MAXIM MAX1801EKA-T

19-1741 Rev 0; 10/00
Digital Camera Step-Up Slave
DC-DC Controller
Features
The MAX1801 step-up slave DC-DC controller is used
with either the MAX1800 (step-up) or the MAX1802 (stepdown) master DC-DC converter to provide a complete
power-supply solution for digital still and digital video
cameras. By using the master converter’s reference voltage and oscillator, the size and the cost of the slave controller are reduced and all converters are guaranteed to
switch at the same frequency.
♦ Provides Simple Expandability for the MAX1800
and MAX1802 Master Converters
♦ Operates in Step-Up, SEPIC, and Flyback
Topologies
♦ 100kHz to 1MHz Adjustable Operating Frequency
The MAX1801 drives an external N-channel MOSFET
and can be used in step-up, single-ended primary
inductance converter (SEPIC), and flyback topologies. If
extra supplies are required for a new design, slave controllers can be added to an existing master circuit with
minimal redesign, saving both cost and time. The
MAX1801 features a built-in soft-start, short-circuit protection, and an adjustable duty-cycle limit.
♦ Short-Circuit Protection
♦ Duty-Cycle Limit Adjustable from 40% to 90%
♦ Soft-Start
♦ 0.01µA Supply Current in Shutdown Mode
♦ Tiny 8-Pin SOT23 Package
Ordering Information
The MAX1801 is available in a space-saving 8-pin
SOT23 package. Separate evaluation kits combining the
MAX1800/MAX1801 (MAX1800EVKIT) and MAX1802/
MAX1801 (MAX1802EVKIT) are available to expedite
designs.
________________________Applications
Digital Still Cameras
Internet Access Tablets
Digital Video Cameras
PDAs
Portable DVD Players
Hand-Held Devices
PART
TEMP. RANGE
PIN-PACKAGE
MAX1801EKA-T
-40°C to +85°C
8 SOT23-8
Pin Configuration appears at end of data sheet.
Typical Operating Circuit
BATTERY
0.7V TO VOUT
VOUT
MAX1800
1.25V
MAX1801
REF
DL
OSC
FB
OR
MAX1802
2.2V TO 5.5V
IN
COMP
DCON
GND
________________________________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products
1
For price, delivery, and to place orders, please contact Maxim Distribution at 1-888-629-4642,
or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.
MAX1801
General Description
MAX1801
Digital Camera Step-Up Slave
DC-DC Controller
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
IN, DCON, REF, OSC, FB to GND.........................-0.3V to +6.0V
DL, COMP to GND.......................................-0.3V to (VIN + 0.3V)
Continuous Power Dissipation (TA = +70°C)
8-Pin SOT23 (derate 6mW/°C above+70°C)................480mW
Operating Temperature Range ...........................-40°C to +85°C
Junction Temperature ......................................................+150°C
Storage Temperature Range. ............................-65°C to +150°C
Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s) .................................+300°C
Stresses beyond those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional
operation of the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the operational sections of the specifications is not implied. Exposure to
absolute maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(Circuit of Figure 1, VIN = +3.3V, VDCON = +1.25V, VREF = +1.25V, TA = 0°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at
TA = +25°C.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
5.5
V
V
GENERAL
VIN Supply Voltage Operating Range
VIN Undervoltage Lockout Threshold
2.7
VIN rising
REF Input Range
REF Undervoltage Lockout Threshold
VREF rising
Shutdown Supply Current
VIN = 5.5V, VDCON = 0, VREF = 0
Sleep-Mode Supply Current
VIN = 3.3V, VDCON = 0, VREF = 1.25V
Quiescent Supply Current
VOSC = 0, VFB = 0
2.2
2.35
2.5
1.19
1.25
1.31
V
0.9
1.0
1.1
V
0.01
1
µA
5
10
µA
124
300
µA
OSCILLATOR INPUT
OSC Input Leakage Current
VOSC = 1.5V
100
OSC Clock Low Trip Level
0.20
1.00
0.575
OSC Clock High Trip Level
VDCON = 0.625V
1
µA
1000
kHz
0.25
0.30
V
1.05
1.10
0.625
0.675
0.04
Oscillator Frequency Range
V
Maximum Duty Cycle Adjustment Range
(Note 2)
fOSC = 100kHz
Maximum Duty Cycle (Note 2)
VDCON = 0.625V, fOSC = 100kHz
50
%
Default Maximum Duty Cycle (Note 2)
VDCON = 1.25V, fOSC = 100kHz
84
%
40
90
%
INPUTS/OUTPUTS
DCON Input Leakage Current
VDCON = 5.5V
DCON Input Sleep-Mode Threshold
IIN ≤ 10µA
REF Input Current
9
100
nA
0.4
0.45
V
VDCON = 0
0.5
1.1
VDCON = VREF
3.3
10
VDCON = VREF , during soft-start
13
30
1.238
1.250
1.263
V
70
100
160
µS
0.35
µA
ERROR AMPLIFIER
FB Regulation Voltage
FB to COMP Transconductance
-5µA < ICOMP < 5µA
FB to COMP Maximum Voltage Gain
FB Input Leakage Current
2
2000
VFB = 1.35V
30
_______________________________________________________________________________________
V/V
100
nA
Digital Camera Step-Up Slave
DC-DC Controller
