5-Bit Programmable 2-/3-/4-Phase
Synchronous Buck Controller
Preliminary Technical Data
ADP3186
FEATURES
Selectable 2-, 3- or 4-phase operation at up to
1 MHz per phase
±1% worst-case differential sensing error over temperature
Logic-level PWM outputs for interface to external
high-power drivers
Active current balancing between all output phases
Built-in power good/crowbar blanking supports on-the-fly
VID code changes
5-bit digitally programmable 0.8 V to 1.55 V output
Programmable short circuit protection with
programmable latch-off delay
APPLICATIONS
Desktop PC power supplies for
AMD Opteron processors
VRM modules
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The ADP3186 is a highly efficient multiphase synchronous buck
switching regulator controller optimized for converting a 12 V
main supply into the core supply voltage required by high per-
formance AMD processors. It uses an internal 5-bit DAC to
read a voltage identification (VID) code directly from the
processor, which is used to set the output voltage between 0.8 V
and 1.55 V. It uses a multimode PWM architecture to drive the
logic-level outputs at a programmable switching frequency that
can be optimized for VR size and efficiency. The phase
relationship of the output signals can be programmed to
provide 2-, 3-, or 4-phase operation, allowing the construction
of up to four complementary buck switching stages.
The ADP3186 also includes programmable no-load offset and
slope functions to adjust the output voltage as a function of the
load current so that it is always optimally positioned for a system
transient. The ADP3186 also provides accurate and reliable
short circuit protection, adjustable current limiting, and a delayed
power good output that accommodates on-the-fly output voltage
changes requested by the CPU.
The ADP3186 is specified over the commercial temperature
range of 0°C to 85°C and is available in a 28-lead TSSOP package.
FUNCTIONAL BLOCK DIAGRAM
VCC
PRECISION
REFERENCE
SOFT
START
DELAY
UVLO
SHUTDOWN
& BIAS
OSCILLATOR
+
GND
ADP3186
19
EN
11
DELAY
12
ILIMIT
15
PWRGD
10
28
RT
13
RAMPADJ
14
PWM2
26
8
FB
PWM3
25
PWM4
24
SW1
23
CSSUM
17
CSCOMP
18
SW2
22
SW3
21
SW4
20
CSREF
16
PWM1
VID4
1
VID3
2
VID2
3
VID1
4
VID0
5
FBRTN
7
COMP
9
VID
DAC
+
DAC+300mV
+
DAC-300mV
+
+
CSREF
CSREF
2.1V
EN CURRENT
LIMIT
CIRCUIT
CROWBAR CURRENT
LIMIT
+
CMP
+
CMP
+
CMP
+
+
CMP
CURRENT
BALANCING
CIRCUIT
2 / 3 / 4-PHASE
DRIVER LOGIC
ENSET
RESET
RESET
RESET
RESET
27
CROWBAR
6
Figure 1
Rev. PrB
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ADP3186 Preliminary Technical Data
Rev. PrB | Page 2 of 24
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Specifications..................................................................................... 3
Test Circuits ....................................................................................... 5
Absolute Maximum Ratings............................................................ 6
ESD Caution.................................................................................. 6
Pin Configuration and Function Description .............................. 7
Typical Performance Characteristics ............................................. 8
Theory of Operation ........................................................................ 9
Start-Up Sequence........................................................................ 9
Master Clock Frequency.............................................................. 9
Output Voltage Differential Sensing .......................................... 9
Output Current Sensing .............................................................. 9
Active Impedance Control Mode............................................. 10
Current Control Mode and Thermal Balance ....................... 10
Voltage C ontrol Mode ................................................................ 10
Soft Start ...................................................................................... 10
Current Limit, Short Circuit, and Latch-off Protection ........ 11
Dynamic VID.............................................................................. 11
Power Good Monitoring ........................................................... 12
Output Crowbar ......................................................................... 12
Output Enable and UVLO ........................................................ 12
Application Information................................................................ 14
Setting the Clock Frequency..................................................... 14
Soft Start and Current Limit Latch-Off Delay Times........... 14
Inductor Selection...................................................................... 14
Designing an Inductor............................................................... 15
Selecting a Standard Inductor .............................................. 15
Output Droop Resistance.......................................................... 15
Inductor DCR Temperature Correction ................................. 16
Output Offset.............................................................................. 16
COUT Selection ............................................................................. 17
Power MOSFETs......................................................................... 17
Ramp Resistor Selection............................................................ 18
COMP Pin Ramp ....................................................................... 19
Current Limit SetPoint .............................................................. 19
Feedback Loop Compensation Design.................................... 19
CIN Selection and Input Current di/dt Reduction................. 20
Tuning Procedure for ADP3186............................................... 21
DC Loadline Setting .............................................................. 21
AC Loadline Setting............................................................... 21
Initial Transient Setting......................................................... 22
Layout and Component Placement ......................................... 22
General Recommendations .................................................. 22
Power Circuitry Recommendations .................................... 23
Signal Circuitry Recommendations .................................... 23
Outline Dimensions....................................................................... 24
Ordering Guide .......................................................................... 24
REVISION HISTORY
Revision PrA: Initial Version
Revision PrB: Updated Electrical Table and Absolute Maximum Ratings
Preliminary Technical Data ADP3186
Rev. PrB| Page 3 of 24
SPECIFICATIONS
Table 1. VCC = 12 V, FBRTN = GND, TA = 0°C to 85°C, unless otherwise noted.1
Parameter Symbol Conditions Min Typ Max Unit
ERROR AMPLIFIER
Output Voltage Range2VCOMP 0.5 3.5 V
Accuracy VFB
0.8 V Output Referenced to FBRTN,
CSSUM = CSCOMP, Figure 2
0.792 0.808 V
1.175 V Output Referenced to FBRTN,
CSSUM = CSCOMP, Figure 2
1.163 1.187 V
1.55 V Output Referenced to FBRTN,
CSSUM = CSCOMP, Figure 2
1.535 1.566 V
Line Regulation VFB VCC = 10 V to 14 V 0.05 %
Input Bias Current IFB -13 -15.5 -17
µA
FBRTN Current IFBRTN 100 200
µA
Output Current IO(ERR) FB Forced to VOUT – 3% 500 µA
Gain Bandwidth Product GBW(ERR) COMP = FB 20 MHz
Slew Rate CCOMP = 10 pF 25 V/µs
VID INPUTS
Input Low Voltage VIL(VID) 0.8 V
Input High Voltage VIH(VID) 2.0 V
Input Current, Input Voltage Low IIL(VID) VID(X) = 0 V 20 26 µA
Pull-Up Resistance RVID 100 120 k
Internal Pull-Up Voltage 2.0 2.4 2.65 V
VID Transition Delay Time2 VID code change to FB change 400 ns
No CPU Detection Turn-Off Delay
Time2
VID code change to 11111 to PWM
going low
400 ns
OSCILLATOR
Frequency Range2fOSC 0.25 4 MHz
Frequency Variation fPHASE TA = 25°C, RT = 250 k, 4-phase 155 200 245 kHz
TA = 25°C, RT = 115 k, 4-phase 400 kHz
TA = 25°C, RT = 75 k, 4-phase 600 kHz
Output Voltage VRT RT = 100 k to GND 1.9 2.0 2.1 V
Timing Resistor Value 500 k
RAMPADJ Output Voltage VRAMPADJ RAMPADJ – FB −50 +50 mV
RAMPADJ Input Current Range IRAMPADJ 0 50
µA
CURRENT SENSE AMPLIFIER
Offset Voltage VOS(CSA) CSSUM – CSREF, Figure 3 −3 +3 mV
Input Bias Current IBIAS(CSSUM) −50 +50 nA
Gain Bandwidth Product GBW(CSA) 10 MHz
Slew Rate CCSCOMP = 10 pF 10 V/µs
Input Common-Mode Range CSSUM and CSREF 0 2.7 V
Positioning Accuracy VFB Figure 4 −77 −80 −83 mV
Output Voltage Range 0.05 2.7 V
Output Current ICSCOMP 500
µA
CURRENT BALANCE CIRCUIT
Common-Mode Range VSW(X)CM −600 +200 mV
Input Resistance RSW(X) SW(X) = 0 V 20 30 40 k
Input Current ISW(X) SW(X) = 0 V 4 7 10 µA
Input Current Matching ISW(X) SW(X) = 0 V −5 +5 %
ADP3186 Preliminary Technical Data
Rev. PrB | Page 4 of 24
Parameter Symbol Conditions Min Typ Max Units
CURRENT LIMIT COMPARATOR
Output Voltage
Normal Mode VILIMIT(NM) EN > 0.8 V, RILIMIT = 250 k 2.9 3 3.1 V
In Shutdown Mode VILIMIT(SD) EN < 0.4 V, IILIMIT = -100 µA 400 mV
Output Current, Normal Mode IILIMIT(NM) EN > 0.8 V, RILIMIT = 250 k 12 µA
Maximum Output Current2 60
µA
Current Limit Threshold Voltage VCL VCSREF – VCSCOMP, RILIMIT = 250 k 105 125 145 mV
Current Limite Setting Ratio VCL/IILIMIT 10.4 mV/µA
DELAY Normal Mode Voltage VDELAY(NM) RDELAY = 250 k 2.9 3 3.1 V
DELAY Overcurrent Threshold VDELAY(OC) RDELAY = 250 k 1.7 1.8 1.9 V
Latch-Off Delay Time tDELAY RDELAY = 250 k, CDELAY = 12 nF 1.5 ms
SOFT START
Output Current, Soft-Start Mode IDELAY(SS) During startup, DELAY < 2.4 V 15 20 25 µA
Soft-Start Delay Time tDELAY(SS) RDELAY = 250 k, CDELAY = 12 nF,
VID code = 011111
1 ms
ENABLE INPUT
Input Low Voltage VIL(EN) 0.4 V
Input High Voltage VIH(EN) 0.8 V
Input Current, Input Voltage Low IIL(EN) EN = 0 V −1 +1 µA
Input Current, Input Voltage High IIH(EN) EN = 1.25 V 10 25 µA
POWER GOOD COMPARATOR
Undervoltage Threshold VPWRGD(UV) Relative to nominal DAC output −180 −250 −300 mV
