LINER LTC3404EMS8

LTC3404
1.4MHz High Efficiency
Monolithic Synchronous
Step-Down Regulator
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FEATURES
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DESCRIPTIO
The LTC ®3404 is a high efficiency monolithic synchronous buck regulator using a constant frequency, current
mode architecture. Supply current during operation is
only 10µA and drops to < 1µA in shutdown. The 2.65V to
6V input voltage range makes the LTC3404 ideally suited
for single Li-Ion battery-powered applications. 100% duty
cycle provides low dropout operation, extending battery
life in portable systems.
High Efficiency: Up to 95%
Very Low Quiescent Current: Only 10µA
During Operation
600mA Output Current at VIN = 3.3V
2.65V to 6V Input Voltage Range
1.4MHz Constant Frequency Operation
Synchronizable from 1MHz to 1.7MHz
Selectable Burst ModeTM Operation or
Pulse Skipping Mode
No Schottky Diode Required
Low Dropout Operation: 100% Duty Cycle
0.8V Reference Allows Low Output Voltages
Shutdown Mode Draws < 1µA Supply Current
±2% Output Voltage Accuracy
Current Mode Control for Excellent Line and
Load Transient Response
Overcurrent and Overtemperature Protected
Available in 8-Lead MSOP Package
Switching frequency is internally set at 1.4MHz, allowing
the use of small surface mount inductors and capacitors.
For noise sensitive applications the LTC3404 can be
externally synchronized from 1MHz to 1.7MHz. Burst
Mode operation is inhibited during synchronization or
when the SYNC/MODE pin is pulled low, preventing low
frequency ripple from interfering with audio circuitry.
The internal synchronous switch increases efficiency and
eliminates the need for an external Schottky diode. Low
output voltages are easily supported with the 0.8V feedback reference voltage. The LTC3404 is available in a
space saving 8-lead MSOP package.
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APPLICATIO S
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Cellular Telephones
Wireless and DSL Modems
Personal Information Appliances
Portable Instruments
Distributed Power Systems
Battery-Powered Equipment
For higher input voltage (11V abs max) applications, refer
to the LTC1877 data sheet.
, LTC and LT are registered trademarks of Linear Technology Corporation.
Burst Mode is a trademark of Linear Technology Corporation.
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Efficiency vs Output Load Current
TYPICAL APPLICATIO
100
95
VIN
2.65V
TO 6V
7
10µF***
CER
6
1
2
47pF
SW
SYNC
VIN
5
4.7µH*
20pF
LTC3404
RUN
ITH
GND VFB
4
887k
3
VOUT†
3.3V
22µF**
CER
EFFICIENCY (%)
High Efficiency Step-Down Converter
VIN = 3.6V
VIN = 4.2V
90
VIN = 6V
85
80
280k
Burst Mode OPERATION
VOUT = 3.3V
L = 4.7µH
75
3404 TA01
*TOKO D52LC A914BYW-4R7M
**TAIYO-YUDEN CERAMIC JMK325BJ226MM
***TAIYO-YUDEN CERAMIC LMK325BJ106MN
†
VOUT CONNECTED TO VIN FOR 2.65V < VIN < 3.3V
70
0.1
1
10
LOAD (mA)
100
1000
3404 TA02
1
LTC3404
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AXI U
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ABSOLUTE
RATI GS
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PACKAGE/ORDER I FOR ATIO
(Note 1)
Input Supply Voltage (VIN)...........................– 0.3V to 7V
ITH, PLL LPF Voltage ................................– 0.3V to 2.7V
RUN, VFB Voltages ...................................... – 0.3V to VIN
SYNC/MODE Voltage .................................. – 0.3V to VIN
SW Voltage ................................... – 0.3V to (VIN + 0.3V)
P-Channel MOSFET Source Current (DC) ........... 800mA
N-Channel MOSFET Sink Current (DC) ............... 800mA
Peak SW Sink and Source Current ........................ 1.5A
Operating Ambient Temperature Range
(Note 2) .................................................. – 40°C to 85°C
Junction Temperature (Note 3) ............................ 125°C
Storage Temperature Range ................. – 65°C to 150°C
Lead Temperature (Soldering, 10 sec).................. 300°C
ORDER PART
NUMBER
TOP VIEW
RUN
ITH
VFB
GND
1
2
3
4
8
7
6
5
PLL LPF
SYNC/MODE
VIN
SW
MS8 PACKAGE
8-LEAD PLASTIC MSOP
LTC3404EMS8
MS8 PART MARKING
TJMAX = 125°C, θJA = 150°C/ W
LTKR
Consult factory for parts specified with wider operating temperature ranges.
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The ● denotes specifications which apply over the full operating temperature range, otherwise specifications are TA = 25°C.
VIN = 3.6V unless otherwise specified.
SYMBOL
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
IVFB
Feedback Current
(Note 4)
●
VFB
Regulated Output Voltage
(Note 4) 0°C ≤ TA ≤ 85°C
(Note 4) – 40°C ≤ TA ≤ 85°C
●
0.784
0.74
●
20
∆VOVL
Output Overvoltage Lockout
∆VOVL = VOVL – VFB
∆VFB
Reference Voltage Line Regulation
VIN = 2.65V to 6V (Note 4)
VLOADREG
Output Voltage Load Regulation
Measured in Servo Loop; VITH = 0.9V to 1.2V
Measured in Servo Loop; VITH = 1.6V to 1.2V
VIN
Input Voltage Range
IQ
Input DC Bias Current
Pulse Skipping Mode
Burst Mode Operation
Shutdown
(Note 5)
2.65V < VIN < 6V, VSYNC/MODE = 0V, IOUT = 0A
VSYNC/MODE = VIN, IOUT = 0A
VRUN = 0V, VIN = 6V
fOSC
Oscillator Frequency
VFB = 0.8V
VFB = 0V
fSYNC
SYNC Capture Range
IPLL LPF
Phase Detector Output Current
Sinking Capability
Sourcing Capability
fPLLIN < fOSC
fPLLIN > fOSC
RPFET
RDS(ON) of P-Channel MOSFET
RNFET
RDS(ON) of N-Channel MOSFET
2
MIN
TYP
MAX
4
30
UNITS
nA
0.8
0.8
0.816
0.84
V
V
50
110
mV
0.05
0.2
%/V
0.1
– 0.1
0.5
– 0.5
%
%
6
V
400
10
0
700
15
1
µA
µA
µA
1.4
200
1.65
MHz
kHz
1.7
MHz
20
–20
40
–40
µA
µA
ISW = 100mA
0.5
0.7
Ω
ISW = –100mA
0.6
0.8
Ω
●
●
●
●
2.65
1.25
1.0
●
●
6
–6
LTC3404
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The ● denotes specifications which apply over the full operating temperature range, otherwise specifications are TA = 25°C.
