LINER LTC3408EDD

LTC3408
1.5MHz, 600mA
Synchronous Step-Down
Regulator with Bypass Transistor
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FEATURES
DESCRIPTIO
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The LTC ®3408 is a high efficiency monolithic synchronous buck regulator optimized for WCDMA power amplifier applications. The output voltage can be dynamically
programmed from 0.3V to 3.5V. At VOUT > 3.6V an internal
0.08Ω bypass P-channel MOSFET connects VOUT directly
to VIN, eliminating power loss through the inductor.
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Dynamically Adjustable Output from 0.3V to 3.5V
600mA Output Current
Internal 0.08Ω P-Channel MOSFET Bypass
Transistor
High Efficiency: Up to 96%
1.5MHz Constant Frequency Operation
No Schottky Diode Required
Low Dropout Operation: 100% Duty Cycle
2.5V to 5V Input Voltage Range
Shutdown Mode Draws < 1µA Supply Current
Current Mode Operation for Excellent Line and
Load Transient Response
Overtemperature Protected
Available in 8-Lead 3mm × 3mm DFN Package
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APPLICATIO S
■
Switching frequency is internally set at 1.5MHz, allowing
the use of small surface mount inductors and capacitors.
The internal synchronous switch increases efficiency and
eliminates the need for an external Schottky diode.
The LTC3408 is available in a low profile (0.75mm) 8-lead
3mm × 3mm DFN package.
WCDMA Cell Phone Power Amplifiers
Wireless Modems
, LTC and LT are registered trademarks of Linear Technology Corporation.
U.S. Patent Numbers: 5481178, 6580258, 6304066, 6127815, 6498466, 6611131
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The input voltage range is 2.5V to 5V making the LTC3408
ideally suited for single Li-Ion battery-powered applications. 100% duty cycle provides low dropout operation,
extending battery life in portable systems.
TYPICAL APPLICATIO
Efficiency Power Lost vs Load Current
WCDMA Transmitter Power Supply
100
1
SW
LTC3408
RUN
VOUT
3× VREF
COUT** 600mA
4.7µF
CER
VOUT
REF
OUTPUT
PROGRAMMING
DAC
GND
*MURATA LQH32CN4R7M11
**TAIYO YUDEN JMK212BJ475MG
†
TAIYO YUDEN JMK212BJ106MN
WCDMA
RF PA
90
80
70
0.1
60
50
40
0.01
EFFICIENCY (%)
CIN†
10µF
CER
VIN
POWER LOST (W)
VIN
2.7V
TO 5V
4.7µH*
30
VOUT = 1.2V
VOUT = 1.5V
VOUT = 1.8V
VOUT = 2.5V
3403 TA01
0.01
1
10
100
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
20
10
0
1000
3408 F04
3408f
1
LTC3408
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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 (< 300µs) .................. – 0.3V to 6V
Input Supply Voltage (DC) ....................... – 0.3V to 5.5V
RUN, REF, VOUT Voltages .......................... – 0.3V to VIN
SW Voltage (DC) ......................... – 0.3V to (VIN + 0.3V)
P-Channel Switch Source Current (DC) ............. 800mA
N-Channel Switch Sink Current (DC) ................. 800mA
Peak SW Sink and Source Current ........................ 1.3A
Bypass P-Channel FET Source Current (DC) .............. 1A
Operating Temperature Range (Note 2) .. – 40°C to 85°C
Junction Temperature (Note 3) ............................ 125°C
Storage Temperature Range ................ – 65°C to 125°C
ORDER PART
NUMBER
TOP VIEW
VOUT
1
8
VOUT
VIN
2
7
VIN
GND
3
6