Overvoltage Threshold VPWRGD(OV) Relative to nominal DAC output 90 150 200 mV
Output Low Voltage VOL(PWRGD) IPWRGD(SINK) = 4 mA 225 400 mV
Power Good Delay Time
During Soft Start2 RDELAY = 250 k, CDELAY = 12 nF,
VID code = 011111
1 ms
VID Code Changing 100 250 µs
VID Code Static 200 ns
Crowbar Trip Point VCROWBAR Relative to nominal DAC output 90 150 200 mV
Crowbar Reset Point Relative to FBRTN 450 550 650 mV
Crowbar Delay Time tCROWBAR Overvoltage to PWM going low
VID Code Changing 100 250 µs
VID Code Static 400 ns
PWM OUTPUTS
Output Low Voltage VOL(PWM) IPWM(SINK) = −400 µA 160 500 mV
Output High Voltage VOH(PWM) IPWM(SOURCE) = 400 µA 4.0 5 V
SUPPLY
DC Supply Current 5 10 mA
UVLO Threshold Voltage VUVLO VCC rising 6.5 6.9 7.3 V
UVLO Hysteresis 0.7 0.9 1.1 V
1 All limits at temperature extremes are guaranteed via correlation using standard statistical quality control (SQC).
2 Guaranteed by design or bench characterization, not production tested.
Preliminary Technical Data ADP3186
Rev. PrB| Page 5 of 24
TEST CIRCUITS
250k
12 V
1.25 V
1µF
+
100nF
100nF
ADP3186
VID4
VID3
VID2
VID1
VID0
CROWBAR
FBRTN
FB
COMP
PWRGD
EN
DELAY
RT
RAMPADJ
VCC
PWM1
PWM2
PWM3
PWM4
SW1
SW2
SW3
SW4
GND
CSCOMP
CSSUM
CSREF
ILIMIT
1
2
3
28
27
26
4
8
10
12
14
5
6
7
21
24
23
22
9
11
17
18
19
13
15
16
20
25
5-BIT CODE
250k
20k
1k
4.7nF
Figure 2. Closed-Loop Output Voltage Accuracy
+
CSSUM
18
CSCOMP
17
28
VCC
CSREF
16
GND
19
39k
100nF
1k
1.0V
ADP3186
+
12V
VOS = CSCOMP - 1V
40
Figure 3. Current Sense Amplifier VOS
+
CSSUM
18
CSCOMP
17
28
VCC
CSREF
16
COMP
8
FB
9
GND
V
FB
= FB - V
VID
19
200k
10k
200k
1.0V
ADP3186
+
80mV +
12V
Figure 4. Positioning Voltage
ADP3186 Preliminary Technical Data
Rev. PrB | Page 6 of 24
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
Table 2.
Parameter Rating
VCC −0.3 V to +15 V
FBRTN −0.3 V to +0.3 V
VID0 – VID4, EN, DELAY, ILIMIT, CSCOMP,
RT, PWM1 – PWM4, COMP, CROWBAR
−0.3 V to 5.5 V
SW1 – SW4 −5 V to +25 V
All Other Inputs and Outputs −0.3 V to VCC + 0.3 V
Storage Temperature −65°C to +150°C
Operating Ambient Temperature Range 0°C to 85°C
Operating Junction Temperature 125°C
Thermal Impedance (θJA) 100°C/W
Lead Temperature
Soldering (10 sec) 300°C
Infrared (15 sec) 260°C
Stresses above those listed under Absolute Maximum Ratings
may cause permanent damage to the device. This is a stress
rating only and functional operation of the device at these or
any other conditions above those indicated in the operational
section of this specification is not implied. Exposure to absolute
maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect
device reliability. Absolute maximum ratings apply individually
only, not in combination. Unless otherwise specified all other
voltages re referenced to GND.
ESD CAUTION
ESD (electrostatic discharge) sensitive device. Electrostatic charges as high as 4000 V readily accumulate on
the human body and test equipment and can discharge without detection. Although this product features
proprietary ESD protection circuitry, permanent damage may occur on devices subjected to high energy
electrostatic discharges. Therefore, proper ESD precautions are recommended to avoid performance
degradation or loss of functionality.
Preliminary Technical Data ADP3186
Rev. PrB| Page 7 of 24
PIN CONFIGURATION AND FUNCTION DESCRIPTION
ADP3186
TOP VIEW
(Not to Scale)
VID4
VID3
VID2
VID1
VID0
CROWBAR
FBRTN
FB
COMP
PWRGD
EN
DELAY
RT
RAMPADJ
VCC
PWM1
PWM2
PWM3
PWM4
SW1
SW2
SW3
SW4
GND
CSCOMP
CSSUM
CSREF
ILIMIT
1
2
3
28
27
26
4
8
10
12
14
5
6
7
21
24
23
22
9
11
17
18
19
13
15
16
20
25
Figure 5. Pin Configuration
Table 3. Pin Function Descriptions
Pin No. Mnemonic Description
1 to 5 VID4 to VID0 Voltage Identification DAC Inputs. These five pins are pulled up to an internal reference, providing a Logic 1 if
left open. When in normal operation mode, the DAC output programs the FB regulation voltage from 0.8 V to
1.55 V (see Table 4). Leaving all of the VID pins open results in the ADP3186 going into No CPU mode, shutting
off its PWM outputs and pulling the PWRGD output low.
6 CROWBAR Crowbar Output. This logic-level output can be used to control an external device to short the 12 V supply to
ground to protect the CPU from overvoltage if CSREF exceeds 2.1 V.
7 FBRTN Feedback Return. VID DAC and error amplifier reference for remote sensing of the output voltage.
8 FB Feedback Input. Error amplifier input for remote sensing of the output voltage. An external resistor between this
pin and the output voltage sets the no-load offset point.
9 COMP Error Amplifier Output and Compensation Point.
10 PWRGD Power Good Output. Open-drain output that signals when the output voltage is outside the proper operating
range.
11 EN Power Supply Enable Input. Pulling this pin to GND disables the PWM outputs and pulls the PWRGD output low.
12 DELAY Soft-Start Delay and Current Limit Latch-Off Delay Setting Input. An external resistor and capacitor connected
between this pin and GND sets the soft-start ramp-up time and the overcurrent latch-off delay time.
13 RT Frequency Setting Resistor Input. An external resistor connected between this pin and GND sets the oscillator
frequency of the device.
14 RAMPADJ PWM Ramp Current Input. An external resistor from the converter input voltage to this pin sets the internal
PWM ramp.
15 ILIMIT Current Limit Setpoint/Enable Output. An external resistor from this pin to GND sets the current limit threshold
of the converter. This pin is actively pulled low when the ADP3186 EN input is low, or when VCC is below its
UVLO threshold, to signal to the driver IC that the driver high-side and low-side outputs should go low.
16 CSREF Current Sense Reference Voltage Input. The voltage on this pin is used as the reference for the current sense
amplifier and the power good and crowbar functions. This pin should be connected to the common point of the
output inductors.
17 CSSUM Current Sense Summing Node. External resistors from each switch node to this pin sum the average inductor
currents together to measure the total output current.
18 CSCOMP Current Sense Compensation Point. A resistor and a capacitor from this pin to CSSUM determine the slope of the
load line and the positioning loop response time.
19 GND Ground. All internal biasing and the logic output signals of the device are referenced to this ground.
20 to 23 SW4 to SW1 Current Balance Inputs. Inputs for measuring the current level in each phase. The SW pins of unused phases
should be left open.
24 to 27 PWM4 to
PMW1
Logic-Level PWM Outputs. Each output is connected to the input of an external MOSFET driver such as the
ADP3418. Connecting the PWM3 and/or PWM4 outputs to GND causes that phase to turn off, allowing the
ADP3186 to operate as a 2-, 3-, or 4-phase controller.
28 VCC Supply Voltage for the Device.
ADP3186 Preliminary Technical Data
Rev. PrB | Page 8 of 24
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
4
3
2
1
0
MASTER CLOCK FREQUENCY (MHz)
R
T
VALUE (k)
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
04835-0-003
Figure 6. Master Clock Frequency vs. RT
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4
5.3
5.2
5.1
5.0
4.9
4.8
4.7
4.6
SUPPLY CURRENT (mA)
OSCILLATOR FREQUENCY (MHz)
T
A
= 25°C
4-PHASE OPERATION
04835-0-004
Figure 7. Supply Current vs. Oscillator Frequency
Preliminary Technical Data ADP3186
Rev. PrB| Page 9 of 24
THEORY OF OPERATION
The ADP3186 combines a multi-mode, fixed frequency PWM
control with multi-phase logic outputs for use in 2-, 3- and
4-phase synchronous buck CPU core supply power converters.