(Circuit of Figure 1, VIN = +3.3V, VDCON = +1.25V, VREF = +1.25V, TA = 0°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at
TA = +25°C.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
DL Driver Resistance
2.5
5
Ω
DL Drive Current
0.5
A
1024
OSC
cycles
1024
OSC
cycles
DRIVER
SOFT-START
Soft-Start Interval
SHORT-CIRCUIT PROTECTION
Fault Interval
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(Circuit of Figure 1, VIN = +3.3V, VDCON = +1.25V, VREF = +1.25V, TA = -40°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
2.7
5.5
V
2.15
2.55
V
1.19
1.31
V
0.85
1.15
V
GENERAL
VIN Supply Voltage Operating Range
VIN Undervoltage Lockout Threshold
VIN rising
REF Input Range
REF Undervoltage Lockout Threshold
VREF rising
Shutdown Supply Current
VIN = 5.5V, VDCON = 0, VREF = 0
1
µA
Sleep-Mode Supply Current
VIN = 3.3V, VDCON = 0, VREF = 1.25V
10
µA
Quiescent Supply Current
VOSC = 0, VFB = 0
300
µA
OSCILLATOR INPUT
1
µA
Oscillator Frequency Range
100
1000
kHz
OSC Clock Low Trip Level
0.20
0.30
V
1.00
1.10
0.575
0.675
40
90
%
100
nA
0.45
V
OSC Input Leakage Current
OSC Clock High Trip Level
Maximum Duty Cycle Adjustment Range
(Note 2)
VOSC = 1.5V
VDCON = 0.625V
fOSC = 100kHz
V
INPUTS/OUTPUTS
DCON Input Leakage Current
VDCON = 5.5V
DCON Input Sleep-Mode Threshold
IIN ≤ 10µA
REF Input Current
0.35
VDCON = 0
1.1
VDCON = VREF
10
VDCON = VREF , during soft-start
30
µA
_______________________________________________________________________________________
3
MAX1801
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
(Circuit of Figure 1, VIN = +3.3V, VDCON = +1.25V, VREF = +1.25V, TA = -40°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
1.263
V
ERROR AMPLIFIER
FB Regulation Voltage
1.238
FB to COMP Transconductance
-5µA < ICOMP < 5µA
FB Input Leakage Current
VFB = 1.35V
70
160
µS
100
nA
5
Ω
DRIVER
DL Driver Resistance
Note 1: All devices are 100% tested at TA = +25°C. All limits over the temperature range are guaranteed by design.
Note 2: Oscillator signal is generated by the MAX1800 or MAX1802.
Typical Operating Characteristics
(Circuit of Figure 1, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
80
VOUT = +7V
80
VOUT = +18V V
OUT = +12V
50
40
70
60
VOUT = +18V
50
VOUT = +12V
40
40
30
20
20
20
10
10
10
0
0
100
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
1000
VOUT = +12V
50
30
10
VOUT = +18V
60
30
1
VOUT = +7V
80
EFFICIENCY (%)
60
VBATT = +3.6V
90
70
EFFICIENCY (%)
70
4
VBATT = +2.4V
90
EFFICIENCY vs. LOAD CURRENT
100
MAX1801 toc03
VOUT = +7V
MAX1801 toc01
VBATT = +1.5V
90
EFFICIENCY vs. LOAD CURRENT
100
MAX1801 toc02
EFFICIENCY vs. LOAD CURRENT
100
EFFICIENCY (%)
MAX1801
Digital Camera Step-Up Slave
DC-DC Controller
0
1
10
100
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
1000
1
10
100
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
_______________________________________________________________________________________
1000
Digital Camera Step-Up Slave
DC-DC Controller
DEFAULT MAXIMUM DUTY CYCLE
vs. FREQUENCY
MAXIMUM DUTY CYCLE vs. VDCON
80
60
40
20
MAX1801 toc05
100
MAX1801 toc04
fOSC = 500kHz
DEFAULT MAXIMUM DUTY CYCLE (%)
MAXIMUM DUTY CYCLE (%)
100
80
60
COSC = 470pF
40
20
0
0
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
1.1
0
1.2
200
SLEEP-MODE CURRENT
vs. INPUT VOLTAGE
800
1000
SHUTDOWN CURRENT (µA)
8
6
4
2
MAX1801 toc07
10
MAX1801toc06
1
0.1
0.01
0
0.001
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
0
0.5
1.0
1.5
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
REFERENCE VOLTAGE (V)
REFERENCE INPUT CURRENT
vs. TEMPERATURE
FB TO COMP SMALL-SIGNAL OPEN-LOOP
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
MAX1801 toc08
3.40
3.35
3.30
3.25
60
MAX1801 toc09
2.5
SMALL-SIGNAL RESPONSE (dB)
SLEEP-MODE CURRENT (µA)
600
SHUTDOWN CURRENT
vs. REFERENCE VOLTAGE
10
REFERENCE CURRENT (µA)
400
FREQUENCY (kHz)
VDCON (V)
50
40
30
20
10
0
3.20
-40
-20
0
20
40
TEMPERATURE (°C)
60
80
1
10
100
1000
10,000
FREQUENCY (kHz)
_______________________________________________________________________________________
5
MAX1801
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(Circuit of Figure 1, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
MAX1801
Digital Camera Step-Up Slave
DC-DC Controller
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(Circuit of Figure 1, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
LOAD TRANSIENT RESPONSE
STARTUP RESPONSE
MAX1801 toc11
MAX1801 toc10
VDCON
5V/div
OV
VOUT
100mV/div
(AC-COUPLED)
VOUT
2V/div
OV
500mA
IIN
0.5A/div
ILOAD
0.2A/div
100mA
OA
VIN = =+2.4V, VOUT = +5V, fOSC = 500kHz
OA
400µs/div
1ms/div
Pin Description
6
PIN
NAME
FUNCTION
1
OSC
Oscillator Input. Connect OSC to OSC of the MAX1800 or MAX1802. The oscillator frequency must
be between 100kHz and 1MHz.
