SC4212L
9
Introduction
The SC4212L is intended for applications where high
current capability and very low dropout voltage are
required. It provides a very simple, low cost solution that
uses very little PCB area. Additional features include an
enable pin to allow for a very low power consumption in
standby mode, and a fully adjustable output.
VO Setting: VO = VREF
By connecting the FB pin directly to the VO pin, the output
voltage will be regulated to the 0.5V internal reference. In
this conguration, R2 should be 10kΩ.
VO Setting with External Resistors
The use of 1% resistors, and designing for a current ow ≥
50µA is recommended to ensure a well regulated output
(thus R2 ≤ 10kΩ). R1 can then be calculated from
R1 = R2 (VO-VREF)/VREF
Enable
Pulling this pin below 0.4V turns the regulator o, reduc-
ing the quiescent current to a fraction of its operating
value. Driving this pin high enables the regulator. A pull
up resistor ≤ 400kΩ should be connected from this pin to
the VIN pin in applications where the Enable pin is not
driven from a control circuit.
Input Capacitor
A 10µF X5R or X7R ceramic capacitor, along with a 0.1µF
ceramic decoupling capacitor is recommended to be
placed directly next to the VIN pin. This allows for the
device being some distance from the input source, reduc-
ing the input droop due to load transients and improving
load transient response. Additional capacitance may be
needed if large step, fast di/dt load transients are required
or the LDO is located far away from the input source.
Output Capacitor
A 10µF X5R or X7R ceramic capacitor, along with a 0.1µF
ceramic decoupling capacitor is recommended.
Applications Information
Soft-Start
Soft-start is achieved by using a voltage ramp as the
voltage reference for the internal error amplier during
startup. This voltage ramp is created by an internal 2µA
current source charging an external soft-start capacitor.
When the voltage ramp reaches 500mV, the voltage refer-
ence for the internal error amplier switches to the xed
500mV VREF. Thus, during soft-start, the output tracks the
internal voltage ramp, which limits the input inrush
current and provides a programmed soft-start prole for a
wide range of applications. The soft-start time tSS can be
calculated with the below equation:
tSS = 0.25x106CSS
Power Good
The power good output is an open-drain output which
requires a pull-up resistor. The SC4212L features an active-
high power good. During startup, the power good pin will
not be pulled high until the soft-start is completed. In any
case, the power good output will be low when the FB pin
voltage is not within 10% of VREF.
Over-Current and Thermal Shutdown
The over-current protection and thermal shutdown func-
tions protect the regulator against damage due to exces-
sive power dissipation. The SC4212L is designed to current
limit when the output current reaches 1.6A (typical). When
the load exceeds 1.6A, the output voltage is reduced to
maintain a constant current limit.
The thermal shutdown function limits the junction tem-
perature to a maximum of 150OC (typical). Thermal shut-
down turns o the regulator as the junction temperature
reaches the high trip level of 150OC. When the junction
temperature drops below 140OC (typical), the regulator is
turned on once again.
Thermal Considerations
The power dissipation in the SC4212L is roughly given by
the following equation:
PD = (VIN - VO)IO