VIN = 3.6V unless otherwise specified.
SYMBOL
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
IPK
Peak Inductor Current
VIN = 3.3V, VFB = 0.7V, Duty Cycle < 35%
0.8
1.0
1.25
A
ILSW
SW Leakage
±0.01
±1
µA
1.0
1.5
V
±0.01
±1
µA
0.7
1.5
V
±0.01
±1
µA
VRUN = 0V, VSW = 0V or 6V, VIN = 6V
VSYNC/MODE SYNC/MODE Threshold
VSYNC/MODE Rising
ISYNC/MODE
SYNC/MODE Leakage Current
VRUN
RUN Threshold
IRUN
RUN Input Current
0.3
●
VRUN Rising
0.3
●
Note 1: Absolute Maximum Ratings are those values beyond which the life
of a device may be impaired.
Note 2: The LTC3404E 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.
Note 3: TJ is calculated from the ambient temperature TA and power
dissipation PD according to the following formulas:
LTC3404EMS8: TJ = TA + (PD)(150°C/W)
Note 4: The LTC3404 is tested in a feedback loop which servos VFB to the
balance point for the error amplifier (VITH = 1.2V).
Note 5: Dynamic supply current is higher due to the gate charge being
delivered at the switching frequency.
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TYPICAL PERFOR A CE CHARACTERISTICS
Efficiency vs Input Voltage
Efficiency vs Output Current
95
IOUT = 100mA
90
IOUT = 10mA
80
IOUT = 1mA
IOUT = 300mA
80
75
40
20
10
7
L = 3.5µH
80
VIN = 3.6V
VIN = 4.2V
75
70
65
30
IOUT = 0.1mA
65 Burst Mode OPERATION
VOUT = 2.5V
L = 4.7µH
60
3
4
6
2
5
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
VIN = 4.2V
60
50
L = 4.7µH
85
70
EFFICIENCY (%)
EFFICIENCY (%)
85
VIN = 3.6V
EFFICIENCY (%)
90
70
Efficiency vs Output Current
90
100
8
3404 G01
0
0.1
PULSE SKIPPING MODE
Burst Mode OPERATION
VOUT = 1.8V
L = 4.7µH
1
10
100
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
1000
3404 G02
60
55
Burst Mode OPERATION
VIN = 6V
VOUT = 2.5V
50
0.1
1
10
100
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
1000
3404 G03
3
LTC3404
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TYPICAL PERFOR A CE CHARACTERISTICS
Efficiency vs Output Current
Reference Voltage
vs Temperature
Efficiency vs Output Current
95
100
0.814
VIN = 3.6V
VIN = 3V
95
VIN = 3.6V
REFERENCE VOLTAGE (V)
0.809
90
85
EFFICIENCY (%)
EFFICIENCY (%)
90
VIN = 3.6V
80
VIN = 4.2V
75
VIN = 6V
85
VIN = 4.2V
80
75
VIN = 6V
70
70
VOUT = 1.8V
L = 4.7µH
10
100
1
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
10
100
1
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
1000
Oscillator Frequency
vs Supply Voltage
1.45
1.40
1.35
1.30
100
1.82
1.50
1.45
1.40
1.35
1.25
125
4
6
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
2
1.2
0.8
1.1
SYNCHRONOUS
SWITCH
8
RDS(ON) (Ω)
RDS(ON) (Ω)
MAIN
SWITCH
0.7
0.6
0.2
0.5
0.1
0.4
2
3
5
6
4
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
7
8
3404 G09
4
500
800
0.3
–50
VOUT = 1.8V
450
VIN = 3V
0.8
0.3
1
1.77
3404 G08
SYNCHRONOUS SWITCH
MAIN SWITCH
0.9
0
1.78
DC Supply Current
vs Input Voltage
1.0
0.6
0
1.79
RDS(ON) vs Temperature
0.9
0.4
1.80
3404 G07
RDS(ON) vs Input Voltage
0.5
1.81
PULSE SKIPPING MODE
1.76 VIN = 3.6V
L = 4.7µF
1.75
200
0
600
400
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
1.30
3404 G06
0.7
125
1.83
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
OSCILLATOR FREQUENCY (MHz)
FREQUENCY (MHz)
1.50
25
50
75
0
TEMPERATURE (°C)
100
Output Voltage vs Load Current
1.55
VIN = 3.6V
–25
50
25
75
0
TEMPERATURE (°C)
3404 G05
Oscillator Frequency
vs Temperature
1.25
–50
0.784
–50 –25
3404 G4a
3404 G04
1.55
0.794
0.789
VOUT = 3.1V
L = 4.7µH
65
0.1
1000
0.799
DC SUPPLY CURRENT (µA)
65
0.1
0.804
VIN = 5V
400
PULSE SKIPPING
MODE
350
300
250
200
150
100
Burst Mode
OPERATION
50
–25
0
25
50
75
TEMPERATURE (°C)
100
125
3404 G10
0
2
3
4
5
6
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
7
8
3404 G11
LTC3404
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TYPICAL PERFOR A CE CHARACTERISTICS
DC Supply Current
vs Temperature
Switch Leakage vs Temperature
2.5
450
PULSE SKIPPING
MODE
VIN = 3.6V
VOUT = 1.5V
200
150
100
0
–50
1.5
MAIN
SWITCH
1.0
SYNCHRONOUS
SWITCH
0.5
–25
50
25
75
0
TEMPERATURE (°C)
100
125
0
– 50 – 25
75
50
25
TEMPERATURE (°C)
0
100
0.8
0.6
0.4
Burst Mode Operation
125
0
0
