LT1370

500kHz High Efficiency

6A Switching Regulator
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FEATURES DESCRIPTION
■ Faster Switching with Increased Efficiency The LT ®1370 is a monolithic high frequency current mode
■ Uses Small Inductors: 4.7µH switching regulator. It can be operated in all standard
■ All Surface Mount Components switching configurations including boost, buck, flyback,
■ Low Minimum Supply Voltage: 2.7V forward, inverting and “Cuk.” A 6A high efficiency switch
■ Quiescent Current: 4.5mA Typ is included on the die, along with all oscillator, control and
■ Current Limited Power Switch: 6A protection circuitry.
■ Regulates Positive or Negative Outputs The LT1370 typically consumes only 4.5mA quiescent
■ Shutdown Supply Current: 12µA Typ
current and has higher efficiency than previous parts.
■ Easy External Synchronization High frequency switching allows for very small inductors
■ Switch Resistance: 0.065Ω Typ
to be used.
U New design techniques increase flexibility and maintain
APPLICATIONS ease of use. Switching is easily synchronized to an exter-
■ Boost Regulators nal logic level source. A logic low on the Shutdown pin
■ Laptop Computer Supplies reduces supply current to 12µA. Unique error amplifier
■ Multiple Output Flyback Supplies circuitry can regulate positive or negative output voltage
■ Inverting Supplies while maintaining simple frequency compensation tech-
niques. Nonlinear error amplifier transconductance
reduces output overshoot on start-up or overload recov-
ery. Oscillator frequency shifting protects external com-
ponents during overload conditions.
, LTC and LT are registered trademarks of Linear Technology Corporation.

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TYPICAL APPLICATION
5V to 12V Boost Converter 12V Output Efficiency
5V D1 92
MBRD835L VIN = 5V
L1* L = 10µH
VOUT†
12V 90

VIN R1
ON 53.6k 88
EFFICIENCY (%)

S/S VSW
OFF 1%
LT1370 86
+ C1** + C4** *COILTRONICS
FB 22µF
22µF UP2-4R7 (4.7µH)
GND VC 25V UP4-100 (10µH)
25V ×2 84
R2 **AVX TPSD226M025R0200
6.19k †MAX I
C2 1% OUT 82
0.047µF L1 IOUT
R3 C3 4.7µH 1.8A
2k 0.0047µF 80
10µH 2A 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0
LT1370 • TA01 LOAD CURRENT (A)
LT1370 • TA02

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LT1370
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ABSOLUTE AXI U RATI GS
Supply Voltage ....................................................... 30V Operating Ambient Temperature Range ...... 0°C to 70°C
Switch Voltage Operating Junction Temperature Range
LT1370 ............................................................... 35V Commercial .......................................... 0°C to 125°C
LT1370HV .......................................................... 42V Industrial ......................................... – 40°C to 125°C
S/S, SHDN, SYNC Pin Voltage ................................ 30V Storage Temperature Range ................ – 65°C to 150°C
Feedback Pin Voltage (Transient, 10ms) .............. ±10V Lead Temperature (Soldering, 10 sec)................. 300°C
Feedback Pin Current ........................................... 10mA
Negative Feedback Pin Voltage
(Transient, 10ms) ............................................. ±10V

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PACKAGE/ORDER I FOR ATIO
FRONT VIEW ORDER PART FRONT VIEW ORDER PART
7
6
VIN
NFB
NUMBER 7 VIN NUMBER
TAB 5 VSW 6 NFB
TAB 5 VSW
IS
GND
4
3
GND
S/S
LT1370CR IS 4 GND LT1370CT7
GND 3 S/S
2 FB LT1370HVCR 2 FB
LT1370HVCT7
1 VC
LT1370IR 1 VC LT1370IT7
R PACKAGE
7-LEAD PLASTIC DD LT1370HVIR T7 PACKAGE LT1370HVIT7
7-LEAD TO-220
TJMAX = 125°C, θJA = 30°C/W, θJC = 4°C/W
TJMAX = 125°C, θJA = 50°C/W, θJC = 4°C/W
WITH PACKAGE SOLDERED TO 0.5 INCH2 COPPER
AREA OVER BACKSIDE GROUND PLANE OR INTERNAL
POWER PLANE. θJA CAN VARY FROM 20°C/W TO
> 40°C/W DEPENDING ON MOUNTING TECHNIQUE

Consult factory for Military grade parts.