REF
SW
4
5
RUN
9
LTC3408EDD
DD PACKAGE
8-LEAD (3mm × 3mm) PLASTIC DFN
EXPOSED PAD IS GND (PIN 9)
MUST BE SOLDERED TO PCB
DD PART MARKING
LAEA
TJMAX = 125°C, θJA = 43°C/ W, θJC = 3°C/ W
Consult LTC Marketing 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
VOUT
Regulated Output Voltage
VREF = 1.1V
VREF = 0.1V
●
●
∆VOUT
Output Voltage Line Regulation
VIN = 2.5V to 5V, VREF = 0.6V
●
IPK
Peak Inductor Current
VIN = 3V, VREF = 0.9V
VLOADREG
Output Voltage Load Regulation
VIN
Input Voltage Range
IS
Input Current
Shutdown Current
VRUN = 1.2V, SW = Open
VRUN = 0V, SW = Open
fOSC
Oscillator Frequency
VREF ≥ 0.25V
VREF ≤ 0.1V
VREF
Bypass PFET Turn-Off Threshold
VREF =
Bypass PFET Turn-On Threshold
VREF =
RPFET
RDS(ON) of P-Channel FET
RNFET
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
3.23
0.25
3.3
0.3
3.37
0.35
V
V
0.1
0.4
%/V
1
1.25
A
0.70
0.7
●
2.5
%
5
V
1.5
0.1
2.5
1
mA
µA
1.5
700
1.8
850
MHz
kHz
1.21
1.26
V
ISW = 160mA, Wafer Level
ISW = 160mA, DD Package
0.3
0.4
0.4
Ω
Ω
RDS(ON) of N-Channel FET
ISW = –160mA, Wafer Level
ISW = –160mA, DD Package
0.3
0.4
0.4
Ω
Ω
RBYPASS
RDS(ON) of Bypass P-Channel FET
IOUT = 100mA, VIN = 3V, Wafer Level
IOUT = 100mA, VIN = 3V, DD Package (Note 4)
0.05
0.08
0.08
Ω
Ω
ILSW
SW Leakage
VRUN = 0V, VSW = 0V or 5V, VIN = 5V
±0.01
±1
µA
ILBYP
Bypass PFET Leakage
VOUT = 0V, VIN = 5V, VREF = 0V
±0.01
±1
µA
VRUN
RUN Threshold
1
1.5
V
IRUN
RUN Input Current
●
±0.01
±1
µA
IREF
REF Input Current
●
±0.01
±1
µA
●
1.167
●
VRUN = 0V or 2.5V
Note 1: Absolute Maximum Ratings are those values beyond which the life
of a device may be impaired.
Note 2: The LTC3408E is guaranteed to meet performance specifications
from 0°C to 70°C. Specifications over the –40°C to 85°C operating
1.2
550
0.3
1.2
V
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 formula:
LTC3408: TJ = TA + (PD)(43°C/W)
3408f
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LTC3408
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Note 4: When VREF > 1.2V and VREF x3 > VIN, the P-channel FET will be on
in parallel with the bypass PFET reducing the overall RDS(ON).
Note 5: This IC includes overtemperature protection that is intended to
protect the device during momentary overload conditions. Junction
temperature will exceed 125°C when overtemperature protection is active.
Continuous operation above the specified maximum operating junction
temperature may impair device reliability.
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TYPICAL PERFOR A CE CHARACTERISTICS
Efficiency vs VOUT
TA = 25°C
90 VOUT = 1.2V
80
70
70
EFFICIENCY (%)
90
600mA
80
70
60
0
1
2
3
VIN = 3.6V
60
VIN = 4.2V
50
40
20
10
10
3408 G02
1.70
TA = 25°C
VOUT = 2.5V
1.65
1.60
50
FREQUENCY (MHz)
EFFICIENCY (%)
60
1.8
VIN = 3.6V
VIN = 4.2V
40
30
1.55
1.50
1.45
1.40
20
1.35
10
0
0.1
TA = 25°C
VIN = 3.6V
80
10
100
1
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
1000
3408 G05
1.30
–50 –25
50
25
75
0
TEMPERATURE (°C)
1000
Oscillator Frequency
vs Supply Voltage
Oscillator Frequency
vs Temperature
70
1
10
100
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
3408 G04
OSCILLATOR FREQUENCY (MHz)
90
0
0.1
1000
3408 G03
Efficiency vs Output Current
100
40
20
VOUT (V)
VIN = 4.2V
50
30
1
10
100
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
