Datasheet LM3429

LM3429
N-Channel Controller for Constant Current LED Drivers

General Description
Features
The LM3429 is a versatile high voltage N-channel MosFET

controller for LED drivers . It can be easily configured in buck,
boost, buck-boost and SEPIC topologies. This flexibility,
along with an input voltage rating of 75V, makes the LM3429
ideal for illuminating LEDs in a very diverse, large family of
applications.
Adjustable high-side current sense voltage allows for tight
regulation of the LED current with the highest efficiency possible. The LM3429 uses Predictive Off-time (PRO) control,
which is a combination of peak current-mode control and a
predictive off-timer. This method of control eases the design
of loop compensation while providing inherent input voltage
feed-forward compensation.
The LM3429 includes a high-voltage startup regulator that
operates over a wide input range of 4.5V to 75V. The internal
PWM controller is designed for adjustable switching frequencies of up to 2.0 MHz, thus enabling compact solutions.
Additional features include analog dimming, PWM dimming,
over-voltage protection, under-voltage lock-out, cycle-by-cycle current limit, and thermal shutdown.
The LM3429 comes in a low profile, thermally efficient TSSOP
EP 14-lead package.
VIN range from 4.5V to 75V

Adjustable current sense voltage
High-side current sensing
2, 1A Peak MosFET gate driver
Input under-voltage protection
Over-voltage protection
PWM dimming
Analog dimming
Cycle-by-cycle current limit
Programmable switching frequency
Thermal Shutdown
TSSOP EP 14-lead package
Applications
LED Drivers
Constant-Current Buck-Boost (or Flyback) Regulator
Constant-Current Boost Regulator
Constant-Current Buck Regulator
Constant-Current SEPIC Regulator
Thermo-Electric Cooler (Peltier) Driver
Typical Application Circuit
30094422
Boost LED Driver
2009 National Semiconductor Corporation
300944
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LM3429 N-Channel Controller for Constant Current LED Drivers
August 3, 2009
LM3429
Connection Diagram
Top View
30094404
14-Lead TSSOP EP
NS Package Number MXA14A
Ordering Information
Order Number
Spec.
Package Type
NSC Package
Drawing
LM3429MH
NOPB
TSSOP-14 EP
MXA14A
94 Units, Rail
LM3429MHX
NOPB
TSSOP-14 EP
MXA14A
2500 Units, Tape and Reel
Supplied As
Pin Descriptions
Pin
Name
Description
Application Information
VIN
Input Voltage
Bypass with 100 nF capacitor to AGND as close to the device as possible in

the circuit board layout.
COMP
Compensation
Connect a capacitor to AGND.
CSH
Current Sense High
Connect a resistor to AGND to set the signal current. For analog dimming,
connect a controlled current source or a potentiometer to AGND as detailed in
the Analog Dimming section.
RCT
Resistor Capacitor Timing
Connect a resistor from the switch node and a capacitor to AGND to set the
switching frequency.
AGND
Analog Ground
Connect to PGND through the DAP copper circuit board pad to provide proper
ground return for CSH, COMP, and RCT.
OVP
Over-Voltage Protection
Connect to a resistor divider from VO to program output over-voltage lockout

(OVLO). Turn-off threshold is 1.24V and hysteresis for turn-on is provided by
20 A current source.
nDIM
Not DIM input
Connect a PWM signal for dimming as detailed in the PWM Dimming section
and/or a resistor divider from VIN to program input under-voltage lockout
(UVLO). Turn-on threshold is 1.24V and hysteresis for turn-off is provided by
20 A current source.
NC
No Connection
Leave open.
PGND
Power Ground
Connect to AGND through the DAP copper circuit board pad to provide proper
ground return for GATE.
10
GATE
Gate Drive Output
11
VCC
Internal Regulator Output
12
IS
Main Switch Current Sense
13
HSP
High-Side LED Current Sense Connect through a series resistor to the positive side of the LED current sense
Positive
resistor.
14
HSN
High-Side LED Current Sense Connect through a series resistor to the negative side of the LED current sense
Negative
resistor.
DAP
(15)
DAP
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Thermal pad on bottom of IC
Connect to the gate of the external NFET.

Bypass with a 2.2 F3.3 F, ceramic capacitor to PGND.
Connect to the drain of the main N-channel MosFET switch for RDS-ON sensing
or to a sense resistor installed in the source of the same device.
Star ground, connecting AGND and PGND. For thermal considerations please
refer to (Note 4) of the Electrical Characteristics table.
PGND
If Military/Aerospace specified devices are required,

please contact the National Semiconductor Sales Office/
Distributors for availability and specifications.
Junction Temperature
Storage Temperature Range
Maximum Lead Temperature
(Reflow and Solder) (Note 5)
Continuous Power Dissipation
(Note 4)
ESD Susceptibility
(Note 6)
Human Body Model
VIN, nDIM
-0.3V to 76.0V
-1 mA continuous
-0.3V to 76.0V
-100 A continuous
-0.3V to 3.0V
-1 mA to +5 mA continuous
-0.3V to 76.0V
-2V for 100 ns
-1 mA continuous
-0.3V to 8.0V
-0.3V to 6.0V
-200 A to +200 A
Continuous
-0.3V to VCC
-2.5V for 100 ns
VCC+2.5V for 100 ns
-1 mA to +1 mA continuous
OVP, HSP, HSN

RCT
IS
VCC
COMP, CSH
GATE
-0.3V to 0.3V
-2.5V to 2.5V for 100 ns
150C
65C to +150C
260C
Operating Conditions
Operating Junction
Temperature Range
Input Voltage VIN
Internally Limited
2 kV
(Notes 1, 2)
40C to +125C
4.5V to 75V
Electrical Characteristics
(Note 2)
Specifications in standard type face are for TJ = 25C and those with boldface type apply over the full Operating Temperature
Range ( TJ = 40C to +125C). Minimum and Maximum limits are guaranteed through test, design, or statistical correlation. Typical
values represent the most likely parametric norm at TJ = +25C, and are provided for reference purposes only. Unless otherwise
stated the following condition applies: VIN = +14V.
Symbol
Parameter
Conditions
Min (Note 7) Typ (Note 8) Max (Note 7)
Units
STARTUP REGULATOR (VCC)

VCC-REG
VCC Regulation
ICC = 0 mA
ICC-LIM
VCC Current Limit
VCC = 0V
IQ
Quiescent Current
Static
1.6
3.0
VCC-UVLO
VCC UVLO Threshold
VCC Increasing
4.17
4.50
VCC-HYS
VCC UVLO Hysteresis
VCC Decreasing
6.30
6.90
20
27
3.70
7.35
4.08
V
mA
0.1
OVER-VOLTAGE PROTECTION (OVP)

VTH-OVP
OVP OVLO Threshold
OVP Increasing
IHYS-OVP
OVP Hysteresis Source

Current
OVP Active (high)
1.180
1.240
1.280
10
20
30
1.210
1.235
1.260
-0.6
0.6
26
40
ERROR AMPLIFIER
VCSH
CSH Reference Voltage
With Respect to AGND
Error Amplifier Input Bias

Current
COMP Sink / Source
Current
10
Transconductance
Linear Input Range
(Note 9)
Transconductance
Bandwidth
-6dB Unloaded Response

(Note 9)
0.5
100
A/V
125
mV
1.0
MHz
OFF TIMER (RCT)

tOFF-MIN
Minimum Off-time
RRCT
RCT Reset Pull-down

Resistance
VRCT
VIN/25 Reference Voltage
RCT = 1V through 1 k
VIN = 14V
540
35
75
ns
36
120
565
585
mV
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LM3429
Absolute Maximum Ratings (Notes 1, 2)
LM3429
Symbol
Parameter
Conditions
Min (Note 7) Typ (Note 8) Max (Note 7)
Units
PWM COMPARATOR
COMP to PWM Offset
700
800
900
mV
215
245
275
mV
35
75
250
450
CURRENT LIMIT (IS)

