LTC1624

High Efficiency SO-8

N-Channel Switching
Regulator Controller
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FEATURES DESCRIPTION
■ N-Channel MOSFET Drive The LTC®1624 is a current mode switching regulator
■ Implements Boost, Step-Down, SEPIC controller that drives an external N-channel power MOSFET
and Inverting Regulators using a fixed frequency architecture. It can be operated in
■ Wide VIN Range: 3.5V to 36V Operation all standard switching configurations including boost,
■ Wide VOUT Range: 1.19V to 30V in Step-Down step-down, inverting and SEPIC. Burst ModeTM operation
Configuration provides high efficiency at low load currents. A maximum
■ ± 1% 1.19V Reference high duty cycle limit of 95% provides low dropout operation
■ Low Dropout Operation: 95% Duty Cycle which extends operating time in battery-operated systems.
■ 200kHz Fixed Frequency The operating frequency is internally set to 200kHz, allowing
■ Low Standby Current small inductor values and minimizing PC board space. The
■ Very High Efficiency operating current level is user-programmable via an external
■ Remote Output Voltage Sense current sense resistor. Wide input supply range allows
■ Logic-Controlled Micropower Shutdown operation from 3.5V to 36V (absolute maximum).
■ Internal Diode for Bootstrapped Gate Drive
■ Current Mode Operation for Excellent Line and A multifunction pin (I TH / RUN) allows external
Load Transient Response compensation for optimum load step response plus
■ Available in an 8-Lead SO Package shutdown. Soft start can also be implemented with the
U ITH /RUN pin to properly sequence supplies.
APPLICATIONS
■ Notebook and Palmtop Computers, PDAs
■ Cellular Telephones and Wireless Modems
■ Battery-Operated Digital Devices
■ DC Power Distribution Systems
, LTC and LT are registered trademarks of Linear Technology Corporation.
■ Battery Chargers Burst Mode is a trademark of Linear Technology Corporation.

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TYPICAL APPLICATION VIN
4.8V TO 28V
1000pF
SENSE – VIN CIN
RSENSE
+ 22µF
0.05Ω 35V
ITH /RUN BOOST
CC ×2
LTC1624 M1
470pF
Si4412DY
RC VFB TG
CB L1
6.8k 100pF 10µH
0.1µF VOUT
GND SW 3.3V
D1 2A
MBRS340T3 R2
35.7k + COUT
100µF
R1 10V
20k ×2

Figure 1. High Efficiency Step-Down Converter 1624 F01

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LTC1624
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ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS PACKAGE/ORDER INFORMATION
Input Supply Voltage (VIN)......................... 36V to – 0.3V
Topside Driver Supply Voltage (BOOST)....42V to – 0.3V ORDER PART
TOP VIEW
NUMBER
Switch Voltage (SW).................................. 36V to – 0.6V SENSE – 1 8 VIN
Differential Boost Voltage ITH /RUN 2 7 BOOST LTC1624CS8
(BOOST to SW) ....................................7.8V to – 0.3V VFB 3 6 TG LTC1624IS8
SENSE – Voltage GND 4 5 SW
VIN < 15V .................................. (VIN + 0.3V) to – 0.3V
VIN ≥ 15V .......................... (VIN +0.3V) to (VIN – 15V) S8 PACKAGE
8-LEAD PLASTIC SO
S8 PART MARKING
ITH/RUN, VFB Voltages ............................ 2.7V to – 0.3V
Peak Driver Output Current < 10µs (TG) .................... 2A TJMAX = 125°C, θJA = 110°C/ W 1624
Operating Temperature Range 1624I
LTC1624CS ............................................ 0°C to 70°C
Consult factory for Military grade parts.
LTC1624IS ......................................... – 40°C to 85°C
Junction Temperature (Note 1)............................. 125°C
Storage Temperature Range ................. – 65°C to 150°C
Lead Temperature (Soldering, 10 sec).................. 300°C

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS TA = 25°C, VIN = 15V, unless otherwise noted.

SYMBOL PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
Main Control Loop
IIN VFB Feedback Current (Note 2) 10 50 nA
VFB Feedback Voltage (Note 2) ● 1.1781 1.19 1.2019 V
∆VLINE REG Reference Voltage Line Regulation VIN = 3.6V to 20V (Note 2) 0.002 0.01 %/V
∆VLOAD REG Output Voltage Load Regulation (Note 2)
ITH Sinking 5µA ● 0.5 0.8 %
ITH Sourcing 5µA ● – 0.5 – 0.8 %
VOVL Output Overvoltage Lockout 1.24 1.28 1.32 V
IQ Input DC Supply Current (Note 3)
Normal Mode 550 900 µA
Shutdown VITH/RUN = 0V 16 30 µA
VITH/RUN Run Threshold 0.6 0.8 V
IITH/RUN Run Current Source VITH/RUN = 0.3V – 0.8 – 2.5 – 5.0 µA
Run Pullup Current VITH/RUN = 1V – 50 –160 – 350 µA
∆VSENSE(MAX) Maximum Current Sense Threshold VFB = 1.0V 145 160 185 mV
TG Transition Time
TG tr Rise Time CLOAD = 3000pF 50 150 ns
TG tf Fall Time CLOAD = 3000pF 50 150 ns
fOSC Oscillator Frequency ● 175 200 225 kHz
VBOOST Boost Voltage SW = 0V, IBOOST = 5mA, VIN = 8V 4.8 5.15 5.5 V
∆VBOOST Boost Load Regulation SW = 0V, IBOOST = 2mA to 20mA 3 5 %

The ● denotes specifications which apply over the full operating TJ = TA + (PD • 110°C/W)
temperature range. Note 2: The LTC1624 is tested in a feedback loop which servos VFB to
LTC1624CS: 0°C ≤ TA ≤ 70°C the midpoint for the error amplifier (VITH = 1.8V).
LTC1624IS: – 40°C ≤ TA ≤ 85°C Note 3: Dynamic supply current is higher due to the gate charge being
Note 1: TJ is calculated from the ambient temperature TA and power delivered at the switching frequency. See Applications Information.
dissipation PD according to the following formula:

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 LTC1624
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TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
Efficiency vs Load Current Efficiency vs Input Voltage Efficiency vs Load Current
VOUT = 3.3V VOUT = 3.3V VOUT = 5V
100 100 100
VOUT = 3.3V VOUT = 3.3V
VOUT = 5V
RSENSE = 0.033Ω RSENSE = 0.033Ω
95 VIN = 5V 95 VIN = 10V
95
RSENSE = 0.033Ω

90 VIN = 10V 90 90

EFFICIENCY (%)
EFFICIENCY (%)

EFFICIENCY (%)
ILOAD = 1A

85 85 85
ILOAD = 0.1A
80 80 80

75 75 75

70 70 70
0.001 0.01 0.1 1 10 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 0.001 0.01 0.1 1 10
LOAD CURRENT (A) INPUT VOLTAGE (V) LOAD CURRENT (A)
1624 G07 1624 G09 1624 G08

Efficiency vs Input Voltage VIN – VOUT Dropout Voltage Input Supply Current vs
VOUT = 5V vs Load Current Input Voltage
100 0.7 700
VOUT = 5V RSENSE = 0.033Ω VFB = 1.21V
RSENSE = 0.033Ω VOUT DROP OF 5%
95 0.6 600
SLEEP MODE
ILOAD = 1A

SUPPLY CURRENT (µA)

0.5 500
90
EFFICIENCY (%)

VIN – VOUT (V)

0.4 400
85
ILOAD = 0.1A 0.3 300
80
0.2 200

75 0.1 100
SHUTDOWN
70 0 0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
INPUT VOLTAGE (V) LOAD CURRENT (A) INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
1624 G10 1624 G11 1624 G05

Boost Line Regulation Boost Load Regulation Boost Voltage vs Temperature

6 6 6.0
ILOAD = 1mA
VIN = 15V
5 5
5.5
VIN = 5V
BOOST VOLTAGE (V)
BOOST VOLTAGE (V)

BOOST VOLTAGE (V)

4 4

3 3 5.0

2 2
4.5
1 IBOOST = 1mA 1
VSW = 0V VSW = 0V
0 0 4.0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 –40 –15 10 35 60 85 110 135
INPUT VOLTAGE (V) BOOST LOAD CURRENT (mA) TEMPERATURE (°C)
1624 G04 1624 G06 1624 G15

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 LTC1624
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TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
ITH/RUN Pin Source Current vs
VITH vs Output Current IITH vs VITH Temperature

ITH/RUN PIN SOURCE CURRENT WITH VITH = 1V (µA)

ITH/RUN PIN SOURCE CURRENT WITH VITH = 0V (µA)

200 300 5
2.4
250
4

200 ITH /RUN = 1V

150
VITH /RUN (V)

IITH (µA)
ACTIVE 150 ITH /RUN = 0V
MODE
2
50 100
1.2
ACTIVE
0.8 MODE 1
50
SHUTDOWN
SHUTDOWN
0 3 0 0
0 IOUT(MAX) 0
0 0.8 1.2 2.4 –40 –15 10 35 60 85 110 135
IOUT VITH (V) TEMPERATURE (°C)
(a) 1624 G01 (b) 1624 G02 1624 G14

Operating Frequency vs Maximum Current Sense

Frequency vs Feedback Voltage Temperature Threshold vs Temperature
250 250 170

VOUT IN REGULATION 168

CURRENT SENSE THRESHOLD (mV)

200 200 166
164
FREQUENCY (kHz)

FREQUENCY (kHz)

150 150 162

160
100 100 158
156
50 50 VFB = 0V 154
152
0 0 150
0 0.25 0.50 0.75 1.00 1.25 –40 –15 10 35 60 85 110 135 –40 –15 10 35 60 85 110 135
FEEDBACK VOLTAGE TEMPERATURE (°C) TEMPERATURE (°C)
1624 G03 1448 G12 1448 G13

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PIN FUNCTIONS
SENSE – (Pin 1): Connects to the (–) input for the current shutdown all functions are disabled and TG pin is held low.
comparator. Built-in offsets between the SENSE – and VIN
VFB (Pin 3): Receives the feedback voltage from an exter-
pins in conjunction with RSENSE set the current trip thresh-
nal resistive divider across the output.
olds. Do not pull this pin more than 15V below VIN or more
than 0.3V below ground. GND (Pin 4): Ground. Connect to the (–) terminal of COUT,
the Schottky diode and the (–) terminal of CIN.
ITH/RUN (Pin 2): Combination of Error Amplifier Compen-
sation Point and Run Control Inputs. The current com- SW (Pin 5): Switch Node Connection to Inductor. In step-
parator threshold increases with this control voltage. down applications the voltage swing at this pin is from a
Nominal voltage range for this pin is 1.19V to 2.4V. Forcing Schottky diode (external) voltage drop below ground to
this pin below 0.8V causes the device to be shut down. In VIN.

