High Efficiency, 15V Rail-to-Rail Output Synchronous Step-Down Regulator Can Source or Sink 5A

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Design Note 560: Introduction

The LTC3623 is a high efficiency, monolithic synchronous step-down regulator capable of sourcing or sinking up to 5A of continuous output current from an input voltage range of 4V to 15V. Its compact 3mm × 5mm QFN package incorporates an abundance of features including a low EMI Silent Switcher^® architecture, output voltage cable drop compensation and single resistor output voltage programming. The constant frequency/controlled on-time architecture responds quickly to line and load transients even in low duty cycle, high frequency applications. The device offers a 400kHz to 4MHz operating frequency range with multiple optional protection and monitoring features, enabling compact, robust solutions. V_IN regulation, discontinuous/continuous mode and a supply current less than 1μA during shutdown make this regulator suitable for a wide range of power applications.

A single resistor is used to set the internal reference voltage for the part. The adjustable internal reference voltage sets the output voltage and allows the output voltage to operate rail-to-rail, from 0V to V_IN. The reference voltage can be driven directly as an audio driver or configured to operate as a TEC driver. Capable of sourcing or sinking 5A of output current, the regulator moves the output voltage quickly in either direction. The output current monitor signal can be used to increase the reference voltage to compensate for output voltage drop caused by cable resistance.

3.3V Output, 1MHz Buck Regulator

Figure 1 shows the complete schematic for a high efficiency 12V input to 3.3V output application. The compact package contains a low 30mΩ R_DS(ON) synchronous bottom MOSFET switch and a 60mΩ R_DS(ON) synchronous top MOSFET switch for high efficiency and minimal thermal issues. Figure 2 shows the continuous and discontinuous conduction mode efficiency and power loss. Discontinuous conduction mode significantly improves light load efficiency while adding a slight increase in output voltage ripple. Figure 3 shows the load-step response with only 330μF of output capacitance.

Figure 1. High Efficiency 12V to 3.3V 1MHz Step-Down Regulator with Programmable Reference

Figure 2. Efficiency and Power Loss for the Application in Figure 1 in CCM and DCM Mode

Figure 3. 0A to 5A Load Step Response of the Figure 1 Schematic

Dual-Phase Design Increases Output Current Capability

Figure 4 shows a complete 1MHz 12V input to 1V output dual-phase schematic capable of sourcing or sinking up to 10A. The phases are synchronized by the LTC6908-1 oscillator with 180° interleaving to lower output voltage ripple. Figure 5 shows the efficiency and power loss for the overall system. The low thermal resistance of the LTC3623 package uses the PCB to dissipate heat. The thermal image is shown in Figure 6. From Figure 5, we can see that each phase dissipates 1.8W at 10A output current, which raises the chip temperature to 63°C from an ambient temperature of 25°C with no airflow.

Figure 4. 12V to 1V at ±10A 2-Phase Buck Converter

Figure 5. Efficiency and Power Loss for Application in Figure 4

Figure 6. Thermal Image of the Master Phase of the Figure 4 Circuit at 10A with 0LFM Airflow at 25°C Ambient Temperature (38°C Temperature Rise)

Conclusion

The LTC3623 step-down regulator enables compact POL solutions that can source or sink 5A without significant thermal mitigation. Power capability is easily expanded by paralleling devices, which has other benefits such as spreading the heat and reducing output ripple. Heat dissipation problems are minimized by the LTC3623’s low thermal impedance and high efficiency capability. The LTC3623’s extensive set of programmable features satisfies the requirements of a wide range of applications.