VLIM
Current Limit Threshold

VLIM Delay to Output
tON-MIN
Leading Edge Blanking

Time
75
ns
HIGH SIDE TRANSCONDUCTANCE AMPLIFIER

Input Bias Current
10
Transconductance
20
119
mA/V
Input Offset Current
-1.5
1.5
Input Offset Voltage
-7
mV
250
500
Transconductance
Bandwidth
ICSH = 100 A (Note 9)
kHz
GATE DRIVER (GATE)

RSRC(GATE)
GATE Sourcing Resistance GATE = High
2.0
6.0
RSNK(GATE)
GATE Sinking Resistance
1.3
4.5
GATE = Low
UNDER-VOLTAGE LOCKOUT and DIM INPUT (nDIM)

VTH-nDIM
nDIM / UVLO Threshold
1.180
1.240
1.280
IHYS-nDIM
nDIM Hysteresis Current
10
20
30
THERMAL SHUTDOWN
TSD
Thermal Shutdown
Threshold
(Notes 3, 9)
THYS
Thermal Shutdown
Hysteresis
(Notes 3, 9)
165
C
25
THERMAL RESISTANCE
JA
Junction to Ambient (Note

4)
14L TSSOP EP
JC
Junction to Exposed Pad

(DAP)
14L TSSOP EP
40
C/W
5.5
C/W
Note 1: Absolute Maximum Ratings indicate limits beyond which damage to the device may occur, including inoperability and degradation of device reliability
and/or performance. Functional operation of the device and/or non-degradation at the Absolute Maximum Ratings or other conditions beyond those indicated in
the Operating Ratings is not implied. The recommended Operating Ratings indicate conditions at which the device is functional and the device should not be
operated beyond such conditions.
Note 2: All voltages are with respect to the potential at the AGND pin, unless otherwise specified.
Note 3: Internal thermal shutdown circuitry protects the device from permanent damage. Thermal shutdown engages at TJ=165C (typical) and disengages at
TJ=140C (typical).
Note 4: Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance is highly board-layout dependent. The numbers listed in the table are given for a reference layout wherein the
14L TSSOP EP package has its DAP pad populated with 9 vias. In applications where high maximum power dissipation exists, namely driving a large MosFET
at high switching frequency from a high input voltage, special care must be paid to thermal dissipation issues during board design. In high-power dissipation
applications, the maximum ambient temperature may have to be derated. Maximum ambient temperature (TA-MAX) is dependent on the maximum operating
junction temperature (TJ-MAX-OP = 125C), the maximum power dissipation of the device in the application (PD-MAX), and the junction-to ambient thermal resistance
of the package in the application (JA), as given by the following equation: TA-MAX = TJ-MAX-OP (JA PD-MAX). In most applications there is little need for the full
power dissipation capability of this advanced package. Under these circumstances, no vias would be required and the thermal resistances would be 104 C/W
for the 14L TSSOP EP. It is possible to conservatively interpolate between the full via count thermal resistance and the no via count thermal resistance with a
straight line to get a thermal resistance for any number of vias in between these two limits.
Note 5: Refer to Nationals packaging website for more detailed information and mounting techniques. http://www.national.com/analog/packaging/
Note 6: Human Body Model, applicable std. JESD22-A114-C.
Note 7: All limits guaranteed at room temperature (standard typeface) and at temperature extremes (bold typeface). All room temperature limits are 100%
production tested. All limits at temperature extremes are guaranteed via correlation using standard Statistical Quality Control (SQC) methods. All limits are used
to calculate Average Outgoing Quality Level (AOQL).
Note 8: Typical numbers are at 25C and represent the most likely norm.
Note 9: These electrical parameters are guaranteed by design, and are not verified by test.
Note 10: The measurements were made using the standard buck-boost evaluation board from AN-1985.
Note 11: The measurements were made using the standard boost evaluation board from AN-1986.
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TA=+25C and VIN = 14V unless otherwise specified
Boost Efficiency vs. Input Voltage

VO = 32V (9 LEDs) (Note 11)
Buck-Boost Efficiency vs. Input Voltage

300944b5
300944b6
Boost LED Current vs. Input Voltage

Buck-boost LED Current vs. Input Voltage

300944b8
300944b7
PWM Dimming
Analog Dimming
300944c0
300944b9
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LM3429
Typical Performance Characteristics
LM3429
VCSH vs. Junction Temperature
VCC vs. Junction Temperature
300944b0
300944b1
VRCT vs. Junction Temperature
VLIM vs. Junction Temperature
300944b3
300944b2
tON-MIN vs. Junction Temperature
300944b4
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LM3429
Block Diagram
30094403
CURRENT REGULATORS
Current regulators can be designed to accomplish three basic
functions: buck, boost, and buck-boost. All three topologies
in their most basic form contain a main switching MosFET, a
recirculating diode, an inductor and capacitors. The LM3429
is designed to drive a ground referenced NFET which is perfect for a standard boost regulator. Buck and buck-boost
regulators, on the other hand, usually have a high-side switch.
When driving an LED load, a ground referenced load is often
not necessary, therefore a ground referenced switch can be
used to drive a floating load instead. The LM3429 can then
be used to drive all three basic topologies as shown in the
Basic Topology Schematics section.
Looking at the buck-boost design, the basic operation of a
current regulator can be analyzed. During the time that the
NFET (Q1) is turned on (tON), the input voltage source stores
energy in the inductor (L1) while the output capacitor (CO)
provides energy to the LED load. When Q1 is turned off
(tOFF), the re-circulating diode (D1) becomes forward biased
and L1 provides energy to both CO and the LED load. Figure
1 shows the inductor current (iL(t)) waveform for a regulator
operating in CCM.
Theory of Operation
The LM3429 is an N-channel MosFET (NFET) controller for
buck, boost and buck-boost current regulators which are ideal
for driving LED loads. The controller has wide input voltage
range allowing for regulation of a variety of LED loads. The
high-side differential current sense, with low adjustable
threshold voltage, provides an excellent method for regulating
output current while maintaining high system efficiency. The
LM3429 uses a Predictive Off-time (PRO) control architecture
that allows the regulator to be operated using minimal external control loop compensation, while providing an inherent
cycle-by-cycle current limit. The adjustable current sense
threshold provides the capability to amplitude (analog) dim
the LED current and the output enable/disable function allows
for PWM dimming using no external components. When designing, the maximum attainable LED current is not internally
limited because the LM3429 is a controller. Instead it is a
function of the system operating point, component choices,
and switching frequency allowing the LM3429 to easily provide constant currents up to 5A. This simple controller contains all the features necessary to implement a high efficiency
versatile LED driver.
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LM3429
30094498
FIGURE 1. Ideal CCM Regulator Inductor Current iL(t)

The average output LED current (ILED) is proportional to the
average inductor current (IL) , therefore if IL is tightly controlled, ILED will be well regulated. As the system changes
input voltage or output voltage, the ideal duty cycle (D) is varied to regulate IL and ultimately ILED. For any current regulator,
D is a function of the conversion ratio:
PRO control was designed to mitigate current mode

instability (also called sub-harmonic oscillation) found in
standard peak current mode control when operating near or
above 50% duty cycles. When using standard peak current
mode control with a fixed switching frequency, this condition
is present, regardless of the topology. However, using a constant off-time approach, current mode instability cannot occur, enabling easier design and control.
Predictive off-time advantages:
There is no current mode instability at any duty cycle.
Higher duty cycles / voltage transformation ratios are
possible, especially in the boost regulator.
The only disadvantage is that synchronization to an external
reference frequency is generally not available.
Buck
Boost
SWITCHING FREQUENCY
An external resistor (RT) connected between the RCT pin and
the switch node (where D1, Q1, and L1 connect), in combination with a capacitor (CT) between the RCT and AGND pins,
sets the off-time (tOFF) as shown in Figure 2. For boost and
buck-boost topologies, the VIN proportionality ensures a virtually constant switching frequency (fSW).
Buck-boost
PREDICTIVE OFF-TIME (PRO) CONTROL