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
VIN = 5V, VC = 0.6V, VFB = VREF, VSW, S/S and NFB pins open, TA = 25°C unless otherwise noted.
SYMBOL PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
VREF Reference Voltage Measured at Feedback Pin 1.230 1.245 1.260 V
VC = 0.8V ● 1.225 1.245 1.265 V
IFB Feedback Input Current VFB = VREF 250 550 nA
● 900 nA
Reference Voltage Line Regulation 2.7V ≤ VIN ≤ 25V, VC = 0.8V ● 0.01 0.03 %/V
VNFR Negative Feedback Reference Voltage Measured at Negative Feedback Pin – 2.525 – 2.48 – 2.435 V
Feedback Pin Open, VC = 0.8V ● – 2.560 – 2.48 – 2.400 V
INFB Negative Feedback Input Current VNFB = VNFR ● – 45 – 30 – 15 µA
Negative Feedback Reference Voltage 2.7V ≤ VIN ≤ 25V, VC = 0.8V ● 0.01 0.05 %/V
Line Regulation
gm Error Amplifier Transconductance ∆IC = ±25µA 1100 1500 1900 µmho
● 700 2300 µmho
Error Amplifier Source Current VFB = VREF – 150mV, VC = 1.5V ● 120 200 350 µA
Error Amplifier Sink Current VFB = VREF + 150mV, VC = 1.5V ● 1400 2400 µA

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 LT1370
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
VIN = 5V, VC = 0.6V, VFB = VREF, VSW, S/S and NFB pins open, TA = 25°C unless otherwise noted.
SYMBOL PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
Error Amplifier Clamp Voltage High Clamp, VFB = 1V 1.5 1.8 2.30 V
Low Clamp, VFB = 1.5V 0.2 0.3 0.52 V
AV Error Amplifier Voltage Gain 500 V/ V
VC Pin Threshold Duty Cycle = 0% 0.9 1.1 1.35 V
f Switching Frequency 2.7V ≤ VIN ≤ 25V 460 500 550 kHz
0°C ≤ TJ ≤ 125°C ● 440 500 580 kHz
– 40°C ≤ TJ ≤ 0°C (I-Grade) 400 580 kHz
Maximum Switch Duty Cycle ● 85 95 %
Switch Current Limit Blanking Time 130 300 ns
BV Output Switch Breakdown Voltage LT1370 ● 35 44 V
LT1370HVC, 0°C ≤ TJ ≤ 125°C ● 42 47 V
LT1370HVI, – 40°C ≤ TJ ≤ 0°C (I-Grade) 40 V
VSAT Output Switch ON Resistance ISW = 6A ● 0.065 0.11 Ω
ILIM Switch Current Limit Duty Cycle = 50% ● 6 8 10 A
Duty Cycle = 80% (Note 1) 7 A
∆IIN Supply Current Increase During Switch ON Time 22 33 mA/A
∆ISW
Control Voltage to Switch Current 10 A/V
Transconductance
Minimum Input Voltage ● 2.4 2.7 V
IQ Supply Current 2.7V ≤ VIN ≤ 25V ● 4.5 6 mA
Shutdown Supply Current 2.7V ≤ VIN ≤ 25V, VS/S ≤ 0.6V ● 12 40 µA
Shutdown Threshold 2.7V ≤ VIN ≤ 25V ● 0.6 1.3 2 V
Shutdown Delay ● 4 12 25 µs
S/S Input Current 0V ≤ S/S ≤ 5V ● –7 10 µA
Synchronization Frequency Range ● 600 800 kHz

The ● denotes specifications which apply over the full operating Note 1: For duty cycles (DC) between 45% and 85%, minimum switch
temperature range. current limit is given by ILIM = 2.65(2.7 – DC).

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LT1370
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TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
Switch Saturation Voltage Switch Current Limit Minimum Input Voltage
vs Switch Current vs Duty Cycle vs Temperature
550 8.2 3.0
500
125°C 8.0
450 2.8

SWITCH CURRENT LIMIT (A)

75°C 7.8
SWITCH VOLTAGE (mV)

400

INPUT VOLTAGE (V)

25°C 2.6
350 7.6
300
0°C 7.4 2.4
250
200 7.2
2.2
150 7.0
100 2.0
6.8
50
0 6.6 1.8
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 –50 –25 0 25 50 75 100 125 150
SWITCH CURRENT (A) DUTY CYCLE (%) TEMPERATURE (°C)
LT1370 • G01 LT1370 • G02 LT1370 • G03

Shutdown Delay and Threshold Minimum Synchronization Error Amplifier Output Current
vs Temperature Voltage vs Temperature vs Feedback Pin Voltage
20 2.0 3.0 400
MINIMUM SYNCHRONIZATION VOLTAGE (VP-P)

fSYNC = 700kHz

ERROR AMPLIFIER OUTPUT CURRENT (µA)

18 1.8
2.5 300
16 1.6 25°C
SHUTDOWN THRESHOLD (V)

SHUTDOWN THRESHOLD
–55°C
SHUTDOWN DELAY (µs)