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 LTC1624
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PIN FUNCTIONS
TG (Pin 6): High Current Gate Drive for Top N-Channel swing at this pin is from INTVCC to VIN + INTVCC in step-
MOSFET. This is the output of a floating driver with a down applications. In non step-down topologies the volt-
voltage swing equal to INTVCC superimposed on the age at this pin is constant and equal to INTVCC if SW = 0V.
switch node voltage SW. VIN (Pin 8): Main Supply Pin and the (+) Input to the
BOOST (Pin 7): Supply to Topside Floating Driver. The Current Comparator. Must be closely decoupled to ground.
bootstrap capacitor CB is returned to this pin. Voltage

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OPERATIO (Refer to Functional Diagram)

Main Control Loop implemented by ramping the voltage on the ITH /RUN pin
The LTC1624 uses a constant frequency, current mode from 1.19V to its 2.4V maximum (see Applications Infor-
architecture. During normal operation, the top MOSFET is mation section).
turned on each cycle when the oscillator sets the RS latch Comparator OV guards against transient output over-
and turned off when the main current comparator I1 resets shoots >7.5% by turning off the top MOSFET and keeping
the RS latch. The peak inductor current at which I1 resets it off until the fault is removed.
the RS latch is controlled by the voltage on the ITH /RUN
pin, which is the output of error amplifier EA. The VFB pin, Low Current Operation
described in the pin functions, allows EA to receive an The LTC1624 is capable of Burst Mode operation in which
output feedback voltage from an external resistive divider. the external MOSFET operates intermittently based on
When the load current increases, it causes a slight load demand. The transition to low current operation
decrease in VFB relative to the 1.19V reference, which in begins when comparator B detects when the ITH /RUN
turn causes the ITH /RUN voltage to increase until the voltage is below 1.5V. If the voltage across RSENSE does
average inductor current matches the new load current. not exceed the offset of I2 (approximately 20mV) for one
While the top MOSFET is off, the internal bottom MOSFET full cycle, then on following cycles the top and internal
is turned on for approximately 300ns to 400ns to recharge bottom drives are disabled. This continues until the ITH
the bootstrap capacitor CB. voltage exceeds 1.5V, which causes drive to be returned to
The top MOSFET driver is biased from the floating boot- the TG pin on the next cycle.
strap capacitor CB that is recharged during each off cycle. INTVCC Power/Boost Supply
The dropout detector counts the number of oscillator
cycles that the top MOSFET remains on and periodically Power for the top and internal bottom MOSFET drivers is
forces a brief off period to allow CB to recharge. derived from VIN. An internal regulator supplies INTVCC
power. To power the top driver in step-down applications
The main control loop is shut down by pulling the ITH /RUN an internal high voltage diode recharges the bootstrap
pin below its 1.19V clamp voltage. Releasing ITH /RUN capacitor CB during each off cycle from the INTVCC supply.
allows an internal 2.5µA current source to charge com- A small internal N-channel MOSFET pulls the switch node
pensation capacitor CC. When the ITH /RUN pin voltage (SW) to ground each cycle after the top MOSFET has
reaches 0.8V the main control loop is enabled with the ITH / turned off ensuring the bootstrap capacitor is kept fully
RUN voltage pulled up by the error amp. Soft start can be charged.

5
6
+
VIN U
RSENSE CIN
LTC1624
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VIN SENSE –
8 1

4k 5.6V INTVCC
2.5µA 1.19V
REF
– – VIN INTVCC
I1 I2 REG
8k 4k DB
+ +
BOOST
SLOPE
FUNCTIONAL DIAGRA

COMP 7
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1.19V
3µA 3µA
180k CB
+
RUN
– FLOATING
0.8V – DRIVER TG
N-CHANNEL
ST 6
MOSFET
+
30k 8k

1.19V 1.5V +
SW L1
B
SWITCH 5 VOUT
–
LOGIC +
D1
Ω
gm = 1m COUT
ITH /RUN + 1.19V
(Shown in a step-down application)

2 R
EA
– Q
RC
S
CC
DROP-
200kHz OUT
DET
1.28V +
VFB OV
OSC SLOPE INTVCC
3 – COMP
VFB
1-SHOT N-CHANNEL
R1 R2 COSC 200kHz 400ns MOSFET
GND
4

1624 FD
 LTC1624
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APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
The LTC1624 can be used in a wide variety of switching Accepting larger values of ∆IL allows the use of low
regulator applications, the most common being the step- inductances, but results in higher output voltage ripple
down converter. Other switching regulator architectures and greater core losses. A reasonable starting point for
include step-up, SEPIC and positive-to-negative converters. setting ripple current is ∆IL = 0.4(IMAX). Remember, the
maximum ∆IL occurs at the maximum input voltage.
The basic LTC1624 step-down application circuit is shown
in Figure 1 on the first page. External component selection The inductor value also has an effect on low current
is driven by the load requirement and begins with the operation. Lower inductor values (higher ∆IL) will cause
selection of RSENSE. Once RSENSE is known, the inductor Burst Mode operation to begin at higher load currents,
can be chosen. Next, the power MOSFET and D1 are which can cause a dip in efficiency in the upper range of
selected. Finally, CIN and COUT are selected. The circuit low current operation. In Burst Mode operation lower
shown in Figure 1 can be configured for operation up to an inductance values will cause the burst frequency to
input voltage of 28V (limited by the external MOSFETs). decrease. In general, inductor values from 5µH to 68µH
are typical depending on the maximum input voltage and
Step-Down Converter: RSENSE Selection for output current. See also Modifying Burst Mode Operation
Output Current section.
RSENSE is chosen based on the required output current.
The LTC1624 current comparator has a maximum thresh- Step-Down Converter: Inductor Core Selection
old of 160mV/RSENSE. The current comparator threshold Once the value for L is known, the type of inductor must be
sets the peak of the inductor current, yielding a maximum selected. High efficiency converters generally cannot
average output current IMAX equal to the peak value less afford the core loss found in low cost powdered iron cores,
half the peak-to-peak ripple current, ∆IL. forcing the use of more expensive ferrite, molypermalloy
or Kool Mµ® cores. Actual core loss is independent of core
Allowing a margin for variations in the LTC1624 and
size for a fixed inductor value, but it is very dependent on
external component values yields:
inductance selected. As inductance increases, core losses
100mV go down. Unfortunately, increased inductance requires
RSENSE =
IMAX more turns of wire and, therefore, copper losses will
increase.
The LTC1624 works well with values of RSENSE from
Ferrite designs have very low core loss and are preferred
0.005Ω to 0.5Ω.
at high switching frequencies, so design goals can con-
Step-Down Converter: Inductor Value Calculation centrate on copper loss and preventing saturation. Ferrite
With the operating frequency fixed at 200kHz smaller core material saturates “hard,” which means that induc-
inductor values are favored. Operating at higher frequen- tance collapses abruptly when the peak design current is
cies generally results in lower efficiency because of exceeded. This results in an abrupt increase in inductor
MOSFET gate charge losses. In addition to this basic ripple current and consequent output voltage ripple. Do
trade-off, the effect of inductor value on ripple current and not allow the core to saturate!
low current operation must also be considered. Molypermalloy (from Magnetics, Inc.) is a very good, low
The inductor value has a direct effect on ripple current. The loss core material for toroids, but it is more expensive than
inductor ripple current ∆IL decreases with higher induc- ferrite. A reasonable compromise from the same manu-
tance and increases with higher VIN or VOUT: facturer is Kool Mµ. Toroids are very space efficient,
especially when you can use several layers of wire.
V −V V +V  Because they generally lack a bobbin, mounting is more
∆IL = IN OUT  OUT D 
( )( )
f L  VIN + VD  difficult. However, designs for surface mount that do not
increase the height significantly are available.
where VD is the output Schottky diode forward drop. Kool Mu is a registered trademark of Magnetics, Inc.

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LTC1624
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APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
Step-Down Converter: Power MOSFET Selection characteristics. The constant k = 2.5 can be used to
One external N-channel power MOSFET must be selected estimate the contributions of the two terms in the PMAIN
for use with the LTC1624 for the top (main) switch. dissipation equation.