2
GND
Ground
3
REF
1.25V Reference Input. Connect REF to REF of the MAX1800 or MAX1802. REF must be above 1V
for the controller to turn on. Bypass REF to GND with a 0.1µF or greater capacitor.
4
DCON
Maximum Duty-Cycle Control Input. Connect to REF or IN to set the default maximum duty cycle.
Connect a resistive voltage-divider from REF to DCON to set the maximum duty cycle between 40%
and 90%. Pull DCON below 0.35V to turn the controller off.
5
COMP
Controller Compensation. Output of transconductance error amplifier. Connect a series resistor and
capacitor to GND to compensate the control loop. See Compensation Design.
6
FB
Controller Feedback Input. Connect a feedback resistive voltage-divider from the output to FB to
set the output voltage. Regulation voltage is VREF (1.25V).
7
IN
IC Supply Bias Input. Bypass IN to GND with a 0.1µF or greater ceramic capacitor. Supply range is
2.7V to 5.5V.
8
DL
External MOSFET Gate Drive Output. DL swings between IN and GND with typical 500mA drive
current. Connect DL to the gate of the external switching N-channel MOSFET.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Digital Camera Step-Up Slave
DC-DC Controller
MAX1801
CIN
10µF
VBATT
L
2.2µH
MBRO520L
VOUT
COUT
47µF
FDN337N
MAX1800
3.3V
MAX1801
IN
DL
OSC
FB
REF
COMP
OR
R1
1.25V
MAX1802
R3
RC
10k
R2
DCON
GND
CC
1000pF
R4
Figure 1. Typical Application Circuit
Detailed Description
Master-Slave Configuration
The MAX1801 is a step-up slave DC-DC controller that
obtains its input power, voltage reference, and oscillator signal directly from a MAX1800 or MAX1802 master
DC-DC converter (Figure 1). The master-slave configuration reduces system cost by eliminating redundant
circuitry and controls the harmonic content of noise by
synchronizing converter switching.
Step-Up DC-DC Controller
The MAX1801 controller operates in a low-noise fixedfrequency PWM mode, with output power limited by the
external components. The controller regulates the output voltage by modulating the pulse width of the drive
signal for an external N-channel MOSFET switch. The
user-adjusted switching frequency is constant (100kHz
to 1MHz) and set by the master converter.
Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the MAX1801 PWM
controller. A sawtooth oscillator signal from the master
converter (at OSC) governs the internal timing. At the
beginning of each cycle, DL goes high to turn on the
external MOSFET switch. The MOSFET switch turns off
when the internally level-shifted sawtooth waveform
voltage rises above the voltage at COMP or when the
maximum duty cycle is exceeded. The switch remains
off until the beginning of the next cycle. An internal
transconductance amplifier establishes an integrated
error voltage at COMP, increasing the loop gain for
improved regulation accuracy and compensation control.
Reference
The MAX1801 requires a 1.25V reference voltage that
is obtained from the MAX1800 or the MAX1802. REF
typically sinks 0.5µA in shutdown mode, 3µA in active
mode, and up to 30µA during startup. If multiple
MAX1801 controllers are turned on simultaneously,
ensure that the master voltage reference can provide
sufficient current, or buffer the reference with an appropriate unity-gain amplifier.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
7
MAX1801
Digital Camera Step-Up Slave
DC-DC Controller
FB
COMP
R
Q
DL
LEVEL
SHIFT
REFI
SOFTSTART*
REF
S
DCON
CLK
OSC
*SOFT-START RAMPS REFI FROM 0 TO VREF IN 1024 CLK CYCLES.
