel
LM3218SEX
XVS SA
3000 units, Tape-and-Reel
Note: The actual physical placement of the package marking will vary from part to part. The package marking “X” designates the date code. “V” is a NSC internal
code for die traceability. Both will vary in production. “S” designates device type as switcher and “SA” identifies the device (part number).
Pin Descriptions
Pin #
Name
Description
1
EN
2
VCON
3
FB
4
SGND
5
VOUT
6
PGND
7
PVIN
Power Supply Voltage Input to the internal Buck PFET switch.
8
VDD
Analog Supply Input.
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Enable Input. Set this digital input high for normal operation. For shutdown, set low.
Voltage Control Analog input. VCON controls VOUT in PWM mode.
Feedback Analog Input. Connect to the VOUT pin.
Analog and Control Ground.
Output Voltage, connects to one terminal of 2.6 µH inductor. Connect output filter capacitor C2 to get DC
voltage out.
Power Ground
2
Operating Ratings
If Military/Aerospace specified devices are required,
please contact the National Semiconductor Sales Office/
Distributors for availability and specifications.
Input Voltage Range
Recommended Load Current
Junction Temperature (TJ) Range
Ambient Temperature (TA) Range
(Note 5)
VDD, PVIN to SGND
PGND to SGND
EN, FB, VCON
VOUT
PVIN to VDD
Continuous Power Dissipation
(Note 3)
Junction Temperature (TJ-MAX)
Storage Temperature Range
Maximum Lead Temperature
(Soldering, 10 sec.)
ESD Rating (Notes 4, 13)
Human Body Model:
Machine Model:
−0.2V to +6.0V
−0.2V to +0.2V
(SGND −0.2V)
to (VDD +0.2V)
w/6.0V max
(PGND −0.2V)
to (PVIN +0.2V)
w/6.0V max
−0.2V to +0.2V
(Notes 1, 2)
2.7V to 5.5V
0 mA to 650 mA
−30°C to +125°C
−30°C to +85°C
Thermal Properties
Junction-to-Ambient Thermal
120°C/W
Resistance (θJA), TLP08 Package
(Note 6)
Internally Limited
+150°C
−65°C to +150°C
+260°C
2000V
200V
Electrical Characteristics
(Notes 2, 7, 8) Limits in standard typeface are for TA = TJ = 25°C. Limits in
boldface type apply over the full operating ambient temperature range (−30°C ≤ TA = TJ ≤ +85°C). Unless otherwise noted, all
specifications apply to the LM3218 with: PVIN = VDD = EN = 3.6V.
Min
Typ
Max
Units
VFB, MIN
Symbol
Feedback voltage at minimum
setting
VCON = 0.32V VIN = 3.6V(Note 8)
0.75
0.80
0.85
V
VFB, MAX
Feedback voltage at maximum
setting
VCON = 1.44V, VIN = 4.2V(Note 8)
3.526
3.600
3.696
V
ISHDN
Shutdown supply current
EN = VOUT = VCON = 0V,
(Note 9)
0.01
2
µA
IQ
DC bias current into VDD
VCON = 0V, FB = 0V,
No Switching (Note 10)
0.6
0.7
mA
RDROPOUT PinVout - PinVin resistance
IOUT = 200mA, VCON = 0.5V
300
400
mΩ
ILIM
Large PFET (L) Switch peak
(L_PFET) current limit
VCON = 0.5V (Note 11)
1100
mA
ILIM
Small PFET (S) Switch peak
(S_PFET) current limit
VCON = 0.32V (Note 11)
800
mA
2.0
MHz
FOSC
Parameter
Conditions
Internal oscillator frequency
VIH,ENABLE Logic high input threshold
V
1.2
VIL,ENABLE Logic low input threshold
IPIN,ENABL
Pin pull down current
EN = 3.6V
5
0.5
V
10
µA
E
VCON,ON
VCON Threshold for turning on
switches
ICON
VCON pin leakage current
VCON = 1.0V
Gain
VCON to VOUT Gain
0.32V ≤ VCON ≤ 1.44V
0.15
V
±1
3
2.5
µA
V/V
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LM3218
Absolute Maximum Ratings (Notes 1, 2)
LM3218
System Characteristics
The following spec table entries are guaranteed by design providing the component
values in the typical application circuit are used (L = LTCC Inductor, 2.6 µH; DCR = 150 mΩ; CIN = 10 µF, 6.3V, 0603, TDK
C1608X5R0J106K; COUT = 4.7 µF, 6.3V, 0603, C1608X5R0J475M). These parameters are not guaranteed by production
testing. Min and Max values are specified over the ambient temperature range TA = −30°C to 85°C. Typical values are specified
at PVIN = VDD = EN = 3.6V and TA = 25°C unless otherwise specified.
