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LTC3890-3 Datasheet, PDF (22/40 Pages) Linear Technology – 60V Low IQ, Dual, 2-Phase Synchronous Step-Down DC/DC Controller
LTC3890-3
Applications Information
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 one of the LTC3890-3’s
switching regulator outputs (4.7V ≤ VOUT ≤ 14V) during
normal operation and from the VIN LDO when the out-
put 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 + (15mA)(8.5V)(90°C/W) = 82°C
However, for 3.3V and other low voltage outputs, additional
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.
4. EXTVCC Connected to an Output-Derived Boost Network.
For 3.3V and other low voltage regulators, efficiency
gains can still be realized by connecting EXTVCC to an
output-derived voltage that has been boosted to greater
than 4.7V. This can be done with the capacitive charge
pump shown in Figure 9. Ensure that EXTVCC < VIN.
CIN
VIN
TG1
1/2 LTC3890-3
EXTVCC SW
MTOP
MBOT
BG1
PGND
2.2µF
MBR0520
2.2µF
L
RSENSE
MBR0520
FDN340P
VOUT
NDS331N
COUT
38903 F09
Figure 9. Capacitive Charge Pump for EXTVCC
22
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38903f