LTC3115-2
1
31152fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3115-2
Typical applicaTion
FeaTures DescripTion
40V, 2A Synchronous
Buck-Boost DC/DC Converter
The LTC
®
3115-2 is a high voltage monolithic synchronous
buck-boost DC/DC converter optimized for applications
subject to fast (<1ms) input voltage transients. For all other
applications, the LTC3115-1 is recommended. With its wide
2.7V to 40V input and output voltage ranges, the LTC3115-2
is well suited for use in a wide variety of automotive and
industrial power supplies. A proprietary low noise switch-
ing algorithm optimizes efficiency with input voltages that
are above, below or even equal to the output voltage and
ensures seamless transitions between operational modes.
Programmable frequency PWM mode operation provides
low noise, high efficiency operation and the ability to syn-
chronize switching to an external clock. Switching frequen-
cies up to 2MHz are supported to allow use of small value in-
ductors for miniaturization of the application circuit. Pin se-
lectable Burst Mode operation reduces standby current and
improves light load efficiency which, combined with a 3µA
shutdown current, make the LTC3115-2 ideally suited for
battery-powered applications. Additional features include
output disconnect in shutdown, short-circuit protection
and internal soft-start. The LTC3115-2 is available in ther-
mally enhanced 16-lead 4mm × 5mm × 0.75mm DFN and
20-lead TSSOP packages.
Efficiency vs VIN
applicaTions
n Wide VIN Range: 2.7V to 40V
n Wide VOUT Range: 2.7V to 40V
n 0.8A Output Current for VIN ≥ 3.6V, VOUT = 5V
n 2A Output Current in Step-Down Operation
for VIN ≥ 6V
n Programmable Frequency: 100kHz to 2MHz
n Synchronizable Up to 2MHz with an External Clock
n Up to 95% Efficiency
n 30µA No-Load Quiescent Current in Burst Mode
®
Operation
n Ultralow Noise Buck-Boost PWM
n Internal Soft-Start
n 3µA Supply Current in Shutdown
n Programmable Input Undervoltage Lockout
n Small 4mm × 5mm × 0.75mm DFN Package
n Thermally Enhanced 20-Lead TSSOP Package
n 24V/28V Industrial Applications
n Automotive Power Systems
n Telecom, Servers and Networking Equipment
n FireWire Regulator
n Multiple Power Source Supplies
L, LT, LTC, LTM, Burst Mode, LTspice, Linear Technology and the Linear logo are registered
trademarks and No RSENSE is a trademark of Linear Technology Corporation. All other
trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Protected by U.S. Patents including
6404251, 6166527 and others pending.
BST1 BST2
PVIN
VIN
VC
PVOUT
PWM/SYNC
FBRUN
PVCC
VCC
RT
SW1 SW2
GND PGND
LTC3115-2
10µH
5V, 750kHz Wide Input Voltage Range Buck-Boost Regulator
0.1µF
BURST PWM
2.7V TO
40V
0.1µF
33pF
(OPTIONAL)
5V
0.8A VIN > 3.6V
2A VIN ≥ 6V
4.7µF 47µF × 2
1M
249k
4.7µF
31152 TA01a
47.5k
15k
137k 3300pF
OFF ON
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
EFFICIENCY (%)
95
90
85
31152 TA01b
70
80
75
40
2 10
ILOAD = 0.5A
ILOAD = 1A
VOUT = 5V
LTC3115-2
2
31152fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3115-2
pin conFiguraTion
absoluTe MaxiMuM raTings
VIN, PVIN, PVOUT ........................................ 0.3V to 45V
VSW1
DC ........................................... 0.3V to (PVIN + 0.3V)
Pulsed (<100ns) ...................... 1.5V to (PVIN + 1.5V)
VSW2
DC .........................................0.3V to (PVOUT + 0.3V)
Pulsed (<100ns) ....................1.5V to (PVOUT + 1.5V)
VRUN ............................................. 0.3V to (VIN + 0.3V)
VBST1 .....................................VSW1 – 0.3V to VSW1 + 6V
VBST2 .....................................VSW2 – 0.3V to VSW2 + 6V
(Note 1)
orDer inForMaTion
LEAD FREE FINISH TAPE AND REEL PART MARKING* PACKAGE DESCRIPTION TEMPERATURE RANGE
LTC3115EDHD-2#PBF LTC3115EDHD-2#TRPBF 31152 16-Lead (5mm × 4mm) Plastic DFN –40°C to 125°C
LTC3115IDHD-2#PBF LTC3115IDHD-2#TRPBF 31152 16-Lead (5mm × 4mm) Plastic DFN –40°C to 125°C
LTC3115EFE-2#PBF LTC3115EFE-2#TRPBF LTC3115FE-2 20-Lead Plastic TSSOP –40°C to 125°C
LTC3115IFE-2#PBF LTC3115IFE-2#TRPBF LTC3115FE-2 20-Lead Plastic TSSOP –40°C to 125°C
LTC3115HFE-2#PBF LTC3115HFE-2#TRPBF LTC3115FE-2 20-Lead Plastic TSSOP –40°C to 150°C
LTC3115MPFE-2#PBF LTC3115MPFE-2#TRPBF LTC3115FE-2 20-Lead Plastic TSSOP –55°C to 150°C
Consult LTC Marketing for parts specified with wider operating temperature ranges. *The temperature grade is identified by a label on the shipping
container.Consult LTC Marketing for information on non-standard lead based finish parts.