Typ
Max
Units
TRESPONSE Time for VOUT to rise from 0.8V VIN = 4.2V
(Rise Time) to 3.4V (to reach 3.35V)
RLOAD = 5.5Ω
Symbol
Parameter
Conditions
Min
25
40
µs
TRESPONSE Time for VOUT to fall from 3.4V to VIN = 4.2V
(Fall Time) 0.8V
RLOAD = 15Ω
35
45
µs
CCON
VCON input capacitance
VCON = 1V, VIN=2.7V to 5.5V
Test frequency = 100 KHz
5
10
pF
CEN
EN input capacitance
EN = 2V, VIN= 2.7V to 5.5V
Test frequency = 100 KHz
5
10
pF
VCON
(S>L)
RDSON(P) management threshold Threshold for PFET RDSON(P) to change
0.39
0.42
0.45
V
VCON
(L>S)
RDSON(P) management threshold Threshold for PFET RDSON(P) to change
0.37
0.40
0.43
V
IOUT, MAX
Maximum Output Current
Linearity
TON
η
VO_ripple
Line_tr
from 960 mΩ to 140 mΩ
from 140 mΩ to 960 mΩ
VIN = 2.7V to 5.5V
VCON = 0.45V to 1.44V
650
mA
VIN = 2.7V to 5.5V
VCON = 0.32V to 0.45V
400
mA
Linearity in control range 0.32V VIN = 3.9V (Note 14)
to 1.44V
Monotonic in nature
−3
+3
%
−50
+50
mV
60
µs
Turn on time
EN = Low to High
(time for output to reach 97% of VIN = 4.2V, VOUT = 3.4V,
final value after Enable low-to- I
OUT ≤ 1mA
high transition)
Efficiency
40
VIN = 3.6V, VOUT = 0.8V
IOUT = 90mA
81
%
VIN = 3.6V, VOUT = 1.5V
IOUT = 150mA
89
%
VIN = 3.9V, VOUT = 3.4V
IOUT = 400 mA
95
%
Ripple voltage at
no pulse skip condition
VIN = 2.7V to 4.5V, VOUT = 0.8V to 3.4V,
Differential voltage = VIN - VOUT > 1V,
IOUT = 0 mA to 400 mA (Note 12)
10
mVp-p
Ripple voltage at
pulse skip condition
VIN = 5.5V to dropout, VOUT = 3.4V,
IOUT = 650 mA (Note 12)
60
mVp-p
Line transient response
VIN = 3.6V to 4.2V,
TR = TF = 10 µs,
VOUT = 0.8V, IOUT = 100 mA
50
mVpk
VIN = 3.1/3.6/4.5V, VOUT = 0.8V,
IOUT = 50 mA to 150 mA
50
mVpk
Load_tr
Load transient response
Max Duty
cycle
Maximum duty cycle
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100
4
%
Note 2: All voltages are with respect to the potential at the GND pins. The LM3218 is designed for mobile phone applications where turn-on after power-up is
controlled by the system controller and where requirements for a small package size overrule increased die size for internal Under Voltage Lock-Out (UVLO)
circuitry. Thus, it should be kept in shutdown by holding the EN pin low until the input voltage exceeds 2.7V.
Note 3: Internal thermal shutdown circuitry protects the device from permanent damage. Thermal shutdown engages at TJ = 150°C (typ.) and disengages at TJ
= 125°C (typ.).