VIN = 3.6V
60
30
0
0.1
4
TA = 25°C
VOUT = 1.5V
90
80
100mA
EFFICIENCY (%)
100
100
TA = 25°C
VIN = 3.6V
100
50
Efficiency vs Output Current
Efficiency vs Output Current
EFFICIENCY (%)
110
(From Figure 1)
100
125
3408 G06
1.7
1.6
1.5
1.4
1.3
1.2
2
3
4
5
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
6
3408 G07
3408f
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LTC3408
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TYPICAL PERFOR A CE CHARACTERISTICS
Frequency vs VOUT
TA = 25°C
VIN = 3.6V
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
0
0.2
0.4
1.0
0.6
0.8
VOUT (V)
1.844 T = 25°C
A
VIN = 3.6V
1.834
0.7
1.824
0.5
1.814
1.804
1.784
0.1
0.4
0.3
SYNCHRONOUS SWITCH
0.2
0.1
BYPASS
SWITCH
VIN = 3V
DYNAMIC SUPPLY CURRENT (µA)
MAIN
SWITCH
50
25
75
0
TEMPERATURE (°C)
100
250
FORCED CONTINUOUS
MODE
3000
2500
2000
1500
100
MAIN SWITCH
125
SYNCHRONOUS SWITCH
2
3
4
6
5
0
–50 –25
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
50
25
75
0
TEMPERATURE (°C)
3408 G12
100
125
3408 G13
Start-Up from Shutdown
RUN
2V/DIV
100
SWITCH LEAKAGE (pA)
150
50
TA = 25°C
RUN = 0V
SYNCHRONOUS
SWITCH
60
200
1000
0
7
VIN = 5.5V
RUN = 0V
Switch Leakage vs Input Voltage
80
6
Switch Leakage vs Temperature
TA = 25°C
4000 VOUT = 1.8V
ILOAD = 0A
3500
3408 G11
120
4
3
5
2
INPUT VOTLAGE (V)
300
500
VIN = 4.2V
0
–50 –25
1
3408 G10
4500
VIN = 2.7V
RDS(ON) (Ω)
0
3408 G09
0.7
VIN = 3.6V
BYPASS
SWITCH
0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
Dynamic Supply Current
vs Supply Voltage
VIN = 4.2V
SYNCHRONOUS
SWITCH
0.3
0.2
RDS(ON) vs Temperature
0.6
MAIN
SWITCH
0.4
1.794
1.774
1.2
TA = 25°C
0.6
3408 G08
0.5
RDS(ON) vs Input Voltage
SWITCH LEAKAGE (nA)
FREQUENCY (kHz)
Output Voltage vs Load Current
RDS(ON) (Ω)
1600
(From Figure 1)
VOUT
1V/DIV
MAIN
SWITCH
IL
500mA/DIV
40
20
0
VIN = 3.6V
VREF = 0.6V
RLOAD = 3Ω
0
1
2
3
4
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
5
40µs/DIV
3408 G15
6
3408 G14
3408f
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LTC3408
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TYPICAL PERFOR A CE CHARACTERISTICS (From Figure 1)
Load Step Response
Output Ripple Waveform
VOUT
100mV/DIV
VOUT
10mV/DIV
IL
500mA/DIV
IL
100mA/DIV
ILOAD
500mA/DIV
VIN = 3.6V
VREF = 0.6V
ILOAD = 0A
200ns/DIV
3408 G16
3408 G17
VIN = 3.6V
20µs/DIV
VREF = 0.6V
ILOAD = 0mA TO 600mA
REF Transient
VOUT vs VREF
4.5
IL = 100mA
VIN = 4.2V
4.0
VREF
0.5V/DIV
IL = 600mA
3.5
VOUT (V)
3.0
VOUT
1V/DIV
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
VIN = 4.2V
40µs/DIV
VREF = 0V TO 1.4V
RLOAD = 5Ω
3408 G18
0.5
0
0
0.5
1.0
1.5
VREF (V)
3408 G19
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PI FU CTIO S
VOUT (Pins 1, 8): Output Voltage Feedback Pin. An internal
resistive divider divides the output voltage down by 3 for
comparison to the external reference voltage. The drain of
the P-channel bypass MOSFET is connected to this pin.
RUN (Pin 5): Run Control Input. Forcing this pin above
1.5V enables the part. Forcing this pin below 0.3V shuts
down the device. In shutdown, all functions are disabled
drawing <1µA supply current. Do not leave RUN floating.
VIN (Pins 2, 7): Main Supply Pin. Must be closely decoupled to GND, Pin 3, with a 10µF or greater ceramic
capacitor.