PRO control is used by the LM3429 to control ILED. It is a
combination of average peak current control and a one-shot
off-timer that varies with input voltage. The LM3429 uses
peak current control to regulate the average LED current
through an array of HBLEDs. This method of control uses a
series resistor in the LED path to sense LED current and can
use either a series resistor in the MosFET path or the MosFET
RDS-ON for both cycle-by-cycle current limit and input voltage
feed forward. D is indirectly controlled by changes in both
tOFF and tON, which vary depending on the operating point.
Even though the off-time control is quasi-hysteretic, the input
voltage proportionality in the off-timer creates an essentially
constant switching frequency over the entire operating range
for boost and buck-boost topologies. The buck topology can
be designed to give constant ripple over either input voltage
or output voltage, however switching frequency is only constant at a specific operating point .
This type of control minimizes the control loop compensation
necessary in many switching regulators, simplifying the design process. The averaging mechanism in the peak detection control loop provides extremely accurate LED current
regulation over the entire operating range.
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30094499
FIGURE 2. Off-timer Circuitry for Boost and Buck-boost

Regulators
For a buck topology, RT and CT are also used to set tOFF,
however the VIN proportionality will not ensure a constant
switching frequency. Instead, constant ripple operation can
be achieved. Changing the connection of RT in Figure 2 from
VSW to VIN will provide a constant ripple over varying VIN.
AVERAGE LED CURRENT

The LM3429 uses an external current sense resistor (RSNS)
placed in series with the LED load to convert the LED current
(ILED) into a voltage (VSNS) as shown in Figure 4. The HSP
and HSN pins are the inputs to the high-side sense amplifier
which are forced to be equal potential (VHSP=VHSN) through
negative feedback. Because of this, the VSNS voltage is forced
across RHSP to generate the signal current (ICSH) which flows
out of the CSH pin and through the RCSH resistor. The error
amplifier will regulate the CSH pin to 1.24V, therefore ICSH can
be calculated:
This means VSNS will be regulated as follows:
300944a0
ILED can then be calculated:
FIGURE 3. Off-timer Circuitry for Buck Regulators

The switching frequency is defined:
Buck (Constant Ripple vs. VIN)
The selection of the three resistors (RSNS, RCSH, and RHSP) is

not arbitrary. For matching and noise performance, the suggested signal current ICSH is approximately 100 A. This
current does not flow in the LEDs and will not affect either the
off state LED current or the regulated LED current. ICSH can
be above or below this value, but the high-side amplifier offset
characteristics may be affected slightly. In addition, to minimize the effect of the high-side amplifier voltage offset on LED
current accuracy, the minimum VSNS is suggested to be
50 mV. Finally, a resistor (RHSN = RHSP) should be placed in
series with the HSN pin to cancel out the effects of the input
bias current (~10 A) of both inputs of the high-side sense
amplifier. Note that he CSH pin can also be used as a lowside current sense input regulated to the 1.24V. The high-side
sense amplifier is disabled if HSP and HSN are tied to GND.
Buck (Constant Ripple vs. VO)
Boost and Buck-boost
For all topologies, the CT capacitor is recommended to be

1 nF and should be located very close to the LM3429.
30094457
FIGURE 4. LED Current Sense Circuitry
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LM3429
Adding a PNP transistor as shown in Figure 3 will provide

constant ripple over varying VO.
LM3429
ANALOG DIMMING
The CSH pin can be used to analog dim the LED current by
adjusting the current sense voltage (VSNS). There are several
different methods to adjust VSNS using the CSH pin:
1. External variable resistance : Adjust a potentiometer
placed in series with RCSH to vary VSNS.
2. External variable current source: Source current (0 A to
ICSH) into the CSH pin to adjust VSNS.
In general, analog dimming applications require a lower
switching frequency to minimize the effect of the leading edge
blanking circuit. As the LED current is reduced, the output
voltage and the duty cycle decreases. Eventually, the minimum on-time is reached. The lower the switching frequency,
the wider the linear dimming range. Figure 5 shows how both
methods are physically implemented.
Method 1 uses an external potentiometer in the CSH path
which is a simple addition to the existing circuitry. However,
the LEDs cannot dim completely because there is always
some resistance causing signal current to flow. This method
is also susceptible to noise coupling at the CSH pin since the
potentiometer increases the size of the signal current loop.
Method 2 provides a complete dimming range and better
noise performance, though it is more complex. It consists of
a PNP current mirror and a bias network consisting of an NPN,
2 resistors and a potentiometer (RADJ), where RADJ controls
the amount of current sourced into the CSH pin. A higher resistance value will source more current into the CSH pin
causing less regulated signal current through RHSP, effectively dimming the LEDs. VREF should be a precise external
voltage reference, while Q7 and Q8 should be a dual pair PNP
for best matching and performance. The additional current
(IADD) sourced into the CSH pin can be calculated:
CURRENT SENSE/CURRENT LIMIT

The LM3429 achieves peak current mode control using a
comparator that monitors the MosFET transistor current,
comparing it with the COMP pin voltage as shown in Figure
6. Further, it incorporates a cycle-by-cycle over-current protection function. Current limit is accomplished by a redundant
internal current sense comparator. If the voltage at the current
sense comparator input (IS) exceeds 245 mV (typical), the on
cycle is immediately terminated. The IS input pin has an internal N-channel MosFET which pulls it down at the conclusion of every cycle. The discharge device remains on an
additional 250 ns (typical) after the beginning of a new cycle
to blank the leading edge spike on the current sense signal.
The leading edge blanking (LEB) determines the minimum
achievable on-time (tON-MIN).
300944a2
FIGURE 6. Current Sense / Current Limit Circuitry

There are two possible methods to sense the transistor current. The RDS-ON of the main power MosFET can be used as
the current sense resistance because the IS pin was designed
to withstand the high voltages present on the drain when the
MosFET is in the off state. Alternatively, a sense resistor located in the source of the MosFET may be used for current
sensing, however a low inductance (ESL) type is suggested.
The cycle-by-cycle current limit (ILIM) can be calulated using
either method as the limiting resistance (RLIM):
The corresponding ILED for a specific IADD is:
In general, the external series resistor allows for more design

flexibility, however it is important to ensure all of the noise
sensitive low power ground connections are connected together local to the controller and a single connection is made
to the high current PGND (sense resistor ground point).
300944a1
FIGURE 5. Analog Dimming Circuitry
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LM3429
And the right half plane zero (Z1) is:
CONTROL LOOP COMPENSATION

The LM3429 control loop is modeled like any current mode
controller. Using a first order approximation, the uncompensated loop can be modeled as a single pole created by the
output capacitor and, in the boost and buck-boost topologies,
a right half plane zero created by the inductor, where both
have a dependence on the LED string dynamic resistance.
There is also a high frequency pole in the model, however it
is above the switching frequency and plays no part in the
compensation design process therefore it will be neglected.
Since ceramic capacitance is recommended for use with LED
drivers due to long lifetimes and high ripple current rating, the
ESR of the output capacitor can also be neglected in the loop
analysis. Finally, there is a DC gain of the uncompensated
loop which is dependent on internal controller gains and the
external sensing network.
A buck-boost regulator will be used as an example case. See
the Design Guide section for compensation of all topologies.
The uncompensated loop gain for a buck-boost regulator is
given by the following equation:
300944a7
FIGURE 7. Uncompensated Loop Gain Frequency