Note 4: The Human body model is a 100 pF capacitor discharged through a 1.5 kΩ resistor into each pin. (MIL-STD-883 3015.7) The machine model is a 200
pF capacitor discharged directly into each pin.
Note 5: In applications where high power dissipation and/or poor package thermal resistance is present, the maximum ambient temperature may have to be derated. Maximum ambient temperature (TA-MAX) is dependent on the maximum operating junction temperature (TJ-MAX-OP = 125°C), the maximum power dissipation
of the device in the application (PD-MAX), and the junction-to ambient thermal resistance of the part/package in the application (θJA), as given by the following
equation: TA-MAX = TJ-MAX-OP – (θJA × PD-MAX).
Note 6: Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (θJA) is taken from thermal measurements, performed under the conditions and guidelines set forth in the JEDEC
standard JESD51-7. A 4–layer, 4" x 4", 2/1/1/2 oz. Cu board as per JEDEC standards is used for the measurements.
Note 7: Min and Max limits are guaranteed by design, test, or statistical analysis. Typical numbers are not guaranteed, but do represent the most likely norm.
Due to the pulsed nature of the testing TA = TJ for the electrical characteristics table.
Note 8: The parameters in the electrical characteristics table are tested under open loop conditions at PVIN = VDD = 3.6V unless otherwise specified. For
performance over the input voltage range and closed-loop results, refer to the datasheet curves.
Note 9: Shutdown current includes leakage current of PFET.
Note 10: IQ specified here is when the part is not switching. For operating quiescent current at no load, refer to datasheet curves.
Note 11: Current limit is built-in, fixed, and not adjustable. Electrical Characteristic table reflects open loop data (FB = 0V and current drawn from SW pin ramped
up until cycle by cycle limit is activated). Refer to System Characteristics table for maximum output current.
Note 12: Ripple voltage should be measured at COUT electrode on a well-designed PC board and using the suggested inductor and capacitors.
Note 13: National Semiconductor recommends that all integrated circuits be handled with appropriate precautions. Failure to observe proper ESD handling
procedures can result in damage.
Note 14: Linearity limits are ±3% or ±50 mV whichever is larger.
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LM3218
Note 1: Absolute Maximum Ratings indicate limits beyond which damage to the component may occur. Operating Ratings are conditions under which operation
of the device is guaranteed. Operating Ratings do not imply guaranteed performance limits. For guaranteed performance limits and associated test conditions,
see the Electrical Characteristics tables.
LM3218
Typical Performance Characteristics
(Circuit in Figure 3, PVIN = VDD = EN = 3.6V and TA = 25°C unless
otherwise specified.).
Quiescent Current vs Supply Voltage
(VCON = 0V, FB = 0V, No Switching)
Shutdown Current vs Temperature
(VCON = 0V, EN = 0V)
30050428
30050426
Switching Frequency vs Temperature
(VOUT = 1.3V, IOUT = 200 mA)
Output Voltage vs Supply Voltage
(VOUT = 1.3V)
30050410
30050411
Output Voltage vs Temperature
(VIN = 3.6V, VOUT = 0.8V)
Output Voltage vs Temperature
(VIN = 4.2V, VOUT = 3.4V)
30050447
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30050427
6
LM3218
Current Limit vs Temperature
(Large PFET)
Current Limit vs Temperature
(Small PFET)
30050430
30050448
VCON Voltage vs Output Voltage
(RLOAD = 10Ω)
VCON Voltage vs Output Voltage
(RLOAD = 10Ω)
30050417
30050416
Efficiency vs Output Voltage
(VIN = 3.9V)
EN High Threshold vs Supply Voltage
30050479
30050413
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LM3218
Efficiency vs Output Current
(VOUT = 0.8V)
Efficiency vs Output Current
(VOUT = 3.6V)
30050449
30050415
Efficiency vs Output Current
(RDSON Management)
Efficiency vs Output Current
(RDSON Management, VIN=4.5V)
30050440
30050441
Dark curves are efficiency profiles of either large PFET
or small PFET whichever is higher.