The peak-to-peak gate drive levels are set by the INTVCC Step-Down Converter: Output Diode Selection (D1)
voltage. This voltage is typically 5V. Consequently, logic The Schottky diode D1 shown in Figure 1 conducts during
level threshold MOSFETs must be used in most LTC1624 the off-time. It is important to adequately specify the diode
applications. If low input voltage operation is expected peak current and average power dissipation so as not to
(VIN < 5V) sublogic level threshold MOSFETs should be exceed the diode ratings.
used. Pay close attention to the BVDSS specification for the
MOSFETs as well; many of the logic level MOSFETs are The most stressful condition for the output diode is under
limited to 30V or less. short circuit (VOUT = 0V). Under this condition, the diode
must safely handle ISC(PK) at close to 100% duty cycle.
Selection criteria for the power MOSFET include the “ON” Under normal load conditions, the average current con-
resistance RDS(ON), reverse transfer capacitance CRSS, ducted by the diode is simply:
input voltage and maximum output current. When the
 
LTC1624 is operating in continuous mode the duty cycle IDIODE AVG = ILOAD AVG  VIN − VOUT 
( ) ( )
for the top MOSFET is given by:  V +V 
 IN D 
V +V Remember to keep lead lengths short and observe proper
Main Switch Duty Cycle = OUT D
VIN + VD grounding (see Board Layout Checklist) to avoid ringing
and increased dissipation.
The MOSFET power dissipation at maximum output
current is given by: The forward voltage drop allowable in the diode is calcu-
lated from the maximum short-circuit current as:
V + VD
( )( ) ( )
2
PMAIN = OUT IMAX 1 + δ RDS ON + PD  VIN + VD 
VIN + VD VD ≈
ISC AVG  VIN 
( )
k(VIN) (IMAX)(CRSS)(f)
1.85

where PD is the allowable diode power dissipation and will

where δ is the temperature dependency of RDS(ON) and k be determined by efficiency and/or thermal requirements
is a constant inversely related to the gate drive current. (see Efficiency Considerations).

MOSFETs have I2R losses, plus the PMAIN equation Step-Down Converter: CIN and COUT Selection
includes an additional term for transition losses that are In continuous mode the source current of the top
highest at high output voltages. For VIN < 20V the high N-channel MOSFET is a square wave of approximate duty
current efficiency generally improves with larger MOSFETs, cycle VOUT/VIN. To prevent large voltage transients, a low
while for VIN > 20V the transition losses rapidly increase to ESR input capacitor sized for the maximum RMS current
the point that the use of a higher RDS(ON) device with lower must be used. The maximum RMS capacitor current is
CRSS actual provides higher efficiency. The diode losses given by:
are greatest at high input voltage or during a short circuit
[V ( V )]
when the diode duty cycle is nearly 100%. 1/ 2
OUT IN − VOUT
The term (1+ δ) is generally given for a MOSFET in the form CIN Required IRMS ≈ IMAX
VIN
of a normalized RDS(ON) vs Temperature curve, but
δ = 0.005/°C can be used as an approximation for low This formula has a maximum at VIN = 2VOUT, where
voltage MOSFETs. CRSS is usually specified in the MOSFET IRMS = IOUT/2. This simple worst-case condition is com-

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 LTC1624
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APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
monly used for design because even significant deviations ratings that are ideal for input capacitor applications.
do not offer much relief. Note that capacitor manufacturer’s Consult the manufacturer for other specific recommend-
ripple current ratings are often based on only 2000 hours ations.
of life. This makes it advisable to further derate the
capacitor, or to choose a capacitor rated at a higher INTVCC Regulator
temperature than required. Several capacitors may also be An internal regulator produces the 5V supply that powers
paralleled to meet size or height requirements in the the drivers and internal circuitry within the LTC1624.
design. Always consult the manufacturer if there is any Good VIN bypassing is necessary to supply the high
question. transient currents required by the MOSFET gate drivers.
The selection of COUT is driven by the required effective High input voltage applications in which large MOSFETs
series resistance (ESR). Typically, once the ESR require- are being driven at high frequencies may cause the maxi-
ment is satisfied the capacitance is adequate for filtering. mum junction temperature rating for the LTC1624 to be
The output ripple (∆VOUT) is determined by: exceeded. The supply current is dominated by the gate
 charge supply current as discussed in the Efficiency
1 
∆VOUT ≈ ∆IL ESR + Considerations section. The junction temperature can be
 4 fCOUT  estimated by using the equations given in Note 1 of the
Electrical Characteristics table. For example, the LTC1624
where f = operating frequency, COUT = output capacitance
is limited to less than 17mA from a 30V supply:
and ∆IL = ripple current in the inductor. The output ripple
is highest at maximum input voltage since ∆IL increases TJ = 70°C + (17mA)(30V)(110°C/W) = 126°C
with input voltage. With ∆IL = 0.4IOUT(MAX) the output To prevent maximum junction temperature from being
ripple will be less than 100mV at maximum VIN, assuming: exceeded, the input supply current must be checked
COUT Required ESR < 2RSENSE operating in continuous mode at maximum VIN.
Manufacturers such as Nichicon, United Chemicon and Step-Down Converter: Topside MOSFET Driver
SANYO should be considered for high performance Supply (CB, DB)
through-hole capacitors. The OS-CON semiconductor
dielectric capacitor available from SANYO has the lowest An external bootstrap capacitor CB connected to the BOOST
ESR(size) product of any aluminum electrolytic at a some- pin supplies the gate drive voltage for the topside MOSFET.
what higher price. Once the ESR requirement for COUT has Capacitor CB in the functional diagram is charged through
been met, the RMS current rating generally far exceeds internal diode DB from INTVCC when the SW pin is low.
the IRIPPLE(P-P) requirement. When the topside MOSFET is to be turned on, the driver
places the CB voltage across the gate to source of the
In surface mount applications multiple capacitors may MOSFET. This enhances the MOSFET and turns on the
have to be paralleled to meet the ESR or RMS current topside switch. The switch node voltage SW rises to VIN
handling requirements of the application. Aluminum elec- and the BOOST pin rises to VIN + INTVCC. The value of the
trolytic and dry tantalum capacitors are both available in boost capacitor CB needs to be 50 times greater than the
surface mount configurations. In the case of tantalum it is total input capacitance of the topside MOSFET. In most
critical that the capacitors are surge tested for use in applications 0.1µF is adequate.
switching power supplies. An excellent choice is the AVX
TPS series of surface mount tantalums, available in case Significant efficiency gains can be realized by supplying
heights ranging from 2mm to 4mm. Other capacitor types topside driver operating voltage from the output, since the
include SANYO OS-CON, Nichicon WF series and Sprague VIN current resulting from the driver and control currents
595D series and the new ceramics. Ceramic capacitors are will be scaled by a factor of (Duty Cycle)/(Efficiency). For
now available in extremely low ESR and high ripple current 5V regulators this simply means connecting the BOOST

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LTC1624
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APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
3.3V
pin through a small Schottky diode (like a Central OR 5V ITH /RUN ITH /RUN
CMDSH-3) to VOUT as shown in Figure 10. However, for D1
3.3V and other lower voltage regulators, additional cir-
CC CC
cuitry is required to derive boost supply power from the
output. RC RC

For low input voltage operation (VIN < 7V), a Schottky

(a) (b)
diode can be connected from VIN to BOOST to increase the
external MOSFET gate drive voltage. Be careful not to ITH /RUN

exceed the maximum voltage on BOOST to SW pins R1 D1

of 7.8V.
CC
Output Voltage Programming C1
RC
The output voltage is set by a resistive divider according
to the following formula:
(c) 1624 F03

 R2 
VOUT = 1.19V 1 +  Figure 3. ITH / RUN Pin Interfacing
 R1

The external resistive divider is connected to the output as Soft start can be implemented by ramping the voltage on
shown in Figure 2, allowing remote voltage sensing. When ITH /RUN during start-up as shown in Figure 3(c). As the
using remote sensing, a local 100Ω resistor should be voltage on ITH/RUN ramps from 1.19V to 2.4V the internal
connected from L1 to R2 to prevent VOUT from running peak current limit is also ramped at a proportional linear
away if the sense lead is disconnected. rate. The peak current limit begins at approximately
10mV/RSENSE (at VITH/RUN = 1.4V) and ends at:
VOUT
L1
R2 160mV/RSENSE (VITH/RUN = 2.4V)
VFB The output current thus ramps up slowly, charging the
LTC1624 100pF R1
output capacitor. The peak inductor current and maximum
GND
output current are as follows:
1624 F02

IL(PEAK) = (VITH/RUN – 1.3V)/(6.8RSENSE)

Figure 2. Setting the LTC1624 Output Voltage
IOUT(MAX) = ILPEAK – ∆IL / 2
ITH /RUN Function with ∆IL = ripple current in the inductor.
The ITH /RUN pin is a dual purpose pin that provides the During normal operation the voltage on the ITH /RUN pin
loop compensation and a means to shut down the LTC1624. will vary from 1.19V to 2.4V depending on the load current.
Soft start can also be implemented with this pin. Soft start Pulling the ITH /RUN pin below 0.8V puts the LTC1624 into
reduces surge currents from VIN by gradually increasing a low quiescent current shutdown (IQ < 30µA). This pin can
the internal current limit. Power supply sequencing can be driven directly from logic as shown in Figures 3(a)
also be accomplished using this pin. and 3(b).
An internal 2.5µA current source charges up the external
Efficiency Considerations
capacitor CC. When the voltage on ITH /RUN reaches 0.8V
the LTC1624 begins operating. At this point the error The percent efficiency of a switching regulator is equal to
amplifier pulls up the ITH /RUN pin to its maximum of 2.4V the output power divided by the input power times 100%.
(assuming VOUT is starting low). It is often useful to analyze individual losses to determine