For more information on lead free part marking, go to: http://www.linear.com/leadfree/
For more information on tape and reel specifications, go to: http://www.linear.com/tapeandreel/
VPWM/SYNC ................................................... 0.3V to 6V
Voltage, All Other Pins ................................. 0.3V to 6V
Operating Junction Temperature Range (Notes 2, 4)
LTC3115E-2/LTC3115I-2 ..................... 40°C to 125°C
LTC3115H-2 ....................................... 40°C to 150°C
LTC3115MP-2 .................................... 55°C to 150°C
Storage Temperature Range .................. 65°C to 150°C
Lead Temperature (Soldering, 10 sec)
FE......................................................................300°C
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
PGND
17
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
PWM/SYNC
SW1
PVIN
BST1
BST2
PVCC
VIN
VCC
RUN
SW2
PVOUT
GND
GND
VC
FB
RT
TOP VIEW
DHD PACKAGE
16-LEAD (5mm × 4mm) PLASTIC DFN
TJMAX = 125°C, θJA = 43°C/W, θJC = 4.3°C/W
EXPOSED PAD (PIN 17) IS PGND, MUST BE SOLDERED TO PCB
FE PACKAGE
20-LEAD PLASTIC TSSOP
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
TOP VIEW
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
PGND
RUN
SW2
PVOUT
GND
GND
VC
FB
RT
PGND
PGND
PWM/SYNC
SW1
PVIN
BST1
BST2
PVCC
VIN
VCC
PGND
21
PGND
TJMAX = 150°C, θJA = 38°C/W, θJC = 10°C/W
EXPOSED PAD (PIN 21) IS PGND, MUST BE SOLDERED
TO PCB FOR RATED THERMAL PERFORMANCE
LTC3115-2
3
31152fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3115-2
The l denotes the specifications which apply over the specified operating
junction temperature range, otherwise specifications are for TA = 25°C (Note 2). PVIN = VIN = 24V, PVOUT = 5V, unless otherwise noted.
elecTrical characTerisTics
PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
Input Operating Voltage l2.7 40 V
Output Operating Voltage l2.7 40 V
Input Undervoltage Lockout Threshold VIN Falling
VIN Rising
VIN Rising (0°C to 125°C)
l
l
2.4
2.6 2.7
2.8
2.725
V
V
V
Input Undervoltage Lockout Hysteresis 100 mV
VCC Undervoltage Lockout Threshold VCC Falling l2.4 2.6 V
VCC Undervoltage Lockout Hysteresis 200 mV
Input Current in Shutdown VRUN = 0V 3 10 µA
Input Quiescent Current in Burst Mode Operation VFB = 1.1V (Not Switching), VPWM/SYNC = Low 50 µA
Oscillator Frequency RT = 35.7k, VPWM/SYNC = High l900 1000 1100 kHz
Oscillator Operating Frequency VPWM/SYNC = High l100 2000 kHz
PWM/SYNC Clock Input Frequency l100 2000 kHz
PWM/SYNC Input Logic Threshold l0.5 1.0 1.5 V
Soft-Start Duration 9 ms
Feedback Voltage l977 1000 1017 mV
Feedback Voltage Line Regulation VIN = 2.7V to 40V 0.1 %
Feedback Pin Input Current 1 50 nA
RUN Pin Input Logic Threshold l0.3 0.8 1.1 V
RUN Pin Comparator Threshold VRUN Rising l1.16 1.21 1.26 V
RUN Pin Hysteresis Current 500 nA
RUN Pin Hysteresis Voltage 100 mV
Inductor Current Limit (Note 3) l2.4 3.0 3.7 A
Reverse Inductor Current Limit Current into PVOUT (Note 3) 1.5 A
Burst Mode Inductor Current Limit (Note 3) 0.65 1.0 1.35 A
Maximum Duty Cycle Percentage of Period SW2 is Low in Boost Mode,
RT = 35.7k (Note 5)
l90 95 %
Minimum Duty Cycle Percentage of Period SW1 is High in Buck Mode,
RT = 35.7k (Note 5)
l0 %
SW1, SW2 Minimum Low Time RT = 35.7k (Note 5) 100 ns
N-Channel Switch Resistance Switch A (From PVIN to SW1)
Switch B (From SW1 to PGND)
Switch C (From SW2 to PGND)
Switch D (From PVOUT to SW2)
150
150
150
150
N-Channel Switch Leakage PVIN = PVOUT = 40V 0.1 10 µA
PVCC/VCC External Forcing Voltage 4.58 5.5 V
VCC Regulation Voltage IVCC = 1mA 4.33 4.45 4.58 V
VCC Load Regulation IVCC = 1mA to 20mA 1.2 %
VCC Line Regulation IVCC = 1mA, VIN = 5V to 40V 0.5 %
VCC Current Limit VCC = 2.5V 50 110 mA
VCC Dropout Voltage IVCC = 5mA, VIN = 2.7V 50 mV
VCC Reverse Current VCC = 5V, VIN = 3.6V 10 µA
Note 1: Stresses beyond those listed under Absolute Maximum Ratings
may cause permanent damage to the device. Exposure to any Absolute
Maximum Rating condition for extended periods may affect device
reliability and lifetime.