The internal VID DAC is designed to interface with AMD
Opteron CPUs. Multiphase operation is important for
producing the high currents and low voltages demanded by
today’s microprocessors. Handling the high currents in a single-
phase converter would place high thermal demands on the
components in the system such as the inductors and MOSFETs.
The multimode control of the ADP3186 ensures a stable, high
performance topology for
Balancing currents and thermals between phases
High speed response at the lowest possible switching
frequency and output decoupling
Minimizing thermal switching losses due to lower
frequency operation
Tight load line regulation and accuracy
High current output for up to 4-phase operation
Reduced output ripple due to multiphase cancellation
PC board layout noise immunity
Ease of use and design due to independent component
selection
Flexibility in operation for tailoring design to low cost or
high performance
START-UP SEQUENCE
During start-up, the number of operational phases and their
phase relationship is determined by the internal circuitry that
monitors the PWM outputs. Normally, the ADP3186 operates as
a 4-phase PWM controller. Grounding the PWM4 pin programs
3-phase operation, and grounding the PWM3 and PWM4 pins
programs 2-phase operation.
When the ADP3186 is enabled, the controller outputs a voltage
on PWM3 and PWM4, which is approximately 675 mV. An
internal comparator checks each pins voltage versus a threshold
of 300 mV. If the pin is grounded, it is below the threshold and
the phase is disabled. The output resistance of the PWM pin is
approximately 5 k during this detection time. Any external
pull-down resistance connected to the PWM pin should not be
less than 25 k to ensure proper operation. PWM1 and PWM2
are disabled during the phase detection interval, which occurs
during the first two clock cycles of the internal oscillator. After
this time, if the PWM output is not grounded, the 5 k
resistance is removed. and it switches between 0 V and 5 V. If
the PWM output was grounded, it remains off.
The PWM outputs are logic-level devices intended for driving
external gate drivers such as the ADP3418. Since each phase is
monitored independently, operation approaching 100% duty
cycle is possible. Also, more than one output can be on at the
same time for overlapping phases.
MASTER CLOCK FREQUENCY
The clock frequency of the ADP3186 is set with an external
resistor connected from the RT pin to ground. The frequency
follows the graph in Figure 6. To determine the frequency per
phase, the clock is divided by the number of phases in use. If
PWM4 is grounded, then divide the master clock by 3 for the
frequency of the remaining phases. If PWM3 and 4 are grounded,
then divide by 2. If all phases are in use, divide by 4.
OUTPUT VOLTAGE DIFFERENTIAL SENSING
The ADP3186 combines differential sensing with a high accuracy
VID DAC and reference and a low offset error amplifier. This
maintains a worst-case specification of ±1% differential sensing
error over its full operating output voltage and temperature
range. The output voltage is sensed between the FB and FBRTN
pins. FB should be connected through a resistor to the
regulation point, usually the remote sense pin of the micro-
processor. FBRTN should be connected directly to the remote
sense ground point. The internal VID DAC and precision
reference are referenced to FBRTN, which has a minimal
current of 100 µA to allow accurate remote sensing. The internal
error amplifier compares the output of the DAC to the FB pin to
regulate the output voltage.
OUTPUT CURRENT SENSING
The ADP3186 provides a dedicated current sense amplifier
(CSA) to monitor the total output current for proper voltage
positioning versus load current and for current limit detection.
Sensing the load current at the output gives the total average
current being delivered to the load, which is an inherently more
accurate method than peak current detection or sampling the
current across a sense element such as the low-side MOSFET.
This amplifier can be configured several ways depending on the
objectives of the system:
Output inductor DCR sensing without a thermistor for
lowest cost
Output inductor DCR sensing with a thermistor for
improved accuracy with tracking of inductor temperature
Sense resistors for highest accuracy measurements
ADP3186 Preliminary Technical Data
Rev. PrB | Page 10 of 24
The positive input of the CSA is connected to the CSREF pin,
which is connected to the output voltage. The inputs to the
amplifier are summed together through resistors from the
sensing element (such as the switch node side of the output
inductors) to the inverting input, CSSUM. The feedback resistor
between CSCOMP and CSSUM sets the gain of the amplifier,
and a filter capacitor is placed in parallel with this resistor. The
gain of the amplifier is programmable by adjusting the feedback
resistor to set the load line required by the microprocessor. The
current information is then given as the difference of CSREF –
CSCOMP. This difference signal is used internally to offset the
VID DAC for voltage positioning and as a differential input for
the current limit comparator.
To provide the best accuracy for sensing current, the CSA is
designed to have a low offset input voltage. Also, the sensing
gain is determined by external resistors so that it can be made
extremely accurate.
ACTIVE IMPEDANCE CONTROL MODE
For controlling the dynamic output voltage droop as a function
of output current, a signal proportional to the total output current
at the CSCOMP pin can be scaled to equal the droop impedance
of the regulator times the output current. This droop voltage is
then used to set the input control voltage to the system. The
droop voltage is subtracted from the DAC reference input
voltage directly to tell the error amplifier where the output voltage
should be. This differs from previous implementations and allows
enhanced feed-forward response.
CURRENT CONTROL MODE AND
THERMAL BALANCE
The ADP3186 has individual inputs for each phase, which are
used for monitoring the current in each phase. This information
is combined with an internal ramp to create a current balancing
feedback system, which has been optimized for initial current
balance accuracy and dynamic thermal balancing during
operation. This current balance information is independent of
the average output current information used for positioning
described previously.
The magnitude of the internal ramp can be set to optimize the
transient response of the system. It is also monitors the supply
voltage for feed-forward control for changes in the supply. A
resistor connected from the power input voltage to the RAMPADJ
pin determines the slope of the internal PWM ramp. Detailed
information about programming the ramp is given in the
Application Information section.
External resistors can be placed in series with individual phases
to create, if desired, an intentional current imbalance such as
when one phase may have better cooling and can support higher
currents. Resistors RSW1 through RSW4 (see the typical application
circuit in Figure 10) can be used for adjusting thermal balance.
It is best to have the ability to add these resistors during the initial
design, so make sure that placeholders are provided in the layout.
To increase the current in any given phase, make RSW for that
phase larger (make RSW = 0 for the hottest phase and do not
change during balancing). Increasing RSW to only 500 makes a
substantial increase in phase current. Increase each RSW value by
small amounts to achieve balance, starting with the coolest
phase first.
VOLTAGE CONTROL MODE
A high gain-bandwidth voltage mode error amplifier is used for
the voltage-mode control loop. The control input voltage to the
positive input is set via the VID logic according to the voltages
listed in Table 4. This voltage is also offset by the droop voltage
for active positioning of the output voltage as a function of
current, commonly known as active voltage positioning. The
output of the amplifier is the COMP pin, which sets the termi-
nation voltage for the internal PWM ramps.
The negative input (FB) is tied to the output sense location with
a resistor (RB) and is used for sensing and controlling the output
voltage at this point. A current source from the FB pin flowing
through RB is used for setting the no-load offset voltage from
the VID voltage. The no-load voltage is positive with respect to
the VID DAC. The main loop compensation is incorporated
into the feedback network between FB and COMP.
SOFT START
The power-on ramp-up time of the output voltage is set with a
capacitor and resistor in parallel from the DELAY pin to ground.
The RC time constant also determines the current limit latch off
time as explained in the following section. In UVLO or when
EN is a logic low, the DELAY pin is held at ground. After the
UVLO threshold is reached and EN is a logic high, the DELAY
capacitor is charged with an internal 20 µA current source. The
output voltage follows the ramping voltage on the DELAY pin,
limiting the inrush current. The soft-start time depends on the
value of VID DAC and CDLY, with a secondary effect from RDLY.
Refer to the Application Information section for detailed infor-
mation on setting CDLY.
If either EN is taken low or VCC drops below UVLO, the
DELAY capacitor is reset to ground to be ready for another soft-
start cycle. Figure 8 shows a typical soft-start sequence for the
ADP3186.
Preliminary Technical Data ADP3186
Rev. PrB| Page 11 of 24
Figure 8. Typical Start-Up Waveforms
Channel 1: PWRGD, Channel 2: CSREF,
Channel 3: DELAY, Channel 4: COMP
CURRENT LIMIT, SHORT CIRCUIT, AND
LATCH-OFF PROTECTION
The ADP3186 compares a programmable current limit set point
to the voltage from the output of the current sense amplifier.
The level of current limit is set with the resistor from the ILIMIT
pin to ground. During normal operation, the voltage on ILIMIT
is 3 V. The current through the external resistor is internally
scaled to give a current limit threshold of 10.4 mV/µA. If the
difference in voltage between CSREF and CSCOMP rises above
the current limit threshold, the internal current limit amplifier
controls the internal COMP voltage to maintain the average
output current at the limit.