10
 LTC1624
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APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
what is limiting the efficiency and which change would loss is thus reduced by the duty cycle.) For example, at
produce the most improvement. Percent efficiency can be 50% DC, if RDS(ON) = 0.05Ω, RL = 0.15Ω and RSENSE =
expressed as: 0.05Ω, then the effective total resistance is 0.2Ω. This
results in losses ranging from 2% to 8% for VOUT = 5V
%Efficiency = 100% – (L1 + L2 + L3 + ...)
as the output current increases from 0.5A to 2A. I2R
where L1, L2, etc. are the individual losses as a percentage losses cause the efficiency to drop at high output
of input power. currents.
Although all dissipative elements in the circuit produce 3. Transition losses apply only to the topside MOSFET(s),
losses, four main sources usually account for most of the and only when operating at high input voltages (typically
losses in LTC1624 circuits: 20V or greater). Transition losses can be estimated
1. LTC1624 VIN current from:
2. I2R losses Transition Loss = 2.5(VIN)1.85 (IMAX)(CRSS)(f)
3. Topside MOSFET transition losses
4. Voltage drop of the Schottky diode 4. The Schottky diode is a major source of power loss at
high currents and gets worse at high input voltages.
1. The VIN current is the sum of the DC supply current IQ, The diode loss is calculated by multiplying the forward
given in the Electrical Characteristics table, and the voltage drop times the diode duty cycle multiplied by
MOSFET driver and control currents. The MOSFET the load current. For example, assuming a duty cycle of
driver current results from switching the gate 50% with a Schottky diode forward voltage drop of
capacitance of the power MOSFET. Each time a MOSFET 0.5V, the loss is a relatively constant 5%.
gate is switched from low to high to low again, a packet
of charge dQ moves from INTVCC to ground. The As expected, the I2R losses and Schottky diode loss
resulting dQ/dt is a current out of VIN which is typically dominate at high load currents. Other losses including
much larger than the control circuit current. In CIN and COUT ESR dissipative losses and inductor core
continuous mode, IGATECHG = f (QT + QB), where QT and losses generally account for less than 2% total additional
QB are the gate charges of the topside and internal loss.
bottom side MOSFETs.
Checking Transient Response
By powering BOOST from an output-derived source
(Figure 10 application), the additional VIN current The regulator loop response can be checked by looking at
the load transient response. Switching regulators take
resulting from the topside driver will be scaled by a
several cycles to respond to a step in DC (resistive) load
factor of (Duty Cycle)/(Efficiency). For example, in a
current. When a load step occurs, VOUT immediately shifts
20V to 5V application, 5mA of INTVCC current results in
by an amount equal to (∆ILOAD • ESR), where ESR is the
approximately 1.5mA of VIN current. This reduces the
effective series resistance of COUT. ∆ILOAD also begins to
midcurrent loss from 5% or more (if the driver was
charge or discharge COUT which generates a feedback
powered directly from VIN) to only a few percent.
error signal. The regulator loop then acts to return VOUT to
2. I2R losses are predicted from the DC resistances of the its steady-state value. During this recovery time VOUT can
MOSFET, inductor and current shunt. In continuous be monitored for overshoot or ringing that would indicate
mode the average output current flows through L but is a stability problem. The ITH external components shown in
“chopped” between the topside main MOSFET/current the Figure 1 circuit will provide adequate compensation for
shunt and the Schottky diode. The resistances of the most applications.
topside MOSFET and RSENSE multiplied by the duty
A second, more severe transient, is caused by switching in
cycle can simply be summed with the resistance of L to
loads with large (>1µF) supply bypass capacitors. The
obtain I2R losses. (Power is dissipated in the sense
discharged bypass capacitors are effectively put in parallel
resistor only when the topside MOSFET is on. The I2R

11
LTC1624
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APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
with COUT, causing a rapid drop in VOUT. No regulator can 36V, most applications will be limited to 30V by the
deliver enough current to prevent this problem if the load MOSFET BVDSS.
switch resistance is low and it is driven quickly. The only
solution is to limit the rise time of the switch drive so that Modifying Burst Mode Operation
the load rise time is limited to approximately (25 • CLOAD). The LTC1624 automatically enters Burst Mode operation
Thus a 10µF capacitor would require a 250µs rise time, at low output currents to boost efficiency. The point when
limiting the charging current to about 200mA. continuous mode operation changes to Burst Mode op-
eration scales as a function of maximum output current.
Automotive Considerations: Plugging into the
The output current when Burst Mode operation com-
Cigarette Lighter
mences is approximately 8mV/RSENSE (8% of maximum
As battery-powered devices go mobile there is a natural output current).
interest in plugging into the cigarette lighter in order to
conserve or even recharge battery packs during operation. With the additional circuitry shown in Figure 5 the LTC1624
But before you connect, be advised: you are plugging into can be forced to stay in continuous mode longer at low
the supply from hell. The main battery line in an automo- output currents. Since the LTC1624 is not a fully synchro-
bile is the source of a number of nasty potential transients, nous architecture, it will eventually start to skip cycles as
including load dump, reverse battery and double battery. the load current drops low enough. The point when the
minimum on-time (450ns) is reached determines the load
Load dump is the result of a loose battery cable. When the current when cycle skipping begins at approximately 1%
cable breaks connection, the field collapse in the alternator of maximum output current. Using the circuit in Figure 5
can cause a positive spike as high as 60V which takes the LTC1624 will begin to skip cycles but stays in regula-
several hundred milliseconds to decay. Reverse battery is tion when IOUT is less than IOUT(MIN):
just what it says, while double battery is a consequence of
 2
tow-truck operators finding that a 24V jump start cranks t f ( )  VIN + VD 

( )
ON MIN
cold engines faster than 12V.
( )
IOUT MIN = 
2L 
VIN − VOUT V 
 OUT + VD 
The network shown in Figure 4 is the most straightforward  
 
approach to protect a DC/DC converter from the ravages
of an automotive battery line. The series diode prevents where tON(MIN) = 450ns, f = 200kHz.
current from flowing during reverse battery, while the
transient suppressor clamps the input voltage during load The transistor Q1 in the circuit of Figure 5 operates as a
dump. Note that the transient suppressor should not current source developing an 18mV offset across the
conduct during double battery operation, but must still VIN
clamp the input voltage below breakdown of the converter.
Although the LTC1624 has a maximum input voltage of +
1000pF 100Ω RSENSE CIN
VIN
18mV
SENSE –
12V
– +
50A IPK Q1
RATING 2N2222
VIN LTC1624
TG
LTC1624
TRANSIENT VOLTAGE R*
SUPPRESSOR L1
GENERAL INSTRUMENT SW VOUT
1.5KA24A D1
+
COUT
(VOUT – 0.7V) MBRS340T3
1624 F04 *R =
180µA 1624 F05

Figure 4. Plugging into the Cigarette Lighter Figure 5. Modifying Burst Mode Operation

12
 LTC1624
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APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
100Ω resistor in series with the SENSE – pin. This offset With the 0.05Ω sense resistor ISC(AVG) = 2A will result,
cancels the internal offset in current comparator I2 (refer increasing the 0.5V Schottky diode dissipation to 0.98W.
to Functional Diagram). This comparator in conjunction CIN is chosen for an RMS current rating of at least 1.0A at
with the voltage on the ITH /RUN pin determines when to temperature. COUT is chosen with an ESR of 0.03Ω for low
enter into Burst Mode operation (refer to Low Current output ripple. The output ripple in continuous mode will be
Operation in Operation section). With the additional exter- highest at the maximum input voltage. The output voltage
nal offset present, the drive to the topside MOSFET is ripple due to ESR is approximately:
always enabled every cycle and constant frequency opera- VORIPPLE = RESR(∆IL) = 0.03Ω (1.58AP-P) = 47mVP-P
tion occurs for IOUT > IOUT(MIN).
Step-Down Converter: Duty Cycle Limitations
Step-Down Converter: Design Example
At high input to output differential voltages the on-time
As a design example, assume VIN = 12V(nominal), gets very small. Due to internal gate delays and response
VIN = 22V(max), VOUT = 3.3V and IMAX = 2A. RSENSE can
times of the internal circuitry the minimum recommended
immediately be calculated: on-time is 450ns. Since the LTC1624’s frequency is inter-
RSENSE = 100mV/2A = 0.05Ω nally set to 200kHz a potential duty cycle limitation exists.
Assume a 10µH inductor. To check the actual value of the When the duty cycle is less than 9%, cycle skipping may
ripple current the following equation is used: occur which increases the inductor ripple current but does
not cause VOUT to lose regulation. Avoiding cycle skipping
V −V V +V  imposes a limit on the input voltage for a given output
∆IL = IN OUT  OUT D
( )( )
f L  VIN + VD  voltage only when VOUT < 2.2V using 30V MOSFETs.
(Remember not to exceed the absolute maximum voltage
The highest value of the ripple current occurs at the of 36V.)
maximum input voltage: VIN(MAX) = 11.1VOUT + 5V For DC > 9%
22V − 3.3V  3.3V + 0.5V 
∆IL =  = 1.58AP-P
Boost Converter Applications
( 
)
200kHz 10µH  22V + 0.5V  The LTC1624 is also well-suited to boost converter appli-
cations. A boost converter steps up the input voltage to a
The power dissipation on the topside MOSFET can be
higher voltage as shown in Figure 6.
easily estimated. Choosing a Siliconix Si4412DY results
in: RDS(ON) = 0.042Ω, CRSS = 100pF. At maximum input
VIN
voltage with T(estimated) = 50°C:
+
PMAIN = RSENSE CIN

