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LTC3115-2_15 Datasheet, PDF (13/42 Pages) Linear Technology – 40V, 2A Synchronous Buck-Boost DC/DC Converter
LTC3115-2
Operation
INTRODUCTION
The LTC3115-2 is a monolithic buck-boost converter that
can operate with input and output voltages from as low
as 2.7V to as high as 40V. Four internal low resistance N-
channel DMOS switches minimize the size of the application
circuit and reduce power losses to maximize efficiency.
Internal high side gate drivers, which require only the
addition of two small external capacitors, further simplify
the design process. A proprietary switch control algorithm
allows the buck-boost converter to maintain output volt-
age regulation with input voltages that are above, below
or equal to the output voltage. Transitions between these
operating modes are seamless and free of transients and
subharmonic switching. The LTC3115-2 can be configured
to operate over a wide range of switching frequencies, from
100kHz to 2MHz, allowing applications to be optimized for
board area and efficiency. With its configurability and wide
operating voltage range, the LTC3115-2 is ideally suited to
a wide range of power systems especially those requiring
compatibility with a variety of input power sources such
as lead-acid batteries, USB ports, and industrial supply
rails as well as from power sources which have wide or
poorly controlled voltage ranges such as FireWire and
unregulated wall adapters.
The LTC3115-2 has an internal fixed-frequency oscillator
with a switching frequency that is easily set by a single
external resistor. In noise sensitive applications, the con-
verter can also be synchronized to an external clock via
the PWM/SYNC pin. The LTC3115-2 has been optimized to
reduce input current in shutdown and standby for applica-
tions which are sensitive to quiescent current draw, such
as battery-powered devices. In Burst Mode operation, the
no-load standby current is only 50µA (typical) and in shut-
down the total supply current is reduced to 3µA (typical).
provides seamless transitions between operating modes
and eliminates discontinuities in the average inductor cur-
rent, inductor current ripple, and loop transfer function
throughout all regions of operation. These advantages
result in increased efficiency, improved loop stability, and
lower output voltage ripple in comparison to the traditional
4-switch buck-boost converter.
Figure 1 shows the topology of the LTC3115-2 power stage
which is comprised of four N-channel DMOS switches and
their associated gate drivers. In PWM mode operation both
switch pins transition on every cycle independent of the input
and output voltage. In response to the error amplifier output,
an internal pulse width modulator generates the appropriate
switch duty cycles to maintain regulation of the output voltage.
When stepping down from a high input voltage to a lower
output voltage, the converter operates in buck mode and
switch D remains on for the entire switching cycle except
for the minimum switch low duration (typically 100ns).
During the switch low duration switch C is turned on which
forces SW2 low and charges the flying capacitor, CBST2, to
ensure that the voltage of the switch D gate driver supply
rail is maintained. The duty cycle of switches A and B are
adjusted to provide the appropriate buck mode duty cycle.
If the input voltage is lower than the output voltage, the
converter operates in boost mode. Switch A remains on
for the entire switching cycle except for the minimum
switch low duration (typically 100ns) while switches C
and D are modulated to maintain the required boost mode
duty cycle. The minimum switch low duration ensures that
flying capacitor CBST1 is charged sufficiently to maintain
the voltage on the BST1 rail.
CBST1
L
CBST2
PWM MODE OPERATION
PVCC
BST1
PVIN SW1
SW2 PVOUT
BST2
PVCC
With the PWM/SYNC pin forced high or driven by an ex-
ternal clock, the LTC3115-2 operates in a fixed-frequency
pulse width modulation (PWM) mode using a voltage mode
control loop. This mode of operation maximizes the output
current that can be delivered by the converter, reduces
output voltage ripple, and yields a low noise fixed-frequency
switching spectrum. A proprietary switching algorithm
A
PVCC
B
PGND
D
LTC3115-2
PVCC
C
PGND
Figure 1. Power Stage Schematic
31152 F01
31152fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3115-2
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