LM2670 Datasheet, PDF (14/38 Pages) National Semiconductor (TI) – SIMPLE SWITCHER High Efficiency 3A Step-Down Voltage Regulator with Sync

LM2670
SNVS036K – APRIL 2000 – REVISED JUNE 2016
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Application Information (continued)
Impacting frequency stability of the overall control loop, the output capacitance, in conjunction with the inductor,
creates a double pole inside the feedback loop. In addition the capacitance and the ESR value create a zero.
These frequency response effects together with the internal frequency compensation circuitry of the LM2670
modify the gain and phase shift of the closed-loop system.
As a general rule for stable switching regulator circuits it is desired to have the unity gain bandwidth of the circuit
to be limited to no more than one-sixth of the controller switching frequency. With the fixed 260-kHz switching
frequency of the LM2670, the output capacitor is selected to provide a unity gain bandwidth of 40 kHz maximum.
Each recommended capacitor value has been chosen to achieve this result.
In some cases multiple capacitors are required either to reduce the ESR of the output capacitor, to minimize
output ripple (a ripple voltage of 1% of V_OUT or less is the assumed performance condition), or to increase the
output capacitance to reduce the closed loop unity gain bandwidth (to less than 40 kHz). When parallel
combinations of capacitors are required it has been assumed that each capacitor is the exact same part type.
The RMS current and working voltage (WV) ratings of the output capacitor are also important considerations. In a
typical step-down switching regulator, the inductor ripple current (set to be no more than 30% of the maximum
load current by the inductor selection) is the current that flows through the output capacitor. The capacitor RMS
current rating must be greater than this ripple current. The voltage rating of the output capacitor must be greater
than 1.3 times the maximum output voltage of the power supply. If operation of the system at elevated
temperatures is required, the capacitor voltage rating may be de-rated to less than the nominal room temperature
rating. Careful inspection of the manufacturer's specification for de-rating of working voltage with temperature is
important.
8.1.4 Input Capacitor
Fast changing currents in high current switching regulators place a significant dynamic load on the unregulated
power source. An input capacitor helps to provide additional current to the power supply as well as smooth out
input voltage variations.
Like the output capacitor, the key specifications for the input capacitor are RMS current rating and working
voltage. The RMS current flowing through the input capacitor is equal to one-half of the maximum DC load
current so the capacitor should be rated to handle this. Paralleling multiple capacitors proportionally increases
the current rating of the total capacitance. The voltage rating must also be selected to be 1.3 times the maximum
input voltage. Depending on the unregulated input power source, under light load conditions the maximum input
voltage could be significantly higher than normal operation. Consider when selecting an input capacitor.
The input capacitor must be placed very close to the input pin of the LM2670. Due to relative high current
operation with fast transient changes, the series inductance of input connecting wires or PCB traces can create
ringing signals at the input terminal which could possibly propagate to the output or other parts of the circuitry. It
may be necessary in some designs to add a small valued (0.1 µF to 0.47 µF) ceramic type capacitor in parallel
with the input capacitor to prevent or minimize any ringing.
8.1.5 Catch Diode
When the power switch in the LM2670 turns OFF, the current through the inductor continues to flow. The path for
this current is through the diode connected between the switch output and ground. This forward biased diode
clamps the switch output to a voltage less than ground. This negative voltage must be greater than –1 V so a low
voltage drop (particularly at high current levels) Schottky diode is recommended. Total efficiency of the entire
power supply is significantly impacted by the power lost in the output catch diode. The average current through
the catch diode is dependent on the switch duty cycle (D) and is equal to the load current times (1-D). Use of a
diode rated for much higher current than is required by the actual application helps to minimize the voltage drop
and power loss in the diode.
During the switch ON time the diode is reversed biased by the input voltage. The reverse voltage rating of the
diode must be at least 1.3 times greater than the maximum input voltage.
8.1.6 Boost Capacitor
The boost capacitor creates a voltage used to overdrive the gate of the internal power MOSFET. This improves
efficiency by minimizing the on resistance of the switch and associated power loss. For all applications, TI
recommends using a 0.01-µF, 50-V ceramic capacitor.
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