Response
Figure 7 shows the uncompensated loop gain in a worst-case
scenario when the RHP zero is below the output pole. This
occurs at high duty cycles when the regulator is trying to boost
the output voltage significantly. The RHP zero adds 20dB/
decade of gain while loosing 45/decade of phase which
places the crossover frequency (when the gain is zero dB)
extremely high because the gain only starts falling again due
to the high frequency pole (not modeled or shown in figure).
The phase will be below -180 at the crossover frequency
which means there is no phase margin (180 + phase at
crossover frequency) causing system instability. Even if the
output pole is below the RHP zero, the phase will still reach
-180 before the crossover frequency in most cases yielding
instability.
Where the uncompensated DC loop gain of the system is described as:
And the output pole (P1) is approximated:
300944a3
FIGURE 8. Compensation Circuitry
11
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LM3429
To mitigate this problem, a compensator should be designed

to give adequate phase margin (above 45) at the crossover
frequency. A simple compensator using a single capacitor at
the COMP pin (CCMP) will add a dominant pole to the system,
which will ensure adequate phase margin if placed low
enough. At high duty cycles (as shown in Figure 7), the RHP
zero places extreme limits on the achievable bandwidth with
this type of compensation. However, because an LED driver
is essentially free of output transients (except catastrophic
failures open or short), the dominant pole approach, even with
reduced bandwidth, is usually the best approach. The dominant compensation pole (P2) is determined by CCMP and the
output resistance (RO) of the error amplifier (typically 5 M):
OUTPUT OVER-VOLTAGE LOCKOUT (OVLO)
30094458
FIGURE 10. Over-Voltage Protection Circuitry

The LM3429 can be configured to detect an output (or input)
over-voltage condition via the OVP pin. The pin features a
precision 1.24V threshold with 20 A (typical) of hysteresis
current as shown in Figure 10. When the OVLO threshold is
exceeded, the GATE pin is immediately pulled low and a 20
A current source provides hysteresis to the lower threshold
of the OVLO hysteretic band.
If the LEDs are referenced to a potential other than ground
(floating), as in the buck-boost and buck configuration, the
output voltage (VO) should be sensed and translated to
ground by using a single PNP as shown in Figure 11.
It may also be necessary to add one final pole at least one

decade above the crossover frequency to attenuate switching
noise and, in some cases, provide better gain margin. This
pole can be placed across RSNS to filter the ESL of the sense
resistor at the same time. Figure 8 shows how the compensation is physically implemented in the system.
The high frequency pole (P3) can be calculated:
The total system transfer function becomes:
The resulting compensated loop gain frequency response

shown in Figure 9 indicates that the system has adequate
phase margin (above 45) if the dominant compensation pole
is placed low enough, ensuring stability:
30094459
FIGURE 11. Floating Output OVP Circuitry

The over-voltage turn-off threshold (VTURN-OFF) is defined as
follows:
Ground Referenced
Floating
In the ground referenced configuration, the voltage across

ROV2 is VO - 1.24V whereas in the floating configuration it is
VO - 620 mV where 620 mV approximates the VBE of the PNP
transistor.
The over-voltage hysteresis (VHYSO) is defined as follows:
300944a4
FIGURE 9. Compensated Loop Gain Frequency

Response
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LM3429
INPUT UNDER-VOLTAGE LOCKOUT (UVLO)

The nDIM pin is a dual-function input that features an accurate
1.24V threshold with programmable hysteresis as shown in
Figure 12. This pin functions as both the PWM dimming input
for the LEDs and as a VIN UVLO. When the pin voltage rises
and exceeds the 1.24V threshold, 20 A (typical) of current is
driven out of the nDIM pin into the resistor divider providing
programmable hysteresis.
300944a6
FIGURE 13. PWM Dimming Circuit

Figure 13 shows two ways the PWM signal can be applied to
the nDIM pin:
1. Connect the dimming MosFET (QDIM) with the drain to
the nDIM pin and the source to GND. Apply an external
logic-level PWM signal to the gate of QDIM. A pull down
resistor may be necessary to properly turn off QDIM if no
signal is present.
2. Connect the anode of a Schottky diode (DDIM) to the
nDIM pin. Apply an external inverted logic-level PWM
signal to the cathode of the same diode.
A minimum on-time must be maintained in order for PWM
dimming to operate in the linear region of its transfer function.
Because the controller is disabled during dimming, the PWM
pulse must be long enough such that the energy intercepted
from the input is greater than or equal to the energy being put
into the LEDs. For boost and buck-boost regulators, the following condition must be maintained:
300944a5
FIGURE 12. UVLO Circuit

When using the nDIM pin for UVLO and PWM dimming concurrently, the UVLO circuit can have an extra series resistor
to set the hysteresis. This allows the standard resistor divider
to have smaller resistor values minimizing PWM delays due
to a pull-down MosFET at the nDIM pin (see PWM Dimming
section). In general, at least 3V of hysteresis is necessary
when PWM dimming if operating near the UVLO threshold.
The turn-on threshold (VTURN-ON) is defined as follows:
The hysteresis (VHYS) is defined as follows:

UVLO only
In the previous equation, tPULSE is the length of the PWM pulse

in seconds.
PWM dimming and UVLO
STARTUP REGULATOR (VCC LDO)

The LM3429 includes a high voltage, low dropout (LDO) bias
regulator. When power is applied, the regulator is enabled
and sources current into an external capacitor connected to
the VCC pin. The VCC output voltage is 6.9V nominally and the
supply is internally current limited to 20 mA (minimum). The
recommended bypass capacitance range for the VCC regulator is 2.2 F to 3.3 F. The output of the VCC regulator is
monitored by an internal UVLO circuit that protects the device
during startup, normal operation, and shutdown from attempting to operate with insufficient supply voltage.
PWM DIMMING
The active low nDIM pin can be driven with a PWM signal
which controls the main NFET (Q1). The brightness of the
LEDs can be varied by modulating the duty cycle of this signal.
LED brightness is approximately proportional to the PWM
signal duty cycle, so 30% duty cycle equals approximately
30% LED brightness. This function can be ignored if PWM
dimming is not required by using nDIM solely as a VIN UVLO
input as described in the Input Under-Voltage Lockout section
or by tying it directly to VCC or VIN (if less than 76VDC).
THERMAL SHUTDOWN
The LM3429 includes thermal shutdown. If the die temperature reaches approximately 165C the device will shut down
(GATE pin low), until it reaches approximately 140C where
it turns on again.
13
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LM3429
Obtaining rLED is accomplished by refering to the