Note 2: The LTC3115-2 is tested under pulsed load conditions such
that TJTA. The LTC3115E-2 is guaranteed to meet specifications
from 0°C to 85°C junction temperature. Specifications over the –40°C
to 125°C operating junction temperature range are ensured by design,
characterization and correlation with statistical process controls. The
LTC3115I-2 specifications are guaranteed over the –40°C to 125°C
operating junction temperature range. The LTC3115H-2 specifications are
guaranteed over the –40°C to 150°C operating junction temperature range.
The LTC3115MP-2 specifications are guaranteed over the –55°C to 150°C
operating junction temperature range. High junction temperatures degrade
LTC3115-2
4
31152fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3115-2
Typical perForMance characTerisTics
PWM Mode Efficiency, VOUT = 5V,
fSW = 1MHz, Non-Bootstrapped
PWM Mode Efficiency,
VOUT = 12V, fSW = 1MHz
PWM Mode Efficiency,
VOUT = 24V, fSW = 1MHz
PWM Mode Efficiency, VOUT = 5V,
fSW = 500kHz, Non-Bootstrapped
PWM Mode Efficiency,
VOUT = 12V, fSW = 500kHz
PWM Mode Efficiency,
VOUT = 24V, fSW = 500kHz
(TA = 25°C unless otherwise specified)
elecTrical characTerisTics
operating lifetime; operating lifetime is derated for junction temperatures
greater than 125°C. The maximum ambient temperature consistent with
these specifications is determined by specific operating conditions in
conjunction with board layout, the rated package thermal resistance and
other environmental factors.
The junction temperature (TJ in °C) is calculated from the ambient
temperature (TA in °C) and power dissipation (PD in Watts) according to
the following formula:
TJ = TA + (PD θJA)
where θJA is the thermal impedance of the package.
Note 3: Current measurements are performed when the LTC3115-2 is
not switching. The current limit values measured in operation will be
somewhat higher due to the propagation delay of the comparators.
Note 4: This IC includes overtemperature protection that is intended to
protect the device during momentary overload conditions. The maximum
rated junction temperature will be exceeded when this protection is active.
Continuous operation above the specified absolute maximum operating
junction temperature may impair device reliability or permanently damage
the device.
Note 5: Switch timing measurements are made in an open-loop test
configuration. Timing in the application may vary somewhat from these
values due to differences in the switch pin voltage during the non-overlap
durations when switch pin voltage is influenced by the magnitude and
direction of the inductor current.
LOAD CURRENT (A)
0.01
60
EFFICIENCY (%)
80
100
0.10 1
31152 G01
40
50
70
90
30
20
VIN = 3.6V
VIN = 5V
VIN = 12V
VIN = 24V
VIN = 36V
LOAD CURRENT (A)
0.01
70
EFFICIENCY (%)
80
90
100
0.1 1
31152 G02
60
50
40
30
VIN = 5V
VIN = 12V
VIN = 24V
VIN = 36V
LOAD CURRENT (A)
0.01
70
EFFICIENCY (%)
80
90
0.1 1
31152 G03
60
30
50
40
100
VIN = 12V
VIN = 18V
VIN = 24V
VIN = 36V
LOAD CURRENT (A)
0.01
60
EFFICIENCY (%)
80
100
0.1 1
31152 G04
40
50
70
90
30
20
VIN = 3.6V
VIN = 5V
VIN = 12V
VIN = 24V
VIN = 36V
LOAD CURRENT (A)
0.01
70
EFFICIENCY (%)
80
90
100
0.1 1
31152 G05
60
50
40
30
VIN = 5V
VIN = 12V
VIN = 24V