14 1.4 200
2.0 125°C
12 1.2
100
10 1.0 1.5
8 SHUTDOWN DELAY 0.8 0
1.0
6 0.6 –100
4 0.4
0.5
–200
2 0.2
0 0 0 –300
–50 –25 0 25 50 75 100 125 150 –50 –25 0 25 50 75 100 125 150 –0.3 –0.2 –0.1 VREF 0.1
TEMPERATURE (°C) TEMPERATURE (°C) FEEDBACK PIN VOLTAGE (V)
LT1370 • G04 LT1370 • G05 LT1370 • G06

Switching Frequency Error Amplifier Transconductance

S/S Pin Input Current vs Voltage vs Feedback Pin Voltage vs Temperature
2 110 2000
∆I (VC)
SWITCHING FREQUENCY (% OF TYPICAL)

100 1800 gm =
∆V (FB)
1
TRANSCONDUCTANCE (µmho)

90 1600
INPUT CURRENT (µA)

80 1400
0
70 1200
–1 60 1000
50 800
–2
40 600
30 400
–3
20 200
–4 10 0
–1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 –50 –25 0 25 50 75 100 125 150
VOLTAGE (V) FEEDBACK PIN VOLTAGE (V) TEMPERATURE (°C)
LT1370 • G07 LT1370 • G08 LT1370 • G09

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TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
VC Pin Threshold and High Feedback Input Current Negative Feedback Input Current
Clamp Voltage vs Temperature vs Temperature vs Temperature
2.2 800 0

NEGATIVE FEEDBACK INPUT CURRENT (µA)

VFB =VREF VNFB =VNFR
700

FEEDBACK INPUT CURRENT (nA)

2.0
–10
600
1.8 VC HIGH CLAMP
VC VOLTAGE (V)

500 –20
1.6 400
–30
300
1.4
200
–40
1.2
VC THRESHOLD 100

1.0 0 –50
–50 –25 0 25 50 75 100 125 150 –50 –25 0 25 50 75 100 125 150 –50 –25 0 25 50 75 100 125 150
TEMPERATURE (°C) TEMPERATURE (°C) TEMPERATURE (°C)
LT1370 • G10 LT1370 • G11 LT1370 • G12

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PIN FUNCTIONS
VC: The Compensation pin is used for frequency compen- S/S: Shutdown and Synchronization Pin. The S/S pin is
sation, current limiting and soft start. It is the output of the logic level compatible. Shutdown is active low and the
error amplifier and the input of the current comparator. shutdown threshold is typically 1.3V. For normal opera-
Loop frequency compensation can be performed with an tion, pull the S/S pin high, tie it to VIN or leave it floating. To
RC network connected from the VC pin to ground. See synchronize switching, drive the S/S pin between 600kHz
Applications Information. and 800kHz. See Applications Information.
FB: The Feedback pin is used for positive output voltage VIN: Bypass Input Supply Pin with a Low ESR Capacitor,
sensing and oscillator frequency shifting. It is the invert- 10µF or More. The regulator goes into undervoltage lock-
ing input to the error amplifier. The noninverting input of out when VIN drops below 2.5V. Undervoltage lockout
this amplifier is internally tied to a 1.245V reference. stops switching and pulls the VC pin low.
NFB: The Negative Feedback pin is used for negative VSW: The Switch pin is the collector of the power switch
output voltage sensing. It is connected to the inverting and has large currents flowing through it. Keep the traces
input of the negative feedback amplifier through a 100k to the switching components as short as possible to
source resistor. minimize radiation and voltage spikes.
GND: Tie all ground pins to a good quality ground plane.
See Applications Information.

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LT1370
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BLOCK DIAGRAM
VIN SW