( ) [ ( )( )](
VIN
3.3V + 0.5V
)
2 SENSE –
2A 1 + 0.005 50°C − 25°C 0.042Ω
22V + 0.5V BOOST
L1
D1

+ 2.5 (22V) (2A)(100pF)(200kHz) = 62mW

1.85 LTC1624 VOUT

TG M1
CB R2
The most stringent requirement for the Schottky diode +
SW VFB COUT
GND
occurs when VOUT = 0V (i.e. short circuit) at maximum VIN. R1
In this case the worst-case dissipation rises to:
 VIN 
( )( )
1624 F06

PD = ISC AVG VD  
 VIN + VD  Figure 6. Boost Converter

13
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Boost Converters: Power MOSFET Selection Boost Converter: Inductor Selection
One external N-channel power MOSFET must be selected For most applications the inductor will fall in the range of
for use with the LTC1624 for the switch. In boost applica- 10µH to 100µH. Higher values reduce the input ripple
tions the source of the power MOSFET is grounded along voltage and reduce core loss. Lower inductor values are
with the SW pin. The peak-to-peak gate drive levels are set chosen to reduce physical size.
by the INTVCC voltage. The gate drive voltage is equal to
The input current of the boost converter is calculated at full
approximately 5V for VIN > 5.6V and a logic level MOSFET
can be used. At VIN voltages below 5V the gate drive load current. Peak inductor current can be significantly
voltage is equal to VIN – 0.6V and a sublogic level MOSFET higher than output current, especially with smaller induc-
should be used. tors and lighter loads. The following formula assumes
continuous mode operation and calculates maximum peak
Selection criteria for the power MOSFET include the “ON” inductor current at minimum VIN:
resistance RDS(ON), reverse transfer capacitance CRSS,
input voltage and maximum output current. When the 
V
 ∆IL MAX
( )
LTC1624 is operating in continuous mode the duty cycle ( ) ( )
IL PEAK = IOUT MAX  OUT  +
( )
 VIN MIN  2
for the MOSFET is given by:  
VIN The ripple current in the inductor (∆IL) is typically 20% to
Main Switch Duty Cycle = 1−
VOUT + VD 30% of the peak inductor current occuring at VIN(MIN) and
IOUT(MAX).
The MOSFET power dissipation at maximum output cur-
rent is given by: (
VIN VOUT + VD − VIN )
2 ( )
VIN MIN  ( )
∆IL P-P =
(200kHz)(L)(VOUT + VD)
PMAIN = IIN MAX   1 −
 ( )
  V + VD 
( ) ( )
 1 + δ RDS ON +
 OUT with ∆IL(MAX) = ∆IL(P-P) at VIN = VIN(MIN).

( ) ( )( )( )
1.85   C Remember boost converters are not short-circuit pro-
k VOUT I 200kHz
 IN MAX  RSS tected, and that under output short conditions, inductor
current is limited only by the available current of the input
  supply, IOUT(OVERLOAD). Specify the maximum inductor
VOUT + VD
( ) ( )
where IIN MAX = IOUT MAX   current to safely handle the greater of IL(PEAK) or
 VIN MIN 
  ( ) IOUT(OVERLOAD). Make sure the inductor’s saturation cur-
rent rating (current when inductance begins to fall)
δ is the temperature dependency of RDS(ON) and k is a exceeds the maximum current rating set by RSENSE.
constant inversely related to the gate drive current.
Boost Converter: RSENSE Selection for Maximum
MOSFETs have I2R losses, plus the PMAIN equation Output Current
includes an additional term for transition losses that are
highest at high output voltages. For VOUT < 20V the high RSENSE is chosen based on the required output current.
current efficiency generally improves with larger MOSFETs, Remember the LTC1624 current comparator has a maxi-
while for VOUT > 20V the transition losses rapidly increase mum threshold of 160mV/RSENSE. The current compara-
to the point that the use of a higher RDS(ON) device with tor threshold sets the peak of the inductor current, yielding
lower CRSS actual provides higher efficiency. For addi- a maximum average output current IOUT(MAX) equal to
tional information refer to Step-Down Converter: Power IL(PEAK) less half the peak-to-peak ripple current (∆IL),
MOSFET Selection in the Applications Information divided by the output-input voltage ratio (see equation for
section. IL(PEAK)).

14
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Allowing a margin for variations in the LTC1624 (without
CIN IRIPPLE ≈
( )( )
0.3 VIN VOUT − VIN

(200kHz)(L)(VOUT)
considering variation in RSENSE), assuming 30% ripple
current in the inductor, yields:

RSENSE =
100mV
 VIN MIN 

( )

The input capacitor can see a very high surge current when
a battery is suddenly connected and solid tantalum capaci-
( )
IOUT MAX  VOUT + VD 
  tors can fail under this condition. Be sure to specify surge
tested capacitors.
Boost Converter: Output Diode
Boost Converter: Duty Cycle Limitations
The output diode conducts current only during the switch
off-time. Peak reverse voltage for boost converters is The minimum on-time of 450ns sets a limit on how close
equal to the regulator output voltage. Average forward VIN can approach VOUT without the output voltage over-
current in normal operation is equal to output current. shooting and tripping the overvoltage comparator. Unless
Remember boost converters are not short-circuit pro- very low values of inductances are used, this should never
tected. Check to be sure the diode’s current rating exceeds be a problem. The maximum input voltage in continuous
the maximum current set by RSENSE. Schottky diodes such mode is:
as Motorola MBR130LT3 are recommended. VIN(MAX) = 0.91VOUT + 0.5V For DC = 9%

Boost Converter: Output Capacitors SEPIC Converter Applications

The output capacitor is normally chosen by its effective The LTC1624 is also well-suited to SEPIC (Single Ended
series resistance (ESR), because this is what determines Primary Inductance Converter) converter applications.
output ripple voltage. The SEPIC converter shown in Figure 7 uses two induc-
Since the output capacitor’s ESR affects efficiency, use tors. The advantage of the SEPIC converter is the input
low ESR capacitors for best performance. Boost regula- voltage may be higher or lower than the output voltage.
tors have large RMS ripple current in the output capacitor The first inductor L1 together with the main N-channel
that must be rated to handle the current. The output MOSFET switch resemble a boost converter. The second
capacitor ripple current (RMS) is: inductor L2 and output diode D1 resemble a flyback or
buck-boost converter. The two inductors L1 and L2 can be
VOUT − VIN independent but also can be wound on the same core since
( )
COUT IRIPPLE RMS ≈ IOUT
VIN
VIN
Output ripple is then simply: VOUT = RESR (∆IL(RMS)).
+
RSENSE CIN
Boost Converter: Input Capacitors
VIN
The input capacitor of a boost converter is less critical due SENSE –
L1
to the fact that the input current waveform is triangular, C1 D1
BOOST
and does not contain large square wave currents as found VOUT
LTC1624 +
in the output capacitor. The input voltage source imped-
TG M1 L2
ance determines the size of the capacitor that is typically CB
R2
+
10µF to 100µF. A low ESR is recommended although not GND
SW VFB COUT

as critical as the output capacitor and can be on the order R1

of 0.3Ω. Input capacitor ripple current for the LTC1624

used as a boost converter is: 1624 F07

Figure 7. SEPIC Converter

15
LTC1624
U U W U
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
identical voltages are applied to L1 and L2 throughout the highest at high total input plus output voltages. For
switching cycle. By making L1 = L2 and wound on the (VIN + VOUT) < 20V the high current efficiency generally
same core the input ripple is reduced along with cost and improves with larger MOSFETs, while for (VIN + VOUT) >
size. All SEPIC applications information that follows 20V the transition losses rapidly increase to the point that
assumes L1 = L2 = L. the use of a higher RDS(ON) device with lower CRSS actual
provides higher efficiency. For additional information refer
SEPIC Converter: Power MOSFET Selection to the Step-Down Converter: Power MOSFET Selection in
One external N-channel power MOSFET must be selected the Applications Information section.
for use with the LTC1624 for the switch. As in boost
applications the source of the power MOSFET is grounded SEPIC Converter: Inductor Selection
along with the SW pin. The peak-to-peak gate drive levels For most applications the equal inductor values will fall in
are set by the INTVCC voltage. This voltage is equal to the range of 10µH to 100µH. Higher values reduce the
approximately 5V for VIN > 5.6V and a logic level MOSFET input ripple voltage and reduce core loss. Lower inductor
can be used. At VIN voltages below 5V the INTVCC voltage values are chosen to reduce physical size and improve
is equal to VIN – 0.6V and a sublogic level MOSFET should transient response.
be used.
Like the boost converter the input current of the SEPIC
Selection criteria for the power MOSFET include the “ON” converter is calculated at full load current. Peak inductor
resistance RDS(ON), reverse transfer capacitance CRSS, current can be significantly higher than output current,
input voltage and maximum output current. When the especially with smaller inductors and lighter loads. The
LTC1624 is operating in continuous mode the duty cycle following formula assumes continuous mode operation
for the MOSFET is given by: and calculates maximum peak inductor current at mini-
VOUT + VD mum VIN:
Main Switch Duty Cycle =
VIN + VOUT + VD
 
VOUT ∆I
The MOSFET power dissipation and maximum switch ( ) ( )
IL1 PEAK = IOUT MAX   + L1
current at maximum output current are given by:  ( )
 VIN MIN 