VIN = 36V
LOAD CURRENT (A)
0.01
70
EFFICIENCY (%)
80
90
0.1 1
31152 G06
60
30
40
50
100
VIN = 12V
VIN = 18V
VIN = 24V
VIN = 36V
LTC3115-2
5
31152fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3115-2
Burst Mode Efficiency, VOUT = 5V,
L = 15µH, Non-Bootstrapped
Burst Mode Efficiency,
VOUT = 12V, L = 15µH
Burst Mode Efficiency,
VOUT = 24V, L = 15µH
Typical perForMance characTerisTics
(TA = 25°C unless otherwise specified)
Maximum Load Current
vs VIN, Burst Mode Operation
Burst Mode No-Load Input
Current vs VIN
PWM Mode No-Load Input
Current vs VIN
Maximum Load Current
vs VIN, PWM Mode
Maximum Load Current
vs VIN, PWM Mode
Maximum Load Current
vs VIN, PWM Mode
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
0.1
70
EFFICIENCY (%)
80
90
1 10 100
31152 G07
60
65
75
85
55
50
VIN = 3.6V
VIN = 12V
VIN = 24V
VIN = 36V
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
0.1
70
EFFICIENCY (%)
80
95
90
1 10 100
31152 G08
60
65
75
85
55
50
VIN = 5V
VIN = 12V
VIN = 24V
VIN = 36V
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
0.1
70
EFFICIENCY (%)
80
90
1 10 100
31152 G09
60
65
75
85
55
50
VIN = 12V
VIN = 18V
VIN = 24V
VIN = 36V
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
2
0
INPUT CURRENT (µA)
100
200
400
10 40
31152 G10
300
50
150
350
250
VOUT = 24V
VOUT = 15V
VOUT = 5V
VOUT = 5V, BOOTSTRAPPED
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
2
0
INPUT CURRENT (mA)
10
20
30
40
10 40
31152 G11
50
5
15
25
35
45 VOUT = 24V
VOUT = 12V
VOUT = 5V
fSW = 1MHz
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
LOAD CURRENT (A)
2.5
2.0
1.5
31152 G12
0
1.0
0.5
40
2 10
L = 22µH
fSW = 500kHz
VOUT = 24V
VOUT = 12V
VOUT = 5V
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
2 10
10
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
100
1000
40
31152 G13
L = 22µH
VOUT = 32V
VOUT = 12V
VOUT = 5V
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
LOAD CURRENT (A)
2.5
2.0
1.5
31152 G47
0
1.0
0.5
40
2 10
L = 15µH
fSW = 1MHz
VOUT = 24V
VOUT = 12V
VOUT = 5V
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
LOAD CURRENT (A)
2.5
2.0
1.5
31152 G48
0
1.0
0.5
40
2 10
L = 5.2µH
fSW = 2MHz
VOUT = 12V
VOUT = 5V
LTC3115-2
6
31152fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3115-2
Typical perForMance characTerisTics
Combined VCC/PVCC Supply
Current vs VCC
Combined VCC/PVCC Supply
Current vs Temperature Output Voltage Load Regulation
VCC Regulator Load Regulation
(TA = 25°C unless otherwise specified)
VCC Regulator Line Regulation
Output Voltage Line Regulation
VCC Voltage vs Temperature
VCC (V)
2.5
VCC/PVCC CURRENT (mA)
6
8
10
45
31152 G16
4
2
03 3.5 4.5
12
14
16
5.5
fSW = 1MHz
fSW = 500kHz
TEMPERATURE (°C)
–50
11.0
VCC/PVCC CURRENT (mA)
11.1
11.3
11.4
11.5
12.0
11.7
050
31152 G17
11.2
11.8
11.9
11.6
100 150
VIN = 6V
VOUT = 5V
fSW = 1MHz
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
0
–0.5
CHANGE IN OUTPUT VOLTAGE FROM VIN = 20V (%)
–0.4
–0.2
–0.1
0
0.5
0.2
10 20
31152 G19
–0.3
0.3
0.4
0.1
30 40
TEMPERATURE (°C)
–50
–1.0
CHANGE FROM 25°C (%)
–0.8
–0.4
–0.2
0
1.0
0.4
050
31152 G20
–0.6
0.6
0.8
0.2
100 150
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
0
–1.0
CHANGE FROM VIN = 24V (%)
–0.8
–0.4
–0.2
0
1.0
0.4
10 20
31152 G22