SHUTDOWN LOW DROPOUT

ANTI-SAT
DELAY AND RESET 2.3V REG
S/S

SYNC OSC LOGIC DRIVER SWITCH

5:1 FREQUENCY
SHIFT
+
NFBA
100k
NFB –
50k COMP

–
FB +
EA IA 0.005Ω
+
AV ≈ 20
–
1.245V VC
REF

GND SENSE GND LT1370 • BD

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OPERATION
The LT1370 is a current mode switcher. This means that 500kHz oscillator is the basic clock for all internal timing.
switch duty cycle is directly controlled by switch current It turns on the output switch via the logic and driver
rather than by output voltage. Referring to the block circuitry. Special adaptive antisat circuitry detects onset of
diagram, the switch is turned ON at the start of each saturation in the power switch and adjusts driver current
oscillator cycle. It is turned OFF when switch current instantaneously to limit switch saturation. This minimizes
reaches a predetermined level. Control of output voltage is driver dissipation and provides very rapid turn-off of the
obtained by using the output of a voltage sensing error switch.
amplifier to set current trip level. This technique has
A 1.245V bandgap reference biases the positive input of
several advantages. First, it has immediate response to
the error amplifier. The negative input of the amplifier is
input voltage variations, unlike voltage mode switchers
brought out for positive output voltage sensing. The error
which have notoriously poor line transient response.
amplifier has nonlinear transconductance to reduce out-
Second, it reduces the 90° phase shift at midfrequencies
put overshoot on start-up or overload recovery. When
in the energy storage inductor. This greatly simplifies
the feedback voltage exceeds the reference by 40mV,
closed-loop frequency compensation under widely vary-
error amplifier transconductance increases 10 times,
ing input voltage or output load conditions. Finally, it
which reduces output overshoot. The feedback input also
allows simple pulse-by-pulse current limiting to provide
invokes oscillator frequency shifting, which helps pro-
maximum switch protection under output overload or
tect components during overload conditions. When the
short conditions. A low dropout internal regulator pro-
feedback voltage drops below 0.6V, the oscillator fre-
vides a 2.3V supply for all internal circuitry. This low
quency is reduced 5:1. Lower switching frequency allows
dropout design allows input voltage to vary from 2.7V to
full control of switch current limit by reducing minimum
25V with virtually no change in device performance. A
switch duty cycle.
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 LT1370
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OPERATION
Unique error amplifier circuitry allows the LT1370 to functions. It is used for frequency compensation, current
directly regulate negative output voltages. The negative limit adjustment and soft starting. During normal regula-
feedback amplifier’s 100k source resistor is brought out tor operation this pin sits at a voltage between 1V (low
for negative output voltage sensing. The NFB pin regulates output current) and 1.9V (high output current). The error
at – 2.48V while the amplifier output internally drives the amplifier is a current output (gm) type, so this voltage can
FB pin to 1.245V. This architecture, which uses the same be externally clamped for lowering current limit. Like-
main error amplifier, prevents duplicating functions and wise, a capacitor coupled external clamp will provide soft
maintains ease of use. Consult LTC Marketing for units start. Switch duty cycle goes to zero if the VC pin is pulled
that can regulate down to – 1.25V. below the control pin threshold, placing the LT1370 in an
idle mode.
The error signal developed at the amplifier output is
brought out externally. This pin (VC) has three different

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APPLICATIO S I FOR ATIO
VOUT
Positive Output Voltage Setting
The LT1370 develops a 1.245V reference (VREF) from the
FB
R1
( )
VOUT = VREF 1 + R1
R2
FB pin to ground. Output voltage is set by connecting the
FB pin to an output resistor divider (Figure 1). The FB pin
PIN
R2
R1 = R2 ( )
VOUT
1.245
–1

VREF
bias current represents a small error and can usually be LT1370 • F01

ignored for values of R2 up to 7k. The suggested value for

R2 is 6.19k. The NFB pin is normally left open for positive Figure 1. Positive Output Resistor Divider
output applications. Positive fixed voltage versions are
available (consult LTC Marketing).

Negative Output Voltage Setting –VOUT

The LT1370 develops a – 2.48V reference (VNFR) from the INFB R1 ( )

–VOUT = VNFB 1 + R1 + INFB (R1)
R2
NFB
NFB pin to ground. Output voltage is set by connecting the PIN
⏐VOUT⏐– 2.48
NFB pin to an output resistor divider (Figure 2). The R2 R1 =

–30µA NFB pin bias current (INFB) can cause output VNFR ( )(
2.48 + 30 • 10– 6
R2 ) LT1370 • F02

voltage errors and should not be ignored. This has been

accounted for in the formula in Figure 2. The suggested Figure 2. Negative Output Resistor Divider
value for R2 is 2.49k. The FB pin is normally left open for
negative output applications.
the LT1370 acts to prevent either output from going
Dual Polarity Output Voltage Sensing beyond its set output voltage. For example, in this applica-
Certain applications benefit from sensing both positive tion if the positive output were more heavily loaded than
and negative output voltages. One example is the “Dual the negative, the negative output would be greater and
Output Flyback Converter with Overvoltage Protection” would regulate at the desired set-point voltage. The posi-
circuit shown in the Typical Applications section. Each tive output would sag slightly below its set-point voltage.
output voltage resistor divider is individually set as This technique prevents either output from going unregu-
described above. When both the FB and NFB pins are used, lated high at no load.