VIN-VOUT vs Output Current
(100% Duty Cycle)
Load Transient Response
(VOUT = 0.8V)
30050442
30050444
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LM3218
Load Transient Response
(VIN = 4.2V, VOUT = 3.4V)
Startup
(VIN = 3.6V, VOUT = 1.3V, RLOAD = 1 kΩ)
30050418
30050443
Shutdown Response
(VIN = 4.2V, VOUT = 3.4V, RLOAD = 10Ω)
Startup
(VIN = 4.2V, VOUT = 3.4V, RLOAD = 5 kΩ)
30050433
30050439
Line Transient Reponse
(VIN = 3.0V to 3.6V, IOUT = 100 mA)
VCON Transient Response
(VIN = 4.2V, VCON = 0.32V/1.44V, RLOAD = 10Ω)
30050419
30050446
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LM3218
Timed Current Limit Response
(VIN = 3.6V)
Output Voltage Ripple
(VOUT = 1.3V)
30050434
30050438
Output Voltage Ripple
(VOUT = 3.4V)
Output Voltage Ripple in Pulse Skip
(VIN = 3.96V, VOUT = 3.4V, RLOAD = 5Ω)
30050405
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30050437
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LM3218
Block Diagram
30050404
FIGURE 2. Functional Block Diagram
Additional features include current overload protection and
thermal overload shutdown.
The LM3218 is constructed using a chip-scale 8-pin micro
SMD package and a LTCC inductor substrate. This package
offers the smallest possible integrated solution footprint for
space-critical applications such as cell phones, where board
area is an important design consideration. Use of a high
switching frequency (2 MHz) reduces the size of external
components. As shown in Figure 1, only two external capacitors are required for implementation. Use of this module
requires special design considerations for implementation.
(See LTCC Module Package Assembly and Use in the Applications Information section). The board mounting requires
careful board design and precision assembly equipment. Use
of this package is best suited for opaque-case applications,
where its edges are not subject to high-intensity ambient red
or infrared light. Also, the system controller should set EN low
during power-up and other low supply voltage conditions.
(See Shutdown Mode in the Device Information section.)
Operation Description
The LM3218 is a simple, step-down DC-DC converter with a
2.6 µH series inductor substrate optimized for powering RF
power amplifiers (PAs) in mobile phones, portable communicators, and similar battery powered RF devices. It is designed
to allow the RF PA to operate at maximum efficiency over a
wide range of power levels from a single Li-Ion battery cell. It
is based on current mode buck architecture, with synchronous rectification for high efficiency. It is designed for a
maximum load capability of 650 mA when VOUT > 1.05V (typ.)
and 400 mA when VOUT < 1.00V (typ.) in PWM mode.
Maximum load range may vary from this depending on input
voltage, output voltage and the inductor chosen.
Efficiency is typically around 95% for a 400 mA load with 3.4V
output, 3.9V input. The LM3218 has an RDSON management
scheme to increase efficiency when VOUT ≤ 1V. The output
voltage is dynamically programmable from 0.8V to 3.6V by
adjusting the voltage on the control pin without the need for
external feedback resistors. This prolongs battery life by
changing the PA supply voltage dynamically depending on its
transmitting power.
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LM3218
30050436
FIGURE 3. Typical Operating System Circuit
parator, a slope compensation ramp from the oscillator is
subtracted from the error signal for stability of the current
feedback loop. The minimum on time of PFET is 55 ns (typ.)
Circuit Operation
Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the LM3218 operates as
follows: During the first part of each switching cycle, the control block in the LM3218 turns on the internal PFET (Pchannel MOSFET) switch. This allows current to flow from the
input through the inductor to the output filter capacitor and
load. The inductor limits the current to a ramp with a slope of
around (VIN - VOUT) / L, by storing energy in a magnetic field.
During the second part of each cycle, the controller turns the
PFET switch off, blocking current flow from the input, and then
turns the NFET (N-channel MOSFET) synchronous rectifier
on. In response, the inductor’s magnetic field collapses, generating a voltage that forces current from ground through the
synchronous rectifier to the output filter capacitor and load.
