LTC3716 Datasheet, PDF (10/28 Pages) Linear Technology – 2-Phase, 5-Bit VID, Current Mode, High Efficiency, Synchronous Step-Down Switching Regulator

LTC3716
U
OPERATIO (Refer to Functional Diagram)
Main Control Loop
The LTC3716 uses a constant frequency, current mode
step-down architecture with the two output stages oper-
ating 180 degrees out of phase. During normal operation,
each top MOSFET is turned on when the clock for that
channel sets the RS latch, and turned off when the main
current comparator, I₁, resets the RS latch. The peak
inductor current at which I₁ resets the RS latch is con-
trolled by the voltage on the I_TH pin, which is the output of
error amplifier EA. The EAIN pin receives the voltage
feedback signal, which is compared to the internal refer-
ence voltage by the EA. When the load current increases,
it causes a slight decrease in V_EAIN relative to the 0.6V
reference, which in turn causes the I_TH voltage to increase
until the average inductor current matches the new load
current. After the top MOSFET has turned off, the bottom
MOSFET is turned on until either the inductor current
starts to reverse, as indicated by current comparator I₂, or
the beginning of the next cycle.
The top MOSFET drivers are biased from floating boot-
strap capacitor C_B, which normally is recharged during
each off cycle through an external diode when the top
MOSFET turns off. As V_IN decreases to a voltage close to
V_OUT, the loop may enter dropout and attempt to turn on
the top MOSFET continuously. The dropout detector de-
tects this and forces the top MOSFET off for about 500ns
every tenth cycle to allow C_B to recharge.
The main control loop is shut down by pulling the RUN/
SS pin low. Releasing RUN/SS allows an internal 1.2µA
current source to charge soft-start capacitor C_SS. When
C_SS reaches 1.5V, the main control loop is enabled with
the I_TH voltage clamped at approximately 30% of its
maximum value. As C_SS continues to charge, the I_TH pin
voltage is gradually released allowing normal, full-current
operation.
Low Current Operation
The FCB pin is a multifunction pin providing two func-
tions: 1) to provide regulation for a secondary winding by
temporarily forcing continuous PWM operation on
both controllers; and 2) select between two modes of low
current operation. When the FCB pin voltage is below
0.6V, the controller forces continuous PWM current
mode operation. In this mode, the top and bottom
MOSFETs are alternately turned on to maintain the output
voltage independent of direction of inductor current.
When the FCB pin is below V_INTVCC␣ –␣ 2V but greater than
0.6V, the controller enters Burst Mode operation. Burst
Mode operation sets a minimum output current level
before inhibiting the top switch and turns off the synchro-
nous MOSFET(s) when the inductor current goes nega-
tive. This combination of requirements will, at low currents,
force the I_TH pin below a voltage threshold that will
temporarily inhibit turn-on of both output MOSFETs until
the output voltage drops. There is 60mV of hysteresis in
the burst comparator B tied to the I_TH pin. This hysteresis
produces output signals to the MOSFETs that turn them
on for several cycles, followed by a variable “sleep”
interval depending upon the load current. The resultant
output voltage ripple is held to a very small value by
having the hysteretic comparator after the error amplifier
gain block.
Constant Frequency Operation
When the FCB pin is tied to INTV_CC, Burst Mode operation
is disabled and a forced minimum peak output current
requirement is removed. This provides constant frequency,
discontinuous (preventing reverse inductor current) cur-
rent operation over the widest possible output current
range. This constant frequency operation is not as efficient
as Burst Mode operation, but does provide a lower noise,
constant frequency operating mode down to approxi-
mately 1% of designed maximum output current.
Continuous Current (PWM) Operation
Tying the FCB pin to ground will force continuous current
operation. This is the least efficient operating mode, but
may be desirable in certain applications. The output can
source or sink current in this mode. When sinking current
while in forced continuous operation, current will be
forced back into the main power supply potentially boost-
ing the input supply to dangerous voltage levels—
BEWARE!
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