LTC3531/
LTC3531-3.3/LTC3531-3
9
3531fb
The LTC3531, LTC3531-3.3 and LTC3531-3 synchro-
nous buck-boost converters utilize a Burst Mode control
technique to achieve high effi ciency over a wide dynamic
range of load currents. A 2% accurate comparator is
used to monitor the output voltage. If VOUT is above its
programmed reference threshold no switching occurs and
only quiescent current is drawn from the power source
(sleep mode). When VOUT drops below the reference
threshold the IC “wakes up”, switching commences, and
the output capacitor is charged. The value of the output
capacitor, the load current, and the comparator hysteresis
(~1%) determines the number of current pulses required
to pump-up the output capacitor before the part returns
to sleep.
In order to determine the best operating mode for the
converter, the LTC3531 contains a second comparator
that monitors the relative voltage difference between VIN
and VOUT. Input and output voltages in the various modes
as well as typical inductor currents are shown in Figure 1.
Regions of the current waveforms where switches A and
D are on provide the highest effi ciency since energy is
transferred directly from the input source to the output.
Boost Mode
If VIN is ~400mV below VOUT, the LTC3531 operates in
boost or step-up mode. Referring to Figure 1 (left side)
when VOUT falls below its regulation voltage, switches A
and C are turned on (VIN is applied across the inductor)
and current is ramped until IPEAK is detected. When this
occurs, C is turned off, D is turned on and current is deliv-
ered to the output capacitor (VIN – VOUT is applied across
the inductor). Inductor current falls when D is on, until an
IVALLEY is detected. Terminating at IVALLEY, rather than IZERO,
results in an increased load current capability for a given
peak current. This AC then AD switch sequence is repeated
until the output is pumped above its regulation voltage, a
fi nal IZERO is detected, and the part returns to sleep mode
(IVALLEY is ignored and IZERO is used in all modes once
VOUT is above its programmed value).
4-Switch Mode
If (VOUT – 400mV) < ~VIN < (VOUT + 800mV), the LTC3531
operates in 4-switch step-up/down mode. Returning to
Figure 1 (center) when VOUT falls below its regulation volt-
age, switches A and C are turned on and current is ramped
until IPEAK is detected. As with Boost Mode operation, C
is then turned off, D is turned on and current is delivered
to the output. When A and D are on, the inductor current
slope is dependant on the relationship between VIN, VOUT,
and the RDSON of the switches. In 4-switch mode, a tOFF
timer (approximately 3μs) is used to terminate the AD
pulse. Once the tOFF timer expires, switch A is turned off,
B is turned on and inductor current is ramped down (VOUT
is applied across the inductor) until IVALLEY is detected.
This sequence is repeated until the output is regulated,
BD switches are turned on, and a fi nal IZERO is detected.
Anticross conduction circuitry in all modes ensures the
P-channel MOSFET and N-channel MOSFET switch pairs (A
and B or D and C) are never turned on simultaneously.
OPERATIO
U
Figure 1. Voltage and Current Waveforms
VOUT
IMAX
BOOST MODE 4SW MODE BUCK MODE
IPEAK
IVALLEY
IZERO
VIN
VIN
tOFF tOFF
tOFF
AC AC AC AD AD ADADAD AD AD ACAC BD BDBD BD BD
3531 F01
VIN VOUT
A
BC
D
SW1 SW2
L