After the limit is reached, the 3 V pull-up on the DELAY pin is
disconnected, and the external delay capacitor is discharged
through the external resistor. A comparator monitors the DELAY
voltage and shuts off the controller when the voltage drops
below 1.8 V. The current limit latch-off delay time is therefore
set by the RC time constant discharging from 3 V to 1.8 V. The
Application Information section discusses the selection of CDLY
and RDLY.
Because the controller continues to cycle the phases during the
latch-off delay time, if the short is removed before the 1.8 V
threshold is reached, the controller returns to normal operation.
The recovery characteristic depends on the state of PWRGD. If
the output voltage is within the PWRGD window, the controller
resumes normal operation. However, if short circuit has caused
the output voltage to drop below the PWRGD threshold, a soft-
start cycle is initiated.
The latch-off function can be reset by either removing and
reapplying VCC to the ADP3186, or by pulling the EN pin low
for a short time. To disable the short circuit latch-off function,
the external resistor to ground should be left open, and a high-
value (>1 M) resistor should be connected from DELAY to
VCC. This prevents the DELAY capacitor from discharging, so
the 1.8 V threshold is never reached. The resistor has an impact
on the soft-start time because the current through it adds to the
internal 20 µA current source.
During start-up when the output voltage is below 200 mV, a
secondary current limit is active. This is necessary because the
voltage swing of CSCOMP cannot go below ground. This
secondary current limit controls the internal COMP voltage to
the PWM comparators to 2 V. This limits the voltage drop
across the low-side MOSFETs through the current balance
circuitry.
An inherent per phase current limit protects individual phases
if one or more phases stops functioning because of a faulty
component. This limit is based on the maximum normal mode
COMP voltage.
Figure 9. Overcurrent Latch-Off Waveforms
Channel 1: CSREF, Channel 2: DELAY,
Channel 3: COMP, Channel 4: Phase 1 Switch Node
DYNAMIC VID
The ADP3186 has the ability to dynamically change the VID
input while the controller is running. This allows the output
voltage to change while the supply is running and supplying
current to the load. This is commonly referred to as VID on-
the-fly (OTF). A VID OTF can occur under either light or heavy
load conditions. The processor signals the controller by
changing the VID inputs in multiple steps from the start code to
the finish code. This change can be positive or negative.
When a VID input changes state, the ADP3186 detects the
change and ignores the DAC inputs for a minimum of 400 ns.
This time prevents a false code due to logic skew while the five
VID inputs are changing. Additionally, the first VID change
initiates the PWRGD and CROWBAR blanking functions for a
minimum of 100 µs to prevent a false PWRGD or CROWBAR
event. Each VID change resets the internal timer.
ADP3186 Preliminary Technical Data
Rev. PrB | Page 12 of 24
Table 4. VID Codes for the ADP3186
VID4 VID3 VID2 VID1 VID0 Output
1 1 1 1 1 No CPU
1 1 1 1 0 0.800 V
1 1 1 0 1 0.825 V
1 1 1 0 0 0.850 V
1 1 0 1 1 0.875 V
1 1 0 1 0 0.900 V
1 1 0 0 1 0.925 V
1 1 0 0 0 0.950 V
1 0 1 1 1 0.975 V
1 0 1 1 0 1.000 V
1 0 1 0 1 1.025 V
1 0 1 0 0 1.050 V
1 0 0 1 1 1.075 V
1 0 0 1 0 1.100 V
1 0 0 0 1 1.125 V
1 0 0 0 0 1.150 V
0 1 1 1 1 1.175 V
0 1 1 1 0 1.200 V
0 1 1 0 1 1.225 V
0 1 1 0 0 1.250 V
0 1 0 1 1 1.275 V
0 1 0 1 0 1.300 V
0 1 0 0 1 1.325 V
0 1 0 0 0 1.350 V
0 0 1 1 1 1.375 V
0 0 1 1 0 1.400 V
0 0 1 0 1 1.425 V
0 0 1 0 0 1.450 V
0 0 0 1 1 1.475 V
0 0 0 1 0 1.500 V
0 0 0 0 1 1.525 V
0 0 0 0 0 1.550 V
POWER GOOD MONITORING
The power good comparator monitors the output voltage via
the CSREF pin. The PWRGD pin is an open-drain output whose
high level (when connected to a pull-up resistor) indicates that
the output voltage is within the nominal limits specified in the
specifications above based on the VID voltage setting. PWRGD
goes low if the output voltage is outside of this specified range,
if all of the VID DAC inputs are high, or whenever the EN pin is
pulled low. PWRGD is blanked during a VID OTF event for a
period of 100 µs to prevent false signals during the time the
output is changing.
OUTPUT CROWBAR
As part of the protection for the load and output components of
the supply, the PWM outputs are driven low (turning on the
low-side MOSFETs) and the CROWBAR logic output goes high
when the output voltage exceeds the upper crowbar threshold.
This crowbar action stops once the output voltage falls below the
release threshold of approximately 400 mV.
Turning on the low-side MOSFETs pulls down the output as the
reverse current builds up in the inductors. If the output over-
voltage is due to a short in the high-side MOSFET, this action
current-limits the input supply or blows its fuse, protecting the
microprocessor from destruction.
The CROWBAR output can be used to signal an external input
crowbar or other protection circuit.
OUTPUT ENABLE AND UVLO
For the ADP3186 to begin switching, the input supply (VCC) to
the controller must be higher than the UVLO threshold, and the
EN pin must be higher than its logic threshold. If UVLO is less
than the threshold or the EN pin is a logic low, the ADP3186 is
disabled. This holds the PWM outputs at ground, shorts the
DELAY capacitor to ground, and holds the ILIMIT pin at ground.
In the application circuit, the ILIMIT pin should be connected
to the OD pins of the ADP3418 drivers. The ILIMIT being
grounded disables the drivers such that both DRVH and DRVL
are grounded. This feature is important in preventing the
discharge of the output capacitors when the controller is shut
off. If the driver outputs were not disabled, a negative voltage
could be generated during output due to the high current
discharge of the output capacitors through the inductors.
Preliminary Technical Data ADP3186
Rev. PrB| Page 13 of 24
V
IN
12 V
V
IN
RTN
ENABLE
CROWBAR
POWER
GOOD
R15
280k
R12
147k
FROM CPU
R5
332k
Q2
NTD110N02
Q5
NTD110N02
Q8
NTD110N02
Q1
NTD60N02
Q4
NTD60N02
C20
39nF
V
CC(CORE)
0.8 V – 1.55 V
V
CC(CORE) RTN
820µF / 4V x 8
OS-CON SP Series
12m ESR (each)
+
L2
600nH / 1.6m
L1
1.6µH
C1
R9
187k
C9
100nF
C23
+
C30
L3
600nH / 1.6m
U3
ADP3418
1
2
3
8
7
6
4 5
BST
IN
OD
VCC
DRVH
SW
PGND
DRVL
C8
1µF
D1
1N4148WS
D2
1N4148WS
D3
1N4148WS
D4
1N4148WS
C5
100nF
C4
1µF
C6
4.7µF
C10
4.7µF
C14
4.7µF
U2
ADP3418
1
2
3
8
7
6
4 5
BST
IN
OD
VCC
DRVH
SW
PGND
DRVL
VID4
VID3
VID2
VID1
VID0
CROWBAR
FBRTN
FB
COMP
PWRGD
EN
DELAY
RT
RAMPADJ
VCC
PWM1
PWM2
PWM3
PWM4
SW1
SW2
SW3
SW4
GND
CSCOMP
CSSUM
CSREF
ILIMIT
3
1
4
5
26
25
24
2
28
27
6
10
14
7
8
9
19
22
21
20
23
11
12
13
15
18
17
16
U1
ADP3186
Q7
NTD60N02
C13
100nF
L4
600nH / 1.6m
U4
ADP3418
1
2
3
8
7
6
4 5
BST
IN
OD
VCC
DRVH
SW
PGND
DRVL
C12
1µF
C16
1µF
R4
10
R7
8.45k
C19
27pF
C18
680pF
C21
1.5nF
C22
2.2nF
C3C2
2200µF / 16V x 3
Nichicon PW Series
+ + +
10µF x 8
MLCC
IN
SOCKET
C15
4.7nF
C11
4.7nF
C7
4.7nF
R3
2.2
RTH1
100k, 1%
R2
2.2
R1
2.2
R6
2.00k
R10
35.7k
C17
680pF
R13
147k
R14
147k
R8
390k
R11
73.2k
Figure 10. Typical VR 10.1 Application Circuit
ADP3186 DRAFT
Rev. PrB | Page 14 of 24
APPLICATION INFORMATION
The design parameters for a typical AMD OpteronCPU
application are as follows:
Input voltage (VIN) = 12 V
VID setting voltage (VVID) = 1.500 V
Duty cycle (D) = 0.125
Maximum static output voltage error (±VSRER) = ±50 mV
Maximum dynamic output voltage error (±VDRER) = ±70 mV
Error voltage allowed for controller and ripple (±VRERR) =
±20 mV
Maximum output current (IO) = 56 A
Maximum output current step (IO) = 24 A
Static output drop resistance (RO) based on:
1. No load output voltage set at upper output voltage
limit.
VONL = VVID +VSERRVRERR = 1.530 V
2. Full load output voltage set at lower output voltage
limit.