REF (Pin 6): External Reference Input. Controls the output
voltage to 3× the applied voltage at REF. Also turns on the
bypass MOSFET when VREF > 1.2V.
GND (Pin 3): Ground Pin.
Exposed Pad (Pin 9): Connect to GND, Pin 3.
SW (Pin 4): Switch Node Connection to Inductor. This pin
connects to the drains of the internal main and synchronous power MOSFET switches.
3408f
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LTC3408
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FU CTIO AL DIAGRA
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SLOPE
COMP
OSC
OSC
2 VIN
FREQ
÷2
REF
–
+
6
–
+
VOUT
– EA
FB
8
0.85V
+
1
–
IBCMP
–
180k
S
Q
R
Q
RS LATCH
P-CHANNEL
VIN
5Ω
+
ICOMP
BURST
360k
VOUT
SLEEP
+
SWITCHING
LOGIC
AND
BLANKING
CIRCUIT
ANTISHOOTTHRU
7 VIN
4 SW
–
BCMP
+
+
1.2V
RUN
IRCMP
5
9
3 GND
–
3408 BD
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OPERATIO (Refer to Functional Diagram)
VIN
2.7V
TO 5V
4.7µH*
†
CIN
10µF
CER
REF
VIN
SW
LTC3408
VOUT
RUN
VOUT
3× VREF
COUT** 600mA
4.7µF
CER
REF
GND
3403 F01
output voltage can respond quickly to the external reference voltage by sourcing or sinking current as needed.
Controlling the Output Voltage
*MURATA LQH32CN4R7M11
**TAIYO YUDEN JMK212BJ475MG
†
TAIYO YUDEN JMK212BJ106MN
Figure 1. Typical Application
Main Control Loop
The LTC3408 uses a constant frequency, current mode stepdown architecture. The main (P-channel MOSFET), synchronous (N-channel MOSFET) and bypass (P-channel
MOSFET) switches are internal. During normal operation,
the internal main switch is turned on each 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 output of error amplifier EA. When the load
current increases, it causes a slight decrease in the feedback voltage, FB, relative to the external reference, which
in turn, causes the EA amplifier’s output voltage to increase
until the average inductor current matches the new load current. While the main switch is off, the synchronous switch
is turned on until the beginning of the next clock cycle.
The LTC3408 operates in forced continuous mode where
the inductor current is constantly cycled. In this mode, the
The output voltage can be dynamically programmed from
0.3V to 3.5V using the REF input. Because the gain to VOUT
from REF is internally set to 3, the corresponding input
range at REF is 0.1V to 1.167V. VOUT can be modulated
during operation by driving REF with an external DAC.
When REF exceeds 1.2V, a 0.08Ω internal bypass P-channel
MOSFET connects VIN to VOUT, dramatically reducing the
drop across the inductor and the main switch.
Short-Circuit Protection
A current sense comparator monitors the current across
the bypass P-channel MOSFET with a trip current of about
2.5A. When this current is exceeded during a VOUT short
to ground, the bypass P-channel MOSFET is immediately
turned off. The propagation delay of the current sensing
comparator, IBCMP, detecting an overcurrent condition to
turning off the bypass P-channel MOSFET is approxmately
100ns. Once the bypass P-channel MOSFET is off for about
10µs to 20µs, it is allowed to turn back on. The initial
current limit is then lowered to about 1.6A after the first
current limit trip. If the short to ground persists, the current comparator will trip at the lower current limit, turning
3408f
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LTC3408
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OPERATIO (Refer to Functional Diagram)
off and on the bypass P-channel MOSFET with a frequency
of approximately 50kHz to 100kHz at 1.6A peak current.
This will continue until the short is removed. While the
bypass P-channel MOSFET is pulsing intermittently, the
inherent current limit of the step-down regulator limits its
peak current to about 1A.
Dropout Operation
If the reference voltage would cause VOUT to exceed VIN,
the LTC3408 enters dropout operation. During dropout,
the main switch remains on continuously and operates at
100% duty cycle. If the voltage at REF is less than 1.2V, the
bypass P-channel MOSFET will stay off even in dropout
operation. The output voltage is then determined by the
input voltage minus the voltage drop across the main switch
and the inductor. If the voltage at REF is greater than 1.2V,
MAXIMUM OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
1200
but less than VIN/3, the bypass P-channel MOSFET will be
on, but the main switch will be off. For best performance
and lowest voltage drop from VIN to VOUT, always ensure
that the REF voltage is greater than both 1.2V and VIN/3.
