LTC3858 Datasheet, PDF (12/38 Pages) Linear Technology – Low IQ, Dual 2-Phase Synchronous Step-Down Controller

LTC3858
Operation (Refer to the Functional Diagram)
INTV_CC
SS VOLTAGE
2V
1.5V
0.8V
LATCH-OFF
COMMAND
0V
SS PIN
CURRENT
1µA
1µA
–9µA
OUTPUT
VOLTAGE
LATCH-OFF
ENABLE
ARMING
SOFT-START INTERVAL
t_LATCH
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Figure 1. Latch-Off Timing Diagram
to allow the SS pin voltage to fall below 1.5V (the latchoff
threshold), the controller will shut down (latch off) until
the RUN pin voltage or the V_IN voltage is recycled.
The delay time from when a short-circuit occurs until the
controller latches off can be calculated using the follow-
ing equation
t_LATCH
≈
C_SS
V_SS – 1.5V
9µA
where V_SS is the initial voltage (must be greater than 2V)
on the SS pin at the time the short-circuit occurs. Normally
the SS pin voltage will have been pulled up to the INTV_CC
voltage (5.1V) by the internal 1µA pull-up current.
Note that the two controllers on the LTC3858 have separate,
independent short-circuit latchoff circuits. Latchoff can be
overridden/defeated by connecting a resistor 150k or less
from the SS pin to INTV_CC. This resistor provides enough
pull-up current to overcome the 9µA pull-down current
present during a short-circuit. Note that this resistor also
shortens the soft-start period.
Foldback Current
On the other hand, when the output voltage falls to less
than 70% of its nominal level, foldback current limiting
is also activated, progressively lowering the peak current
limit in proportion to the severity of the overcurrent or
short-circuit condition. Even if a short circuit is present
and the short-circuit latch-off is not yet armed (when
SS voltage has not yet reached 2V), a safe, low output
current is provided due to internal current foldback and
actual power wasted is low due to the efficient nature of
the current mode switching regulator. Foldback current
limiting is disabled during the soft-start interval (as long
as the V_FB voltage is keeping up with the SS voltage).
Light Load Current Operation (Burst Mode Operation,
Pulse-Skipping or Forced Continuous)
(PLLIN/MODE Pin)
The LTC3858 can be enabled to enter high efficiency
Burst Mode operation, constant frequency pulse-skip-
ping mode, or forced continuous conduction mode at
low load currents. To select Burst Mode operation, tie the
PLLIN/ MODE pin to ground. To select forced continuous
operation, tie the PLLIN/MODE pin to INTV_CC. To select
pulse-skipping mode, tie the PLLIN/MODE pin to a DC
voltage greater than 1.2V and less than INTV_CC – 1.3V.
When a controller is enabled for Burst Mode operation, the
minimum peak current in the inductor is set to approxi-
mately 30% of the maximum sense voltage even though
the voltage on the I_TH pin indicates a lower value. If the
average inductor current is higher than the load current,
the error amplifier EA will decrease the voltage on the I_TH
pin. When the I_TH voltage drops below 0.425V, the internal
sleep signal goes high (enabling “sleep” mode) and both
external MOSFETs are turned off.
In sleep mode, much of the internal circuitry is turned off,
reducing the quiescent current. If one channel is shut down
and the other channel is in sleep mode, the LTC3858 draws
only 170µA of quiescent current. If both channels are in
sleep mode, the LTC3858 draws only 300µA of quiescent
current. In sleep mode, the load current is supplied by
the output capacitor. As the output voltage decreases, the
EA’s output begins to rise. When the output voltage drops
enough, the I_TH pin is reconnected to the output of the
EA, the sleep signal goes low, and the controller resumes
normal operation by turning on the top external MOSFET
on the next cycle of the internal oscillator.
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