VOFL = VVIDVSERR+VRERR = 1.470 V
3. RO = (VONLVOFL)/IO = (1.53 V – 1.47 V)/56A = 1.1 m
Dynamic output drop resistance (ROD) based on:
1. Output current step to no load with output voltage set
at upper output dynamic voltage limit.
VONLD = VVID +VDERRVRERR = 1.550 V
2. Output voltage prior to load change (at IOUT = IO).
VOL = VONL – (IO × RO) = 1.504 V
3. ROD = (VONLDVOL)/IO = (1.55V – 1.504V)/24A = 1.9m
Number of phases (n) = 3
Switching frequency per phase (fSW) = 330 kHz
SETTING THE CLOCK FREQUENCY
The ADP3186 uses a fixed-frequency control architecture. The
frequency is set by an external timing resistor (RT). The clock
frequency and the number of phases determine the switching
frequency per phase, which relates directly to switching losses
and the sizes of the inductors and of the input and output
capacitors. With n = 3 for three phases, a clock frequency of
990 kHz sets the switching frequency (fSW) of each phase to 330
kHz, which represents a practical trade-off between the
switching losses and the sizes of the output filter components.
Figure 6 shows that to achieve an 990 kHz oscillator frequency,
the correct value for RT is 187 kΩ. Alternatively, the value for RT
can be calculated using:
××
=k
pF
27
7.4
1
SW
Tfn
R (1)
where 4.7 pF and 27 kΩ are internal IC component values. For
good initial accuracy and frequency stability, a 1% resistor is
recommended.
SOFT START AND
CURRENT LIMIT LATCH-OFF DELAY TIMES
Because the soft start and current limit latch-off delay functions
share the DELAY pin, these two parameters must be considered
together. The first step is to set CDLY for the soft-start ramp. This
ramp is generated with a 20 µA internal current source. The
value of RDLY has a second-order impact on the soft-start time
because it sinks part of the current source to ground. However,
as long as RDLY is kept greater than 200 kΩ, this effect is minor.
The value for CDLY can be approximated using
VID
SS
DLY
VID
DLY V
t
R2
V
A20C ×
×
µ= (2)
where tSS is the desired soft-start time. Assuming an RDLY of
390 kΩ and a desired a soft-start time of 3 ms, CDLY is 36 nF. The
closest standard value for CDLY is 39 nF. Once CDLY is chosen, RDLY
can be calculated for the current limit latch-off time using
DLY
DELAY
DLY C
t96.1
R
×
= (3)
If the result for RDLY is less than 200 kΩ, a smaller soft-start time
should be considered by recalculating the equation for CDLY, or a
longer latch-off time should be used. RDLY should never be less
than 200 k. In this example, a delay time of 8 ms results in RDLY
= 402 kΩ. The closest standard 5% value is 390 kΩ.
INDUCTOR SELECTION
The choice of inductance for the inductor determines the ripple
current in the inductor. Less inductance leads to more ripple
current, which increases the output ripple voltage and conduction
losses in the MOSFETs but allows using smaller inductors and,
for a specified peak-to-peak transient deviation, less total output
capacitance. Conversely, a higher inductance means lower ripple
current and reduced conduction losses but requires larger
inductors and more output capacitance for the same peak-to-
peak transient deviation. In any multiphase converter, a practical
value for the peak-to-peak inductor ripple current is less than
50% of the maximum dc current in the same inductor. Equation 4
shows the relationship between the inductance, oscillator
frequency, and peak-to-peak ripple current in the inductor.
Equation 5 can be used to determine the minimum inductance
based on a given output ripple voltage.
Preliminary Technical Data ADP3186
Rev. PrB| Page 15 of 24
(
)
Lf
D1V
I
SW
VID
R×
×
= (4)
()()
RIPPLESW
ODVID
Vf
Dn1RV
L×
×××
(5)
Solving Equation 5 for a 10 mV p-p output ripple voltage yields
(
)
nH045
mV10kHz330
750.31mΩ91.V51.
L=
×
××
If the resulting ripple voltage is less than that designed for, the
inductor can be made smaller until the ripple value is met. This
allows optimal transient response and minimum output
decoupling.
The smallest possible inductor should be used to minimize the
number of output capacitors. For this example, choosing a
600 nH inductor is a good starting point and gives a calculated
ripple current of 6.6 A. The inductor should not saturate at the
peak current of 22 A and should be able to handle the sum of
the power dissipation caused by the average current of 18.7 A in
the winding and core loss.
Another important factor in the inductor design is the DCR,
which is used for measuring the phase currents. A large DCR
can cause excessive power losses, while too small a value can
lead to increased measurement error. A good rule is to have the
DCR be about 1 to 1½ times the droop resistance (RO). The
example uses an inductor with a DCR of 1.6 mΩ.
DESIGNING AN INDUCTOR
Once the inductance and DCR are known, the next step is to
either design an inductor or to find a standard inductor that
comes as close as possible to meeting the overall design goals. It
is also important to have the inductance and DCR tolerance
specified to control the accuracy of the system. 20% inductance
and 8% DCR (at room temperature) are reasonable tolerances
that most manufacturers can meet.
The first decision in designing the inductor is to choose the
core material. Several possibilities for providing low core loss at
high frequencies include the powder cores (for example, Kool-
Mµ® from Magnetics, Inc. or from Micrometals) and the gapped
soft ferrite cores (for example, 3F3 or 3F4 from Philips). Low
frequency powdered iron cores should be avoided due to their
high core loss, especially when the inductor value is relatively
low and the ripple current is high.
The best choice for a core geometry is a closed-loop type such
as a potentiometer core, PQ, U, or E core or toroid. A good
compromise between price and performance is a core with a
toroidal shape.
Many useful magnetics design references are available for
quickly designing a power inductor, such as:
Magnetic Designer Software
Intusoft (www.intusoft.com)
Designing Magnetic Components for High-Frequency DC-
DCConverters, by William T. McLyman, Kg Magnetics, Inc.,
ISBN 1883107008
Selecting a Standard Inductor
The following power inductor manufacturers can provide design
consultation and deliver power inductors optimized for high
power applications upon request.
Coilcraft
(847)639-6400
www.coilcraft.com
Coiltronics
(561)752-5000
www.coiltronics.com
Sumida Electric Company
(510) 668-0660
www.sumida.com
Vishay Intertechnology
(402) 563-6866
www.vishay.com
OUTPUT DROOP RESISTANCE
The design requires that the regulator output voltage measured
at the CPU pins drops when the output current increases. The
specified voltage drop corresponds to the static output droop
resistance (RO).
The output current is measured by summing the voltage across
each inductor and passing the signal through a low-pass filter.
This summer filter is the CS amplifier configured with resistors
RPH(X) (summers), and RCS and CCS (filter). The output resistance
of the regulator is set by the following equations, where RL is the
DCR of the output inductors:
()
L
xPH
CS
OR
R
R
R×= (6)
CSL
CS RR
L
C×
= (7)
One has the flexibility of choosing either RCS or RPH(X). It is best
to select RCS equal to 100 kΩ, and then solve for RPH(X) by
rearranging Equation 6:
ADP3186 DRAFT
Rev. PrB | Page 16 of 24
()
()
k5.145k100
mΩ1.1
m6.1
R
R
R
R
R
xPH
CS
O
L
x
PH
=×=
×=
Next, use Equation 6 to solve for CCS.
nF75.3
k100m6.1
nH600
CCS =
×
=
It is best to have a dual location for CCS in the layout so that
standard values can be used in parallel to get as close to the
value desired. For best accuracy, CCS should be a 5% or 10%
NPO capacitor. This example uses a 5% combination for CCS of
1.5 nF and 2.2 nF in parallel. Recalculating RPH(X) using this
capacitor combination yields a 1% value of 147 k.
INDUCTOR DCR TEMPERATURE CORRECTION
With the inductor’s DCR being used as the sense element and
copper wire being the source of the DCR, one needs to
compensate for temperature changes of the inductor’s winding.
Fortunately, copper has a well known temperature coefficient
(TC) of 0.39%/°C.
If RCS is designed to have an opposite and equal percentage
change in resistance to that of the wire, it cancels the tempera-
ture variation of the inductors DCR. Due to the nonlinear
nature of NTC thermistors, resistors RCS1 and RCS2 are needed.
See Figure 11 to linearize the NTC and produce the desired
temperature tracking.
+
CSSUM
18
CSCOMP
PLACE AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE
TO NEAREST INDUCTOR
OR LOW-SIDE MOSFET
17
CSREF
16
ADP3186
CCS1 CCS2
RCS1
RTH
RCS2
KEEP THIS PATH
AS SHORT AS POSSIBLE
AND WELL AWAY FROM
SWITCH NODE LINES
TO
SWITCH
NODES
TO
VOUT
SENSE
RPH1 RPH3
RPH2
Figure 11. Temperature Compensation Circuit Values
The following procedure and expressions yield values to use for
RCS1, RCS2, and RTH (the thermistor value at 25°C) for a given RCS
value.
1. Select an NTC based on type and value. Since we do not
have a value yet, start with a thermistor with a value close
to RCS. The NTC should also have an initial tolerance of
better than 5%.
2. Based on the type of NTC, find its relative resistance value
at two temperatures. The temperatures that work well are
50°C and 90°C. These resistance values are called A
(RTH(50°C)/RTH(25°C)) and B (RTH(90°C)/RTH(25°C)). Note that the
NTC’s relative value is always 1 at 25°C.