An important detail to remember is that at low input
supply voltages, the RDS(ON) of the P-channel switch
increases (see Typical Performance Characteristics).
Therefore, the user should calculate the power dissipation when the LTC3408 is used at 100% duty cycle with
low input voltage (See Thermal Considerations in the
Applications Information section).
Low Supply Operation
The LTC3408 will operate with input supply voltages as
low as 2.5V, but the maximum allowable output current is
reduced at this low voltage. Figure 2 shows the reduction
in the maximum output current as a function of input
voltage for various output voltages.
1000
800
600
Slope Compensation and Inductor Peak Current
VOUT = 1.8V
VOUT = 2.5V
VOUT = 1.5V
400
200
0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
5.0
5.5
3408 F02
Figure 2. Maximum Output Current vs Input Voltage
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%. Normally, this
results in a reduction of maximum inductor peak current
for duty cycles > 40%. However, the LTC3408 uses a
patent-pending scheme that counteracts this compensating ramp, which allows the maximum inductor peak
current to remain unaffected throughout all duty cycles.
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APPLICATIO S I FOR ATIO
The basic LTC3408 application circuit is shown in Figure 1. External component selection is driven by the load
requirement and begins with the selection of L followed by
CIN and COUT.
Inductor Selection
For most applications, the value of the inductor will fall in
the range of 4µH to 6µH. Its value is chosen based on the
desired ripple current. Large value inductors lower ripple
current and small value inductors result in higher ripple
currents. As Equation 1 shows, a greater difference between VIN and VOUT produces a larger ripple current.
Where these voltages are subject to change, the highest
VIN and lowest VOUT will determine the maximum ripple
current. A reasonable starting point for setting ripple
current is IL = 120mA (20% of the maximum load, 600mA).
∆IL =
 V 
1
VOUT  1 – OUT 
(f)(L)
VIN 

(1)
3408f
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LTC3408
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APPLICATIO S I FOR ATIO
At output voltages below 0.6V, the switching frequency
decreases linearly to a minimum of approximately 700kHz.
This places the maximum ripple current (in forced continuous mode) at the highest input voltage and the lowest
output voltage. In practice, the resulting ouput ripple
voltage is 10mV to 15mV using the components specified
in Figure 1.
The DC current rating of the inductor should be at least equal
to the maximum load current plus half the ripple current to
prevent core saturation. Thus, a 660mA rated inductor
should be enough for most applications (600mA + 60mA).
For better efficiency, choose a low DC-resistance inductor.
Inductor Core Selection
Different core materials and shapes will change the size/
current and price/current relationship of an inductor.
Toroid or shielded pot cores in ferrite or permalloy materials are small and don’t radiate much energy but generally
cost more than powdered iron core inductors with similar
electrical characteristics. The choice of which style inductor to use often depends more on the price versus size
requirements and any radiated field/EMI requirements
than on what the LTC3408 requires to operate. Table 1
shows some typical surface mount inductors that work
well in LTC3408 applications.
Table 1. Representative Surface Mount Inductors
PART
NUMBER
Sumida
CDRH2D11
Sumida
CDRH2D18/LD
Sumida
CMD4D06
Murata
LQH32C
Taiyo Yuden
LBLQ2016
Toko
D312C
VALUE
(µH)
4.7
DCR
(ΩMAX)
0.135
MAX DC
CURRENT (A)
0.5
SIZE
WxLxH (mm3)
3.2 x 3.2 x 1.2
4.7
0.078
0.63
3.2 x 3.2 x 2.0
4.7
0.216
0.75
3.5 x 4.1 x 0.8
4.7
0.150
0.65
2.5 x 3.2 x 2.0
4.7
0.250
0.210
1.6 x 2.0 x 1.6
4.7
0.20
0.79
3.6 x 3.6 x 1.2
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:
[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. Always consult the manufacturer if there is any
question.
CIN required IRMS ≅ IOMAX
The selection of COUT is driven by the required effective
series resistance (ESR). Typically, once the ESR
requirement for COUT has been met, the RMS current
rating generally far exceeds the IRIPPLE(P-P) requirement.
