LTC3868-1 Datasheet, PDF (18/38 Pages) Linear Technology – Low IQ, Dual 2-Phase Synchronous Step-Down Controller

LTC3868-1
Applications Information
The maximum power loss in R1 is related to duty cycle,
and will occur in continuous mode at the maximum input
voltage:
( ) _{PLOSS R1=}
V_IN(MAX) – V_OUT
R1
• V_OUT
Ensure that R1 has a power rating higher than this value.
If high efficiency is necessary at light loads, consider this
power loss when deciding whether to use DCR sensing or
sense resistors. Light load power loss can be modestly
higher with a DCR network than with a sense resistor, due
to the extra switching losses incurred through R1. However,
DCR sensing eliminates a sense resistor, reduces conduc-
tion losses and provides higher efficiency at heavy loads.
Peak efficiency is about the same with either method.
Inductor Value Calculation
The operating frequency and inductor selection are inter-
related in that higher operating frequencies allow the use
of smaller inductor and capacitor values. So why would
anyone ever choose to operate at lower frequencies with
larger components? The answer is efficiency. A higher
frequency generally results in lower efficiency because
of MOSFET gate charge losses. In addition to this basic
trade-off, the effect of inductor value on ripple current and
low current operation must also be considered.
The inductor value has a direct effect on ripple current.
The inductor ripple current ∆I_L decreases with higher
inductance or higher frequency and increases with higher
V_IN:
( )( ) ^{ΔIL =}
1
fL
V_OUT

1–

V_OUT
V_IN



Accepting larger values of ∆I_L allows the use of low
inductances, but results in higher output voltage ripple
and greater core losses. A reasonable starting point for
setting ripple current is ∆I_L = 0.3(I_MAX). The maximum
∆I_L occurs at the maximum input voltage.
The inductor value also has secondary effects. The tran-
sition to Burst Mode operation begins when the average
inductor current required results in a peak current below
30% of the current limit determined by R_SENSE. Lower
inductor values (higher ∆I_L) will cause this to occur at
lower load currents, which can cause a dip in efficiency in
the upper range of low current operation. In Burst Mode
operation, lower inductance values will cause the burst
frequency to decrease.
Inductor Core Selection
Once the value for L is known, the type of inductor must
be selected. High efficiency converters generally cannot
afford the core loss found in low cost powdered iron cores,
forcing the use of more expensive ferrite or molypermalloy
cores. Actual core loss is independent of core size for a
fixed inductor value, but it is very dependent on inductance
value selected. As inductance increases, core losses go
down. Unfortunately, increased inductance requires more
turns of wire and therefore copper losses will increase.
Ferrite designs have very low core loss and are preferred
for high switching frequencies, so design goals can
concentrate on copper loss and preventing saturation.
Ferrite core material saturates hard, which means that
inductance collapses abruptly when the peak design current
is exceeded. This results in an abrupt increase in inductor
ripple current and consequent output voltage ripple. Do
not allow the core to saturate!
Power MOSFET and Schottky Diode
(Optional) Selection
Two external power MOSFETs must be selected for each
controller in the LTC3868-1: one N-channel MOSFET for
the top (main) switch, and one N-channel MOSFET for the
bottom (synchronous) switch.
The peak-to-peak drive levels are set by the INTV_CC voltage.
This voltage is typically 5.1V during start-up (see EXTV_CC
Pin Connection). Consequently, logic-level threshold
MOSFETs must be used in most applications. The only
exception is if low input voltage is expected (V_IN < 4V);
then, sub-logic level threshold MOSFETs (V_GS(TH) < 3V)
should be used. Pay close attention to the BV_DSS speci-
fication for the MOSFETs as well; many of the logic-level
MOSFETs are limited to 30V or less.
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