LTC3857 Datasheet, PDF (21/38 Pages) Linear Technology – Low IQ, Dual, 2-Phase Synchronous Step-Down Controller

LTC3857
Applications Information
INTV_CC Regulators
The LTC3857 features two separate internal P-channel low
dropout linear regulators (LDO) that supply power at the
INTV_CC pin from either the V_IN supply pin or the EXTV_CC
pin depending on the connection of the EXTV_CC pin.
INTV_CC powers the gate drivers and much of the LTC3857’s
internal circuitry. The V_IN LDO and the EXTV_CC LDO regulate
INTV_CC to 5.1V. Each of these can supply a peak current of
50mA and must be bypassed to ground with a minimum
of 4.7µF ceramic capacitor. No matter what type of bulk
capacitor is used, an additional 1µF ceramic capacitor
placed directly adjacent to the INTV_CC 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 LTC3857
to be exceeded. The INTV_CC current, which is dominated
by the gate charge current, may be supplied by either the
V_IN LDO or the EXTV_CC LDO. When the voltage on the
EXTV_CC pin is less than 4.7V, the V_IN LDO is enabled. Power
dissipation for the IC in this case is highest and is equal
to V_IN • I_INTVCC. 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 LTC3857
INTV_CC current is limited to less than 32mA from a 40V
supply when not using the EXTV_CC supply at 70°C ambi-
ent temperature:
T_J = 70°C + (32mA)(40V)(43°C/W) = 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
= INTV_CC) at maximum V_IN.
When the voltage applied to EXTV_CC rises above 4.7V, the
V_IN LDO is turned off and the EXTV_CC LDO is enabled. The
EXTV_CC LDO remains on as long as the voltage applied to
EXTV_CC remains above 4.5V. The EXTV_CC LDO attempts
to regulate the INTV_CC voltage to 5.1V, so while EXTV_CC
is less than 5.1V, the LDO is in dropout and the INTV_CC
voltage is approximately equal to EXTV_CC. When EXTV_CC
is greater than 5.1V, up to an absolute maximum of 14V,
INTV_CC is regulated to 5.1V.
Using the EXTV_CC LDO allows the MOSFET driver and con-
trol power to be derived from one of the LTC3857’s switch-
ing regulator outputs (4.7V ≤ V_OUT ≤ 14V) during normal
operation and from the V_IN LDO when the output is out of
regulation (e.g., start-up, short-circuit). If more current
is required through the EXTV_CC LDO than is specified, an
external Schottky diode can be added between the EXTV_CC
and INTV_CC pins. In this case, do not apply more than 6V
to the EXTV_CC pin and make sure that EXTV_CC ≤ V_IN.
Significant efficiency and thermal gains can be realized
by powering INTV_CC from the output, since the V_IN 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 EXTV_CC pin directly to V_OUT . Tying the EXTV_CC pin to
an 8.5V supply reduces the junction temperature in the
previous example from 125°C to:
T_J = 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 INTV_CC power from
the output.
The following list summarizes the four possible connec-
tions for EXTV_CC:
1. EXTV_CC Left Open (or Grounded). This will cause INTV_CC
to be powered from the internal 5.1V regulator result-
ing in an efficiency penalty of up to 10% at high input
voltages.
2. EXTV_CC Connected Directly to V_OUT . This is the normal
connection for a 5V to 14V regulator and provides the
highest efficiency.
3. EXTV_CC Connected to an External Supply. If an external
supply is available in the 5V to 14V range, it may be
used to power EXTV_CC providing it is compatible with the
MOSFET gate drive requirements. Ensure that EXTV_CC
< V_IN.
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