SW
5V/DIV
VOUT
50mV/DIV
AC
COUPLED
VOUT
10mV/DIV
IL
200mA/DIV
IL
100mA/DIV
2
5
6
3
4
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
Load Step Response
7
8
Start-Up from Shutdown
RUN
2V/DIV
VOUT
1V/DIV
IL
500mA/DIV
500ns/DIV
CIN = 10µF
VIN = 4.2V
VOUT = 1.5V COUT = 22µF
L = 4.7µH
ILOAD = 30mA
3404 G14
40µs/DIV
VIN = 3.6V
CIN = 10µF
VOUT = 1.5V COUT = 22µF
L = 4.7µH
ILOAD = 500mA
3404 G15
Load Step Response
3404 G16
Load Step Response
VOUT
100mV/DIV
VOUT
100mV/DIV
VOUT
100mV/DIV
IL
500mA/DIV
IL
500mA/DIV
IL
500mA/DIV
ITH
1V/DIV
ITH
1V/DIV
3404 G17
1
3404 G20
Pulse Skipping Mode Operation
SW
5V/DIV
40µs/DIV
VIN = 3.6V
CIN = 10µF
VOUT = 1.5V COUT = 22µF
L = 4.7µH
ILOAD = 200mA TO 500mA
PULSE SKIPPING MODE
MAIN
SWITCH
3404 G13
3404 G12
10µs/DIV
VIN = 4.2V
CIN = 10µF
VOUT = 1.5V COUT = 22µF
L = 4.7µH
ILOAD = 30mA
SYNCHRONOUS
SWITCH
0.2
Burst Mode
OPERATION
50
RUN = 0V
1.0
2.0
300
250
1.2
VIN = 7V
RUN = 0V
SWITCH LEAKAGE (nA)
350
SWITCH LEAKAGE (µA)
SUPPLY CURRENT (µA)
400
Switch Leakage vs Input Voltage
ITH
1V/DIV
40µs/DIV
VIN = 3.6V
CIN = 10µF
VOUT = 1.5V COUT = 22µF
L = 4.7µH
ILOAD = 50mA TO 500mA
PULSE SKIPPING MODE
3404 G18
40µs/DIV
VIN = 3.6V
CIN = 10µF
VOUT = 1.5V COUT = 22µF
L = 4.7µH
ILOAD = 50mA TO 500mA
Burst Mode OPERATION
3404 G19
5
LTC3404
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PI FU CTIO S
RUN (Pin 1): Run Control Input. Forcing this pin below
0.4V shuts down the LTC3404. In shutdown all functions
are disabled drawing < 1µA supply current. Forcing this
pin above 1.2V enables the LTC3404. Do not leave RUN
floating.
ITH (Pin 2): Error Amplifier Compensation Point. The
current comparator threshold increases with this control
voltage. Nominal voltage range for this pin is from 0.5V
to 1.9V.
VFB (Pin 3): Feedback Pin. Receives the feedback voltage
from an external resistive divider across the output.
GND (Pin 4): Ground Pin.
SW (Pin 5): Switch Node Connection to Inductor. This pin
connects to the drains of the internal main and synchronous power MOSFET switches.
VIN (Pin 6): Main Supply Pin. Must be closely decoupled
to GND, Pin 4.
SYNC/MODE (Pin 7): External Clock Synchronization and
Mode Select Input. To synchronize with an external clock,
apply a clock with a frequency between 1MHz and 1.7MHz.
To select Burst Mode operation, tie to VIN. Grounding this
pin selects pulse skipping mode. Do not leave this pin
floating.
PLL LPF (Pin 8): Output of the Phase Detector and Control
Input of Oscillator. Connect a series RC lowpass network
from this pin to ground if externally synchronized. If
unused, this pin may be left open.
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VIN
BURST
DEFEAT
PLL LPF
Y
Y = “0” ONLY WHEN X IS A CONSTANT “1”
X
8
SLOPE
COMP
SYNC/MODE
7
0.8V
VCO
OSC
0.6V
3
VFB
–
6 VIN
FREQ
SHIFT
+
–
+
0.55V
– EA
gm = 0.5m
Ω
0.8V REF
EN
SLEEP
–
+
VIN
S
Q
R
Q
RS LATCH
6Ω
+
ICOMP
BURST
VIN SLEEP
2 ITH
VIN
RUN
1
–
+
VREF
0.8V
SWITCHING
LOGIC
AND
BLANKING
CIRCUIT
P-CH
ANTISHOOTTHRU
P-CH
5 SW
–
OVDET
SHUTDOWN
+
+
0.85V
N-CH
IRCMP
4 GND
–
3404 BD
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LTC3404
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OPERATIO
Main Control Loop
The LTC3404 uses a constant frequency, current mode
step-down architecture. Both the main (P-channel
MOSFET) and synchronous (N-channel MOSFET) switches
are internal. During normal operation, the internal top
power MOSFET is turned on each clock cycle when the
oscillator sets the RS latch, and turned off when the
current comparator, ICOMP, resets the RS latch. The peak
inductor current at which ICOMP resets the RS latch is
controlled by the voltage on the ITH pin, which is the output
of error amplifier EA. The VFB pin, described in the Pin
Functions section, allows EA to receive an output feedback
voltage from an external resistive divider. When the load
current increases, it causes a slight decrease in the feedback voltage, VFB, relative to the 0.8V internal reference,
which in turn, causes the ITH voltage to increase until the
average inductor current matches the new load current.