FAULT
PROTECTION
ENABLE
0.4V
POWER-ON
1.1V
IN
2.35V
IC
POWER
Figure 2. PWM Controller Block Diagram
Oscillator
The MAX1801 requires a 0 to 1.25V sawtooth oscillator
signal that is obtained from the MAX1800 or the
MAX1802 (at OSC). The 100kHz to 1MHz oscillator signal sets the converter switching frequency, and it is
used to control pulse-width modulation and maximum
duty cycle.
Maximum Duty Cycle
The MAX1801 uses the master-generated oscillator signal at OSC, the voltage at DCON, and an internal comparator to limit its maximum switching duty cycle (see
Setting the Maximum Duty Cycle). Limiting the duty
cycle can prevent saturation in some magnetic compo8
nents. A low maximum duty cycle can also force the
converter to operate in discontinuous current mode,
simplifying design stability at the cost of a slight reduction in efficiency.
Soft-Start
The MAX1801 features a soft-start function that limits
inrush current and prevents excessive battery loading
at startup by ramping the output voltage to the regulation voltage. This is achieved by increasing the internal
reference to the transconductance amplifier from 0 to
the 1.25V reference voltage over 1024 oscillator cycles
when initial power is applied or when the part is taken
out of shutdown or sleep mode.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Digital Camera Step-Up Slave
DC-DC Controller
VOSC (V)
DMAX =
t2
t1 + t2
1.25
VDCON
0.25
0
Setting the Output Voltages
Set the MAX1801 output voltage by connecting a resistive voltage-divider from the output to FB as shown in
Figure 1. The FB input bias current is less than 100nA,
so choose R2 to be 100kΩ to minimize the effect of
input bias current at FB. Choose R1 according to the
relation:
CLK
t1
t2
Figure 3. Setting the Maximum Duty Cycle
Shutdown
Set VDCON less than 0.35V to place the MAX1801 in
sleep mode, which drops the supply current to 5µA. To
reduce the supply current to 10nA, place the MAX1801
in shutdown by setting VREF below 0.4V. The MAX1801
enters soft-start when both VDCON and VREF are at normal levels.
Short-Circuit Protection
The MAX1801 has a fault protection feature that prevents damage to transformer-coupled or SEPIC circuits
due to an output short circuit. If the output voltage
drops out of regulation, the voltage at COMP is
clamped at 2.7V. If this condition is maintained for 1024
oscillator clock periods at any time following soft-start,
the MAX1801 is disabled to prevent excessive output
current. Restart the controller by cycling the voltage at
DCON or IN to GND and back to a normal state. For a
step-up application, short-circuit current is not limited,
due to the DC current path through the inductor and
output rectifier to the short circuit. If short-circuit protection is required in a step-up configuration, a protection
device such as a fuse must be used to limit short-circuit
current.
Design Procedure
The MAX1801 can operate in a number of DC-DC converter configurations, including step-up, SEPIC, and flyback. The following design discussions are limited to
the step-up configuration shown in Figure 1; SEPIC and
flyback examples are discussed in the Applications
Information section.
V

R1 = R2  OUT − 1
V
 FB

where V FB is 1.25V, the regulation set point for the
MAX1801.
Setting the Maximum Duty Cycle
The master oscillator signal at OSC and the voltage at
DCON are used to generate the internal clock signal
(CLK in Figure 2). The internal clock’s falling edge
occurs when V OSC exceeds V DCON , the voltage at
DCON set by a resistive voltage-divider. The internal
clock’s rising edge occurs when V OSC falls below
0.25V (Figure 3). The maximum duty cycle can be
approximated by the equation:
DMAX =
R4
(1− fOSC tFALL )
R3 + R4
where fOSC and tFALL are the oscillator frequency (in
Hz) and the fall time (typically 100ns), respectively.
At 100kHz, the adjustable maximum duty-cycle range is
typically 28% to 92% (see Maximum Duty Cycle vs.
VDCON in the Typical Operating Characteristics). The
maximum duty cycle typically defaults to 78% at 100kHz
if VDCON is at or above the voltage at VREF (1.25V), and
the controller shuts down if VDCON is less than 0.4V. If a
resistive voltage-divider is used at DCON, shut down the
MAX1801 by pulling DCON low with an open-drain signal from an external transistor. Drive DCON with appropriate logic levels to turn the MAX1801 on and off if the
default duty-cycle limit is used.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
9
MAX1801
Switching Frequency
The MAX1801 switching frequency is set by the
MAX1800 or MAX1802 master converter (refer to the
appropriate data sheet for the design procedure).
Choose a switching frequency to optimize external
component size or efficiency for the particular
MAX1801 application. Typically, switching frequencies
between 400kHz and 500kHz offer a good balance
between component size and efficiency—higher frequencies generally allow smaller components, and
lower frequencies give better conversion efficiency.
MAX1801
Digital Camera Step-Up Slave
DC-DC Controller
Inductor Selection
Select the inductor for either continuous or discontinuous
current. Continuous conduction generally is the most efficient. Use discontinuous current if the step-up ratio
(VOUT / VIN) is greater than 1 / ( 1 – DMAX ).