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LT1370
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APPLICATIO S I FOR ATIO
Shutdown and Synchronization Surface mount heat sinks are available which can lower
package thermal resistance by two or three times. One
The device has a dual function S/S pin which is used for
manufacturer, Wakefield Engineering, offers surface mount
both shutdown and synchronization. This pin is logic level
heat sinks for the R package and can be reached at (617)
compatible and can be pulled high, tied to VIN or left
245-5900 or at www.wakefield.com.
floating for normal operation. A logic low on the S/S pin
activates shutdown, reducing the part’s supply current to Choosing the Inductor
12µA. Typical synchronization range is from 1.05 to 1.8
times the part’s natural switching frequency, but is only For most applications the inductor will fall in the range of
guaranteed between 600kHz and 800kHz. A 12µs resetable 2.2µH to 22µH. Lower values are chosen to reduce physi-
shutdown delay network guarantees the part will not go cal size of the inductor. Higher values allow more output
into shutdown while receiving a synchronization signal. current because they reduce peak current seen by the
power switch, which has a 6A limit. Higher values also
Caution should be used when synchronizing above 700kHz
reduce input ripple voltage and reduce core loss.
because at higher sync frequencies the amplitude of the
internal slope compensation used to prevent subhar- When choosing an inductor you need to consider maxi-
monic switching is reduced. This type of subharmonic mum load current, core and copper losses, allowable
switching only occurs when the duty cycle of the switch component height, output voltage ripple, EMI, fault
is above 50%. Higher inductor values will tend to elimi- current in the inductor, saturation and, of course, cost.
nate this problem. The following procedure is suggested as a way of handling
these somewhat complicated and conflicting requirements.
Thermal Considerations
1. Assume that the average inductor current for a boost
Care should be taken to ensure that the worst-case input converter is equal to load current times VOUT / VIN and
voltage and load current conditions do not cause exces- decide whether or not the inductor must withstand
sive die temperatures. Typical thermal resistance is continuous overload conditions. If average inductor
30°C/W for the R package and 50°C/W for the T7 package current at maximum load current is 3A, for instance, a
but these numbers will vary depending on the mounting 3A inductor may not survive a continuous 6A overload
techniques (copper area, airflow, etc.). Heat is transferred condition. Also be aware that boost converters are not
from the package via the tab. short-circuit protected and that, under output short
conditions, inductor current is limited only by the
Average supply current (including driver current) is:
available current of the input supply.
IIN = 4.5mA + DC(ISW/45)
2. Calculate peak inductor current at full load current to
ISW = Switch current ensure that the inductor will not saturate. Peak current
DC = Switch duty cycle can be significantly higher than output current, espe-
cially with smaller inductors and lighter loads, so don’t
Switch power dissipation is given by:
omit this step. Powdered iron cores are forgiving
PSW = (ISW)2(RSW)(DC) because they saturate softly, whereas ferrite cores
RSW = Output switch ON resistance saturate abruptly and other core materials fall in
between. The following formula assumes continuous
Total power dissipation of the die is the sum of supply mode operation but it errs only slightly on the high side
current times supply voltage, plus switch power: for discontinuous mode, so it can be used for all
PD(TOTAL) = (IIN)(VIN) + PSW conditions.

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 LT1370
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APPLICATIO S I FOR ATIO
tested for low ESR, so they give the lowest ESR for a given
V
) ) V (V
IPEAK = (IOUT) OUT + IN OUT IN
VIN
–V )
2(f)(L)(VOUT)
volume. To further reduce ESR, multiple output capaci-
tors can be used in parallel. The value in microfarads is
VIN = Minimum input voltage not particularly critical, and values from 22µF to greater
f = 500kHz switching frequency than 500µF work well, but you cannot cheat mother
nature on ESR. If you find a tiny 22µF solid tantalum
3. Decide if the design can tolerate an “open” core geom- capacitor, it will have high ESR and output ripple voltage
etry, like a rod or barrel, which has high magnetic field will be terrible. Table 1 shows some typical solid tantalum
radiation, or whether it needs a closed core, like a surface mount capacitors.
toroid, to prevent EMI problems. One would not want an
Table 1. Surface Mount Solid Tantalum Capacitor
open core next to a magnetic storage media, for ESR and Ripple Current
instance! This is a tough decision because the rods or E CASE SIZE ESR (MAX Ω) RIPPLE CURRENT (A)
barrels are temptingly cheap and small and there are no AVX TPS, Sprague 593D 0.1 to 0.3 0.7 to 1.1
helpful guidelines to calculate when the magnetic field AVX TAJ 0.7 to 0.9 0.4
radiation will be a problem. D CASE SIZE
4. Start shopping for an inductor that meets the AVX TPS, Sprague 593D 0.1 to 0.3 0.7 to 1.1
AVX TAJ 0.9 to 2.0 0.36 to 0.24
requirements of core shape, peak current (to avoid
C CASE SIZE
saturation), average current (to limit heating) and fault
AVX TPS 0.2 (Typ) 0.5 (Typ)
current. If the inductor gets too hot, wire insulation will
AVX TAJ 1.8 to 3.0 0.22 to 0.17
melt and cause turn-to-turn shorts. Keep in mind that
B CASE SIZE
all good things like high efficiency, low profile and high
AVX TAJ 2.5 to 10 0.16 to 0.08
temperature operation will increase cost, sometimes
dramatically.
Many engineers have heard that solid tantalum capacitors
5. After making an initial choice, consider the secondary are prone to failure if they undergo high surge currents.
things like output voltage ripple, second sourcing, etc. This is historically true and AVX type TPS capacitors are
Use the experts in the LTC Applications Department if specially tested for surge capability, but surge ruggedness
you feel uncertain about the final choice. They have is not a critical issue with the output capacitor. Solid
experience with a wide range of inductor types and can tantalum capacitors fail during very high turn-on surges,
tell you about the latest developments in low profile, which do not occur at the output of regulators. High
surface mounting, etc. discharge surges, such as when the regulator output is
dead-shorted, do not harm the capacitors.
Output Capacitor
Single inductor boost regulators have large RMS ripple
The output capacitor is normally chosen by its effective current in the output capacitor, which must be rated to
series resistance (ESR), because this is what determines handle the current. The formula to calculate this is:
output ripple voltage. At 500kHz any polarized capacitor
is essentially resistive. To get low ESR takes volume, so Output Capacitor Ripple Current (RMS)
physically smaller capacitors have high ESR. The ESR DC
range needed for typical LT1370 applications is 0.025Ω IRIPPLE (RMS) = IOUT 1 – DC
to 0.2Ω. A typical output capacitor is an AVX type TPS,
22µF at 25V (two each), with a guaranteed ESR less than VOUT – VIN
0.2Ω. This is a “D” size surface mount solid tantalum = IOUT VIN
capacitor. TPS capacitors are specially constructed and
DC = Switch duty cycle