While the top MOSFET is off, the bottom MOSFET is turned
on until either the inductor current starts to reverse as
indicated by the current reversal comparator IRCMP, or the
beginning of the next clock cycle.
Comparator OVDET guards against transient overshoots
>6.25% by turning the main switch off and keeping it off
until the fault is removed.
Burst Mode Operation
The LTC3404 is capable of Burst Mode operation in which
the internal power MOSFETs operate intermittently based
on load demand. To enable Burst Mode operation, simply
tie the SYNC/MODE pin to VIN or connect it to a logic high
(VSYNC/MODE > 1.5V). To disable Burst Mode operation and
enable PWM pulse skipping mode, connect the SYNC/
MODE pin to GND. In this mode, the efficiency is lower at
light loads, but becomes comparable to Burst Mode
operation when the output load exceeds 50mA. The advantage of pulse skipping mode is lower output ripple and
less interference to audio circuitry.
When the converter is in Burst Mode operation, the peak
current of the inductor is set to approximately 250mA,
even though the voltage at the ITH pin indicates a lower
value. The voltage at the ITH pin drops when the inductor’s
average current is greater than the load requirement. As
the ITH voltage drops below approximately 0.55V, the
BURST comparator trips, causing the internal sleep line to
go high and forces off both power MOSFETs. The ITH pin
is then disconnected from the output of the EA amplifier
and held a diode voltage (0.7V) above ground.
In sleep mode, both power MOSFETs are held off and a
majority of the internal circuitry is partially turned off,
reducing the quiescent current to 10µA. The load current
is now being supplied solely from the output capacitor.
When the output voltage drops, the ITH pin reconnects to
the output of the EA amplifier and the top MOSFET is again
turned on and this process repeats.
Short-Circuit Protection
When the output is shorted to ground, the frequency of the
oscillator is reduced to about 200kHz, 1/7 the nominal
frequency. This frequency foldback ensures that the
inductor current has ample time to decay, thereby preventing runaway. The oscillator’s frequency will progressively increase to 1.4MHz (or the synchronized frequency)
when VFB rises above 0.3V.
Frequency Synchronization
A phase-locked loop (PLL) is available on the LTC3404 to
allow the internal oscillator to be synchronized to an
external source connected to the SYNC/MODE pin. The
output of the phase detector at the PLL LPF pin operates
over a 0V to 2.4V range corresponding to 1MHz to 1.7MHz.
When locked, the PLL aligns the turn-on of the top
MOSFET to the rising edge of the synchronizing signal.
When the LTC3404 is clocked by an external source, Burst
Mode operation is disabled; the LTC3404 then operates in
PWM pulse skipping mode. In this mode, when the output
load is very low, current comparator ICOMP may remain
tripped for several cycles and force the main switch to stay
off for the same number of cycles. Increasing the output
load slightly allows constant frequency PWM operation to
resume. This mode exhibits low output ripple as well as
low audio noise and reduced RF interference while providing reasonable low current efficiency.
Frequency synchronization is inhibited when the feedback
voltage VFB is below 0.6V. This prevents the external clock
from interfering with the frequency foldback for shortcircuit protection.
7
LTC3404
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OPERATIO
Dropout Operation
When the input supply voltage decreases toward the
output voltage, the duty cycle increases toward the maximum on-time. Further reduction of the supply voltage
forces the main switch to remain on for more than one
cycle until it reaches 100% duty cycle. The output voltage
will then be determined by the input voltage minus the
voltage drop across the internal P-channel MOSFET and
the inductor.
Low Supply Operation
MAXIMUM OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
1200
L = 4.7µH
1000
VOUT = 3.3V
800
600
VOUT = 2.5V
400
VOUT = 1.5V
200
0
Slope Compensation and Inductor Peak Current
Slope compensation provides stability in constant frequency architectures by preventing subharmonic oscillations at high duty cycles. It is accomplished internally by
adding a compensating ramp to the inductor current
signal at duty cycles in excess of 40%. As a result, the
maximum inductor peak current is reduced for duty cycles
> 40%. This is shown in the decrease of the inductor peak
current as a function of duty cycle graph in Figure 2.
MAXIMUM INDUCTOR PEAK CURRENT (mA)
The LTC3404 is designed to operate down to an input
supply voltage of 2.65V although the maximum allowable
output current is reduced at this low voltage. Figure 1
shows the reduction in the maximum output current as a
function of input voltage for various output voltages.
Another important detail to remember is that at low input
supply voltages, the RDS(ON) of the P-channel switch
increases. Therefore, the user should calculate the power
dissipation when the LTC3404 is used at 100% duty cycle
with a low input voltage (see Thermal Considerations in
the Applications Information section).
1100
VIN = 3.3V
1000
900
800
700
600
2.5
3.5
4.5
5.5
6.5
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
7.5
0
3404 • F01
20
60
40
DUTY CYCLE (%)
80
100
3404 F02
Figure 1. Maximum Output Current vs Input Voltage
Figure 2. Maximum Inductor Peak Current vs Duty Cycle
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APPLICATIO S I FOR ATIO
The basic LTC3404 application circuit is shown on the first
page. External component selection is driven by the load
requirement and begins with the selection of L followed by
CIN and COUT.
Inductor Value Calculation
The inductor selection will depend on the operating frequency of the LTC3404. The internal nominal frequency is
1.4MHz, but can be externally synchronized from 1MHz to
1.7MHz.
8
The operating frequency and inductor selection are interrelated in that higher operating frequencies allow the use
of smaller inductor and capacitor values. However, operating at a higher frequency generally results in lower
efficiency because of increased internal gate charge losses.
The inductor value has a direct effect on ripple current. The
ripple current ∆IL decreases with higher inductance or
frequency and increases with higher VIN or VOUT.