The output ripple VOUT is determined by:

1 
∆VOUT ≅ ∆IL  ESR +
8f C OUT 

where f = operating frequency, COUT = output capacitance
and IL = ripple current in the inductor. For a fixed output
voltage, the output ripple is highest at maximum input
voltage since IL increases with input voltage.
Aluminum electrolytic and dry tantalum capacitors are
both available in surface mount configurations. In the case
of tantalum, it is critical that the capacitors are surge tested
for use in switching power supplies. An excellent choice is
the AVX TPS series of surface mount tantalum. These are
specially constructed and tested for low ESR so they give
the lowest ESR for a given volume. Other capacitor types
include Sanyo POSCAP, Kemet T510 and T495 series, and
Sprague 593D and 595D series. Consult the manufacturer
for other specific recommendations.
The bulk capacitance values in Figure 1(a) (CIN = 10µF,
COUT = 4.7µF) are tailored to mobile phone applications, in
which the output voltage is expected to slew quickly
according to the needs of the power amplifier. Holding the
output capacitor to 4.7µF facilitates rapid charging and
discharging. When the output voltage descends quickly in
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LTC3408
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APPLICATIO S I FOR ATIO
forced continuous mode, the LTC3408 will actually pull
current from the output until the command from VREF is
satisfied. On alternate half cyles, this current actually exits
the VIN terminal, potentially causing a rise in VIN and
forcing current into the battery. To prevent deterioration
of the battery, use sufficient bulk capacitance with low
ESR; at least 10µF is recommended.
and get damaged. The faster VOUT is commanded low, the
higher is the voltage spike at the input. For best results,
ramp the REF pin from high to low as slow as the
application will allow. Avoid abrupt changes in voltage of
>0.2V/µs. If ramp control is unavailable, an RC filter with
a time constant of 10µs can be inserted between the REF
pin and the DAC as shown in Figure 3.
Using Ceramic Input and Output Capacitors
Higher values, lower cost ceramic capacitors are now
becoming available in smaller case sizes. Their high ripple
current, high voltage rating and low ESR make them ideal
for switching regulator applications. Because the
LTC3408’s control loop does not depend on the output
capacitor’s ESR for stable operation, ceramic capacitors
can be used freely to achieve very low output ripple and
small circuit size.
However, care must be taken when ceramic capacitors are
used at the input and the output. When a ceramic capacitor
is used at the input and the power is supplied by a wall
adapter through long wires, a load step at the output can
induce ringing at the input, VIN. At best, this ringing can
couple to the output and be mistaken as loop instability. At
worst, a sudden inrush of current through the long wires
can potentially cause a voltage spike at VIN large enough
to damage the part.
When choosing the input and output ceramic capacitors,
choose the X5R or X7R dielectric formulations. These
dielectrics have the best temperature and voltage characteristics of all the ceramics for a given value and size.
Ceramic capacitors of Y5V material are not recommended
because normal operating voltages cause their bulk capacitance to become much less than the nominal value.
Programming the Output Voltage With a DAC
The output voltage can be dynamically programmed to any
voltage from 0.3V to 3.5V with an external DAC driving the
REF pin. When the output is commanded low, the output
voltage descends quickly in forced continuous mode
pulling current from the output and transferring it to the
input. If the input is not connected to a low impedance
source capable of absorbing the energy, the input voltage
could rise above the absolute maximum voltage of the part
10k
LTC3408
REF
DAC
1000pF
GND
3408 F03
Figure 3. Filtering the REF 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 LTC3408 circuits: VIN quiescent current and I2R
losses. The VIN quiescent current loss dominates the efficiency loss at 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 low load
currents can be misleading since the actual power lost is
of little consequence as illustrated in Figure 4.
1. The VIN quiescent current consists of 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 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 typically larger
than the DC bias current. In continuous mode,
3408f
9
LTC3408
U
W
U U
APPLICATIO S I FOR ATIO
100
1
90
70
0.1
60
50
40
0.01
EFFICIENCY (%)
POWER LOST (W)
80
30
VOUT = 1.2V
VOUT = 1.5V
VOUT = 1.8V
VOUT = 2.5V
0.01
1
10
100
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
20
10
0
1000
3408 F04
Figure 4. Power Lost vs Load Current
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,
thus, their effects will be more pronounced at higher
supply voltages. (The gate charge of the bypass FET is,
of course, negligible because it is infrequently cycled.)
