CAT4238 Datasheet, PDF (4/12 Pages) Catalyst Semiconductor – High Efficiency 10 LED Boost Converter

CAT4238
Block Diagram
V_IN
47 mH
C₁
4.7 mF
V_IN
SHDN
1 MHz
Oscillator
V_REF ^{300 mV} –
A1
+
Enable
R_C
+
A2
–
C_C
Thermal
Shutdown
& UVLO
Current
Sense
SW
Over Voltage
Protection
PWM &
Logic
Driver
N₁
R_S
Figure 2. Block Diagram
C₂
0.22 mF
LED
Current
GND
FB
R₁
15 W
Device Operation
The CAT4238 is a fixed frequency (1 MHz), low noise,
inductive boost converter that provides a constant current
with excellent line and load regulation. The device uses a
high-voltage CMOS power switch between the SW pin and
ground to energize the inductor. When the switch is turned
off, the stored energy in the inductor is released into the load
via the Schottky diode.
The on/off duty cycle of the power switch is internally
adjusted and controlled to maintain a constant regulated
voltage of 0.3 V across the feedback resistor connected to the
feedback pin (FB). The value of the resistor sets the LED
current accordingly (0.3 V/R₁).
During the initial power-up stage, the duty cycle of the
internal power switch is limited to prevent excessive in-rush
currents and thereby provide a “soft-start” mode of
operation.
While operating from a Li−Ion battery, the device can
deliver 20 mA of load current into a string of up to 10 white
LEDs. For higher input voltages, the LED current can be
increased.
In the event of an “Open LED” fault condition, where the
feedback control loop becomes open, the output voltage will
continue to increase. Once this voltage exceeds 40 V, an
internal protection circuit will become active and place the
device into a very low power safe operating mode where
only a small amount of power is transferred to the output.
This is achieved by pulsing the switch once every 6 ms and
keeping it on for about 1 ms.
Thermal overload protection circuitry has been included
to prevent the device from operating at unsafe junction
temperatures above 150°C. In the event of a thermal
overload condition the device will automatically shutdown
and wait till the junction temperatures cools to 130°C before
normal operation is resumed.
Light Load Operation
Under light load condition (under 2 mA) and with input
voltage above 5.0 V, the CAT4238 driving 10 LEDs, the
driver starts pulse skipping. Although the LED current
remains well regulated, some lower frequency ripple may
appear.
Figure 3. Switching Waveform V_IN = 5.0 V,
I_LED = 1.5 mA
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