LTC3404
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APPLICATIO S I FOR ATIO
∆IL =
 V 
1
VOUT  1 − OUT 
( f)(L)  VIN 
(1)
Accepting larger values of ∆IL allows the use of smaller
inductors, but results in higher output voltage ripple and
greater core losses. A reasonable starting point for setting
ripple current is ∆IL = 0.4(IMAX).
The inductor value also has an effect on Burst Mode
operation. The transition to low current operation begins
when the inductor current peaks fall to approximately
250mA. Lower inductor values (higher ∆IL) will cause this
to occur at lower load currents, which can cause a dip in
efficiency in the upper range of low current operation. In
Burst Mode operation, lower inductance values will cause
the burst frequency to increase.
Inductor Core Selection
Once the value for L is known, the type of inductor must be
selected. High efficiency converters generally cannot
afford the core loss found in low cost powdered iron cores,
forcing the use of more expensive ferrite, molypermalloy,
or Kool Mµ® cores. Actual core loss is independent of core
size for a fixed inductor value, but it is very dependent on
inductance selected. As inductance increases, core losses
go down. Unfortunately, increased inductance requires
more turns of wire and therefore copper losses will
increase.
Ferrite designs have very low core losses and are preferred at high switching frequencies, so design goals can
concentrate on copper loss and preventing saturation.
Ferrite core material saturates “hard,” which means that
inductance collapses abruptly when the peak design current is exceeded. This results in an abrupt increase in
inductor ripple current and consequent output voltage
ripple. Do not allow the core to saturate!
Kool Mµ (from Magnetics, Inc.) is a very good, low loss
core material for toroids with a “soft” saturation characteristic. Molypermalloy is slightly more efficient at high
(>200kHz) switching frequencies but quite a bit more
expensive. Toroids are very space efficient, especially
when you can use several layers of wire, while inductors
wound on bobbins are generally easier to surface mount.
New designs for surface mount inductors are available
from Coiltronics, Coilcraft, Dale and Sumida.
CIN and COUT Selection
In continuous mode, the source current of the top MOSFET
is a square wave of duty cycle VOUT/VIN. To prevent large
voltage transients, a low ESR input capacitor sized for the
maximum RMS current must be used. The maximum
RMS capacitor current is given by:
CIN required IRMS ≅ IOMAX
[VOUT (VIN − VOUT )]1/ 2
VIN
This formula has a maximum at VIN = 2VOUT, where
IRMS = IOUT/2. This simple worst-case condition is commonly used for design because even significant deviations
do not offer much relief. Note that the capacitor
manufacturer’s ripple current ratings are often based on
2000 hours of life. This makes it advisable to further derate
the capacitor, or choose a capacitor rated at a higher
temperature than required. Several capacitors may also be
paralleled to meet size or height requirements in the
design. Always consult the manufacturer if there is any
question.
The selection of COUT is driven by the required effective
series resistance (ESR). Typically, once the ESR requirement is satisfied, the capacitance is adequate for filtering.
The output ripple ∆VOUT is determined by:

1 
∆VOUT ≅ ∆IL  ESR +

8 fCOUT 

where f = operating frequency, COUT = output capacitance
and ∆IL = ripple current in the inductor. The output ripple
is highest at maximum input voltage since ∆IL increases
with input voltage. For the LTC3404, the general rule for
proper operation is:
COUT required ESR < 0.25Ω
The choice of using a smaller output capacitance
increases the output ripple voltage due to the frequency
dependent term but can be compensated for by using
capacitor(s) of very low ESR to maintain low ripple
Kool Mµ is a registered trademark of Magnetics, Inc.
9
LTC3404
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APPLICATIO S I FOR ATIO
ESR is a direct function of the volume of the capacitor.
Manufacturers such as Taiyo-Yuden, AVX, Kemet, Sprague
and Sanyo should be considered for high performance
capacitors. The POSCAP solid electrolytic chip capacitor
available from Sanyo is an excellent choice for output bulk
capacitors due to its low ESR/size ratio. Once the ESR
requirement for COUT has been met, the RMS current
rating generally far exceeds the IRIPPLE(P-P) requirement.
When using tantalum capacitors, it is critical that they are
surge tested for use in switching power supplies. A good
choice is the AVX TPS series of surface mount tantalum,
available in case heights ranging from 2mm to 4mm. Other
capacitor types include KEMET T510 and T495 series and
Sprague 593D and 595D series. Consult the manufacturer
for other specific recommendations.
Output Voltage Programming
external and internal oscillators. This type of phase detector will not lock up on input frequencies close to the harmonics of the VCO center frequency. The PLL hold-in range
∆fH is equal to the capture range, ∆fH = ∆fC = 300kHz and
–400kHz.
The output of the phase detector is a pair of complementary current sources charging or discharging the external
filter network on the PLL LPF pin. The relationship
between the voltage on the PLL LPF pin and operating
frequency is shown in Figure 4. A simplified block diagram
is shown in Figure 5.
2.0
OSCILLATOR FREQUENCY (MHz)
voltage. The ITH pin compensation components can be
optimized to provide stable high performance transient
response regardless of the output capacitor selected.
The output voltage is set by a resistive divider according
to the following formula:
VOUT
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.2
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8
2.0
VPPL LPF (V)
3404 • F04
 R2 
= 0.8V  1 + 
 R1
Figure 4. Relationship Between Oscillator
Frequency and Voltage at PLL LPF Pin
(2)
RLP
The external resistive divider is connected to the output,
allowing remote voltage sensing as shown in Figure 3.