3. Find the relative value of RCS required for each of these
temperatures. This is based on the percentage change
needed, which in this example is initially 0.39%/°C. These
are called r1 (1/(1 + TC × (T1 − 25))) and r2 (1/(1 + TC ×
(T2 − 25))), where TC = 0.0039 for copper. T1 = 50°C and T2
= 90°C are chosen. From this, one can calculate that r1 =
0.9112 and r2 = 0.7978.
4. Compute the relative values for RCS1, RCS2, and RTH using
(
)
(
)
(
)
() ( ) ( )
BArA1BrB1A
rA1BrB1ArrBA
r
21
1221
CS2 ××××
×
×+×
×
×
×
=
(
)
CS21CS2
CS1
rr
A
r1
1
A1
r
=
CS1CS2
TH
r
1
r1
1
1
r
= (8)
5. Calculate RTH = rTH × RCS, then select the closest value of
thermistor available. Also compute a scaling factor k based
on the ratio of the actual thermistor value used relative to
the computed one:
()
()
CALCULATEDTH
ACTUALTH
R
R
k= (9)
6. Calculate values for RCS1 and RCS2 using Equation 10:
CS1CSCS1 rkRR
×
×
=
(
)
(
)
(
)
CS2CSCS2 rkk1RR
×
+
×
=
(10)
For this example, RCS has been calculated to be 100 kΩ, so
we start with a thermistor value of 100 kΩ. Looking
through available 0603 size thermistors, we find a Vishay
NTHS0603N01N1003JR NTC thermistor with A = 0.3602
and B = 0.09174. From these, one can compute rCS1 =
0.3796, rCS2 = 0.7195, and rTH = 1.0751. Solving for RTH
yields 107.51 kΩ, so 100 kΩ is chosen, making k = 0.9302.
Finally, we find RCS1 and RCS2 to be 35.3 kΩ and 73.9 kΩ.
Choosing the closest 1% resistor values yields a choice of
35.7 kΩ and 73.2 kΩ.
OUTPUT OFFSET
The AMD specification requires that at no load the nominal
output voltage of the regulator be offset to a value higher than
the nominal voltage corresponding to the VID code. The offset
is set by a constant current source flowing into of the FB pin
Preliminary Technical Data ADP3186
Rev. PrB| Page 17 of 24
(IFB) and flowing through RB. The value of RB can be found using
Equation 11:
FB
VIDONL
BI
VV
R
=
k00.2
μA15
V5.1V53.1
RB=
= (11)
The closest standard 1% resistor value is 2 kΩ.
COUT SELECTION
The required output decoupling for the regulator is typically
recommended by AMD for various processors and platforms.
One can also use some simple design guidelines to determine
what is required. These guidelines are based on having both
bulk and ceramic capacitors in the system.
The first thing is to select the total amount of ceramic capaci-
tance. This is based on the number and type of capacitor to be
used. The best location for ceramics is inside the socket. Others
can be placed along the outer edge of the socket as well.
Combined ceramic values of 30 µF to 100 µF are recommended,
usually made up of multiple 10 µF or 22 µF capacitors. Select
the number of ceramics and find the total ceramic capacitance
(CZ).
Next, there is an upper limit imposed on the total amount of
bulk capacitance (CX) when one considers the VID on-the-fly
voltage stepping of the output (voltage step VV in time tV with
error of VERR). A lower limit is based on meeting the capacitance
for load release for a given maximum load step IO and a
maximum allowable overshoot. The total amount of load release
voltage is given as VO = IO × ROD.
()
××
×
z
VIDOD
O
MINx C
VRn
IL
C (12)
()
MAXx
C
Z
2
O
V
VID
v
VID
V
2
O
2C1
L
nKR
V
V
t1
V
V
RnK
L
××+×× (13)
=
V
ERR
V
V
lnKwhere
To meet the conditions of these expressions and transient
response, the ESR of the bulk capacitor bank (RX) should be less
than or equal to the dynamic droop resistance (ROD). If the
CX(MIN) is larger than CX(MAX), the system cannot meet the VID
on-the-fly specification and may require the use of a smaller
inductor or more phases (and may have to increase the
switching frequency to keep the output ripple the same).
This example uses a combination of MLC capacitors (CZ = 80
µF). The VID on-the-fly step change is from 1.5 V to 0.8 V
(making VV = 700 mV) in 100 µs with a setting error of 3%.
Solving for the bulk capacitance yields:
()
mF6.1μF80
V5.1mΩ9.13
A24nH600
CMINx =
××
×
()
×
×××
×
V5.15.33
mV700nH600
C2
MAXx
mF.420F801
nH060mV070
m11.5.33V51.μs100
1
2
=µ
×
××××
+
where k = 3.5.
Using eight 820 µF OS-CON capacitors with a typical ESR of
12 mΩ each yields CX = 6.56 mF with an RX = 1.5 mΩ.
One last check should be made to ensure that the ESL of the
bulk capacitors (LX) is low enough to limit the high frequency
ringing during a load change. This is tested using
()
pH058mΩ91.μF802L
RCQL
2
x
2
OD
z
2
x
=××
×× (14)
where Q is limited to the square root of 2 to ensure a critically
damped system. In this example, LX is approximately 500 pH for
the eight OS-CON capacitors, which satisfies this limitation. If
the LX of the chosen bulk capacitor bank is too large, the number
of ceramic capacitors may need to be increased if there is
excessive ringing.
One should note that for this multimode control technique,
all ceramic designs can be used as long as the conditions of
Equations 11, 12, and 13 are satisfied.
POWER MOSFETS
For this example, the N-channel power MOSFETs have been
selected for one high-side switch and two low-side switches per
phase. The main selection parameters for the power MOSFETs
are VGS(TH), QG, CISS, CRSS, and RDS(ON). The minimum gate drive
voltage (the supply voltage to the ADP3418) dictates whether
standard threshold or logic-level threshold MOSFETs must be
used. With VGATE ~10 V, logic-level threshold MOSFETs (VGS(TH)
< 2.5 V) are recommended.
The maximum output current (IO) determines the RDS(ON)
requirement for the low-side (synchronous) MOSFETs. With
the ADP3186, currents are balanced between phases, thus the
current in each low-side MOSFET is the output current divided
by the total number of MOSFETs (nSF). With conduction losses
being dominant, the following expression shows the total power
ADP3186 DRAFT
Rev. PrB | Page 18 of 24
being dissipated in each synchronous MOSFET in terms of the
ripple current per phase (IR) and average total output current (IO):
()
()
SFDS
2
SF
R
2
SF
O
SF R
n
In
12
1
n
I
D1P ×
×+
×= (15)
Knowing the maximum output current being designed for and
the maximum allowed power dissipation, one can find the
required RDS(ON) for the MOSFET. For D-PAK MOSFETs up to
an ambient temperature of 50°C, a safe limit for PSF is 1 W to
1.5 W at 120°C junction temperature. Thus, for this example (56
A maximum), RDS(SF) < 4.8 mΩ. This RDS(SF) is also at a junction
temperature of about 12C, so one needs to make sure to
account for this when making this selection. This example uses
one low-side MOSFET at 4.8 mΩ at 120°C.
Another important factor for the synchronous MOSFET is the
input capacitance and feedback capacitance. The ratio of the
feedback to input needs to be small (less than 10% is recom-
mended) to prevent accidental turn-on of the synchronous
MOSFETs when the switch node goes high.
Also, the time to switch the synchronous MOSFETs off should
not exceed the nonoverlap dead time of the MOSFET driver
(40 ns typical for the ADP3418). The output impedance of the
driver is approximately 2 Ω, and the typical MOSFET input gate
resistances are about 1 Ω to 2 Ω, so a total gate capacitance of
less than 6000 pF should be adhered to. Since there is one
MOSFET, the input capacitance for the synchronous MOSFET
should be limited to 6000 pF.
The high-side (main) MOSFET has to be able to handle two
main power dissipation components: conduction and switching
losses. The switching loss is related to the amount of time it
takes for the main MOSFET to turn on and off, and to the
current and voltage that are being switched. Basing the switching
speed on the rise and fall time of the gate driver impedance and
MOSFET input capacitance, the following expression provides
an approximate value for the switching loss per main MOSFET,
where nMF is the total number of main MOSFETs:
()
ISS
MF
G
MF
OCC
SWMFS C
n
n
R
n
IV
f2P ×××
×
××= (16)
where RG is the total gate resistance (2 Ω for the ADP3418 and
about 1 Ω for typical high speed switching MOSFETs, making
RG = 3 Ω), and CISS is the input capacitance of the main MOSFET.
It is interesting to note that adding more main MOSFETs (nMF)
does not really help the switching loss per MOSFET since the
additional gate capacitance slows switching. The best thing to
reduce switching loss is to use lower gate capacitance devices.
The conduction loss of the main MOSFET is given by the
following, where RDS(MF) is the on resistance of the MOSFET:
() ()
MFDS
2
MF
R
2
MF
O
MFC R
n
In
12
1
n
I
DP ×
×
×+
×= (17)
Typically, for main MOSFETs, the highest speed (low CISS)
device is preferred, but these usually have higher on resistance.
Select a device that meets the total power dissipation (about
1.5 W for a single D-PAK) when combining the switching and
conduction losses.