–0.6
0.6
0.8
0.2
30 40
LOAD CURRENT (A)
0
–0.5
CHANGE IN VOLTAGE FROM ZERO LOAD (%)
–0.4
–0.2
–0.1
0
0.5
0.2
0.5 1
31152 G18
–0.3
0.3
0.4
0.1
1.5 2
ICC (mA)
0
CHANGE IN VOLTAGE FROM ICC = 0mA (%)
–1.0
–0.5
0
40
31152 G21
–1.5
–2.0
–2.5 10 20 30 50
Efficiency vs Switching Frequency
Combined VCC/PVCC Supply
Current vs Switching Frequency
SWITCHING FREQUENCY (kHz)
0
EFFICIENCY (%)
80
85
2000
31152 G14
75
70 500 1000 1500
95
90
BOOTSTRAPPED
PWM MODE
L = 47µH
VIN = 24V
VOUT = 5V
ILOAD = 0.5A
NON-BOOTSTRAPPED
SWITCHING FREQUENCY (kHz)
0
20
25
35
1500
31152 G15
15
10
500 1000 2000
5
0
30
VCC/PVCC CURRENT (mA)
VIN = 36V
VOUT = 24V
VIN = 12V
VOUT = 5V
LTC3115-2
7
31152fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3115-2
Typical perForMance characTerisTics
VCC Regulator Dropout Voltage
vs Temperature
RUN Pin Threshold
vs Temperature
RUN Pin Hysteresis Current
vs Temperature
Oscillator Frequency vs RT
Oscillator Frequency
vs Temperature
(TA = 25°C unless otherwise specified)
Power Switch Resistance
vs Temperature
Oscillator Frequency vs VIN
RUN Pin Current
vs RUN Pin Voltage
Shutdown Current on VIN/PVIN
vs Input Voltage
TEMPERATURE (°C)
–50
DROPOUT VOLTAGE (V)
0.10
0.15
150
31152 G23
0.05
0050 100
0.25
0.20
VIN = 4V
IVCC = 20mA
TEMPERATURE (°C)
–50
–1.0
CHANGE FROM 25°C (%)
–0.8
–0.4
–0.2
0
1.0
0.4
050
31152 G24
–0.6
0.6
0.8
0.2
100 150
TEMPERATURE (°C)
–50
CHANGE FROM 25°C (%)
0
0.5
1.0
150
31152 G25
–0.5
–1.0
–2.0 050 100
–1.5
2.0
1.5
RT (kΩ)
10
100
SWITCHING FREQUENCY (kHz)
1000
10000
100 1000
31152 G26
TEMPERATURE (°C)
–50
CHANGE FROM 25°C (%)
0
0.5
1.0
150
–0.5
–1.0
–2.0 050 100
–1.5
2.0
1.5
fSW = 1MHz
VIN (V)
2
–2.0
CHANGE FROM VIN = 24V (%)
–1.0
0
2.0
10 40
31152 G28
1.0
–1.5
–0.5
1.5
0.5
fSW = 1MHz
RUN PIN VOLTAGE (V)
0
CURRENT INTO RUN PIN (µA)
3
4
5
40
31152 G29
2
1
–1 10 20 30
0
7VIN = 40V
6
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
0
0
COMBINED VIN/PVIN CURRENT (µA)
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0 VRUN = 0V
10 20 30 40
31152 G30
TEMPERATURE (°C)
–50
0
POWER SWITCH (A-D) RESISTANCE (mΩ)
50
100
150
200
250
300
0 50 100 150
31152 G31
LTC3115-2
8
31152fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3115-2
Typical perForMance characTerisTics
Inductor Current Limit Thresholds
vs Temperature
(TA = 25°C unless otherwise specified)
SW1, SW2 Minimum Low Time
vs VCC
SW1, SW2 Minimum Low Time
vs Switching Frequency
SW2 Maximum Duty Cycle
vs Switching Frequency
Die Temperature Rise vs Load
Current, VOUT = 5V, fSW = 750kHz
Die Temperature Rise vs Load
Current, VOUT = 5V, fSW = 1.5MHz
SW1, SW2 Minimum Low Time
vs Temperature
TEMPERATURE (°C)
–50
–5
CHANGE FROM 25°C (%)
–4
–2
–1
0
5
2
050
31152 G34
–3
3
4
1
100 150
SWA
CURRENT
LIMIT
SWB
CURRENT
LIMIT
TEMPERATURE (°C)
–50
90
MINIMUM LOW TIME (ns)
92
96
98
100
110
104
050
31152 G35
94
106
108
102
100 150
fSW = 1MHz
NO LOAD
VCC (V)
2.5
60
MINIMUM LOW TIME (ns)
80
100
120
140
180
33.5 4 4.5
31152 G36
5 5.5
160
fSW = 300kHz
fSW = 1MHz
fSW = 2MHz
SWITCHING FREQUENCY (kHz)
0
140
160
200
1500
31152 G37
120
100
500 1000 2000
80
60
180
MINIMUM LOW TIME (ns)
VCC = 2.7V
VCC = 4.4V
SWITCHING FREQUENCY (kHz)
0
MAXIMUM DUTY CYCLE (%)
92
93
2000
31152 G38
91
90 500 1000 1500
95
94