PHASE
DETECTOR
2.4V
0.8V ≤ VOUT ≤ 6V
R2
R1
CLP
PLL LPF
SYNC/
MODE
VFB
LTC3404
1.0
DIGITAL
PHASE/
FREQUENCY
DETECTOR
VCO
GND
3404 F03
Figure 3. Setting the LTC3404 Output Voltage
Phase-Locked Loop and Frequency Synchronization
The LTC3404 has an internal voltage-controlled oscillator
and phase detector comprising a phase-locked loop. This
allows the top MOSFET turn-on to be locked to the rising
edge of an external frequency source. The frequency range
of the voltage-controlled oscillator is 1MHz to 1.7MHz. The
phase detector used is an edge sensitive digital type that
provides zero degrees phase shift between the
10
3404 F05
Figure 5. Phase-Locked Loop Block Diagram
If the external frequency (VSYNC/MODE) is greater than
1.4MHz, the center frequency, current is sourced
continuously, pulling up the PLL LPF pin. When the
external frequency is less than 1.4MHz, current is sunk
continuously, pulling down the PLL LPF pin. If the
LTC3404
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APPLICATIO S I FOR ATIO
The loop filter components CLP and RLP smooth out the
current pulses from the phase detector and provide a
stable input to the voltage controlled oscillator. The filter
component’s CLP and RLP determine how fast the loop
acquires lock. Typically RLP = 10k and CLP is 2200pF to
0.01µF. When not synchronized to an external clock, the
internal connection to the VCO is disconnected. This
disallows setting the internal oscillator frequency by a DC
voltage on the VPLL LPF pin.
Efficiency Considerations
The efficiency of a switching regulator is equal to the
output power divided by the input power times 100%. It is
often useful to analyze individual losses to determine what
is limiting the efficiency and which change would produce
the most improvement. Efficiency can be expressed as:
Efficiency = 100% – (L1 + L2 + L3 + ...)
where L1, L2, etc. are the individual losses as a percentage
of input power.
Although all dissipative elements in the circuit produce
losses, two main sources usually account for most of the
losses in LTC3404 circuits: VIN quiescent current and I2R
losses. The VIN quiescent current loss dominates the
efficiency loss at very low load currents whereas the I2R
loss dominates the efficiency loss at medium to high load
currents. In a typical efficiency plot, the efficiency curve at
very low load currents can be misleading since the actual
power lost is of no consequence as illustrated in Figure 6.
1. The VIN quiescent current is due to two components:
the DC bias current as given in the electrical characteristics and the internal main switch and synchronous
switch gate charge currents. The gate charge current
results from switching the gate capacitance of the
1
0.1
POWER LOST (W)
external and internal frequencies are the same but exhibit
a phase difference, the current sources turn on for an
amount of time corresponding to the phase difference.
Thus the voltage on the PLL LPF pin is adjusted until the
phase and frequency of the external and internal oscillators are identical. At this stable operating point the phase
comparator output is high impedance and the filter
capacitor CLP holds the voltage.
0.01
VIN = 4.2V
L = 4.7µH
VOUT = 1.5V
VOUT = 2.5V
VOUT = 3.3V
Burst Mode OPERATION
0.001
0.0001
0.00001
0.1
1
10
100
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
1000
3404 F06
Figure 6. Power Lost vs Load Current
internal power MOSFET switches. Each time the gate is
switched from high to low to high again, a packet of
charge dQ moves from VIN to ground. The resulting
dQ/dt is the current out of VIN that is typically larger than
the DC bias current. In continuous mode, IGATECHG =
f(QT + QB) where QT and QB are the gate charges of the
internal top and bottom switches. Both the DC bias and
gate charge losses are proportional to VIN and thus
their effects will be more pronounced at higher supply
voltages.
2. I2R losses are calculated from the resistances of the
internal switches, RSW, and external inductor RL. In
continuous mode the average output current flowing
through inductor L is “chopped” between the main
switch and the synchronous switch. Thus, the series
resistance looking into the SW pin is a function of both
top and bottom MOSFET RDS(ON) and the duty cycle
(DC) as follows:
RSW = (RDS(ON)TOP)(DC) + (RDS(ON)BOT)(1 – DC)
The RDS(ON) for both the top and bottom MOSFETs can
be obtained from the Typical Performance Charateristics
curves. Thus, to obtain I2R losses, simply add RSW to
RL and multiply the result by the square of the average
output current.
Other losses including CIN and COUT ESR dissipative
losses and inductor core losses generally account for less
than 2% total additional loss.
11
LTC3404
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Thermal Considerations
P-channel switch at 70°C is approximately 0.7Ω. Therefore, power dissipated by the part is:
In most applications the LTC3404 does not dissipate
much heat due to its high efficiency. But, in applications
where the LTC3404 is running at high ambient temperature with low supply voltage and high duty cycles, such
as in dropout, the heat dissipated may exceed the maximum junction temperature of the part. If the junction
temperature reaches approximately 175°C, both power
switches will be turned off and the SW node will become
high impedance.
PD = ILOAD2 • RDS(ON) = 0.175W
For the MSOP package, the θJA is 150°C/ W. Thus, the
junction temperature of the regulator is:
TJ = 70°C + (0.175)(150) = 96°C
which is below the maximum junction temperature of
125°C.
Note that at higher supply voltages, the junction temperature is lower due to reduced switch resistance (RDS(ON)).
To avoid the LTC3404 from exceeding the maximum
junction temperature, the user will need to do some
thermal analysis. The goal of the thermal analysis is to
determine whether the power dissipated exceeds the
maximum junction temperature of the part. The temperature rise is given by:
Checking Transient Response
The regulator loop response can be checked by looking at
the load transient response. Switching regulators take
several cycles to respond to a step in load current. When
a load step occurs, VOUT immediately shifts by an amount
equal to (∆ILOAD • ESR), where ESR is the effective series
resistance of COUT. ∆ILOAD also begins to charge or
discharge COUT, which generates a feedback error signal.
The regulator loop then acts to return VOUT to its steadystate value. During this recovery time VOUT can be monitored for overshoot or ringing that would indicate a stability problem. The internal compensation provides adequate
compensation for most applications. But if additional
compensation is required, the ITH pin can be used for
external compensation using RC, CC1 as shown in
Figure 7. (The 47pF capacitor, CC2, is typically needed for
noise decoupling.)
