XRP7708 Datasheet, PDF (20/27 Pages) Exar Corporation – Quad Channel Digital PWM Step Down Controller

XRP7708
Quad Channel Digital PWM Step Down Controller
The PWM Switching frequency plays an important role on overall power conversion efficiency. As
the switching frequency increase, the switching losses also increase. Please see the APPLICATION
INFORMATION, Typical Performance Data for further examples.
Component Selection and Frequency
Typically the components become smaller as the frequency increases, as long as the ripple
requirements remain constant. At higher frequency the inductor can be smaller in value and have a
smaller footprint while still maintaining the same current rating.
FREQUENCY SYNCHRONIZATION FUNCTION AND EXTERNAL CLOCK
The user of the XRP7708 can choose to use an external source as the primary clock for the
XRP7708. This function can be configured using the SET_SYNC_MODE_CONFIG register. This
register sets the operation of the XRP7708 when an external clock is required. By selecting the
appropriate bit combination the user can configure the IC to function as a master or a slave when
two or more XRP7708s are used to convert power in a system. Automatic clock selection is also
provided to allow operation even if the external clock fails by switching the IC back to an internal
clock.
External Clock Synchronization
Even when configured to use an external clock, the chip initially powers up with its internal clock.
The user can set the percent target that the frequency detector will use when comparing the
internal clock with the clock frequency input on the GPIO pin. If the external clock frequency is
detected to be within the window specified by the user, then a switchover will occur to the external
clock. If the IC does not find a clock in the specified frequency target range then the external clock
will not be used and the IC will run on the internal clock that was specified by the user. If the
external clock fails the user can chose to have the internal clock take over, using the automatic
switch back mode in the SET_SYNC_MODE_CONFIG register.
CLK_IN
GPIO1
XRP7708
Configured for
external clock use
Fig. 22:XRP7708 Configured For External Clock Use
Synchronized Operation as a Master and Slave Unit
Two XRP7708s can be synchronized together. This Master-Slave configuration is described below.
• Master
When the XRP7708 powers up as a master unit after the internal configuration memory is loaded
the unit will send CLK_OUT and SYNC_OUT signals to the slave on the preconfigured GPIO pins.
• Slave
© 2010 Exar Corporation
20/27
Rev. 1.0.3