As the stored energy is transferred back into the circuit and
depleted, the inductor current ramps down with a slope
around VOUT / L. The output filter capacitor stores charge
when the inductor current is high, and releases it when low,
smoothing the voltage across the load.
The output voltage is regulated by modulating the PFET
switch on time to control the average current sent to the load.
The effect is identical to sending a duty-cycle modulated rectangular wave formed by the power MOSFET switch and
synchronous rectifier to a low-pass filter formed by the inductor and output filter capacitor. The output voltage is equal to
the average voltage at the terminal of the power MOSFET
inverter.
While in operation, the output voltage is regulated by switching at a constant frequency and then modulating the energy
per cycle to control power to the load. Energy per cycle is set
by modulating the PFET switch on-time pulse width to control
the peak inductor current. This is done by comparing the signal from the current-sense amplifier with a slope compensated error signal from the voltage-feedback error amplifier. At
the beginning of each cycle, the clock turns on the PFET
switch, causing the inductor current to ramp up. When the
current sense signal ramps past the error amplifier signal, the
PWM comparator turns off the PFET switch and turns on the
NFET synchronous rectifier, ending the first part of the cycle.
If an increase in load pulls the output down, the error amplifier
output increases, which allows the inductor current to ramp
higher before the comparator turns off the PFET. This increases the average current sent to the output and adjusts for
the increase in the load. Before appearing at the PWM comwww.national.com
Shutdown Mode
Setting the EN digital pin low (<0.5V) places the LM3218 in
shutdown mode (0.01 µA typ.). During shutdown, the PFET
switch, NFET synchronous rectifier, reference voltage
source, control and bias circuitry of the LM3218 are turned
off. Setting EN high (>1.2V) enables normal operation.
EN should be set low to turn off the LM3218 during power-up
and under-voltage conditions when the power supply is less
than the 2.7V minimum operating voltage. The LM3218 is designed for compact portable applications, such as mobile
phones. In such applications, the system controller determines power supply sequencing and requirements for small
package size outweigh the additional size required for inclusion of UVLO (Under Voltage Lock-Out) circuitry.
Internal Synchronous Rectification
While in PWM mode, the LM3218 uses an internal NFET as
a synchronous rectifier to reduce rectifier forward voltage
drop and associated power loss. Synchronous rectification
provides a significant improvement in efficiency whenever the
output voltage is relatively low compared to the voltage drop
across an ordinary rectifier diode.
The internal NFET synchronous rectifier is turned on during
the inductor current down slope in the second part of each
cycle. The synchronous rectifier is turned off prior to the next
cycle. The NFET is designed to conduct through its intrinsic
body diode during transient intervals before it turns on, eliminating the need for an external diode.
RDSON(P) Management
The LM3218 has a unique RDSON(P) management function to
improve efficiency in the low output current region up to 100
mA. When the VCON voltage is less than 0.40V (typ.), the device uses only a small part of the PFET to minimize drive loss
of the PFET. When VCON is greater than 0.42V (typ.), the entire PFET is used to minimize RDSON(P) loss. This threshold
has about 20 mV (typ.) of hysteresis.
12
The output is disabled when VCON is below 125 mV (typ.). It
is enabled when VCON is above 150 mV (typ.). The threshold
has about 25 mV (typ.) of hysteresis.
Current Limiting
A current limit feature allows the LM3218 to protect itself and
external components during overload conditions. In PWM
mode, an 1100 mA (typ.) cycle-by-cycle current limit is normally used when VCON is above 0.42V (typ.), and an 800 mA
(typ.) is used when VCON is below 0.40V (typ.). If an excessive
load pulls the output voltage down to approximately 0.375V,
then the device switches to a timed current limit mode when
VCON is above 0.42V (typ.). In timed current limit mode the
internal PFET switch is turned off after the current comparator
trips and the beginning of the next cycle is inhibited for 3.5us
to force the instantaneous inductor current to ramp down to a
safe value. The synchronous rectifier is off in timed current
limit mode. Timed current limit prevents the loss of current
control seen in some products when the output voltage is
pulled low in serious overload conditions.