TR = (PD)(θJA)
where PD is the power dissipated by the regulator and qJA
is the thermal resistance from the junction of the die to the
ambient temperature.
The junction temperature, TJ, is given by:
T J = TA + TR
where TA is the ambient temperature.
As an example, consider the LTC3404 in dropout at an
input voltage of 3V, a load current of 500mA, and an
ambient temperature of 70°C. From the typical performance graph of switch resistance, the RDS(ON) of the
CC2
LTC3404
OPTIONAL
1
CC1
RC
2
3
R2
R1
4
RUN
ITH
SYNC/MODE
8
7
BOLD LINES INDICATE
HIGH CURRENT PATHS
VIN 6
VFB
GND
CIN
PLL LPF
+
SW
5
+
L1
+
+
COUT
VOUT
VIN
–
–
3404 F07
Figure 7. LTC3404 Layout Diagram
12
LTC3404
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APPLICATIO S I FOR ATIO
A second, more severe transient is caused by switching in
loads with large (>1µF) supply bypass capacitors. The
discharged bypass capacitors are effectively put in parallel
with COUT, causing a rapid drop in VOUT. No regulator can
deliver enough current to prevent this problem if the load
switch resistance is low and it is driven quickly. The only
solution is to limit the rise time of the switch drive so that
the load rise time is limited to approximately (25 • CLOAD).
Thus, a 10µF capacitor charging to 3.3V would require a
250µs rise time, limiting the charging current to about
130mA.
PC Board Layout Checklist
When laying out the printed circuit board, the following
checklist should be used to ensure proper operation of the
LTC3404. These items are also illustrated graphically in
the layout diagram of Figure 7. Check the following in your
layout:
1. Are the signal and power grounds segregated? The
LTC3404 signal ground consists of the resistive
divider, the optional compensation network (RC and
CC1) and CC2. The power ground consists of the (–)
plate of CIN, the (–) plate of COUT and Pin 4 of the
LTC3404. The power ground traces should be kept
short, direct and wide. The signal ground and power
ground should converge to a common node in a starground configuration.
2. Does the VFB pin connect directly to the feedback
resistors? The resistive divider R1/R2 must be connected between the (+) plate of COUT and signal ground.
3. Does the (+) plate of CIN connect to VIN as closely as
possible? This capacitor provides the AC current to the
internal power MOSFETs.
4. Keep the switching node SW away from sensitive small
signal nodes.
Design Example
As a design example, assume the LTC3404 is used in a
single lithium-ion battery-powered cellular phone application. The input voltage will be operating from a maximum
of 4.2V down to about 2.7V. The load current requirement
is a maximum of 0.3A but most of the time it will be in
standby mode, requiring only 2mA. Efficiency at both low
and high load currents is important. Output voltage is
2.5V. With this information we can calculate L using
equation (1),
L=
 V 
1
VOUT  1 − OUT 
( f)(∆IL )  VIN 
(3)
Substituting VOUT = 2.5V, VIN = 4.2V, ∆IL=120mA and
f = 1.4MHz in equation (3) gives:
L=
 2.5V 
2.5V
1 −
 = 6µH
1.4MHz(120mA)  4.2V 
A 6.2µH inductor works well for this application. For best
efficiency choose a 1A inductor with less than 0.25Ω
series resistance.
CIN will require an RMS current rating of at least 0.15A at
temperature and COUT will require an ESR of less than
0.25Ω. In most applications, the requirements for these
capacitors are fairly similar.
For the feedback resistors, choose R1 = 412k. R2 can
then be calculated from equation (2) to be:
V

R2 =  OUT − 1 R1 = 875.5k ; use 887k
 0.8

Figure 8 shows the complete circuit along with its efficiency curve.
13
LTC3404
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APPLICATIO S I FOR ATIO
95
VIN
2.65V
TO 4.2V
LTC3404
1
2
3
4
RUN
PLL LPF
ITH
SYNC/MODE
VFB
VIN
GND
SW
90
10µF***
CER
8
EFFICIENCY (%)
47pF
VIN = 3V
7
6
5 6.2µH*
VOUT
2.5V
22µF**
CER
VIN = 3.6V
85
80
VIN = 4.2V
75
887k
VOUT = 2.5V
L = 6.2µH
3404 F08a
412k
20pF
70
0.1
*TOKO D63LCB A920CY-6R2M
**TAIYO-YUDEN CERAMIC JMK325BJ226MM
***TAIYO-YUDEN CERAMIC LMK325BJ106MN
10
100
1.0
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
1000
3404 F8b
Figure 8. Single Lithium-Ion to 2.5V/0.3A Regulator from Design Example