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LT1370
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APPLICATIO S I FOR ATIO
Input Capacitors Output Diode
The input capacitor of a boost converter is less critical due The suggested output diode (D1) is a Motorola MBRD835L.
to the fact that the input current waveform is triangular and It is rated at 8A average forward current and 35V reverse
does not contain large squarewave currents as is found in voltage. Typical forward voltage is 0.4V at 3A. The diode
the output capacitor. Capacitors in the range of 10µF to conducts current only during switch OFF time. Peak re-
100µF with an ESR of 0.1Ω or less work well up to full 6A verse voltage for boost converters is equal to regulator
switch current. Higher ESR capacitors may be acceptable output voltage. Average forward current in normal opera-
at low switch currents. Input capacitor ripple current for a tion is equal to output current.
boost converter is :
Frequency Compensation
0.3(VIN)(VOUT – VIN) Loop frequency compensation is performed on the output
IRIPPLE =
(f)(L)(VOUT) of the error amplifier (VC pin) with a series RC network.
The main pole is formed by the series capacitor and the
f = 500kHz switching frequency output impedance (≈500kΩ) of the error amplifier. The
The input capacitor can see a very high surge current when pole falls in the range of 2Hz to 20Hz. The series resistor
a battery or high capacitance source is connected “live” creates a “zero” at 1kHz to 5kHz, which improves loop
and solid tantalum capacitors can fail under this condition. stability and transient response. A second capacitor, typi-
Several manufacturers have developed tantalum capaci- cally one-tenth the size of the main compensation capaci-
tors specially tested for surge capability (AVX TPS series, tor, is sometimes used to reduce the switching frequency
for instance) but even these units may fail if the input ripple on the VC pin. VC pin ripple is caused by output
voltage approaches the maximum voltage rating of the voltage ripple attenuated by the output divider and multi-
capacitor during a high surge. AVX recommends derating plied by the error amplifier. Without the second capacitor,
capacitor voltage by 2:1 for high surge applications. VC pin ripple is:
Ceramic, OS-CON and aluminum electrolytic capacitors
may also be used and have a high tolerance to turn-on 1.245(VRIPPLE)(gm)(RC)
VC Pin Ripple =
surges. (VOUT)

Ceramic Capacitors VRIPPLE = Output ripple (VP–P)

gm = Error amplifier transconductance
Higher value, lower cost ceramic capacitors are now (≈1500µmho)
becoming available in smaller case sizes. These are tempt- RC = Series resistor on VC pin
ing for switching regulator use because of their very low VOUT = DC output voltage
ESR. Unfortunately, the ESR is so low that it can cause
loop stability problems. Solid tantalum capacitor ESR To prevent irregular switching, VC pin ripple should be
generates a loop “zero” at 5kHz to 50kHz that is instru- kept below 50mVP–P. Worst-case VC pin ripple occurs at
mental in giving acceptable loop phase margin. Ceramic maximum output load current and will also be increased if
capacitors remain capacitive to beyond 300kHz and usu- poor quality (high ESR) output capacitors are used. The
ally resonate with their ESL before ESR becomes effective. addition of a 0.0047µF capacitor on the VC pin reduces
They are appropriate for input bypassing because of their switching frequency ripple to only a few millivolts. A low
high ripple current ratings and tolerance of turn-on surges. value for RC will also reduce VC pin ripple, but loop phase
margin may be inadequate.