Continuous Inductor Current
For most MAX1801 step-up designs, a reasonable
inductor value (LIDEAL) can be derived from the following equation, which sets continuous peak-to-peak
inductor current at 1/3 the DC inductor current:
LIDEAL =
3 (VIN − VSW ) D (1 − D)
IOUT fOSC
where D, the duty cycle, is given by:
D ≈ 1−
VIN
VOUT + VD
In these equations, VSW is the voltage drop across the
N-channel MOSFET switch, and VD is the forward voltage drop across the rectifier. Given LIDEAL, the consistent peak-to-peak inductor current is 0.333 IOUT / (1 – D).
The maximum inductor current is 1.167 IOUT / (1 – D).
Inductance values smaller than LIDEAL can be used;
however, the maximum inductor current will rise as L is
reduced, and a larger output capacitance will be
required to maintain output ripple.
The inductor current will become discontinuous if IOUT
decreases by more than a factor of six from the value
used to determine LIDEAL.
Discontinuous Inductor Current
In the discontinuous mode of operation, the MAX1801
controller regulates the output voltage by adjusting the
duty cycle to allow adequate power transfer to the load.
To ensure regulation under worst-case load conditions
(maximum IOUT), choose:
V
D
L ≤ OUT MAX
2 IOUT fOSC
The peak inductor current is VIN DMAX / (L fOSC).
The inductor’s saturation current rating should meet or
exceed the calculated peak inductor current.
Input and Output Filter Capacitors
The input capacitor (CIN) in step-up designs reduces
the current peaks drawn from the battery or input
power source and lessens switching noise in the controller. The impedance of the input capacitor at the
switching frequency should be less than that of the
10
input source so that high-frequency switching currents
do not pass through the input source.
The output capacitor is required to keep the output voltage ripple small and to ensure stability of the regulation
control loop. The output capacitor must have low
impedance at the switching frequency. Tantalum and
ceramic capacitors are good choices. Tantalum capacitors typically have high capacitance and medium-tolow equivalent series resistance (ESR) so that ESR
dominates the impedance at the switching frequency.
In turn, the output ripple is approximately:
VRIPPLE ≈ IL(PEAK) ESR
where IL(PEAK) is the peak inductor current.
Ceramic capacitors typically have lower ESR than tantalum capacitors, but with relatively small capacitance
that dominates the impedance at the switching frequency. In turn, the output ripple is approximately:
VRIPPLE ≈ IL(PEAK) ZC
where IL(PEAK) is the peak inductor current, and ZC ≈
1 / (2 p fOSC COUT ).
See the Compensation Design section for a discussion
of the influence of output capacitance and ESR on regulation control loop stability.
The capacitor voltage rating must exceed the maximum
applied capacitor voltage. For most tantalum capacitors, manufacturers suggest derating the capacitor by
applying no more than 70% of the rated voltage to the
capacitor. Ceramic capacitors are typically used up to
the voltage rating of the capacitor. Consult the manufacturer’s specifications for proper capacitor derating.
Bypass Capacitors
If the MAX1801 is placed far from the MAX1800 or
MAX1802 master IC, noise from switching circuits can
affect the MAX1801. Should this be the case, bypass
REF and IN with 0.1µF or greater ceramic capacitors. If
noise is not a problem or if the MAX1801 is placed close
to the master IC, then no extra bypassing is required.
MOSFET Selection
The MAX1801 controller drives an external logic-level
N-channel MOSFET as the circuit switch element. The
key selection parameters are as follows:
• On-resistance (RDS(ON))
• Maximum drain-to-source voltage (VDS(MAX))
• Minimum threshold voltage (VTH(MIN))
• Total gate charge (Qg)
• Reverse transfer capacitance (CRSS)
______________________________________________________________________________________
Digital Camera Step-Up Slave
DC-DC Controller
where D is the duty cycle, IL is the average inductor
current, and RDS(ON) is the on-resistance of the MOSFET. The transition loss is approximately:
The frequency of the single pole due to the PWM converter is:
PO = (2 VOUT – VIN ) / (2 π (VOUT – VIN) RLOAD COUT)
And the DC gain of the PWM controller is:
AVO = 2 VOUT (VOUT – VIN) RLOAD / ((2 VOUT – VIN) D)
Note that the pole frequency decreases and the DC
gain increases proportionally as the load resistance
(RLOAD) is increased. Since the crossover frequency
is the product of the pole frequency and the DC gain, it
remains independent of the load.
The gain through the voltage-divider is:
V
I f
t
P2 ≈ OUT L OSC T
3
where VOUT is the output voltage, IL is the average
inductor current, fOSC is the converter switching frequency, and tT is the transition time. The transition time
is approximately Qg / IG, where Qg is the total gate
charge and IG is the gate drive current (typically 0.5A).
The total power dissipation in the MOSFET is:
AVDV = VREF / VOUT
And the DC gain of the error amplifier is AVEA = 2000V/V.