U
TYPICAL APPLICATIO S
Single Li-Ion to 2.5V/0.6A Regulator
Using All Ceramic Capacitors
LTC3404
1
2
47pF
3
4
RUN
PLL LPF
ITH
SYNC/MODE
VFB
VIN
GND
SW
8
7
6
5
4.7µH*
20pF
*TOKO D52LC A914BYW-4R7M
**TAIYO-YUDEN CERAMIC JMK325BJ226MM
***TAIYO-YUDEN CERAMIC LMK325BJ106MN
887k
VOUT
2.5V
COUT** 0.6A
22µF
CER
VIN
CIN*** 3V TO 4.2V
10µF
CER
412k
3404 TA03
3- to 4-Cell NiCd/NiMH to 1.8V/0.5A Regulator
Using All Ceramic Capacitors
LTC3404
1
2
47pF
3
4
RUN
PLL LPF
ITH
SYNC/MODE
VFB
VIN
GND
SW
8
7
6
5
4.7µH*
20pF
*TOKO D52LC A914BYW-4R7M
**TAIYO-YUDEN CERAMIC JMK325BJ226MM
***TAIYO-YUDEN CERAMIC LMK325BJ106MN
887k
698k
3404 TA04
14
COUT**
22µF
CER
VOUT
1.8V
0.5A
CIN***
10µF
CER
VIN
2.7V TO 6V
LTC3404
U
TYPICAL APPLICATIO S
Externally Synchronized 2.5V/0.6A Regulator
Using All Ceramic Capacitors
LTC3404
1
RUN
2
47pF
ITH
3
0.01µF
PLL LPF
SYNC/MODE
VFB
4
VIN
GND
SW
10k
8
7
6
5
EXT CLOCK
1.7MHz
4.7µH*
20pF
887k
*TOKO D52LC A914BYW-4R7M
**TAIYO-YUDEN CERAMIC JMK325BJ226MM
***TAIYO-YUDEN CERAMIC LMK325BJ106MN
VOUT
2.5V
COUT** 0.6A
22µF
CER
CIN***
10µF
CER
VIN
3V TO 6V
412k
3404 TA04
Low Noise 2.5V/0.3A Regulator
LTC3404
1
RUN
2
47pF
3
4
PLL LPF
ITH
SYNC/MODE
VFB
VIN
GND
SW
8
7
6
5
6.2µH*
20pF
*TOKO D63LCB A920CY-6R2M
**TAIYO-YUDEN CERAMIC JMK325BJ226MM
***TAIYO-YUDEN CERAMIC LMK325BJ106MN
COUT**
22µF
CER
887k
VOUT
2.5V
0.3A
CIN***
10µF
CER
VIN
2.65V TO 6V
412k
3404 TA06
3- to 4-Cell NiCd/NiMH to 3.3V/0.5A Regulator
Using All Ceramic Capacitors
LTC3404
1
2
47pF
3
4
RUN
PLL LPF
ITH
SYNC/MODE
VFB
VIN
GND
SW
8
7
6
5
4.7µH*
20pF
*TOKO D52LC A914BYW-4R7M
**TAIYO-YUDEN CERAMIC JMK325BJ226MM
***TAIYO-YUDEN CERAMIC LMK325BJ106MN
†
VOUT CONNECTED TO VIN FOR 2.7V < VIN < 3.3V
887k
VOUT†
3.3V
COUT** 0.5A
22µF
CER
CIN***
10µF
CER
VIN
2.7V TO 6V
280k
3404 TA06
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.
15
LTC3404
U
TYPICAL APPLICATIO
Single Li-Ion to 2.5V/0.5A Regulator with Precision 2.7V Undervoltage Lockout
0.1µF
LTC1540
1.58M
1%
1
2
3
4
1.18M
1%
GND
V–
IN+
IN–
OUT
V+
REF
HYS
10k
8
7
2
47pF
3
0.01µF
4
6
5
LTC3404
1
44.2k
1%
RUN
PLL LPF
ITH
SYNC/MODE
VFB
VIN
GND
SW
8
7
6
5
4.7µH*
20pF
2.37M
1%
*TOKO D52LC A914BYW-4R7M
**TAIYO-YUDEN CERAMIC JMK325BJ226MM
***TAIYO-YUDEN CERAMIC LMK325BJ106MN
U
PACKAGE DESCRIPTIO
887k
COUT**
22µF
CER
VOUT
2.5V
0.6A
CIN***
10µF
CER
VIN
2.7V TO 4.2V
412k
3404 TA08
Dimensions in inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted.
MS8 Package
8-Lead Plastic MSOP
(LTC DWG # 05-08-1660)
0.043
(1.10)
MAX
0.007
(0.18)
0.034
(0.86)
REF
0.118 ± 0.004*
(3.00 ± 0.102)
8
7 6
5
0° – 6° TYP
0.021 ± 0.006
(0.53 ± 0.015)
SEATING
PLANE
0.009 – 0.015
(0.22 – 0.38)
0.0256
(0.65)
BSC
0.005 ± 0.002
(0.13 ± 0.05)
0.118 ± 0.004**
(3.00 ± 0.102)
0.193 ± 0.006
(4.90 ± 0.15)
MSOP (MS8) 1100
* DIMENSION DOES NOT INCLUDE MOLD FLASH, PROTRUSIONS OR GATE BURRS. MOLD FLASH,
PROTRUSIONS OR GATE BURRS SHALL NOT EXCEED 0.006" (0.152mm) PER SIDE
** DIMENSION DOES NOT INCLUDE INTERLEAD FLASH OR PROTRUSIONS.
INTERLEAD FLASH OR PROTRUSIONS SHALL NOT EXCEED 0.006" (0.152mm) PER SIDE
1
2 3
4
RELATED PARTS
PART NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
COMMENTS
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LTC1627
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Regulation, VIN from 2.65V to 8.5V
LTC1701
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Constant Off-Time, IOUT to 500mA, 1MHz Operation,
VIN from 2.5V to 5.5V
LTC1707
Monolithic Synchronous Step-Down Switching Regulator
1.19V VREF Pin, Constant Frequency, IOUT to 600mA,
VIN from 2.65V to 8.5V
LTC1772
Low Input Voltage Current Mode Step-Down DC/DC Controller
550kHz, 6-Pin SOT-23, IOUT Up to 5A, VIN from 2.2V to 10V
LTC1877
High Efficiency Monolithic Step-Down Regulator
550kHz, MS8, VIN Up to 10V, IQ = 10µA, IOUT to 600mA at VIN = 5V
LTC1878
High Efficiency Monolithic Step-Down Regulator
550kHz, MS8, VIN Up to 6V, IQ = 10µA, IOUT to 600mA at VIN = 3.3V
16
Linear Technology Corporation
3404f LT/LCG 0201 4K • PRINTED IN USA
1630 McCarthy Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035-7417
(408)432-1900 ● FAX: (408) 434-0507 ● www.linear-tech.com
 LINEAR TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 2000