Power Switch Resistance
vs VCC FB Voltage vs Temperature
VCC (V)
2.5
140
POWER SWITCH (A-D) RESISTANCE (mΩ)
145
150
155
160
170
33.5 4 4.5
31152 G32
5 5.5
165
TEMPERATURE (°C)
–50
–1.0
CHANGE FROM 25°C (%)
–0.8
–0.4
–0.2
0
1.0
0.4
050
31152 G33
–0.6
0.6
0.8
0.2
100 150
LOAD CURRENT (A)
0
0
DIE TEMPERATURE CHANGE FROM AMBIENT (°C)
10
20
30
40
50
60
0.5 1 1.5 2
31152 G49
VIN = 36V
VIN = 24V
VIN = 12V
VIN = 6V
VIN = 3.6V
STANDARD DEMO PCB
L = 15µH MSS1048
LOAD CURRENT (A)
0
0
DIE TEMPERATURE CHANGE FROM AMBIENT (°C)
10
20
30
50
70
100
90
40
60
80
0.5 1 1.5 2
31152 G50
VIN = 36V
VIN = 24V
VIN = 12V
VIN = 6V
VIN = 3.6V
STANDARD DEMO PCB
L = 15µH MSS1048
LTC3115-2
9
31152fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3115-2
Typical perForMance characTerisTics
Die Temperature Rise vs Load
Current, VOUT = 12V, fSW = 750kHz
Load Transient (0A to 1A),
VIN = 24V, VOUT = 5V
Load Transient (0A to 0.8A),
VIN = 3.6V, VOUT = 5V
Output Voltage Ripple in
Burst Mode Operation,
VIN = 24V, VOUT = 5V
(TA = 25°C unless otherwise specified)
Phase-Locked Loop Acquisition,
VIN = 24V 1.2MHz Clock
Phase-Locked Loop Release,
VIN = 24V, 1.2MHz Clock
Soft-Start Waveforms
Burst Mode Operation to PWM
Mode Output Voltage Transient
Output Voltage Ripple in PWM
Mode, VIN = 24V, VOUT = 5V
VOUT
(200mV/DIV)
LOAD
CURRENT
(1A/DIV)
FRONT PAGE
APPLICATION 500µs/DIV 31152 G39
INDUCTOR
CURRENT
(1A/DIV)
VOUT
(200mV/DIV)
LOAD
CURRENT
(1A/DIV)
FRONT PAGE
APPLICATION 500µs/DIV 31152 G40
INDUCTOR
CURRENT
(2A/DIV)
VOUT
(50mV/DIV)
L = 15µH
COUT = 22µF
ILOAD = 25mA
20µs/DIV 31152 G41
INDUCTOR
CURRENT
(0.5A/DIV)
VOUT
(5mV/DIV)
L = 22µH
COUT = 22µF
ILOAD = 2A
fSW = 750kHz
1µs/DIV 31152 G43
INDUCTOR
CURRENT
(100mA/DIV)
VPWM/SYNC
(5V/DIV)
VOUT
(200mV/DIV)
FRONT PAGE
APPLICATION 50µs/DIV 31152 G45
INDUCTOR
CURRENT
(1A/DIV)
VPWM/SYNC
(5V/DIV)
VOUT
(200mV/DIV)
FRONT PAGE
APPLICATION 50µs/DIV 31152 G46
INDUCTOR
CURRENT
(1A/DIV)
VOUT
(2V/DIV)
VRUN
(5V/DIV)
VCC
(2V/DIV)
FRONT PAGE
APPLICATION 2ms/DIV 31152 G42
INDUCTOR
CURRENT
(1A/DIV)
VOUT
(200mV/DIV)
VPWM/SYNC
(5V/DIV)
FRONT PAGE
APPLICATION 500µs/DIV 31152 G44
INDUCTOR
CURRENT
(1A/DIV)
LOAD CURRENT (A)
0
0
DIE TEMPERATURE CHANGE FROM AMBIENT (°C)
10
20
30
50
70
80
40
60
0.5 1 1.5 2
31152 G51
VIN = 36V
VIN = 24V
VIN = 12V
VIN = 6V
STANDARD DEMO PCB
L = 15µH MSS1048
LTC3115-2
10
31152fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3115-2
pin FuncTions
(DHD/FE)
RUN (Pin 1/Pin 2): Input to Enable and Disable the IC and
Set Custom Input UVLO Thresholds. The RUN pin can be
driven by an external logic signal to enable and disable
the IC. In addition, the voltage on this pin can be set by
a resistor divider connected to the input voltage in order
to provide an accurate undervoltage lockout threshold.
The IC is enabled if RUN exceeds 1.21V nominally. Once
enabled, a 0.5µA current is sourced by the RUN pin to
provide hysteresis. To continuously enable the IC, this pin
can be tied directly to the input voltage. The RUN pin cannot
be forced more than 0.3V above VIN under any condition.
SW2 (Pin 2/Pin 3): Buck-Boost Converter Power Switch
Pin. This pin should be connected to one side of the buck-
boost inductor.
PVOUT (Pin 3/Pin 4): Buck-Boost Converter Power Output.