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. Hence, 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.
Thermal Considerations
In most applications the LTC3408 does not dissipate
much heat due to its high efficiency. But, in applications
where the LTC3408 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 150°C, both power switches
will be turned off and the SW node will become high
impedance.
To prevent the LTC3408 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:
TR = (PD)(θJA)
where PD is the power dissipated by the regulator and θJA
is the thermal resistance from the junction of the die to the
ambient temperature.
The junction temperature, TJ, is given by:
TJ = TA + TR
where TA is the ambient temperature.
As an example, consider the LTC3408 in dropout at an
input voltage of 2.7V, a load current of 600mA (0.9V ≤ VREF
< 1.2V) and an ambient temperature of 70°C. With VREF <
1.2V, the entire 600mA flows through the main P-channel
FET. From the typical performance graph of switch resistance, the RDS(ON) of the P-channel switch at 70°C is
approximately 0.52Ω. Therefore, power dissipated by the
part is:
PD = (ILOAD2) • RDS(ON) = 187.2mW
For the 8L DFN package, the θJA is 43°C/W. Thus, the
junction temperature of the regulator is:
TJ = 70°C + (0.1872)(43) = 78°C
which is below the maximum junction temperature of
125°C.
Modifying this example, suppose that VREF is raised to
1.2V or higher. This turns on the bypass P-channel FET as
well as the main P-channel FET. Assume that the inductor’s
DC resistance is 0.1Ω, the RDS(ON) of the main P-channel
switch is 0.52Ω, and the RDS(ON) of the bypass P-channel
switch is 0.08Ω. The current through the P-channel switch
and the inductor will be 69mA, causing power dissipation
of (0.069A)2 • 0.62Ω = 2.9mW. The bypass FET will
3408f
10
LTC3408
U
W
U U
APPLICATIO S I FOR ATIO
dissipate (0.531A)2 • 0.08Ω = 22.6mW. Thus, TJ = 70°C +
(0.0143 + 0.0425)(43) = 71.1°C.
Reductions in power dissipation occur at higher supply
voltages, where the junction temperature is lower due to
reduced switch resistance (RDS(ON)).
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 steady state
value. During this recovery time VOUT can be monitored for
overshoot or ringing that would indicate a stability problem. For a detailed explanation of switching control loop
theory, see Application Note 76.
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
LTC3408. These items are also illustrated graphically in
Figures 5 and 6. Check the following in your layout:
1. The power traces, consisting of the GND trace, the SW
trace and the VIN trace should be kept short, direct and wide.
2. Does the (+) plate of CIN connect to VIN as closely as
possible? This capacitor provides the AC drive to the
internal power MOSFETs.
3. Keep the (–) plates of CIN and COUT as close as possible.
Design Example
As a design example, assume the LTC3408 is used in a
single lithium-ion battery-powered cellular phone application. The VIN will be operating from a maximum of 4.2V
down to about 2.7V. The load current requirement is a
maximum of 0.6A 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 
VIN 
(f)(∆IL )

COUT
VOUT
COUT
1
VOUT
2 VIN
VIN
CIN
3
4
VOUT
VIN
GND
REF
SW
RUN
RREF
DAC
CREF
6
VIA TO PIN 7
5
VIA TO PIN 1
VIA TO PIN 8
CIN
8
7
VIA TO REF
RREF
TO DAC
(2)
VOUT
1
8
VOUT
VIN
2
7
VIN
GND
3
6
REF
SW
4
5
RUN
LTC3408
VIA TO PIN 2
CREF
LTC3408
L1
3403 F05
BOLD LINES INDICATE HIGH CURRENT PATHS
VIA TO VIN VIA TO GND
3408 F06
Figure 5. Layout Diagram
Figure 6. Suggested Layout
3408f
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.
11
LTC3408
U
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APPLICATIO S I FOR ATIO
Substituting VOUT = 2.5V, VIN = 4.2V, IL = 120mA and
f = 1.5MHz in Equation (2) gives:
L=
2.5V
 2.5V 
 1–
 = 5.6µH
1.5MHz (120mA)  4.2V 
ESR of less than 0.25Ω. In most cases, a ceramic capacitor will satisfy this requirement.
