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LTC3807_15 Datasheet, PDF (21/32 Pages) Linear Technology – Low IQ, Synchronous Step-Down Controller with 24V Output Voltage Capability
LTC3807
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
INTVCC Regulators
The LTC3807 features two separate internal P-channel low
dropout linear regulators (LDO) that supply power at the
INTVCC pin from either the VIN supply pin or the EXTVCC
pin depending on the connection of the EXTVCC pin. INTVCC
powers the gate drivers and much of the LTC3807’s internal
circuitry. The VIN LDO and the EXTVCC LDO regulate INTVCC
to 5.1V. Each of these can supply a peak current of at least
50mA and must be bypassed to ground with a minimum
of 2.2μF ceramic capacitor. No matter what type of bulk
capacitor is used, an additional 1μF ceramic capacitor
placed directly adjacent to the INTVCC and PGND pins is
highly recommended. Good bypassing is needed to supply
the high transient currents required by the MOSFET gate
drivers and to prevent interaction between the channels.
High input voltage applications in which large MOSFETs are
being driven at high frequencies may cause the maximum
junction temperature rating for the LTC3807 to be exceeded.
The INTVCC current, which is dominated by the gate charge
current, may be supplied by either the VIN LDO or the
EXTVCC LDO. When the voltage on the EXTVCC pin is less
than 4.7V, the VIN LDO is enabled. Power dissipation for the
IC in this case is highest and is equal to VIN • IINTVCC. The
gate charge current is dependent on operating frequency
as discussed in the Efficiency Considerations section.
The junction temperature can be estimated by using the
equations given in Note 3 of the Electrical Characteristics.
For example, the LTC3807 INTVCC current is limited to less
than 32mA from a 40V supply when not using the EXTVCC
supply at a 70°C ambient temperature:
TJ = 70°C + (32mA)(40V)(43°C/W for QFN) = 125°C
To prevent the maximum junction temperature from be-
ing exceeded, the input supply current must be checked
while operating in forced continuous mode (PLLIN/MODE
= INTVCC) at maximum VIN.
When the voltage applied to EXTVCC rises above 4.7V, the
VIN LDO is turned off and the EXTVCC LDO is enabled. The
EXTVCC LDO remains on as long as the voltage applied to
EXTVCC remains above 4.5V. The EXTVCC LDO attempts
to regulate the INTVCC voltage to 5.1V, so while EXTVCC
is less than 5.1V, the LDO is in dropout and the INTVCC
voltage is approximately equal to EXTVCC. When EXTVCC
is greater than 5.1V, up to an absolute maximum of 14V,
INTVCC is regulated to 5.1V.
Using the EXTVCC LDO allows the MOSFET driver and
control power to be derived from the LTC3807’s switch-
ing regulator output (4.7V ≤ VOUT ≤ 14V) during normal
operation and from the VIN LDO when the output is out
of regulation (e.g., start-up, short-circuit). If more current
is required through the EXTVCC LDO than is specified, an
external Schottky diode can be added between the EXTVCC
and INTVCC pins. In this case, do not apply more than 6V
to the EXTVCC pin and make sure that EXTVCC ≤ VIN.
Significant efficiency and thermal gains can be realized
by powering INTVCC from the output, since the VIN cur-
rent resulting from the driver and control currents will be
scaled by a factor of (Duty Cycle)/(Switcher Efficiency).
For 5V to 14V regulator outputs, this means connecting
the EXTVCC pin directly to VOUT. Tying the EXTVCC pin to
an 8.5V supply reduces the junction temperature in the
previous example from 125°C to:
TJ = 70°C + (32mA)(8.5V)(43°C/W) = 82°C
However, for 3.3V and other low voltage outputs, addi-
tional circuitry is required to derive INTVCC power from
the output.
The following list summarizes the four possible connec-
tions for EXTVCC:
1. EXTVCC Grounded. This will cause INTVCC to be powered
from the internal 5.1V regulator resulting in an efficiency
penalty of up to 10% at high input voltages.
2. EXTVCC Connected Directly to VOUT. This is the normal
connection for a 5V to 14V regulator and provides the
highest efficiency.
3. EXTVCC Connected to an External Supply. If an external
supply is available in the 5V to 14V range, it may be
used to power EXTVCC providing it is compatible with
the MOSFET gate drive requirements. Ensure that
EXTVCC < VIN.
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3807
3807f
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