sn1370 1370fs

10
 LT1370
U U W U
APPLICATIO S I FOR ATIO
Layout Considerations The high speed switching current path is shown schemati-
For maximum efficiency, LT1370 switch rise and fall times cally in Figure 4. Minimum lead length in this path is
are made as short as possible. To prevent radiation and essential to ensure clean switching and low EMI. The path
high frequency resonance problems, proper layout of the including the switch, output diode and output capacitor is
components connected to the switch node is essential. B the only one containing nanosecond rise and fall times.
field (magnetic) radiation is minimized by keeping output Keep this path as short as possible.
diode, switch pin and output bypass capacitor leads as
More Help
short as possible. Figure 3 shows recommended posi-
tions for these components. E field radiation is kept low by For more detailed information on switching regulator
minimizing the length and area of all traces connected to circuits, please see Application Note 19. Linear
the switch pin. A ground plane should always be used Technology also offers a computer software program,
under the switcher circuitry to prevent interplane SwitcherCADTM, to assist in designing switching convert-
coupling. ers. In addition, our Applications Department is always
ready to lend a helping hand.
SwitcherCAD is a trademark of Linear Technology Corporation.

FB GND NFB
VC S/S VSW VIN
C C

D KEEP PATH FROM

VSW, OUTPUT DIODE,
OUTPUT CAPACITORS
AND GROUND RETURN
AS SHORT AS POSSIBLE
LT1370 • F03

Figure 3. Layout Considerations— R Package

SWITCH
L1 NODE
VOUT

HIGH
VIN FREQUENCY LOAD
CIRCULATING
PATH

LT1370 • F04

Figure 4
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11
LT1370
U
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS N

Positive-to-Negative Converter with Direct Feedback

VIN
2.7V TO 13V
T1*
+ C1 D2
2 4
100µF P6KE-15A
• + C4
100µF
D3 ×2
VIN 1N4148 1 •
ON VSW
3 –VOUT†
OFF S/S
D1 R2 –5V
LT1370 MBRD835L 2.49k
1%
NFB
R3
VC GND 2.49k
1%

C2
0.047µF *BH ELECTRONICS 501-0726
†MAX I
C3 R1 OUT
0.0047µF 2k IOUT VIN
1.75A 3V LT1370 • TA03

2.25A 5V
3A 9V

Dual Output Flyback Converter with Overvoltage Protection

R2 R1
6.19k 68.1k
1% 1%

VIN
2.7V TO 10V MBRS360T3
T1* VOUT
+ 2, 3 7 15V
C1
P6KE-20A • + C4
22µF
47µF
FB VIN 1N4148 •4
ON 8, 9 10
OFF S/S VSW + C5
47µF
LT1370 •
1 –VOUT
NFB
R4 –15V
VC GND MBRS360T3 12.1k
1%

C2 R5
0.047µF 2.49k
1%
C3 R3
0.0047µF 2k
*DALE LPE-5047-100MB LT1370 • TA04

sn1370 1370fs

12
 LT1370
U
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS N

Two Li-Ion Cells to 5V SEPIC Converter**

VIN
4V TO 9V

L1A*
6.8µH D1
VIN MBRD835L
ON • VOUT†
S/S VSW
OFF R2 5V
LT1370 C2 18.7k
4.7µF 1%
+ C1 FB
•
33µF C3
20V
GND VC + 100µF
L1B*
6.8µH 10V
×2
R1 R3
2k C5 6.19k
C4 0.0047µF 1%
0.047µF
LT1370 • TA05

†MAX I
C1 = AVX TPSD 336M020R0200 OUT
C2 = TOKIN 1E475ZY5U-C304 IOUT VIN
C3 = AVX TPSD107M010R0100 2A 4V
* BH ELECTRONICS 501-0726 2.2A 5V
** INPUT VOLTAGE MAY BE GREATER OR 2.6A 7V
LESS THAN OUTPUT VOLTAGE 2.8A 9V

Single Li-Ion Cell to 5V

D1
MBRD835L
L1*
VOUT†
5V
VIN R1
ON VSW 18.7k
OFF S/S 1%
LT1370
+ SINGLE + C1** FB + C4**
Li-Ion 100µF 100µF
CELL 10V GND VC 10V
R2 ×2
6.19k
C2
1%
0.047µF
R3 C3
2k 0.0047µF