VIN
2.7V
TO 5V
A 4.7µH inductor works well for this application. For best
efficiency choose a 660mA or greater inductor with less
than 0.2Ω series resistance.
2, 7
CIN†
10µF
CER
VIN
4
SW
4.7µH*
VOUT
COUT**
4.7µF
CER
LTC3408
5
10k
6
DAC
RUN
1, 8
VOUT
3403 F07
* MURATA LQH32CN4R7M11
** TAIYO YUDEN JMK212BJ475MG
†
TAIYO YUDEN JMK212BJ106MN
REF
GND
1000pF
3, 9
CIN will require an RMS current rating of at least 0.3A ≅
LOAD(MAX)/2 at temperature and COUT will require an
Figure 7
U
PACKAGE DESCRIPTIO
DD Package
8-Lead Plastic DFN (3mm × 3mm)
(Reference LTC DWG # 05-08-1698)
R = 0.115
TYP
5
0.38 ± 0.10
8
0.675 ±0.05
3.5 ±0.05
1.65 ±0.05
2.15 ±0.05 (2 SIDES)
3.00 ±0.10
(4 SIDES)
PACKAGE
OUTLINE
1.65 ± 0.10
(2 SIDES)
PIN 1
TOP MARK
(NOTE 6)
(DD8) DFN 1203
0.25 ± 0.05
0.200 REF
0.50
BSC
2.38 ±0.05
(2 SIDES)
0.75 ±0.05
0.00 – 0.05
4
0.25 ± 0.05
1
0.50 BSC
2.38 ±0.10
(2 SIDES)
BOTTOM VIEW—EXPOSED PAD
RECOMMENDED SOLDER PAD PITCH AND DIMENSIONS
NOTE:
1. DRAWING TO BE MADE A JEDEC PACKAGE OUTLINE M0-229 VARIATION OF (WEED-1)
2. DRAWING NOT TO SCALE
3. ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS
4. DIMENSIONS OF EXPOSED PAD ON BOTTOM OF PACKAGE DO NOT INCLUDE
MOLD FLASH. MOLD FLASH, IF PRESENT, SHALL NOT EXCEED 0.15mm ON ANY SIDE
5. EXPOSED PAD SHALL BE SOLDER PLATED
6. SHADED AREA IS ONLY A REFERENCE FOR PIN 1 LOCATION
ON TOP AND BOTTOM OF PACKAGE
RELATED PARTS
PART NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
COMMENTS
LTC3403
1.5MHz, 600mA Synchronous Step-Down Regulator
with Bypass Transistor
LTC3405/LTC3405A-1.5/ 1.5MHz, 300mA (IOUT) Synchronous
LTC3405A-1.8
Monolithic Step-Down Regulators
LTC3406B/LTC3406B-1.5/ 1.5MHz, 600mA, (IOUT) Synchronous Monolithic
LTC3406B-1.8
Step-Down Regulators with Burst Mode Defeat
LTC3407/LTC3407-2
1.5MHz/2.25MHz, 600mA/800mA Dual (IOUT) Synchronous
Monolithic Step-Down Regulator
LTC5505
ThinSOT RF Power Detector with Buffered Output
and >40dB Dynamic Range
Up to 96% Efficiency, VIN: 2.5V to 5V, VOUT: 0.3V to 3.5V,
IQ = 20µA, ISD < 1µA, DFN Package
Up to 95% Efficiency, VIN: 2.5V to 5.5V, IQ = 20µA,
Fixed Output Voltages Available, ThinSOTTM Package
Up to 95% Efficiency, with Pulse Skipping Mode Enabled,
Fixed Output Voltages Available, ThinSOT Package
Up to 91% Efficiency, VIN: 2.5V to 5.5V, IQ = 4µA,
MS10 Package
300MHz to 3GHz, Temperatrue Compensated,
LTC5505-1: –28dBm to 18dBm,
LTC5505-2: –32dBm to 12dBm, VCC = 2.7V to 6V
Burst Mode is a registered trademark of Linear Technology Corporaton. ThinSOT is a trademark of Linear Technology Corporation.
3408f
12
Linear Technology Corporation
LT/TP 0504 1K • PRINTED IN USA
1630 McCarthy Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035-7417
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●
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 LINEAR TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 2003