For this example, an NTD60N02 was selected as the main
MOSFET (three total; nMF = 3), with a CISS = 948 pF (max) and
RDS(MF) = 11.2 mΩ (max at TJ = 120°C), and an NTD110N02 was
selected as the synchronous MOSFET (three total; nSF = 3), with
CISS = 2710 pF (max) and RDS(SF) = 4.8 mΩ (max at TJ = 120°C).
The synchronous MOSFET CISS is less than 6000 pF, satisfying
that requirement. Solving for the power dissipation per MOSFET
at IO = 56 A and IR = 6.6 A yields 913 mW for each synchronous
MOSFET and 1.48 W for each main MOSFET.
One last thing to consider is the power dissipation in the driver
for each phase. This is best described in terms of the QG for the
MOSFETs and is given by the following equation, where QGMF is
the total gate charge for each main MOSFET and QGSF is the
total gate charge for each synchronous MOSFET:
()
CCCCGSFSFGMFMF
SW
DRV VIQnQn
n2
f
P×
+×+××
×
=
(18)
Also shown is the standby dissipation factor (ICC × VCC) for the
driver. For the ADP3418, the maximum dissipation should be
less than 400 mW. In this example, with ICC = 7 mA, QGMF =
16 nC, and QGSF = 48 nC, one finds 211 mW in each driver,
which is below the 400 mW dissipation limit. See the ADP3418
data sheet for more details.
RAMP RESISTOR SELECTION
The ramp resistor (RR) is used for setting the size of the internal
PWM ramp. The value of this resistor is chosen to provide the
best combination of thermal balance, stability, and transient
response. The following expression is used for determining the
optimum value:
kΩ333
pF5m84.53
nH0600.2
R
CRA3
LA
R
R
RDS
D
R
R
=
×××
×
=
×××
×
=
(19)
where AR is the internal ramp amplifier gain, AD is the current
balancing amplifier gain, RDS is the total low-side MOSFET on
resistance, and CR is the internal ramp capacitor value. The
closest standard 1% resistor value is 332 kΩ.
Preliminary Technical Data ADP3186
Rev. PrB| Page 19 of 24
The internal ramp voltage magnitude can be calculated by using
()
()
Vm048
kHz330pF5k323
V51.250.110.2
V
fCR
VD1A
V
R
SWRR
VIDR
R
=
××
××
=
××
××
=
(20)
The size of the internal ramp can be made larger or smaller. If it
is made larger, stability and transient response improve, but
thermal balance degrades. Likewise, if the ramp is made smaller,
thermal balance improves at the sacrifice of transient response
and stability. The factor of three in the denominator of
Equation 19 sets a ramp size that gives an optimal balance for
good stability, transient response, and thermal balance.
COMP PIN RAMP
A ramp signal on the COMP pin is due to the droop voltage and
output voltage ramps. This ramp amplitude adds to the internal
ramp to produce the following overall ramp signal at the PWM
input:
()
()
××××
××+
=
ODOXSW
ODO
R
RT
RRCfn
Dn1RR
1
V
V (21)
In this example, the overall ramp signal is 560 mV.
CURRENT LIMIT SETPOINT
To select the current limit setpoint, first find the resistor value
for RLIM. The current limit threshold for the ADP3186 is set with
a 3 V source (VLIM) across RLIM with a gain of 10.4 mV/µA (ALIM).
RLIM can be found using
OLIM
LIMLIM
LIM RI
VA
R×
×
= (22)
For values of RLIM greater than 500 kΩ, the current limit may be
lower than expected, so some adjustment of RLIM may be needed.
Here, ILIM is the average current limit for the output of the supply.
In this example, choosing a peak current limit of 100 A for ILIM,
results in RLIM = 284 kΩ, for which 280 kΩ is chosen as the
nearest 1% value.
The limit of the per-phase current limit described earlier is
determined by:
()
()
2
I
RA
VVV
IR
MAXDSD
BIASRTMAXCOMP
PHLIM
×
(23)
For the ADP3186, the maximum COMP voltage (VCOMP(MAX)) is
3.3 V, the COMP pin bias voltage (VBIAS) is 1.2 V, and the current
balancing amplifier gain (AD) is 5. Using VR of 560 mV and
RDS(MAX) of 4.8 mΩ (low-side on resistance at 150°C), one finds a
per-phase peak current limit of 61 A. Although this number
may seem high, this current level can be reached only with a
absolute short at the output, and the current limit latch-off
function shuts down the regulator before overheating can occur.
This limit can be adjusted by changing the ramp voltage (VR),
but make sure not to set the per-phase limit lower than the
average per-phase current (ILIM/n).
The per-phase initial duty cycle limit determined by
()
RT
BIASMAXCOMP
MAX V
VV
DD
×= (24)
In this example, the maximum duty cycle is 0.47.
FEEDBACK LOOP COMPENSATION DESIGN
Optimized compensation of the ADP3186 allows the best
possible response of the regulator’s output to a load change. The
basis for determining the optimum compensation is to make
the regulator and output decoupling appear as an output
impedance that is entirely resistive over the widest possible
frequency range, including dc, and equal to the droop
resistances (RO and ROD). With the resistive output impedance,
the output voltage droops in proportion to the load current at
any load current slew rate. This ensures the optimal positioning
and allows the minimization of the output decoupling.
With the multimode feedback structure of the ADP3186, the
feedback compensation must be set to make the converter’s
output impedance, working in parallel with the output
decoupling, to meet this goal. Several poles and zeros created by
the output inductor and decoupling capacitors (output filter)
need to be compensated for.
A type-three compensator on the voltage feedback is adequate
for proper compensation of the output filter. Equations 25 to 29
are intended to yield an optimal starting point for the design;
some adjustments may be necessary to account for PCB and
component parasitic effects.
ADP3186 DRAFT
Rev. PrB | Page 20 of 24
The first step is to compute the time constants for all of the poles and zeros in the system:
()
()
VIDODOX
RTODO
VID
RTL
DSDODe VRRCn
VDn1LRR
V
VR
RARnR ××××
××××+
+
×
+×+×=
(
)
(
)
m5.40
V51.m9.1m1.1mF6.563
V560.3750.1nH060m9.1m1.1
V51.
V560.m61.
m8.45m9.13Re=
××××
+
+
×
+×+×= (25)
()
()
μs76.8
m51.
m0.6m91.
m9.1
pH005
m60.m91.mF6.56
R
'RR
R
L
'RRCT
X
OD
OD
X
ODXa =
×+×=
×+×= (26)
(
)
()
s31.1mF6.56m91.m60.m5.1CR'RRT XODXb
µ
=
×
+=×+= (27)
μs2.5
m5.40V51.
kHz3302
m84.5
nH060V560.
RV
f2
RA
LV
T
eVID
SW
DSD
RT
c=
×
×
×
×
=
×
×
×
×
= (28)
()
(
)
()
ns218
m91.μF08m60.m91.mF6.56
m91.μF08mF6.56
RC'RRC
RCC
T
2
ODZODX
2
ODZX
d=
×+×
××
=
×+×
××
= (29)
where, for the ADP3186, R' is the PCB resistance from the bulk
capacitors to the ceramics and where RDS is the total low-side
MOSFET on resistance per phase. In this example, AD is 5, VRT
equals 0.56 V, R' is approximately 0.6 mΩ (assuming a 4-layer,
1 ounce motherboard), and LX is 500 pH for the eight OS-CON
capacitors.
The compensation values can then be solved using:
pF616
k2m5.40
μs76.8m91.3
C
RR
TRn
C
A
Be
aOD
A
=
×
××
=
×
××
=
(30)
k44.8
pF616
μs2.5
C
T
R
A
c
A=== (31)
Fp655
k2
s31.1
R
T
C
B
b
B=
µ
== (32)
pF8.25
k44.8
ns218
R
T
C
A
d
FB === (33)
These are the starting values prior to tuning the design to
account for layout another parasitic effects (see the Tuning
Procedure section). The final values selected after tuning are:
pF27C
pF680C
k45.8R
pF680C
FB
B
A
A
=
=
=
=
CIN SELECTION AND
INPUT CURRENT di/dt REDUCTION
In continuous inductor current mode, the source current of the
high-side MOSFET is approximately a square wave with a duty
ratio equal to n × VOUT/VIN and an amplitude of one-nth the
maximum output current. To prevent large voltage transients, a
low ESR input capacitor, sized for the maximum rms current,
must be used. The maximum rms capacitor current is given by:
A05.91
250.13
1
A56125.0I
1
DN
1
IDI
CRMS
OCRMS
=
×
××=
×
××=
(34)
Note that the capacitor manufacturer’s ripple current ratings are
often based on only 2,000 hours of life. This makes it advisable
to further derate the capacitor or to choose a capacitor rated at a
higher temperature than required. Several capacitors may be
placed in parallel to meet size or height requirements in the
design. In this example, the input capacitor bank is formed by
three 2,200 µF, 16 V aluminum electrolytic capacitors with a
ripple rating of 3.5 A each.
To reduce the input current di/dt to a level below the recom-
mended maximum of 0.1 A/µs, an additional small inductor
(L > 1 µH @ 15 A) should be inserted between the converter
and the supply bus. That inductor also acts as a filter between
the converter and the primary power source.
