LTC3728 Datasheet, PDF (12/32 Pages) Linear Technology – Dual, 550kHz, 2-Phase Synchronous Step-Down Switching Regulator

LTC3728
U
OPERATIO (Refer to Functional Diagram)
5V SWITCH
20V/DIV
3.3V SWITCH
20V/DIV
INPUT CURRENT
5A/DIV
INPUT VOLTAGE
500mV/DIV
I_IN(MEAS) = 2.53A_RMS
DC236 F03a
I_IN(MEAS) = 1.55A_RMS
DC236 F03b
(a)
(b)
Figure 3. Input Waveforms Comparing Single-Phase (a) and 2-Phase (b) Operation for Dual Switching Regulators
Converting 12V to 5V and 3.3V at 3A Each. The Reduced Input Ripple with the LTC1628 2-Phase Regulator Allows
Less Expensive Input Capacitors, Reduces Shielding Requirements for EMI and Improves Efficiency
Figure 3 compares the input waveforms for a representa-
tive single-phase dual switching regulator to the LTC1628
2-phase dual switching regulator. An actual measurement
of the RMS input current under these conditions shows
that 2-phase operation dropped the input current from
2.53A_RMS to 1.55A_RMS. While this is an impressive reduc-
tion in itself, remember that the power losses are propor-
tional to I_RMS2, meaning that the actual power wasted is
reduced by a factor of 2.66. The reduced input ripple
voltage also means less power is lost in the input power
path, which could include batteries, switches, trace/con-
nector resistances and protection circuitry. Improvements
in both conducted and radiated EMI also directly accrue as
a result of the reduced RMS input current and voltage.
Of course, the improvement afforded by 2-phase opera-
tion is a function of the dual switching regulator’s relative
duty cycles which, in turn, are dependent upon the input
voltage V_IN (Duty Cycle = V_OUT/V_IN). Figure 4 shows how
the RMS input current varies for single-phase and 2-phase
operation for 3.3V and 5V regulators over a wide input
voltage range.
It can readily be seen that the advantages of 2-phase
operation are not just limited to a narrow operating range,
but in fact extend over a wide region. A good rule of thumb
for most applications is that 2-phase operation will reduce
the input capacitor requirement to that for just one channel
operating at maximum current and 50% duty cycle.
A final question: If 2-phase operation offers such an
advantage over single-phase operation for dual switching
12
regulators, why hasn’t it been done before? The answer is
that, while simple in concept, it is hard to implement.
Constant-frequency current mode switching regulators
require an oscillator derived “slope compensation” signal
to allow stable operation of each regulator at over 50%
duty cycle. This signal is relatively easy to derive in single-
phase dual switching regulators, but required the develop-
ment of a new and proprietary technique to allow 2-phase
operation. In addition, isolation between the two channels
becomes more critical with 2-phase operation because
switch transitions in one channel could potentially disrupt
the operation of the other channel.
These 2-phase parts are proof that these hurdles have
been surmounted. They offer unique advantages for the
ever-expanding number of high efficiency power supplies
required in portable electronics.
3.0
SINGLE PHASE
2.5
DUAL CONTROLLER
2.0
1.5
2-PHASE
DUAL CONTROLLER
1.0
0.5
V_O1 = 5V/3A
V_O2 = 3.3V/3A
0
0
10
20
30
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
40
3728 F04
Figure 4. RMS Input Current Comparison
3728fb