manufacturer's LED I-V characteristic. It can be calculated as
the slope at the nominal operating point as shown in Figure
14. For any application with more than 2 series LEDs, RSNS
can be neglected allowing rD to be approximated as the number of LEDs multiplied by rLED.
Design Considerations
This section describes the application level considerations
when designing with the LM3429. For corresponding calculations, refer to the Design Guide section.
INDUCTOR
The inductor (L1) is the main energy storage device in a
switching regulator. Depending on the topology, energy is
stored in the inductor and transfered to the load in different
ways (as an example, buck-boost operation is detailed in the
Current Regulators section). The size of the inductor, the voltage across it, and the length of the switching subinterval
(tON or tOFF) determines the inductor current ripple (iL-PP ). In
the design process, L1 is chosen to provide a desired iL-PP.
For a buck regulator the inductor has a direct connection to
the load, which is good for a current regulator. This requires
little to no output capacitance therefore iL-PP is basically
equal to the LED ripple current iLED-PP. However, for boost
and buck-boost regulators, there is always an output capacitor which reduces iLED-PP, therefore the inductor ripple can
be larger than in the buck regulator case where output capacitance is minimal or completely absent.
In general, iLED-PP is recommended by manufacturers to be
less than 40% of the average LED current (ILED). Therefore,
for the buck regulator with no output capacitance, iL-PP
should also be less than 40% of ILED. For the boost and buckboost topologies, iL-PP can be much higher depending on the
output capacitance value. However, iL-PP is suggested to be
less than 100% of the average inductor current (IL) to limit the
RMS inductor current.
L1 is also suggested to have an RMS current rating at least
25% higher than the calculated minimum allowable RMS inductor current (IL-RMS).
OUTPUT CAPACITOR
For boost and buck-boost regulators, the output capacitor
(CO) provides energy to the load when the recirculating diode
(D1) is reverse biased during the first switching subinterval.
An output capacitor in a buck topology will simply reduce the
LED current ripple (iLED-PP) below the inductor current ripple
(iL-PP). In all cases, CO is sized to provide a desired iLEDPP. As mentioned in the Inductor section, iLED-PP is recommended by manufacturers to be less than 40% of the average
LED current (ILED-PP).
CO should be carefully chosen to account for derating due to
temperature and operating voltage. It must also have the necessary RMS current rating. Ceramic capacitors are the best
choice due to their high ripple current rating, long lifetime, and
good temperature performance. An X7R dieletric rating is
suggested.
INPUT CAPACITORS
The input capacitance (CIN) provides energy during the discontinuous portions of the switching period. For buck and
buck-boost regulators, CIN provides energy during tON and
during tOFF, the input voltage source charges up CIN with the
average input current (IIN). For boost regulators, CIN only
needs to provide the ripple current due to the direct connection to the inductor. CIN is selected given the maximum input
voltage ripple (vIN-PP) which can be tolerated. vIN-PP is suggested to be less than 10% of the nominal input voltage
(VIN).
An input capacitance at least 100% greater than the calculated CIN value is recommended to account for derating due
to temperature and operating voltage. It must also have the
necessary RMS current rating. Ceramic capacitors are again
the best choice due to their high ripple current rating, long
lifetime, and good temperature performance. An X7R dieletric
rating is suggested.
LED DYNAMIC RESISTANCE (rD)

When the load is a string of LEDs, the output load resistance
is the LED string dynamic resistance plus RSNS. LEDs are PN
junction diodes, and their dynamic resistance shifts as their
forward current changes. Dividing the forward voltage of a
single LED (VLED) by the forward current (ILED) leads to an
incorrect calculation of the dynamic resistance of a single LED
(rLED). The result can be 5 to 10 times higher than the true
rLED value.
N-CHANNEL MosFET (NFET)

The LM3429 requires an external NFET (Q1) as the main
power MosFET for the switching regulator. Q1 is recommended to have a voltage rating at least 15% higher than the
maximum transistor voltage to ensure safe operation during
the ringing of the switch node. In practice, all switching regulators have some ringing at the switch node due to the diode
parasitic capacitance and the lead inductance. The current
rating is recommended to be at least 10% higher than the
average transistor current. The power rating is then verified
by calculating the power loss given the RMS transistor current
and the NFET on-resistance (RDS-ON).
In general, the NFET should be chosen to minimize total gate
charge (Qg) whenever switching frequencies are high and
minimize RDS-ON otherwise. This will minimize the dominant
power losses in the system. Frequently, higher current NFETs
in larger packages are chosen for better thermal performance.
30094474
FIGURE 14. Dynamic Resistance
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14
CIRCUIT LAYOUT
The performance of any switching regulator depends as much
upon the layout of the PCB as the component selection. Following a few simple guidelines will maximimize noise rejection
and minimize the generation of EMI within the circuit.
15
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LM3429
Discontinuous currents are the most likely to generate EMI,

therefore care should be taken when routing these paths. The
main path for discontinuous current in the LM3429 buck regulator contains the input capacitor (CIN), the recirculating
diode (D1), the N-channel MosFET (Q1), and the sense resistor (RLIM). In the LM3429 boost and buck-boost regulators,
the discontinuous current flows through the output capacitor
(CO), D1, Q1, and RLIM. In either case, this loop should be kept
as small as possible and the connections between all the
components should be short and thick to minimize parasitic
inductance. In particular, the switch node (where L1, D1 and
Q1 connect) should be just large enough to connect the components. To minimize excessive heating, large copper pours
can be placed adjacent to the short current path of the switch
node.
The RCT, COMP, CSH, IS, HSP and HSN pins are all highimpedance inputs which couple external noise easily, therefore the loops containing these nodes should be minimized
whenever possible.
In some applications the LED or LED array can be far away
(several inches or more) from the LM3429, or on a separate
PCB connected by a wiring harness. When an output capacitor is used and the LED array is large or separated from the
rest of the regulator, the output capacitor should be placed
close to the LEDs to reduce the effects of parasitic inductance
on the AC impedance of the capacitor.
RE-CIRCULATING DIODE
A re-circulating diode (D1) is required to carry the inductor
current during tOFF. The most efficient choice for D1 is a
Schottky diode due to low forward voltage drop and near-zero
reverse recovery time. Similar to Q1, D1 is recommended to
have a voltage rating at least 15% higher than the maximum
transistor voltage to ensure safe operation during the ringing
of the switch node and a current rating at least 10% higher
than the average diode current. The power rating is verified
by calculating the power loss through the diode. This is accomplished by checking the typical diode forward voltage
from the I-V curve on the product datasheet and multiplying
by the average diode current. In general, higher current
diodes have a lower forward voltage and come in better performing packages minimizing both power losses and temperature rise.
LM3429
Basic Topology Schematics

BOOST REGULATOR (VIN < VO)
30094422
BUCK REGULATOR (VIN > VO)
30094451
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16
LM3429
BUCK-BOOST REGULATOR
30094450
17
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LM3429
Buck (Constant Ripple vs. VO)
Design Guide
Refer to Basic Topology Schematics section.
SPECIFICATIONS
Number of series LEDs: N
Single LED forward voltage: VLED
Single LED dynamic resistance: rLED
Nominal input voltage: VIN
Input voltage range: VIN-MAX, VIN-MIN
Switching frequency: fSW
Current sense voltage: VSNS
Average LED current: ILED
Inductor current ripple: iL-PP
LED current ripple: iLED-PP
Peak current limit: ILIM
Input voltage ripple: vIN-PP
Output OVLO characteristics: VTURN-OFF, VHYSO
Input UVLO characteristics: VTURN-ON, VHYS
3. AVERAGE LED CURRENT

For all topologies, set the average LED current (ILED) knowing
the desired current sense voltage (VSNS) and solving for
RSNS:
If the calculated RSNS is too far from a desired standard value,

then VSNS will have to be adjusted to obtain a standard value.
Setup the suggested signal current of 100 A by assuming
RCSH = 12.4 k and solving for RHSP:
1. OPERATING POINT
Given the number of series LEDs (N), the forward voltage
(VLED) and dynamic resistance (rLED) for a single LED, solve
for the nominal output voltage (VO) and the nominal LED
string dynamic resistance (rD):
If the calculated RHSP is too far from a desired standard value,

then RCSH can be adjusted to obtain a standard value.
Solve for the ideal nominal duty cycle (D):
4. INDUCTOR RIPPLE CURRENT

Set the nominal inductor ripple current (iL-PP) by solving for
the appropriate inductor (L1):
Buck
Buck
Boost
Buck-boost
To set the worst case inductor ripple current, use VIN-MAX and
DMIN when solving for L1.
The minimum allowable inductor RMS current rating (IL-RMS)
can be calculated as:
Using the same equations, find the minimum duty cycle

(DMIN) using maximum input voltage (VIN-MAX) and the maximum duty cycle (DMAX) using the minimum input voltage (VINMIN). Also, remember that D' = 1 - D.
Buck
2. SWITCHING FREQUENCY
Set the switching frequency (fSW) by assuming a CT value of
1 nF and solving for RT:
Buck (Constant Ripple vs. VIN)
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18
LM3429
Where the pole (P1) is approximated:
5. LED RIPPLE CURRENT