2

PMAIN = ( )
 VIN MIN + VD 
∆I
( ) ( )
IL2 PEAK = IOUT MAX   + L2
I
2
  VOUT + VD

( ) ( )  ( )
 VIN MIN 

2
( )
 SW MAX   V
 1 + δ RDS ON +
 IN ( )
MIN + VOUT + VD 
 The ripple current in the inductor (∆IL) is typically 20% to
1.85
( )( )( )
30% of the peak current occuring at VIN(MIN) and IOUT(MAX),
k  VIN MIN + VOUT 
( )
I  C 200kHz and ∆IL1 = ∆IL2. Maximum ∆IL occurs at maximum VIN.
   SW MAX  RSS

(VIN)(VOUT + VD)

V +V

( ) (200kHz)(L)(VIN + VOUT + VD)
∆IL P-P =
( ) ( )
where ISW MAX = IOUT MAX  OUT D + 1
 VIN MIN


( )
By making L1 = L2 and wound on the same core the value
δ is the temperature dependency of RDS(ON) and k is a of inductance in all the above equations are replaced by
constant inversely related to the gate drive current. The 2L due to their mutual inductance. Doing this maintains
peak switch current is ISW(MAX) + ∆IL. the same ripple current and inductive energy storage in the
MOSFETs have I2R losses plus the PMAIN equation inductors. For example a Coiltronix CTX10-4 is a 10µH
includes an additional term for transition losses that are inductor with two windings. With the windings in parallel

16
 LTC1624
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APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
10µH inductance is obtained with a current rating of 4A. output ripple voltage. The input capacitor needs to be sized
Splitting the two windings creates two 10µH inductors to handle the ripple current safely.
with a current rating of 2A each. Therefore substitute Since the output capacitor’s ESR affects efficiency, use
(2)(10µH) = 20µH for L in the equations. low ESR capacitors for best performance. SEPIC regula-
Specify the maximum inductor current to safely handle tors, like step-down regulators, have a triangular current
IL(PEAK). Make sure the inductor’s saturation current rat- waveform but have maximum ripple at VIN(MAX). The input
ing (current when inductance begins to fall) exceeds the capacitor ripple current is:
maximum current rating set by RSENSE.
∆IL
SEPIC Converter: RSENSE Selection for Maximum ( )
IRIPPLE RMS =
12
Output Current
The output capacitor ripple current is:
RSENSE is chosen based on the required output current.
Remember the LTC1624 current comparator has a maxi-
mum threshold of 160mV/RSENSE. The current compara- ( )
IRIPPLE RMS = IOUT VOUT
VIN
tor threshold sets the peak of the inductor current, yielding
a maximum average output current IOUT(MAX) equal to The output capacitor ripple voltage (RMS) is:
IL1(PEAK) less half the peak-to-peak ripple current, ∆IL,
divided by the output-input voltage ratio (see equation for VOUT(RIPPLE) = 2(∆IL)(ESR)
IL1(PEAK)). The input capacitor can see a very high surge current when
Allowing a margin for variations in the LTC1624 (without a battery is suddenly connected, and solid tantalum
considering variation in RSENSE), assuming 30% ripple capacitors can fail under this condition. Be sure to specify
current in the inductor, yields: surge tested capacitors.

RSENSE =
100mV
 VIN MIN 

( )

SEPIC Converter: Coupling Capacitor (C1)

( )
IOUT MAX  VOUT + VD  The coupling capacitor C1 in Figure 7 sees a nearly
  rectangular current waveform. During the off-time the
current through C1 is IOUT(VOUT/VIN) while approximately
SEPIC Converter: Output Diode – IOUT flows though C1 during the on-time. This current
The output diode conducts current only during the switch waveform creates a triangular ripple voltage on C1:
off-time. Peak reverse voltage for SEPIC converters is  
equal to VOUT + VIN. Average forward current in normal IOUT VOUT 
∆VC1 =  
operation is equal to output current. Peak current is:
 ( )( )
 200kHz C1   VIN + VOUT + VD 
 
VOUT + VD
( ) ( )
ID1 PEAK = I OUT MAX  + 1 + ∆IL The maximum voltage on C1 is then:
 VIN MIN
 ( ) 
 VC1(MAX) = VIN + ∆VC1 /2 (typically close to VIN(MAX)).

Schottky diodes such as MBR130LT3 are recommended. The ripple current though C1 is:

VOUT
SEPIC Converter: Input and Output Capacitors
( )
IRIPPLE C1 = IOUT
VIN
The output capacitor is normally chosen by its effective
series resistance (ESR), because this is what determines The maximum ripple current occurs at IOUT(MAX) and
VIN(MIN). The capacitance of C1 should be large enough so

17
LTC1624
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that the voltage across C1 is constant such that VC1 = VIN Positive-to-Negative Converter: Output Voltage
at full load over the entire VIN range. Assuming the enegry Programming
storage in the coupling capacitor C1 must be equal to the Setting the output voltage for a positive-to-negative con-
enegry stored in L1, the minimum capacitance of C1 is: verter is different from other architectures since the feed-
back voltage is referenced to the LTC1624 ground pin and
( ) (VOUT)
2 2
L1 IOUT the ground pin is referenced to – VOUT. The output voltage
( )
C1 MIN =
4 is set by a resistive divider according to the following
( )
VIN MIN formula:
 R1  DC 
SEPIC Converter: Duty Cycle Limitations VOUT = 1.19V  1 +  ≈ − VIN  
 R2   1 − DC 
The minimum on-time of 450ns sets a limit on how high
an input-to-output ratio can be tolerated while not skip- The external resistive divider is connected to the output as
ping cycles. This only impacts designs when very low shown in Figure 8.
output voltages (VOUT < 2.5V) are needed. Note that a
SEPIC converter would not be appropriate at these low Positive-to-Negative Converter: Power
output voltages. The maximum input voltage is (remem- MOSFET Selection
ber not to exceed the absolute maximum limit of 36V): One external N-channel power MOSFET must be selected
VIN(MAX) = 10.1VOUT + 5V For DC > 9% for use with the LTC1624 for the switch. As in step-down
applications the source of the power MOSFET is con-
Positive-to-Negative Converter Applications nected to the Schottky diode and inductor. The peak-to-
The LTC1624 can also be used as a positive-to-negative peak gate drive levels are set by the INTVCC voltage. The
converter with a grounded inductor shown in Figure 8. gate drive voltage is equal to approximately 5V for VIN >
Since the LTC1624 requires a positive feedback signal 5.6V and a logic level MOSFET can be used. At VIN voltages
relative to device ground, Pin 4 must be tied to the below 5V the INTVCC voltage is equal to VIN – 0.6V and a
regulated negative output. A resistive divider from the sublogic level MOSFET should be used.
negative output to ground sets the output voltage. Selection criteria for the power MOSFET include the “ON”
Remember not to exceed maximum VIN ratings VIN + resistance RDS(ON), reverse transfer capacitance CRSS,
VOUT ≤ 36V. input voltage and maximum output current. When the
LTC1624 is operating in continuous mode the duty cycle
for the MOSFET is given by:
1000pF VIN
1 8 VOUT + VD
SENSE – VIN
CC + Main Switch Duty Cycle =
RC
2
ITH /RUN BOOST
7
RSENSE CIN VIN + VOUT + VD
LTC1624
3
VFB TG
6
M1 with VOUT being the absolute value of VOUT.
100pF CB
L1
4
GND SW
5 The MOSFET power dissipation and maximum switch
current are given by:
D1 R1
+
COUT PMAIN = ISW(MAX) ×

( )( )
R2

–VOUT {I
OUT MAX I + δ RDS ON + ( )
Figure 8. Positive-to-Negative Converter
1624 F08
( ) (
k V IN MAX + VOUT 1.85 CRSS 200kHz
( ) )( ){
18
 LTC1624
U U W U
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
V + V
OUT + VD
 (VIN)( VOUT + VD)
( ) (200kHz)(L) V + V + V
IN
( ) ( )
where: ISW MAX = IOUT MAX 
 V


∆IL P-P =
( IN OUT D)
 IN 
δ is the temperature dependency of RDS(ON) and k is a Specify the maximum inductor current to safely handle
constant inversely related to the gate drive current. The IL(PEAK). Make sure the inductor’s saturation current rat-
maximum switch current occurs at VIN(MIN) and the peak ing (current when inductance begins to fall) exceeds the
switch current is ISW(MAX) + ∆IL /2. The maximum voltage maximum current rating set by RSENSE.
across the switch is VIN(MAX) + VOUT.
Positive-to-Negative Converter: RSENSE Selection for
MOSFETs have I2R losses plus the PMAIN equation Maximum Output Current
includes an additional term for transition losses that are
highest at high total input plus output voltages. For RSENSE is chosen based on the required output current.
(VOUT+ VIN) < 20V the high current efficiency generally Remember the LTC1624 current comparator has a maxi-
improves with larger MOSFETs, while for (VOUT+ VIN) mum threshold of 160mV/RSENSE. The current compara-
> 20V the transition losses rapidly increase to the point tor threshold sets the peak of the inductor current, yielding
that the use of a higher RDS(ON) device with lower CRSS a maximum average output current IOUT(MAX) equal to
actual provides higher efficiency. For additional informa- IL(PEAK) less half the peak-to-peak ripple current with the
tion refer to the Step-Down Converter: Power MOSFET remainder divided by the duty cycle.
Selection in the Applications Information section. Allowing a margin for variations in the LTC1624 (without
considering variation in RSENSE) and assuming 30% ripple
Positive-to-Negative Converter: Inductor Selection current in the inductor, yields:
For most applications the inductor will fall in the range of
 