Thus, the DC loop gain is:
AVDC = AVDV AVEA AVO
The compensation resistor-capacitor pair at COMP cause
a pole and zero at frequencies (in Hz):
PC = GEA / (4000 π CC) = 1 / (4 x 107 π CC)
PMOSFET = P1 + P2
Diode Selection
For low-output-voltage applications, use a Schottky
diode to rectify the output voltage because of the
diode’s low forward voltage and fast recovery time.
Schottky diodes exhibit significant leakage current at
high reverse voltages and high temperatures. Thus, for
high-voltage, high-temperature applications, use ultrafast junction rectifiers.
ZC = 1 / (2 π RC CC)
And the ESR of the output filter capacitor causes a zero
in the loop response at the frequency (in Hz):
ZO = 1 / (2π COUT ESR)
The DC gain and the poles and zeros are shown in the
Bode plot of Figure 4.
To achieve a stable circuit with the Bode plot of Figure
4, perform the following procedure:
Compensation Design
MAX1801 converters use voltage mode to regulate their
output voltages. The following explains how to compensate the control system for optimal performance. The
compensation differs depending on whether the inductor current is continuous or discontinuous.
180°
80
AVDC
60
PC
PHASE
Discontinuous Inductor Current
For discontinuous inductor current, the PWM converter
has a single pole. The pole frequency and DC gain of
the PWM controller are dependent on the operating
duty cycle, which is:
D = (2 L fOSC / RE)1/2
where RE is the equivalent load resistance, or:
RE = VIN2 RLOAD / (VOUT (VOUT – VIN))
90°
40
ZC = P O
GAIN
(dB)
PHASE
20
GAIN
0°
O
ZO
-20
FREQUENCY
Figure 4. MAX1801 Discontinuous-Current, Voltage-Mode,
Step-Up Converter Bode Plot
______________________________________________________________________________________
11
MAX1801
Since the external gate drive (DL) swings between IN
and GND, use a MOSFET whose on-resistance is specified at or below VIN. The gate charge, Qg, includes all
capacitance associated with gate charging and helps
to predict the transition time required to drive the MOSFET between on and off states. The power dissipated in
the MOSFET is due to on-resistance and transition losses. The on-resistance loss is:
P1 ≈ D IL2 RDS(ON)
MAX1801
Digital Camera Step-Up Slave
DC-DC Controller
1) Choose the compensation resistor RC that is equivalent to the inverse of the transconductance of the
error amplifier, 1/ RC = GEA = 100µS, or RC = 10kΩ.
This sets the high-frequency voltage gain of the
error amplifier to 0dB.
2) Determine the maximum output pole frequency:
PO(MAX) =
2VOUT - VIN
2π(VOUT - VIN ) RLOAD(MIN) COUT
where:
RLOAD(MIN) = VOUT / IOUT(MAX)
3) Place the compensation zero at the same frequency
as the maximum output pole frequency (in Hz):
ZC =
1
2VOUT - VIN
=
2π RCCC 2π(VOUT - VIN ) RLOAD(MIN) COUT
Solving for CC:


VOUT - VIN
CC = COUT VOUT 

 RC IOUT(MAX) (2VOUT - VIN ) 
Use values of CC less than 10nF. If the above calculation determines that the capacitor should be
greater than 10nF, use CC = 10nF, skip step 4 , and
proceed to step 5.
4) Determine the crossover frequency (in Hz):
fC = VREF / (π D COUT)
and to maintain at least a 10dB gain margin, make
sure that the crossover frequency is less than or
equal to 1/3 of the ESR zero frequency, or:
fC = (GEA RC) 2 VREF / (2π D COUT) ≥ 1 / (2π RC CC)
Choose COUT, RC, and CC to simultaneously satisfy
both equations.
Continuous Inductor Current
For continuous inductor current, there are two conditions that change, requiring different compensation.
The response of the control loop includes a right-halfplane zero and a complex pole pair due to the inductor
and output capacitor. For stable operation, the controller loop gain must drop below unity (0dB) at a much
lower frequency than the right-half-plane zero frequency. The zero arising from the ESR of the output capacitor is typically used to compensate the control circuit
by increasing the phase near the crossover frequency,
increasing the phase margin. If a low-value, low-ESR
output capacitor (such as a ceramic capacitor) is used,
the ESR-related zero occurs at too high a frequency
and does not increase the phase margin. In this case,
use a lower value inductor so that it operates with discontinuous current (see the Discontinuous Inductor
Current section).