This pin should be connected to a low ESR capacitor with
a value of at least 10µF. The capacitor should be placed as
close to the IC as possible and should have a short return
path to ground. In applications with VOUT > 20V that are
subject to output overload or short-circuit conditions, it
is recommended that a Schottky diode be installed from
SW2 (anode) to PVOUT (cathode). In applications subject
to output short circuits through an inductive load, it is rec-
ommended that a Schottky diode be installed from ground
(anode) to PVOUT (cathode) to limit the extent that PVOUT
is driven below ground during the short-circuit transient.
GND (Pins 4, 5/Pins 5, 6): Signal Ground. These pins are
the ground connections for the control circuitry of the IC
and must be tied to ground in the application.
VC (Pin 6/Pin 7): Error Amplifier Output. A frequency
compensation network must be connected between this
pin and FB to stabilize the voltage control loop.
FB (Pin 7/Pin 8): Feedback Voltage Input. A resistor divider
connected to this pin sets the output voltage for the buck-
boost converter. The nominal FB voltage is 1000mV. Care
should be taken in the routing of connections to this pin in
order to minimize stray coupling to the switch pin traces.
RT (Pin 8/Pin 9): Oscillator Frequency Programming Pin.
A resistor placed between this pin and ground sets the
switching frequency of the buck-boost converter.
VCC (Pin 9/Pin 12): Low Voltage Supply Input for IC Con-
trol Circuitry. This pin powers internal IC control circuitry
and must be connected to the PVCC pin in the application.
A 4.7µF or larger bypass capacitor should be connected
between this pin and ground. The VCC and PVCC pins must
be connected together in the application.
VIN (Pin 10/Pin 13): Power Supply Connection for Internal
Circuitry and the VCC Regulator. This pin provides power
to the internal VCC regulator and is the input voltage sense
connection for the VIN divider. A 0.1µF bypass capacitor
should be connected between this pin and ground. The
bypass capacitor should be located as close to the IC as
possible and should have a short return path to ground.
PVCC (Pin 11/Pin 14): Internal VCC Regulator Output. This
pin is the output pin of the internal linear regulator that
generates the VCC rail from VIN. The PVCC pin is also the
supply connection for the power switch gate drivers. If
the trace connecting PVCC to VCC cannot be made short in
length, an additional bypass capacitor should be connected
between this pin and ground. The VCC and PVCC pins must
be connected together in the application.
BST2 (Pin 12/Pin 15): Flying Capacitor Pin for SW2. This pin
must be connected to SW2 through a 0.1µF capacitor. This
pin is used to generate the gate drive rail for power switch D.
BST1 (Pin 13/Pin 16): Flying Capacitor Pin for SW1. This pin
must be connected to SW1 through a 0.1µF capacitor. This
pin is used to generate the gate drive rail for power switch A.
LTC3115-2
11
31152fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3115-2
pin FuncTions
(DHD/FE)
PVIN (Pin 14/Pin 17): Power Input for the Buck-Boost
Converter. A 4.7µF or larger bypass capacitor should
be connected between this pin and ground. The bypass
capacitor should be located as close to the IC as possible
and should via directly down to the ground plane. When
powered through long leads or from a high ESR power
source, a larger bulk input capacitor (typically 47µF to
100µF) may be required to stabilize the input voltage
and prevent input filter interactions which could reduce
phase margin and output current capability in boost mode
operation.
SW1 (Pin 15/Pin 18): Buck-Boost Converter Power Switch
Pin. This pin should be connected to one side of the buck-
boost inductor.
PWM/SYNC (Pin 16/Pin 19): Burst Mode/PWM Mode
Control Pin and Synchronization Input. Forcing this pin
high causes the IC to operate in fixed frequency PWM
mode at all loads using the internal oscillator at the
frequency set by the RT Pin. Forcing this pin low places
the IC into Burst Mode operation regardless of load cur-
rent. Burst Mode operation improves light load efficiency
and reduces standby current. If an external clock signal
is connected to this pin, the buck-boost converter will
synchronize its switching with the external clock using
fixed frequency PWM mode operation. The pulse width
(negative or positive) of the applied clock should be at
least 100ns. The maximum operating voltage for the
PWM/SYNC pin is 5.5V. The PWM/SYNC pin can be con-
nected to VCC to force it high continuously.
PGND (Exposed Pad Pin 17/Pins 1, 10, 11, 20, Exposed
Pad Pin 21): Power Ground Connections. These pins
should be connected to the power ground in the applica-
tion. The exposed pad is the power ground connection. It
must be soldered to the PCB and electrically connected
to ground through the shortest and lowest impedance
connection possible and to the PCB ground plane for
rated thermal performance.
LTC3115-2
12
31152fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3115-2
block DiagraM
Pin numbers are shown for the DHD package only.