10µH to 100µH. Higher values reduce the input and output
RSENSE =
100mV  VIN MIN ( ) 
ripple voltage (although not as much as step-down con-
verters) and also reduce core loss. Lower inductor values ( ) ( )
IOUT MAX  VIN MIN + VOUT + VD 
 
are chosen to reduce physical size and improve transient
response but do increase output ripple. Positive-to-Negative Converter: Output Diode
Like the boost converter, the input current of the positive- The output diode conducts current only during the switch
to-negative converter is calculated at full load current. off-time. Peak reverse voltage for positive-to-negative
Peak inductor current can be significantly higher than converters is equal to VOUT+ VIN. Average forward
output current, especially with smaller inductors (with current in normal operation is equal to ID(PEAK) – ∆IL /2.
high ∆IL values). The following formula assumes continu- Peak diode current (occurring at VIN(MIN)) is:

( )
ous mode operation and calculates maximum peak induc-
 V 
tor current at minimum VIN: OUT + VD ∆I
V + V  ∆I
( ) ( )
ID PEAK = IOUT MAX 
 VIN
+ 1 + L
 2
IN OUT + VD  
( ) ( )
IL PEAK = IOUT MAX 
 VIN
+ L
 2
  Positive-to-Negative Converter: Input and
Output Capacitors
The ripple current in the inductor (∆IL) is typically 20% to
50% of the peak inductor current occuring at VIN(MIN) and The output capacitor is normally chosen by its effective
IOUT(MAX) to minimize output ripple. Maximum ∆IL occurs series resistance (ESR), because this is what determines
at minimum VIN. output ripple voltage. Both input and output capacitors
need to be sized to handle the ripple current safely.

19
LTC1624
U U W U
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
Positive-to-negative converters have high ripple current in ITH /RUN pin below 0.8V relative to the LTC1624 ground
both the input and output capacitors. For long capacitor pin. With the LTC1624 ground pin referenced to – VOUT,
lifetime, the RMS value of this current must be less than the nonimal range on the ITH /RUN pin is – VOUT (in
the high frequency ripple rating of the capacitor. shutdown) to (– VOUT + 2.4V)(at Max IOUT). Referring to
Figure 15, M2, M3 and R3 provide a level shift from typical
The following formula gives an approximate value for RMS
TTL levels to the LTC1624 operating as positive-to-nega-
ripple current. This formula assumes continuous mode tive converter. MOSFET M3 supplies gate drive to M2
and low current ripple. Small inductors will give somewhat during shutdown, while M2 pulls the ITH/RUN pin voltage to
higher ripple current, especially in discontinuous mode. – VOUT, shutting down the LTC1624.
For the exact formulas refer to Application Note 44, pages
28 to 30. The input and output capacitor ripple current Step-Down Converters: PC Board Layout Checklist
(occurring at VIN(MIN)) is: When laying out the printed circuit board, the following
checklist should be used to ensure proper operation of the
( )( )
VOUT LTC1624. These items are also illustrated graphically in
Capacitor IRMS = ff IOUT
VIN the layout diagram of Figure 9. Check the following in your
layout:
ff = Fudge factor (1.2 to 2.0)
1. Are the signal and power grounds segregated? The
The output peak-to-peak ripple voltage is: LTC1624 ground (Pin 4) must return to the (–) plate
VOUT(P-P) = RESR (ID(MAX)) of COUT.

The input capacitor can also see a very high surge current 2. Does the VFB (Pin 3) connect directly to the feedback
when a battery is suddenly connected, and solid tantalum resistors? The resistive divider R1, R2 must be con-
nected between the (+) plate of COUT and signal ground.
capacitors can fail under this condition. Be sure to specify
The 100pF capacitor should be as close as possible to
surge tested capacitors.
the LTC1624.
Positive-to-Negative Converter: Duty Cycle 3. Does the VIN lead connect to the input voltage at the
Limitations same point as RSENSE and are the SENSE – and VIN leads
The minimum on-time of 450ns sets a limit on how high routed together with minimum PC trace spacing? The
of input-to-output ratio can be tolerated while not skipping filter capacitor between VIN and SENSE – should be as
cycles. This only impacts designs when very low output close as possible to the LTC1624.
voltages (VOUT< 2.5V) are needed. The maximum input 4. Does the (+) plate of CIN connect to RSENSE as closely
voltage is: as possible? This capacitor provides the AC current to
the MOSFET(s). Also, does CIN connect as close as
VIN(MAX) < 10.1VOUT + 5V For DC > 9%
possible to the VIN and ground pin of the LTC1624?
VIN(MAX) < 36V –VOUTFor absolute maximum ratings This capacitor also supplies the energy required to
recharge the bootstrap capacitor. Adequate input
Positive-to-Negative Converter: Shutdown decoupling is critical for proper operation.
Considerations 5. Keep the switch node SW away from sensitive small-
Since the ground pin on the LTC1624 is referenced to signal nodes. Ideally, M1, L1 and D1 should be con-
– VOUT, additional circuitry is needed to put the LTC1624 nected as closely as possible at the switch node.
into shutdown. Shutdown is enabled by pulling the

20
 LTC1624
U
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

1000pF

+
1 8
SENSE – VIN +
CC CIN VIN
RC 2 7 RSENSE
ITH /RUN BOOST
LTC1624
–
3 6
VFB TG M1
CB L1
100pF
4 5 0.1µF +
GND SW
D1 R2
+
COUT VOUT
R1

BOLD LINES INDICATE –

HIGH CURRENT PATHS

1624 F09

Figure 9. LTC1624 Layout Diagram (See Board Layout Checklist)

VIN
5.3V TO 28V

+ CIN
1000pF RSENSE 22µF
1 8
SENSE – VIN 0.033Ω 35V
0.1µF ×2
2 7
ITH /RUN BOOST
CC
560pF LTC1624
3 6 M1 D2
RC VFB TG CMDSH-3
Si4412DY
CB
4.7k 100pF
4 5 0.1µF VOUT
GND SW 5V
D1 L1* 3A
MBRS340T3 10µH R2
35.7k
1% + COUT
100µF
R1 10V
*COILTRONICS CTX10-4 11k ×2
1%

1624 F10

Figure 10. 5V/3A Converter with Output Derived Boost Voltage

21
LTC1624
U
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
VIN
4.8V TO 22V
1000pF
1 8
SENSE – VIN
+ CIN
0.1µF RSENSE 22µF
2 7 0.068Ω 35V
ITH /RUN BOOST
CC ×2
470pF LTC1624
3 6 M1
RC VFB TG Si6436DY
CB L1*
6.8k 100pF
4 5 0.1µF 10µH VOUT
GND SW 1.8V
D1 1.5A
R2
MBRS340T3
35.7k
1% + COUT
100µF
R1 10V
*SUMIDA CDR105B-100 69.8k ×2
1%

1624 F11
Figure 11. Wide Input Range 1.8V/1.5A Converter

VIN
12.3V TO 28V
1000pF
1 8
SENSE – VIN
+ CIN
0.1µF RSENSE 22µF
2 7 0.068Ω 35V
ITH /RUN BOOST
CC ×2
470pF LTC1624
3 6 M1
RC VFB TG Si4412DY
CB L1*
6.8k 100pF
4 5 0.1µF 47µH VOUT
GND SW 12V
D1 1A
R2
MBRS140T3
35.7k
1% + COUT
100µF
R1 16V
*SUMIDA CDRH125-470 3.92k ×2
1%

Figure 12. 12V/1A Low Dropout Converter 1624 F12

VIN
5.2V TO 11V
1000pF
1 8
SENSE – VIN CIN
+
0.1µF 22µF
2 7 RSENSE D1
L1* 35V
ITH /RUN BOOST 0.04Ω
CC 22µH × 2 MBRS130LT3
330pF LTC1624
3 6
VFB TG VOUT
RC M1 12V
CB
3.3k 100pF Si4412DY 0.75A
4 5 0.1µF
GND SW R2
35.7k
1% + COUT
100µF
R1 16V
*SUMIDA CDRH125-220
3.92k ×2
1%

Figure 13. 12V/0.75A Boost Converter 1624 F13

22
 LTC1624
U
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
VIN
5V TO 15V

1000pF
1
SENSE – VIN
8 + CIN
22µF
RSENSE 22µF D1
0.1µF 35V
2 7 0.068Ω 35V MBRS130LT3
ITH /RUN BOOST L1a*
CC
330pF
3
LTC1624
6
+ VOUT
M1
RC VFB TG Si4412DY 12V
CB L1b*
4.7k 100pF 0.5A
4 5 0.1µF
GND SW R2
35.7k
COUT
1% + 100µF
R1 16V
*COILTRONICS CTX20-4 3.92k ×2
1%

Figure 14. 12V/0.4A SEPIC Converter

1624 F14

VIN
5V TO 22V
1000pF
1 8
CC SENSE – VIN + CIN
RC 1000pF RSENSE 22µF
3.3k 2 7 0.1µF 0.025Ω 35V
VCC
VCC ITH /RUN BOOST ×2
SHUTDOWN LTC1624
M3 3 6 M1
TP0610L VFB TG Si4410DY L1* D2
CB CMDSH-3
100pF 33µH
M2 4 5 0.1µF
VN2222 GND SW