For continuous inductor current, the gain of the voltage
divider is AVDV = VREF / VOUT, and the DC gain of the
error amplifier is AVEA = 2000. The gain through the
PWM controller in continuous current is:
AVO = (1 / VREF) (VOUT2 / VIN)
Thus, the total DC loop gain is:
AVDC = 2000 VOUT / VIN
The complex pole pair due to the inductor and output
capacitor occurs at the frequency (in Hz):
PO = (VOUT / VIN) / (2π (L × COUT)1/2)
The pole and zero due to the compensation network at
COMP occur at the frequencies (in Hz):
3fC ≤ ZO
PC = GEA / (4000 π CC) = 1 / (4 x 107 π CC)
ZC = 1 / (2π RC CC)
ESR ≤ D / 6 VREF
The frequency (in Hz) of the zero due to the ESR of the
output capacitor is:
If this is not the case, go to step 5 to reduce the
error amplifier high-frequency gain to decrease the
crossover frequency.
5) The high-frequency gain may be reduced, thus
reducing the crossover frequency, as long as the
zero due to the compensation network remains at or
below the crossover frequency. In this case:
ZO = 1 / (2π COUT ESR)
or:
ESR ≤ D / (GEA RC 6 VREF)
and:
12
And the right-half-plane zero frequency (in Hz) is:
ZRHP =
(1- D)2 RLOAD
2πL
The Bode plot of the loop gain of this control circuit is
shown in Figure 5.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Digital Camera Step-Up Slave
DC-DC Controller
180°
PC
6) Determine that the compensation resistor, RC for
the compensation zero frequency, is equal to the
complex pole-pair frequency:
GAIN
AVDC
PHASE
ZC=PO
PHASE
solving for RC:
RC = (VIN / VOUT) ((L COUT)1/2 / CC)
PHASE
MARGIN
Z0
GAIN
MARGIN
0°
ZrRHP
FREQUENCY
Figure 5. MAX1801 Continuous-Current, Voltage-Mode,
Step-Up Converter Bode Plot
To configure the compensation network for a stable
control loop, set the crossover frequency at that of the
zero due to the output capacitor ESR. Use the following
procedure:
1) Determine the frequency of the right-half-plane
zero:
ZRHP =
ZC = PO
90°
GAIN
(dB)
O dB
Solving this equation for CC:
CC = VOUT (COUT)3/2 ESR2 / (20MΩ VIN (L)1/2)
(1- D)2 RLOAD
2πL
2) Find the DC loop gain:
AVDC = 2000 VOUT VIN
3) Determine the frequency of the complex pole pair
due to the inductor and output capacitor:
fO = (VOUT / VIN) / (2π (L COUT)1/2)
4) Since response is 2nd order (-40dB per decade)
between the complex pole pair and the ESR zero,
determine the desired amplitude at the complex
pole pair to force the crossover frequency equal to
the ESR zero frequency. Thus:
A(PO) = (ZO / PO)2 = L VIN2 / (COUT ESR2 VOUT2)
Applications Information
Using the MAX1801 with the MAX1800
Step-Up Master DC-DC Converter
The MAX1801 does not generate its own reference or
oscillator. Instead it uses the reference and the oscillator
from a master DC-DC converter such as the MAX1800
step-up master converter. The MAX1800 has circuitry to
generate a 1.25V reference and a 100kHz to 1MHz oscillator signal. The MAX1800 operates from a 1.5V to 5.5V
input voltage, which makes it suitable for applications
with 2- or 3-cell alkaline, NiCd, or NiMH batteries, or 1-cell
lithium primary or lithium-ion (Li+) batteries. Apart from
the reference and the oscillator, the MAX1800 has a single-internal-switch synchronous-rectified step-up DC-DC
converter, three auxiliary step-up DC-DC converter controllers, and a linear regulator controller. For more details,
refer to the MAX1800 data sheet
Using the MAX1801 with the MAX1802
Step-Down Master DC-DC Converter
The MAX1801 does not generate its own reference or
oscillator. Instead, it uses the reference and the oscillator from a master DC-DC converter such as the
MAX1802 step-down master DC-DC converter. The
MAX1802 has circuitry to generate a 1.25V reference
and a 100kHz to 1MHz oscillator signal. The MAX1802
operates from a 2.7V to 11V input voltage, making it
suitable for 4-series alkaline, NiCd, or NiMH cells, or 2series lithium primary or (Li+) batteries. The MAX1802
has a synchronous-rectified step-down DC-DC converter controller, an internal-switch synchronous-rectified
step-down DC-DC converter, and three auxiliary stepup DC-DC converter controllers. For more details, refer
to the MAX1802 data sheet.
5) Determine the desired compensation pole. Since
the response between the compensation pole and
the complex pole pair is 1st order (-20dB per
decade), the ratio of the frequencies is equal to the
ratio of the amplitudes at those frequencies. Thus:
______________________________________________________________________________________
13
MAX1801
(PO / PC) = (ADC / A(PO))
MAX1801
Digital Camera Step-Up Slave
DC-DC Controller
INPUT
1 CELL
Li+
L2
MAIN
ON
DCON
EXT
C2
Q1
OUTPUT
3.3V
D1
R1
MAX1801
FB
COMP
R2
RC
Using the MAX1801 Controller for a
Multi-Output Flyback Circuit
GC
Figure 6. MAX1801 Auxiliary Controller, SEPIC Configuration
+ OUTPUT
D3
INPUT
MAIN
D2
- OUTPUT
ON
DCON
EXT
Q1
R1
MAX1801
FB
COMP
step-down converter is suitable; use a step-up/stepdown converter instead. One type of step-up/stepdown converter is the SEPIC shown in Figure 6.