Set the nominal LED ripple current (iLED-PP), by solving for
the output capacitance (CO):
Buck
Buck
Boost
Buck-boost
To set the worst case LED ripple current, use DMAX when
solving for CO.
The minimum allowable RMS output capacitor current rating
(ICO-RMS) can be approximated:
And the RHP zero (Z1) is approximated:

Boost
Buck
Buck-boost
And the uncompensated DC loop gain (TU0) is approximated:

6. PEAK CURRENT LIMIT
Set the peak current limit (ILIM) by solving for the transistor
path sense resistor (RLIM):
Buck
Boost
7. LOOP COMPENSATION
Using a simple first order peak current mode control model,
neglecting any output capacitor ESR dynamics, the necessary loop compensation can be determined.
First, the uncompensated loop gain (T U) of the regulator can
be approximated:
Buck-boost
Buck
For all topologies, the primary method of compensation is to
place a low frequency dominant pole (P2) which will ensure
that there is ample phase margin at the crossover frequency.
This is accomplished by placing a capacitor (CCMP) from the
COMP pin to GND, which is calculated according to the lower
value of the pole and the RHP zero of the system (shown as
a minimizing function):
If analog dimming is used, CCMP should be approximately 4x

larger to maintain stability as the LEDs are dimmed to zero.
19
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LM3429
A high frequency compensation pole (P3) can be used to

attenuate switching noise and provide better gain margin. Assuming RFS = 10, CFS is calculated according to the higher
value of the pole and the RHP zero of the system (shown as
a maximizing function):
Buck-boost
9. NFET
The NFET voltage rating should be at least 15% higher than
the maximum NFET drain-to-source voltage (VT-MAX):
Buck
The total system loop gain (T) can then be written as:
Boost
Buck
Buck-boost
The current rating should be at least 10% higher than the

maximum average NFET current (IT-MAX):
Buck

8. INPUT CAPACITANCE
Set the nominal input voltage ripple (vIN-PP) by solving for
the required capacitance (CIN):
Approximate the nominal RMS transistor current (IT-RMS) :
Buck
Buck
Boost
Buck-boost
Given an NFET with on-resistance (RDS-ON), solve for the

nominal power dissipation (PT):
10. DIODE
The Schottky diode voltage rating should be at least 15%
higher than the maximum blocking voltage (VRD-MAX):
Use DMAX to set the worst case input voltage ripple, when
solving for CIN in a buck-boost regulator and DMID = 0.5 when
solving for CIN in a buck regulator.
The minimum allowable RMS input current rating (ICIN-RMS)
can be approximated:
Buck
Buck
Boost
Boost
Buck-boost
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20
12. INPUT UVLO

For all topologies, input UVLO is programmed with the turnon threshold voltage (VTURN-ON) and the desired hysteresis
(VHYS).
Method #1: If no PWM dimming is required, a two resistor
network can be used. To set VHYS, solve for RUV2:
Buck
Replace DMAX with D in the ID-MAX equation to solve for the

average diode current (ID). Given a diode with forward voltage
(VFD), solve for the nominal power dissipation (PD):
To set VTURN-ON, solve for RUV1:
Method #2: If PWM dimming is required, a three resistor network is suggested. To set VTURN-ON, assume RUV2 = 10 k
and solve for RUV1 as in Method #1. To set VHYS, solve for
RUVH:
11. OUTPUT OVLO

For boost and buck-boost regulators, output OVLO is programmed with the turn-off threshold voltage (VTURN-OFF) and
the desired hysteresis (VHYSO). To set VHYSO, solve for ROV2:
13. PWM DIMMING METHOD

PWM dimming can be performed several ways:
Method #1: Connect the dimming MosFET (Q3) with the drain
to the nDIM pin and the source to GND. Apply an external
PWM signal to the gate of QDIM. A pull down resistor may be
necessary to properly turn off Q3.
Method #2: Connect the anode of a Schottky diode to the
nDIM pin. Apply an external inverted PWM signal to the cathode of the same diode.
To set VTURN-OFF, solve for ROV1:

Boost
Buck-boost
14. ANALOG DIMMING METHOD

Analog dimming can be performed several ways:
Method #1: Place a potentiometer in series with the RCSH
resistor to dim the LED current from the nominal ILED to near
zero.
Method #2: Connect a controlled current source as detailed
in the Analog Dimming section to the CSH pin. Increasing the
current sourced into the CSH node will decrease the LEDs
from the nominal ILED to zero current.
A small filter capacitor (COVP = 47 nF) should be added from

the OVP pin to ground to reduce coupled switching noise.
21
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LM3429
The current rating should be at least 10% higher than the

maximum average diode current (ID-MAX):
LM3429
Design Example #1
BUCK-BOOST APPLICATION - 6 LEDs at 1A
300944i1
Solve for D, D', DMAX, and DMIN:
SPECIFICATIONS
N=6
VLED = 3.5V
rLED = 325 m
VIN = 24V
VIN-MIN = 10V
VIN-MAX = 70V
fSW = 700 kHz
VSNS = 100 mV
ILED = 1A
iL-PP = 500 mA
iLED-PP = 50 mA
vIN-PP = 1V
ILIM = 6A
VTURN-ON = 10V
VHYS = 3V
VTURN-OFF = 40V
VHYSO = 10V
2. SWITCHING FREQUENCY
Assume CT = 1 nF and solve for RT:
1. OPERATING POINT
Solve for VO and rD:
The closest standard resistor is actually 35.7 k therefore the

fSW is:
The chosen components from step 2 are:
www.national.com
22
LM3429
5. OUTPUT CAPACITANCE
Solve for CO:
3. AVERAGE LED CURRENT

Solve for RSNS:
Assume RCSH = 12.4 k and solve for RHSP:
The closest standard capacitor is 6.8 F therefore the actual

iLED-PP is:
The closest standard resistor for RSNS is actually 0.1 and for
RHSP is actually 1 k therefore ILED is:
Determine minimum allowable RMS current rating:

4. INDUCTOR RIPPLE CURRENT
Solve for L1:
6. PEAK CURRENT LIMIT

Solve for RLIM:
The closest standard inductor is 33 H therefore the actual
iL-PP is:
The closest standard resistor is 0.04 therefore ILIM is:
The chosen component from step 6 is:
7. LOOP COMPENSATION
P1 is approximated:
Z1 is approximated:
23
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LM3429
TU0 is approximated:
9. NFET
Determine minimum Q1 voltage rating and current rating:
To ensure stability, calculate P2:
A 100V NFET is chosen with a current rating of 32A due to

the low RDS-ON = 50 m. Determine IT-RMS and PT:
Solve for CCMP:
To attenuate switching noise, calculate P3:
10. DIODE
Determine minimum D1 voltage rating and current rating:
Assume RFS = 10 and solve for CFS:
A 100V diode is chosen with a current rating of 12A and VD =

600 mV. Determine PD:
8. INPUT CAPACITANCE
Solve for the minimum CIN:
11. INPUT UVLO

Solve for RUV2:
To minimize power supply interaction a 200% larger capacitance of approximately 14 F is used, therefore the actual
vIN-PP is much lower. Since high voltage ceramic capacitor
selection is limited, three 4.7 F X7R capacitors are chosen.
The closest standard resistor is 150 k therefore VHYS is:
Solve for RUV1:
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24
The closest standard resistor is 499 k therefore VHYSO is:
Solve for ROV1:

The closest standard resistor is 15.8 k making VTURN-OFF:
12. OUTPUT OVLO

Solve for ROV2:
Design #1 Bill of Materials

Qty
Part ID
Part Value
Manufacturer
Part Number
LM3429
Boost controller
NSC
LM3429MH
CCMP
0.22 F X7R 10% 25V
MURATA
GRM21BR71E224KA01L
CF
2.2 F X7R 10% 16V
MURATA
GRM21BR71C225KA12L
CFS
0.1 F X7R 10% 25V
MURATA
GRM21BR71E104KA01L
CIN
4.7 F X7R 10% 100V
TDK
C5750X7R2A475K
CO
6.8 F X7R 10% 50V
TDK
C4532X7R1H685K
COV
47 pF COG/NPO 5% 50V
AVX
08055A470JAT2A
CT
1000 pF COG/NPO 5% 50V MURATA
GRM2165C1H102JA01D
D1
Schottky 100V 12A
VISHAY
12CWQ10FNPBF
L1
33 H 20% 6.3A
COILCRAFT
MSS1278-333MLB
Q1
NMOS 100V 32A
FAIRCHILD
FDD3682
Q2
PNP 150V 600 mA
FAIRCHILD
MMBT5401
RCSH
12.4 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080512K4FKEA
RFS
10 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080510R0FKEA
RHSP, RHSN
1.0k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW08051K00FKEA
RLIM
0.04 1% 1W
VISHAY
WSL2512R0400FEA
ROV1
15.8 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080515K8FKEA
ROV2
499 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW0805499KFKEA
RSNS
0.1 1% 1W
VISHAY
WSL2512R1000FEA
RT
35.7 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080535K7FKEA
RUV1
21 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080521K0FKEA
RUV2
150 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW0805150KFKEA
25
www.national.com
LM3429
The closest standard resistor is 21 k making VTURN-ON:
LM3429
Applications Information
DESIGN #2: BOOST PWM DIMMING APPLICATION - 9 LEDs at 1A
300944h5

Qty
Part ID
Part Value
Manufacturer
Part Number
LM3429
Boost controller
NSC
LM3429MH
CCMP, CFS
0.1 F X7R 10% 25V
MURATA
GRM21BR71E104KA01L
CF
2.2 F X7R 10% 16V
MURATA
GRM21BR71C225KA12L
2, 1
CIN, CO
6.8 F X7R 10% 50V
TDK
C4532X7R1H685K
COV
AVX
08055A470JAT2A
CT
GRM2165C1H102JA01D
D1
Schottky 60V 5A
COMCHIP
CDBC560-G
L1
33 H 20% 6.3A
COILCRAFT
MSS1278-333MLB
Q1
NMOS 60V 8A
VISHAY
SI4436DY
Q2
NMOS 60V 115 mA
ON SEMI
2N7002ET1G
RCSH, ROV1
12.4 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080512K4FKEA
RFS
10 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080510R0FKEA
RHSP, RHSN
1.0 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW08051K00FKEA
RLIM
0.06 1% 1W
VISHAY
WSL2512R0600FEA
ROV2
499 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW0805499KFKEA
RSNS
0.1 1% 1W
VISHAY
WSL2512R1000FEA
RT
35.7 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080535K7FKEA
RUV1
1.82 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW08051K82FKEA
RUV2
10 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080510KFKEA
RUVH
17.8 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080517K8FKEA
www.national.com
26
LM3429
DESIGN #3: BUCK-BOOST ANALOG DIMMING APPLICATION - 4 LEDs at 2A
300944h6

Qty
Part ID
Part Value
Manufacturer
Part Number
LM3429
Boost controller
NSC
LM3429MH
CCMP
1.0 F X7R 10% 10V
MURATA
GRM21BR71A105KA01L
CF
2.2 F X7R 10% 16V
MURATA
GRM21BR71C225KA12L
CFS
0.1 F X7R 10% 50V
MURATA
GRM21BR71E104KA01L
2, 1
CIN, CO
6.8 F X7R 10% 50V
TDK
C4532X7R1H685K
COV
AVX
08055A470JAT2A
CT
GRM2165C1H102JA01D
D1
Schottky 60V 5A
VISHAY
CDBC560-G
L1
22 H 20% 7.2A
COILCRAFT
MSS1278-223MLB
Q1
NMOS 60V 8A
VISHAY
SI4436DY
Q2
PNP 150V 600 mA
FAIRCHILD
MMBT5401
RADJ
1.0 M potentiometer
BOURNS
3352P-1-105
RCSH
12.4 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080512K4FKEA
RFS
10 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080510R0FKEA
RHSP, RHSN
1.0 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW08051K00FKEA
RLIM
0.04 1% 1W
VISHAY
WSL2512R0400FEA
ROV1
18.2 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080518K2FKEA
ROV2
499 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW0805499KFKEA
RSNS
0.05 1% 1W
VISHAY
WSL2512R0500FEA
RT
41.2 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080541K2FKEA
RUV1
21 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080521K0FKEA
RUV2
150 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW0805150KFKEA
27
www.national.com
LM3429
DESIGN #4: BOOST ANALOG DIMMING APPLICATION - 12 LEDs at 700mA
300944h7

Qty
Part ID
Part Value
Manufacturer
Part Number
LM3429
Boost controller
NSC
LM3429MH
CCMP
1.0 F X7R 10% 10V
MURATA
GRM21BR71A105KA01L
CF
2.2 F X7R 10% 16V
MURATA
GRM21BR71C225KA12L
CFS
0.1 F X7R 10% 50V
MURATA
GRM21BR71E104KA01L
2, 1
CIN, CO
6.8 F X7R 10% 50V
TDK
C4532X7R1H685K
COV
AVX
08055A470JAT2A
CT
GRM2165C1H102JA01D
D1
Schottky 100V 12A
VISHAY
12CWQ10FNPBF
L1
47 H 20% 5.3A
COILCRAFT
MSS1278-473MLB
Q1
NMOS 100V 32A
FAIRCHILD
FDD3682
Q2
NPN 40V 200 mA
FAIRCHILD
MMBT3904
Q3, Q4 (dual pack)
Dual PNP 40V 200 mA
FAIRCHILD
FFB3906
RADJ
100 k potentiometer
BOURNS
3352P-1-104
RBIAS
40.2 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080540K2FKEA
RCSH, ROV1, RUV1
12.4 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080512K4FKEA
RFS
10 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080510R0FKEA
RHSP, RHSN
1.05 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW08051K05FKEA
RLIM
0.06 1% 1W
VISHAY
WSL2512R0600FEA
RMAX
4.99 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW08054K99FKEA
ROV2
499 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW0805499KFKEA
RSNS
0.15 1% 1W
VISHAY
WSL2512R1500FEA
RT
35.7 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080535K7FKEA
RUV2
100 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW0805100KFKEA
VREF
5V precision reference
NSC
LM4040
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28
LM3429
DESIGN #5: BUCK-BOOST PWM DIMMING APPLICATION - 6 LEDs at 500mA
300944h9

Qty
Part ID
Part Value
Manufacturer
Part Number
LM3429
Boost controller
NSC
LM3429MH
CCMP
0.68 F X7R 10% 25V
MURATA
GRM21BR71E684KA88L
CF
2.2 F X7R 10% 16V
MURATA
GRM21BR71C225KA12L
CFS
0.1 F X7R 10% 25V
MURATA
GRM21BR71E104KA01L
CIN
4.7 F X7R 10% 100V
TDK
C5750X7R2A475K
CO
6.8 F X7R 10% 50V
TDK
C4532X7R1H685K
COV
AVX
08055A470JAT2A
CT
GRM2165C1H102JA01D
D1
Schottky 100V 12A
VISHAY
12CWQ10FNPBF
D2
Schottky 30V 500 mA
ON SEMI
BAT54T1G
L1
68 H 20% 4.3A
COILCRAFT
MSS1278-683MLB
Q1
NMOS 100V 32A
VISHAY
FDD3682
Q2
PNP 150V 600 mA
FAIRCHILD
MMBT5401
RCSH
12.4 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080512K4FKEA
RFS
10 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080510R0FKEA
RHSP, RHSN
1.0 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW08051K00FKEA
ROV1
15.8 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080515K8FKEA
ROV2
499 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW0805499KFKEA
RSNS
0.2 1% 1W
VISHAY
WSL2512R2000FEA
RT
35.7 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080535K7FKEA
RUV1
1.43 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW08051K43FKEA
RUV2
10 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080510K0FKEA
RUVH
17.4 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080517K4FKEA
29
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LM3429
DESIGN #6: BUCK APPLICATION - 3 LEDS AT 1.25A
300944h8