ESTIMATION OF MAXIMUM OUTPUT CURRENT
CAPABILITY
Referring to Figure 3, the Inductor peak-to-peak ripple current
can be estimated by:
IIND_PP = (VIN - VOUT ) × VOUT / (L1 × FSW × VIN)
Where, Fsw is switching frequency.
Therefore, maximum output current can be calculated by:
IOUT_MAX = ILIM - 0.5 × IIND_PP
For the worst case calculation, the following parameters
should be used:
FSW (Lowest switching frequency): 1.8 MHz
ILIM (Lowest current limit value): 985 mA
L1 (Lowest inductor value): refer to inductor datasheet. Note
that inductance will drop with DC bias current and temperature. The worst case is typically at 85°C.
For example, VIN = 4.2V, VOUT = 3.2V, L1 = 2.0 µH (Inductance value at 985 mA DC-bias current and 85°C), FSW = 1.8
MHz , ILIM = 985 mA.
Dynamically Adjustable Output
Voltage
The LM3218 features dynamically adjustable output voltage
to eliminate the need for external feedback resistors. The output can be set from 0.8V to 3.6V by changing the voltage on
the analog VCON pin. This feature is useful in PA applications
where peak power is needed only when the handset is far
away from the base station or when data is being transmitted.
In other instances, the transmitting power can be reduced.
Hence the supply voltage to the PA can be reduced, promoting longer battery life. See Setting the Output Voltage in the
Application Information section for further details. The
LM3218 moves into Pulse Skipping mode when duty cycle is
over 92% and the output voltage ripple increases slightly.
IIND_PP = 212 mA
IOUT_MAX = 985 – 106 = 876 mA
The effects of switch, inductor resistance and dead time are
ignored. In real application, the ripple current would be 10%
to 15% higher than ideal case. This should be taken into account when calculating maximum output current. Special attention needs to be paid that a delta between maximum output
current capability and the current limit is necessary to satisfy
transient response requirements. In practice, transient response requirements may not be met for output current
greater than 650 mA.
Thermal Overload Protection
The LM3218 has a thermal overload protection function that
operates to protect itself from short-term misuse and overload
conditions. When the junction temperature exceeds around
150°C, the device inhibits operation. Both the PFET and the
NFET are turned off in PWM mode. When the temperature
drops below 125°C, normal operation resumes. Prolonged
operation in thermal overload conditions may damage the device and is considered bad practice.
INDUCTOR SELECTION
The inductor is an integrated LTCC 2.6 µH substrate within
the LM3218 module and has a saturation current rating over
1200 mA. The integrated inductor’s low 1.2 mm maximum
height provides ease of use into small design constraints. Integrating the inductor can eliminate layout issues associated
with DC/DC converters and reduce potential EMI problems.
Application Information
CAPACITOR SELECTION
The LM3218 is designed for use with ceramic capacitors for
its input and output filters. Use a 10 µF ceramic capacitor for
input and a 4.7 µF ceramic capacitor for output. They should
maintain at least 50% capacitance at DC bias and temperature conditions. Ceramic capacitor types such as X5R, X7R
and B are recommended for both filters. Table 1 lists some
suggested part numbers and suppliers. DC bias characteristics of the capacitors must be considered when selecting the
voltage rating and case size of the capacitor. If it is necessary
to choose a 0603-size capacitor for CIN and COUT, the operation of the LM3218 should be carefully evaluated on the
system board. Use of multiple 2.2 µF or 1 µF capacitors in
parallel may also be considered.
SETTING THE OUTPUT VOLTAGE
The LM3218 features a pin-controlled variable output voltage
to eliminate the need for external feedback resistors. It can
be programmed for an output voltage from 0.8V to 3.6V by
setting the voltage on the VCON pin, as in the following formula:
VOUT = 2.5 x VCON
When VCON is between 0.32V and 1.44V, the output voltage
will follow proportionally by 2.5 times of VCON.