Inductors L1 and L2 can be separate inductors or can
be wound on a single core and coupled as with a transformer. Typically, using a coupled inductor improves
efficiency because some power is transferred through
the coupling so that less power passes through the coupling capacitor, C2. Likewise, C2 should be a low-ESRtype capacitor to improve efficiency. The coupling
capacitor ripple current rating must be greater than the
larger of the input and output currents. The MOSFET
(Q1) drain-source voltage rating and the rectifier (D1)
reverse voltage rating must exceed the sum of the input
and output voltages. Other types of step-up/step-down
circuits are a flyback converter and a step-up converter
followed by a linear regulator.
R2
RC
GC
Figure 7. MAX1801 Auxiliary Controller, Flyback Configuration
Using the MAX1801 Controller in
SEPIC Configuration
Some applications require multiple voltages from a single converter that features a flyback transformer.
Figure 7 shows a MAX1801 auxiliary controller in a twooutput flyback configuration. The controller drives an
external MOSFET that switches the transformer primary,
and the two secondaries generate the outputs. Only a
single positive output voltage can be regulated using
the feedback resistive voltage-divider, so the other voltages are set by the turns ratio of the transformer secondaries. The regulation of the other secondary voltages
degrades due to transformer leakage inductance and
winding resistance. Voltage regulation is best when the
load current is limited to a small range. Consult the
transformer manufacturer for the proper design for a
given application.
Using a Charge Pump to Make
Negative Output Voltages
Negative output voltages can be produced without a
transformer using a charge-pump circuit with an auxiliary controller, as shown in Figure 8. When MOSFET Q1
turns off, the voltage at its drain rises to supply current
to VOUT+. At the same time, C1 charges to the voltage
at VOUT+ through D1. When the MOSFET turns on, C1
discharges through D3, thereby charging C3 to VOUTminus the drop across D3, to create roughly the same
voltage as VOUT+ at VOUT- but with inverted polarity. If
different magnitudes are required for the positive and
negative voltages, a linear regulator can be used at one
of the outputs to achieve the desired voltages, while the
MAX1801 regulates the higher magnitude voltage.
In cases where the battery voltage is above or below
the required output voltage, neither a step-up nor a
14
______________________________________________________________________________________
Digital Camera Step-Up Slave
DC-DC Controller
VOUT-
INPUT
C3
D1
MAIN
L
C1
D2
VOUT+
ON
DCON
Q1
EXT
C2
R1
MAX1801
FB
COMP
R2
RC
GC
Figure 8. Auxiliary Controller, Charge-Pump Configuration
Designing a PC Board
A good PC board layout is important to achieve optimal
performance from the MAX1801. Poor design can cause
excessive conducted and/or radiated noise, both of
which can cause instability and/or regulation errors.
Conductors carrying discontinuous currents should be
kept as short as possible, and conductors carrying
high currents should be made as wide as possible. A
separate low-noise ground plane containing the reference and signal grounds should connect only to the
power-ground plane at one point to minimize the
effects of power-ground currents.
Keep the voltage feedback network very close to the
IC, preferably within 0.2in (5mm) of the FB pin. Nodes
with high dv/dt (switching nodes) should be kept as
small as possible and should be kept away from highimpedance nodes such as FB.
Circuit-board layouts that are susceptible to electrical
noise can require a lowpass RC filter at OSC and
bypassing at REF and IN. If an RC filter is used at OSC,
the pole frequency should be at least 20 times larger
than the oscillator frequency to prevent distortion of the
OSC signal. To ensure minimal loading of the master
oscillator, which would cause an oscillator frequency
shift, choose a filter capacitor smaller than COSC/(100
N), where COSC is the timing capacitor for the master
oscillator and N is the number of MAX1801 slaves connected to the master. Then choose RFILTER = 1/(40 π
fOSC CFILTER).
If bypass capacitors are required on IN and REF, use
0.1µF ceramic capacitors because of their low impedance at high frequencies. The bypass and filter components should be placed within 5mm (0.2in) of the
MAX1801 pins.
Refer to the MAX1800 evaluation kit (EV kit) or
MAX1802 EV kit data sheets for full PC board examples.
Pin Configuration
Chip Information
TRANSISTOR COUNT: 1130
TOP VIEW
OSC
1
GND
2
8
DL
7
IN
3
6
FB
DCON 4
5
COMP
MAX1801
REF
SOT23-8
______________________________________________________________________________________
15
MAX1801
D3
Digital Camera Step-Up Slave
DC-DC Controller
SOT23, 8L.EPS
MAX1801
Package Information
Maxim cannot assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Maxim product. No circuit patent licenses are
implied. Maxim reserves the right to change the circuitry and specifications without notice at any time.
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