Qty
Part ID
Part Value
Manufacturer
Part Number
LM3429
Boost controller
NSC
LM3429MH
CCMP
0.015 F X7R 10% 50V
MURATA
GRM21BR71H153KA01L
CF
2.2 F X7R 10% 16V
MURATA
GRM21BR71C225KA12L
CFS
0.01 F X7R 10% 50V
MURATA
GRM21BR71H103KA01L
CIN
6.8 F X7R 10% 50V
TDK
C4532X7R1H685K
CO
1 F X7R 10% 50V
TDK
C4532X7R1H105K
COV
AVX
08055A470JAT2A
CT
GRM2165C1H102JA01D
D1
Schottky 60V 5A
COMCHIP
CDBC560-G
L1
22 H 20% 7.3A
COILCRAFT
MSS1278-223MLB
Q1
NMOS 60V 8A
VISHAY
SI4436DY
Q2
PNP 150V 600 mA
FAIRCHILD
MMBT5401
RCSH
12.4 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080512K4FKEA
RT
49.9 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080549K9FKEA
RFS
10 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080510R0FKEA
RHSP, RHSN
1.0 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW08051K00FKEA
RLIM
0.04 1% 1W
VISHAY
WSL2512R0400FEA
ROV1
21.5 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080521K5FKEA
ROV2
499 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW0805499KFKEA
RSNS
0.08 1% 1W
VISHAY
WSL2512R0800FEA
RUV1
11.5 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080511K5FKEA
RUV2
100 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW0805100KFKEA
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30
LM3429
DESIGN #7: BUCK-BOOST THERMAL FOLDBACK APPLICATION - 8 LEDs at 2.5A
300944i0

Qty
Part ID
Part Value
Manufacturer
Part Number
LM3429
Boost controller
NSC
LM3429MH
CCMP
0.1 F X7R 10% 25V
MURATA
GRM21BR71E104KA01L
CF
2.2 F X7R 10% 16V
MURATA
GRM21BR71C225KA12L
CFS
0.1 F X7R 10% 25V
MURATA
GRM21BR71E104KA01L
CIN
4.7 F X7R 10% 100V
TDK
C5750X7R2A475K
CO
6.8 F X7R 10% 50V
TDK
C4532X7R1H685K
COV
AVX
08055A470JAT2A
CT
GRM2165C1H102JA01D
D1
Schottky 100V 12A
VISHAY
12CWQ10FNPBF
L1
22 H 20% 7.2A
COILCRAFT
MSS1278-223MLB
Q1
NMOS 100V 32A
FAIRCHILD
FDD3682
Q2
PNP 150V 600 mA
FAIRCHILD
MMBT5401
RCSH, ROV1
12.4 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080512K4FKEA
RFS
10 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080510R0FKEA
RHSP, RHSN
1.0 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW08051K00FKEA
RLIM, RSNS
0.04 1% 1W
VISHAY
WSL2512R0400FEA
ROV2
499 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW0805499KFKEA
RT
49.9 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080549K9FKEA
RUV1
13.7 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080513K7FKEA
RUV2
150 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW0805150KFKEA
31
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LM3429
DESIGN #8: SEPIC APPLICATION - 5 LEDs at 750mA
300944i8

Qty
Part ID
Part Value
Manufacturer
Part Number
LM3429
Boost controller
NSC
LM3429MH
CCMP
0.47 F X7R 10% 25V
MURATA
GRM21BR71E474KA01L
CF
2.2 F X7R 10% 16V
MURATA
GRM21BR71C225KA12L
CFS
0.1 F X7R 10% 25V
MURATA
GRM21BR71E104KA01L
2, 1
CIN, CO
6.8 F X7R 10% 50V
TDK
C4532X7R1H685K
COV
AVX
08055A470JAT2A
CT
GRM2165C1H102JA01D
D1
Schottky 60V 5A
COMCHIP
CDBC560-G
L1, L2
68 H 20% 4.3A
COILCRAFT
DO3340P-683
Q1
NMOS 60V 8A
VISHAY
SI4436DY
Q2
NMOS 60V 115 mA
ON SEMI
2N7002ET1G
RCSH
12.4 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080512K4FKEA
RFS
10 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080510R0FKEA
RHSP, RHSN
750 1%
VISHAY
CRCW0805750RFKEA
RLIM
0.04 1% 1W
VISHAY
WSL2512R0400FEA
ROV1, RUV1
15.8 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080515K8FKEA
ROV2
499 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW0805499KFKEA
RSNS
0.1 1% 1W
VISHAY
WSL2512R1000FEA
RT
49.9 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW080549K9FKEA
RUV2
100 k 1%
VISHAY
CRCW0805100KFKEA
www.national.com
32
LM3429
Physical Dimensions inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted
TSSOP-14 Pin EP Package (MXA)

For Ordering, Refer to Ordering Information Table
NS Package Number MXA14A
33
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LM3429 N-Channel Controller for Constant Current LED Drivers
Notes
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LM3429

N-Channel Controller for Constant Current LED Drivers

The LM3429 is a versatile high voltage N-channel MosFET

VIN range from 4.5V to 75V

Typical Application Circuit

Boost LED Driver

2009 National Semiconductor Corporation

LM3429 N-Channel Controller for Constant Current LED Drivers

2500 Units, Tape and Reel

Bypass with 100 nF capacitor to AGND as close to the device as possible in

Connect a capacitor to AGND.

Current Sense High

Resistor Capacitor Timing

Connect to a resistor divider from VO to program output over-voltage lockout

Not DIM input

Gate Drive Output

Internal Regulator Output

Main Switch Current Sense

Thermal pad on bottom of IC

Connect to the gate of the external NFET.

If Military/Aerospace specified devices are required,

OVP, HSP, HSN

Min (Note 7) Typ (Note 8) Max (Note 7)

STARTUP REGULATOR (VCC)

VCC Current Limit

VCC UVLO Threshold

VCC UVLO Hysteresis

OVER-VOLTAGE PROTECTION (OVP)

OVP OVLO Threshold

OVP Hysteresis Source

OVP Active (high)

CSH Reference Voltage

With Respect to AGND

Error Amplifier Input Bias

-6dB Unloaded Response

OFF TIMER (RCT)

RCT Reset Pull-down

VIN/25 Reference Voltage

Absolute Maximum Ratings (Notes 1, 2)

Min (Note 7) Typ (Note 8) Max (Note 7)

CURRENT LIMIT (IS)

Current Limit Threshold

Leading Edge Blanking

HIGH SIDE TRANSCONDUCTANCE AMPLIFIER

Input Offset Current

Input Offset Voltage

ICSH = 100 A (Note 9)

GATE DRIVER (GATE)

GATE Sourcing Resistance GATE = High

GATE Sinking Resistance

UNDER-VOLTAGE LOCKOUT and DIM INPUT (nDIM)

nDIM / UVLO Threshold

nDIM Hysteresis Current

Junction to Ambient (Note

Junction to Exposed Pad

TA=+25C and VIN = 14V unless otherwise specified

Boost Efficiency vs. Input Voltage

Buck-Boost Efficiency vs. Input Voltage

Boost LED Current vs. Input Voltage