If VCON is over 1.44V (VOUT = 3.6V), sub-harmonic oscillation
may occur because of insufficient slope compensation. If
VCON voltage is less than 0.32V (VOUT = 0.8V), the output
voltage may not be regulated due to the required on-time being less than the minimum on-time (55 ns). The output voltage
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LM3218
can go lower than 0.8V providing a limited VIN range is used.
Refer to datasheet curve (VCON Voltage vs Output Voltage)
for details. This curve is for a typical part and there could be
part-to-part variation for output voltages less than 0.8V over
the limited VIN range. When the control pin voltage is more
than 0.15V (typ.), the switches are turned on. When it is less
than 0.125V (typ.), the switches are turned off. This on/off
function has 25 mV (typ.) hysteresis. The quiescent current
when (VCON = 0V and VEN = Hi) is around 600 µA.
VCON,ON
LM3218
TABLE 1. Suggested Capacitors And Their Suppliers
Model
Vendor
C1608X5R0J106K, 10 µF, 6.3V
TDK
C1608X5R0J475M, 4.7 µF, 6.3V
TDK
0805ZD475KA 4.7 µF, 10V
AVX
BOARD LAYOUT CONSIDERATIONS
The input filter capacitor supplies AC current drawn by the
PFET switch of the LM3218 in the first part of each cycle and
reduces the voltage ripple imposed on the input power
source. The output filter capacitor absorbs the AC inductor
current, helps maintain a steady output voltage during transient load changes and reduces output voltage ripple. These
capacitors must be selected with sufficient capacitance and
sufficiently low ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) to perform these functions. The ESR of the filter capacitors is
generally a major factor in voltage ripple.
30050408
FIGURE 4. Current Loop
EN PIN CONTROL
Drive the EN pin using the system controller to turn the
LM3218 ON and OFF. Use a comparator, Schmidt trigger or
logic gate to drive the EN pin. Set EN high (>1.2V) for normal
operation and low (<0.5V) for a 0.01 μA (typ.) shutdown mode
and requirements for small package size outweigh the additional size required for inclusion of UVLO (Under Voltage
Lock-Out) circuitry.
The LM3218 converts higher input voltage to lower output
voltage with high efficiency. This is achieved with an inductorbased switching topology. During the first half of the switching
cycle, the internal PMOS switch turns on, the input voltage is
applied to the inductor, and the current flows from PVIN line
into the output capacitor and the load through the inductor.
During the second half cycle, the PMOS turns off and the internal NMOS turns on. The inductor current continues to flow
via the inductor from the device PGND line into the output
capacitor and the load.
Referring to Figure 4, a pulse current flows in the left-hand
side loop, and a ripple current flows in the right-hand side
loop. Board layout and circuit pattern design of these two
loops are the key factors for reducing noise radiation and stable operation. In other lines, such as from battery to C1 and
C2 to the load, the current is mostly DC current. Therefore, it
is not necessary to take so much care. Only pattern width
(current capability) and DCR drop considerations are needed.
LTCC PACKAGE ASSEMBLY AND USE
The LTCC Integrated Inductor withLM3218 micro SMD package is optimized for the smallest possible size in applications
with red or infrared opaque cases. Because the micro SMD
package lacks the plastic encapsulation characteristic of larger devices, it is vulnerable to light. Backside metalization and/
or epoxy coating, along with front-side shading by the printed
circuit board, reduce this sensitivity. However, the package
has exposed die edges. In particular, micro SMD devices are
sensitive to light, in the red and infrared range, shining on the
package’s exposed die edges. The maximum shelf life after
opening the dry pack is 168 hours, no bake allowed as it will
further degrade the solder ability.
30050459
FIGURE 5. Evaluation Board Layout
www.national.com
14
LM3218
Physical Dimensions inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted
NS Package Number SE08A
15
www.national.com
LM3218 650 mA Miniature, Adjustable, Step-Down DC-DC Converter with Integrated Inductor for
RF Power Amplifiers
Notes
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