D1 R2
MBRS340T3 78.7k
COUT
1% + 100µF
R3
100k R1 10V
24.9k ×2
1%
VOUT
–5V
*COILCRAFT DO5022P-333 2A 1624 F15

Figure 15. Inverting – 5V/2A Converter

VIN
3.5V TO 18V
1000pF
1 8
SENSE – VIN
+ CIN
0.1µF RSENSE 22µF
2 7 0.068Ω 35V
ITH /RUN BOOST
CC ×2
470pF LTC1624
3 6 M1
VFB TG
RC Si6426DQ L1*
CB
6.8k 100pF
4 5 0.1µF 20µH VOUT
GND SW 3.3V
D1 1.5A
R2
MBRS340T3
35.7k
1% + COUT
100µF
R1 10V
*COILTRONICS CTX20-4 20k ×2
1%

Figure 16. Low Dropout 3.3V/1.5A Converter 1624 F16

23
LTC1624
U
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

VIN
3.6V TO 18V

+ CIN
1000pF RSENSE 22µF
1 8 35V
SENSE – VIN 0.05Ω
× 2 22µF D1
D2 0.1µF
2 7 35V MBRS130LT3
ITH /RUN BOOST CMDSH-3 L1a* +
CC
330pF LTC1624 VOUT
3 6 M1 VOUT
VFB TG Si6426DQ
RC CB L1b* 5V
6.8k 100pF 1A
4 5 0.1µF
GND SW R2
35.7k
1% + COUT
100µF
R1 16V
* COILTRONICS CTX20-4 11k ×2
1%

1624 F17
Figure 17. 5V/1A SEPIC Converter with Output Derived Boost Voltage

VIN
13V TO
28V + CIN1, CIN2
1000µF RSENSE1, 0.015Ω
35V
×2
RSENSE2, 0.015Ω

C4, 0.1µF

C5 C7
LTC1624 3.3µF 3.3µF
1 8 50V 50V
CC SENSE – VIN
100pF
2 7
ITH /RUN BOOST
CB
3 6 0.1µF
VFB TG M1*

R1 4 5 L1 VOUT
RC 12V
11k GND SW
20k 10A
1% R5 D2
+ COUT 220Ω MBR0540
D1* 2700µF R2 C10
16V 100k 220pF
Z1 C9 1%
IN 755 0.1µF

1624 F18

CIN1, CIN2 = SANYO 35MV1000GX M1 = INTERNATIONAL RECTIFIER IRL3803

C5, C7 = WIMA MKS2 RSENSE1, RSENSE2 = IRC LR2010-01-R015-F
COUT = SANYO 16MV2700GX * BOTH D1 AND M1 MOUNTED TO SAME
D1 = MOTOROLA MBR2535CT THERMALLOY #6399B HEAT SINK
L1 = PULSE ENGINEERING PO472

Figure 18. 24V to 12V/10A Buck Converter with Output-Derived Boost Voltage

24
 LTC1624
U
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

VIN
20V TO
32V + CIN RSENSE
22µF 0.025Ω L1
35V 47µH
C5
0.1µF D1 VOUT
90V
LTC1624 0.5A
1 8
CC SENSE – VIN
820pF
2 7
ITH /RUN BOOST + COUT
CB 100µF
3 6 0.1µF 100V
VFB TG M1

R1 C3 4 5
RC GND SW
6.8k 13.3k 100pF

R2, 1M, 1% 1624 F19

CIN = KEMET T495X226M035AS L1 = COILCRAFT D05022P-473

COUT = SANYO 100MV100GX M1 = INTERNATIONAL RECTIFIER IRL 540NS
D1 = MOTOROLA MBRS1100 RSENSE = IRC LR2010-01-R025-F

Figure 19. 24V to 90V at 0.5A Boost Converter

VIN
9V TO
15V + CIN RSENSE
100µF 0.005Ω, 5% L1
16V 10µH
C5
0.1µF D1* VOUT
24V
LTC1624 5A
R5
1 8
CC SENSE – VIN 750Ω
4700pF 0.5W
2 7
ITH /RUN BOOST
CB
3 6 0.1µF
VFB TG M1*

4 5 + COUT1 + COUT2 Z1
RC R1 C3 C4 GND SW 1000µF 1000µF IN755
27k 52.3k 100pF 1500pF 35V 35V 7.5V

R2, 1M, 1%

1624 F20
CIN = KEMET T495X107M016AS L1 = MAGNETICS CORE #55930AZ WINDING = 8T#14BIF *BOTH D1 AND Q1 MOUNTED ON
COUT1, COUT2 = SANYO 35MV 1000GX M1 = INTERNATIONAL RECTIFIER IRL 3803 THERMALLOY MODEL 6399 HEAT SINK
D1 = MOTOROLA MBR2535CT RSENSE = IRC OAR-3, 0.005Ω, 5%

Figure 20. 12V to 24V/5A Boost Converter

25
LTC1624
U
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

VIN
13V TO +VIN
28V + CIN1, CIN2
22µF
35V
×2
RSENSE C5, 0.1µF
0.033Ω

LTC1624
1 8
CC SENSE – VIN
330pF
2 7
ITH /RUN BOOST
CB
3 6 0.1µF
VFB TG M1
L1 R4
27µH 0.025Ω VOUT
R1 C4 4 5
RC GND SW 12V
10k 3.92k 100pF COUT
D1 + 100µF R2 C9
3A
MBRS340 16V 35.7k 100pF
×2

C10
Q2 0.1µF
C11 R6
1 8 0.1µF 10k 1 8
SENSE AVE OUT IN +VIN
2 7 C12 2 7
IOUT PROG 1µF NC/ADJ NC
3 LTC1620 6 3 LT1121-5 6
GND VCC R7 GND NC C13
56k 0.1µF
4 5 4 5
–IN +IN NC SHDN

CURRENT R8
C14, 0.01µF 1M
ADJ

1624 F21

CIN1, CIN2 = KEMET T495X226M035AS

L1 = SUMIDA CDRH127-270
RSENSE = IRC LR2010-01-R033-F
R4 = IRC LR2010-01-R025-F
M1 = SILICONIX Si4412DY
Q2 = MOTOROLA MMBT A14

Figure 21. 12V/3A Adjustable Current Power Supply for Battery Charger or Current Source Applications

26
 LTC1624
U
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
VIN
4.8V TO 28V
1000pF
1 8
SENSE – VIN
+ CIN
0.1µF RSENSE 22µF
2 7 0.015Ω 35V
ITH /RUN BOOST
CC ×3
680pF LTC1624
3 6
VFB TG M1**
RC CB L1*
3.3k 100pF
4 5 0.1µF 8µH VOUT
GND SW 3.3V
D1 6.5A
MBRD835L R2
35.7k
1% + COUT
100µF
R1 10V
* PANASONIC 12TS-7ROLB 20k ×3
** SILICONIX SUD50N03-10 1%

1624 F22

Figure 22. High Current 3.3V/6.5A Converter

U
PACKAGE DESCRIPTION Dimensions in inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted.

S8 Package
8-Lead Plastic Small Outline (Narrow 0.150)
(LTC DWG # 05-08-1610)

0.189 – 0.197*
(4.801 – 5.004)
8 7 6 5

0.228 – 0.244 0.150 – 0.157**

(5.791 – 6.197) (3.810 – 3.988)

1 2 3 4

0.010 – 0.020
× 45° 0.053 – 0.069
(0.254 – 0.508)
(1.346 – 1.752)
0.004 – 0.010
0.008 – 0.010
0°– 8° TYP (0.101 – 0.254)
(0.203 – 0.254)

0.016 – 0.050
0.014 – 0.019 0.050
0.406 – 1.270
(0.355 – 0.483) (1.270)
TYP
*DIMENSION DOES NOT INCLUDE MOLD FLASH. MOLD FLASH
SHALL NOT EXCEED 0.006" (0.152mm) PER SIDE
**DIMENSION DOES NOT INCLUDE INTERLEAD FLASH. INTERLEAD
FLASH SHALL NOT EXCEED 0.010" (0.254mm) PER SIDE SO8 0996

Information furnished by Linear Technology Corporation is believed to be accurate and reliable.

However, no responsibility is assumed for its use. Linear Technology Corporation makes no represen-
tation that the interconnection of its circuits as described herein will not infringe on existing patent rights. 27
LTC1624
U
TYPICAL APPLICATION
R3, 10Ω +VIN
4.5V TO
RSENSE + CIN 5.5V
0.0082Ω 100µF
C3, 0.033µF C4, 0.1µF 10V
×4
LTC1624
1 8
CC SENSE – VIN
820pF D2
2 7
ITH /RUN BOOST
CB
3 6 0.1µF
VFB TG M1
L1
1.68µH +VOUT
RC R1 C2 4 5
GND SW 3.3V
6.8k 20k 100pF 10A
COUT R2 C8
470µF + 35.7k 100pF
6.3V
D1 ×2
VOUT
RTN
Q2

10k

1624 F23

CIN (× 4) = KEMET T495D107M010AS L1 = PULSE ENGINEERING PE53691

COUT (× 2) = AVX TPSV477M006R0055 M1 = INTERNATIONAL RECTIFIER IRL3803S
D1 = MOTOROLA MBRB2515L Q2 = MOTOROLA MMBTA14LT1
D2 = MOTOROLA MBR0520 RSENSE = IRC OAR3-R0082

Figure 23. 5V to 3.3V/10A Converter (Surface Mount)

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1624f LT/TP 0198 4K • PRINTED IN USA

Linear Technology Corporation
28 1630 McCarthy Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035-7417● (408)432-1900
FAX: (408) 434-0507● TELEX: 499-3977 ● www.linear-tech.com  LINEAR TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 1997