Preliminary Technical Data ADP3186
Rev. PrB| Page 21 of 24
TUNING PROCEDURE FOR ADP3186
1. Build a circuit based on the compensation values
computed from the design spreadsheet.
2. Hook up the dc load to circuit, turn it on, and verify its
operation. Also check for jitter at no-load and full-load.
DC Loadline Setting
3. Measure the output voltage at no-load (VNL). Verify that it
is within tolerance.
4. Measure the output voltage at full-load cold (VFLCOLD). Let
the board sit for ~10 minutes at full-load, and then measure
the output (VFLHOT). If there is a change of more than a few
millivolts, adjust RCS1 and RCS2 using Equations 35 and 37.
() ()
FLHOTNL
FLCOLDNL
OLDCS2NEWCS2 VV
VV
RR
×= (35)
5. Repeat Step 4 until the cold and hot voltage measurements
remain the same.
6. Measure the output voltage from no-load to full-load using
5 A steps. Compute the loadline slope for each change, and
then average to get overall loadline slope (ROMEAS).
7. If ROMEAS is off from RO by more than 0.05 mΩ, use the
following to adjust the RPH values:
() ()
O
OMEAS
OLDPHNEWPH R
R
RR ×= (36)
8. Repeat Steps 6 and 7 to check the loadline, and repeat
adjustments if necessary.
9. Once dc loadline adjustment is complete, do not change
RPH, RCS1, RCS2, or RTH for remainder of procedure.
10. Measure the output ripple at no-load and full-load with a
scope, and make sure it is within specifications.
AC Loadline Setting
11. Remove the dc load from the circuit and hook up the
dynamic load.
12. Hook up the scope to the output voltage and set it to dc
coupling with the time scale at 100 µs/div.
13. Set the dynamic load for a transient step of about 24 A at
1 kHz with 50% duty cycle.
14. Measure the output waveform (you may have to use dc
offset on scope to see the waveform). Try to use a vertical
scale of 100 mV/div or finer. This waveform should look
similar to Figure 12.
15. Use the horizontal cursors to measure VACDRP and VDCDRP as
shown. Do not measure the undershoot or overshoot that
happens immediately after the step.
16. If VACDRP and VDCDRP are different by more than a few
millivolts, use Equation 38 to adjust CCS. You may ne e d to
parallel different values to get the right one since there are
limited standard capacitor values available. (It is a good
idea to have locations for two capacitors in the layout for
this.)
() ()
DCDRP
ACDRP
OLDCSNEWCS V
V
CC ×= (38)
17. Repeat Steps 11 to 13 and repeat the adjustments if
necessary. Once complete, do not change CCS for the
remainder of the procedure.
Set the dynamic load step to maximum step size (do not
use a step size larger than needed) and verify that the
output waveform is square, which means that VACDRP and
VDCDRP are equal.
V
ACDRP
V
DCDRP
04835-0-012
Figure 12. AC Loadline Waveform
() () ( )
() ( ) () ( )
()
() ( )
()
()
C25THC25THOLDCS1NEWCS2OLDCS1C25THOLDCS1
C25THOLDCS1
NEWCS1
R
1
RRRRRR
RR
1
R
°°°
°
×+×
+
= (37)
ADP3186 DRAFT
Rev. PrB | Page 22 of 24
Initial Transient Setting
18. With the dynamic load still set at the maximum step size,
expand the scope time scale to see 2 µs/div to 5 µs/div. The
waveform may have two overshoots and one minor under-
shoot (see Figure 13). Here, VDROOP is the final desired value.
V
DROOP
V
TRAN1
V
TRAN2
04835-0-013
Figure 13. Transient Setting Waveform
19. If both overshoots are larger than desired, try making the
adjustments described below. Note that if these
adjustments do not change the response, you are limited by
the output decoupling. Check the output response each
time you make a change as well as the switching nodes to
make sure that the response is still stable.
Make the ramp resistor larger by 25% (RRAMP).
For VTRAN1, increase CB or increase the switching frequency.
For VTRAN2, increase RA and decrease CA by 25%.
20. For load release (see Figure 14), if VTRANREL is larger than
VTRAN1 (see Figure 13), there is not enough output capaci-
tance. You need more capacitance or you have to make the
inductor values smaller. (If you change inductors, you need
to start the design again using the spreadsheet and this
tuning procedure.)
V
DROOP
V
TRANREL
04835-0-014
Figure 14. Transient Setting Waveform
Since the ADP3186 turns off all of the phases (switches inductors
to ground), there is no ripple voltage present during load release.
Thus, you do not have to add headroom for ripple, allowing
your load release VTRANREL to be larger than VTRAN1 by the
amount of ripple, and still meet specifications.
If VTRAN1 and VTRANREL are less than the desired final droop, this
implies that capacitors can be removed. When removing capaci-
tors, check the output ripple voltage as well to make sure that it
is still within specifications.
LAYOUT AND COMPONENT PLACEMENT
The following guidelines are recommended for optimal
performance of a switching regulator in a PC system.
General Recommendations
For good results, a PCB with at least four layers is recommended.
This should allow the needed versatility for control circuitry
interconnections with optimal placement, power planes for
ground, input and output power, and wide interconnection
traces in the remainder of the power delivery current paths.
Keep in mind that each square unit of 1 ounce copper trace
has a resistance of ~0.53 mΩ at room temperature.
Whenever high currents must be routed between PCB layers,
vias should be used liberally to create several parallel current
paths so that the resistance and inductance introduced by these
current paths is minimized and the via current rating is not
exceeded.
If critical signal lines (including the output voltage sense lines of
the ADP3186) must cross through power circuitry, it is best if a
signal ground plane can be interposed between those signal lines
and the traces of the power circuitry. This serves as a shield to
minimize noise injection into the signals at the expense of
making signal ground a bit noisier.
An analog ground plane should be used around and under the
ADP3186 as a reference for the components associated with the
controller. This plane should be tied to the nearest output
decoupling capacitor ground and should not be tied to any other
power circuitry to prevent power currents from flowing in it.
The components around the ADP3186 should be located close
to the controller with short traces. The most important traces to
keep short and away from other traces are the FB and CSSUM
pins. The output capacitors should be connected as close as
possible to the load (or connector), for example, a
microprocessor core, that receives the power. If the load is
distributed, the capacitors should also be distributed and
generally be in proportion to where the load tends to be more
dynamic.
Avoid crossing any signal lines over the switching power path
loop, described in the following section.
Preliminary Technical Data ADP3186
Rev. PrB| Page 23 of 24
Power Circuitry Recommendations
The switching power path should be routed on the PCB to
encompass the shortest possible length in order to minimize
radiated switching noise energy (i.e., EMI) and conduction
losses in the board. Failure to take proper precautions often
results in EMI problems for the entire PC system as well as
noise-related operational problems in the power converter
control circuitry. The switching power path is the loop formed
by the current path through the input capacitors and the power
MOSFETs including all interconnecting PCB traces and planes.
Using short and wide interconnection traces is especially critical
in this path for two reasons: it minimizes the inductance in the
switching loop, which can cause high energy ringing, and it
accommodates the high current demand with minimal voltage
loss.
Whenever a power dissipating component, for example, a power
MOSFET, is soldered to a PCB, the liberal use of vias, both
directly on the mounting pad and immediately surrounding it,
is recommended. Two important reasons for this are improved
current rating through the vias and improved thermal perform-
ance from vias extended to the opposite side of the PCB, where
a plane can more readily transfer the heat to the air. Make a
mirror image of any pad being used to heatsink the MOSFETs
on the opposite side of the PCB to achieve the best thermal
dissipation to the air around the board. To further improve
thermal performance, use the largest possible pad area.
The output power path should also be routed to encompass a
short distance. The output power path is formed by the current
path through the inductor, the output capacitors, and the load.
For best EMI containment, a solid power ground plane should
be used as one of the inner layers extending fully under all the
power components.
Signal Circuitry Recommendations
The output voltage is sensed and regulated between the FB pin
and the FBRTN pin, which connect to the signal ground at the
load. To avoid differential mode noise pickup in the sensed
signal, the loop area should be small. Thus, the FB and FBRTN
traces should be routed adjacent to each other on top of the
power ground plane back to the controller.
The feedback traces from the switch nodes should be connected
as close as possible to the inductor. The CSREF signal should be
connected to the output voltage at the nearest inductor to the
controller.
OUTLINE DIMENSIONS
28 15
141
COMPLIANT TO JEDEC STANDARDS MO-153AE
SEATING
PLANE
COPLANARITY
0.10
1.20 MAX
6.40 BSC
0.65
BSC
PIN 1
0.30
0.19 0.20
0.09
4.50
4.40
4.30
0.75
0.60
0.45
9.80
9.70
9.60
0.15
0.05
Figure 15. 28-Lead This Shrink Small Outline Package [TSSOP]
(RU-28)
Dimensions shown in millimeters
ORDERING GUIDE
Model Temperature Range Package Description Package Option Quantity per Reel
ADP3186JRUZ-REEL10°C to 85°C Thin Shrink SOIC 13” Reel RU-28 2500
1 Z = Pb-free part.
© 2004 Analog Devices, Inc. All rights reserved. Trademarks and
registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
PR04914-0-5/04(PrB)
Rev. PrB|Page 24 of 24
ADP3186
Preliminary Technical Data