LT1370 • TA06

†MAX I
*COILCRAFT DO3316P-472 OUT
**AVX TPSD107M010R0100 IOUT VIN
2.5A 2.7V
3A 3.3V
3.3A 3.6V

sn1370 1370fs

13
LT1370
U
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS N

Laser Power Supply

0.01µF 1800pF
5kV 10kV 47k
5W

1800pF
10kV

L1 11 8 HV DIODES

5 4 1 3 LASER
2

+
2.2µF
Q1 0.47µF Q2

150Ω L2
MUR405 82µH

VSW 10k 10k

VIN
VIN FB 1N4002
12V TO 25V
+ LT1370 0.1µF VIN (ALL) L1 = COILTRONICS CTX02-11128
2.2µF 190Ω L2 = GOWANDA GA40-822K
1% Q1, Q2 = ZETEX ZTX849
VC GND
0.47µF = WIMA 3X 0.15µF TYPE MKP-20
+ HV DIODES = SEMTECH-FM-50
10µF LASER = HUGHES 3121H-P
COILTRONICS (407) 241-7876
LT1370 • TA07

sn1370 1370fs

14
 LT1370
U
PACKAGE DESCRIPTION Dimensions in inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted.

R Package
7-Lead Plastic DD Pak
(LTC DWG # 05-08-1462)
0.060
(1.524) 0.390 – 0.415
0.060 TYP (9.906 – 10.541) 0.165 – 0.180
0.256
(6.502) (1.524) (4.191 – 4.572) 0.045 – 0.055
15° TYP (1.143 – 1.397)

+0.008
0.004 –0.004
0.060 0.183 0.059
0.330 – 0.370
(1.524) (4.648) (8.382 – 9.398)
(1.499)
TYP ( +0.203
0.102 –0.102 )
0.095 – 0.115
(2.413 – 2.921)
0.075
(1.905)
0.040 – 0.060 0.050 ± 0.012
0.300 +0.012 0.013 – 0.023
0.143 –0.020 (1.016 – 1.524) (1.270 ± 0.305)
(7.620) (0.330 – 0.584)
0.026 – 0.036
BOTTOM VIEW OF DD PAK
HATCHED AREA IS SOLDER PLATED
( +0.305
3.632 –0.508 ) (0.660 – 0.914)
R (DD7) 0396

COPPER HEAT SINK

T7 Package
7-Lead Plastic TO-220 (Standard)
(LTC DWG # 05-08-1422)

0.147 – 0.155 0.165 – 0.180

0.390 – 0.415 (3.734 – 3.937) (4.191 – 4.572) 0.045 – 0.055
(9.906 – 10.541) DIA (1.143 – 1.397)

0.230 – 0.270
(5.842 – 6.858)

0.570 – 0.620
0.620
0.460 – 0.500 (14.478 – 15.748)
(15.75)
(11.684 – 12.700) TYP
0.330 – 0.370
0.700 – 0.728
(8.382 – 9.398)
(17.780 – 18.491)

0.095 – 0.115
0.152 – 0.202 (2.413 – 2.921)
0.260 – 0.320 (3.860 – 5.130)
(6.604 – 8.128)

0.040 – 0.060 0.026 – 0.036 0.013 – 0.023

(1.016 – 1.524) (0.660 – 0.914) (0.330 – 0.584)
0.135 – 0.165 0.155 – 0.195
(3.429 – 4.191) (3.937 – 4.953)
T7 (TO-220) (FORMED) 1197

sn1370 1370fs

15
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.
LT1370
RELATED PARTS
PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION COMMENTS
LT1171 100kHz 2.5A Boost Switching Regulator Good for Up to VIN = 40V
®
LTC 1265 12V 1.2A Monolithic Buck Converter Converts 5V to 3.3V at 1A with 90% Efficiency
LT1302 Micropower 2A Boost Converter Converts 2V to 5V at 600mA in SO-8 Packages
LT1372 500kHz 1.5A Boost Switching Regulator Also Regulates Negative Flyback Outputs
LT1373 Low Supply Current 250kHz 1.5A Boost Switching Regulator 90% Efficient Boost Converter with Constant Frequency
LT1374 500kHz 4.5A Buck Switching Regulator Converts 12V to 3.3V at 2.5A in SO-8 Package
LT1376 500kHz 1.5A Buck Switching Regulator Steps Down from Up to 25V Using 4.7µH Inductors
LT1512 500kHz 1.5A SEPIC Battery Charger Input Voltage May Be Greater or Less Than Battery Voltage
LT1513 500kHz 3A SEPIC Battery Charger Input Voltage May Be Greater or Less Than Battery Voltage

sn1370 1370fs

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