CURRENT
LIMIT
+
3A
DA
PGND
CB
PVOUT
REVERSE
CURRENT
LIMIT
+
–1.5A
ZERO
CURRENT
+
0A
3
VIN
PVCC*
10
11
BST2 12
BST1 13
VCC*
VCC
VIN
VIN
2.4V
0.5µA
9
SW2
2
GATE
DRIVES
PGND
SOFT-START
RAMP
1000mV
SW1
15
PVIN
14
FB
7
VC
REVERSE
BLOCKING
LDO
BANDGAP
REFERENCE
OVERTEMPERATURE
OSCILLATOR
MODE
SELECTION
1000mV
1.21V
PWM
CHIP
ENABLE
EXPOSED
PAD
BURST/PWM
(PWM MODE IF PWM/SYNC
IS HIGH OR SWITCHING)
VIN
÷
+
+
6
RT
8
PWM/SYNC
*PVCC AND VCC MUST BE CONNECTED TOGETHER IN THE APPLICATION
THE EXPOSED PAD IS AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTION AND MUST BE SOLDERED
TO THE BOARD AND ELECTRICALLY CONNECTED TO GROUND
16
INPUT UVLO
+
1.21V
PGND
GND
+
2.4V
VCC
UVLO
+
RUN
31152 BD
1
174
GND
5
LTC3115-2
13
31152fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3115-2
operaTion
INTRODUCTION
The LTC3115-2 is a monolithic buck-boost converter that
can operate with input and output voltages from as low
as 2.7V to as high as 40V. Four internal low resistance N-
channel DMOS switches minimize the size of the application
circuit and reduce power losses to maximize efficiency.
Internal high side gate drivers, which require only the
addition of two small external capacitors, further simplify
the design process. A proprietary switch control algorithm
allows the buck-boost converter to maintain output volt-
age regulation with input voltages that are above, below
or equal to the output voltage. Transitions between these
operating modes are seamless and free of transients and
subharmonic switching. The LTC3115-2 can be configured
to operate over a wide range of switching frequencies, from
100kHz to 2MHz, allowing applications to be optimized for
board area and efficiency. With its configurability and wide
operating voltage range, the LTC3115-2 is ideally suited to
a wide range of power systems especially those requiring
compatibility with a variety of input power sources such
as lead-acid batteries, USB ports, and industrial supply
rails as well as from power sources which have wide or
poorly controlled voltage ranges such as FireWire and
unregulated wall adapters.
The LTC3115-2 has an internal fixed-frequency oscillator
with a switching frequency that is easily set by a single
external resistor. In noise sensitive applications, the con-
verter can also be synchronized to an external clock via
the PWM/SYNC pin. The LTC3115-2 has been optimized to
reduce input current in shutdown and standby for applica-
tions which are sensitive to quiescent current draw, such
as battery-powered devices. In Burst Mode operation, the
no-load standby current is only 50µA (typical) and in shut-
down the total supply current is reduced to 3µA (typical).
PWM MODE OPERATION
With the PWM/SYNC pin forced high or driven by an ex-
ternal clock, the LTC3115-2 operates in a fixed-frequency
pulse width modulation (PWM) mode using a voltage mode
control loop. This mode of operation maximizes the output
current that can be delivered by the converter, reduces
output voltage ripple, and yields a low noise fixed-frequency
switching spectrum. A proprietary switching algorithm
provides seamless transitions between operating modes
and eliminates discontinuities in the average inductor cur-
rent, inductor current ripple, and loop transfer function
throughout all regions of operation. These advantages
result in increased efficiency, improved loop stability, and
lower output voltage ripple in comparison to the traditional
4-switch buck-boost converter.
Figure 1 shows the topology of the LTC3115-2 power stage
which is comprised of four N-channel DMOS switches and
their associated gate drivers. In PWM mode operation both
switch pins transition on every cycle independent of the input
and output voltage. In response to the error amplifier output,
an internal pulse width modulator generates the appropriate
switch duty cycles to maintain regulation of the output voltage.
When stepping down from a high input voltage to a lower
output voltage, the converter operates in buck mode and
switch D remains on for the entire switching cycle except
for the minimum switch low duration (typically 100ns).
During the switch low duration switch C is turned on which
forces SW2 low and charges the flying capacitor, CBST2, to
ensure that the voltage of the switch D gate driver supply
rail is maintained. The duty cycle of switches A and B are
adjusted to provide the appropriate buck mode duty cycle.
If the input voltage is lower than the output voltage, the
converter operates in boost mode. Switch A remains on
for the entire switching cycle except for the minimum
switch low duration (typically 100ns) while switches C
and D are modulated to maintain the required boost mode
duty cycle. The minimum switch low duration ensures that
flying capacitor CBST1 is charged sufficiently to maintain
the voltage on the BST1 rail.
Figure 1. Power Stage Schematic
A
PVCC
BST1
CBST1 CBST2
L
BST2PVIN PVOUT
SW1 SW2
PVCC
PVCC PVCC
LTC3115-2
PGND PGND
31152 F01
B
D
C
LTC3115-2
14
31152fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3115-2
operaTion
Oscillator and Phase-Locked Loop
The LTC3115-2 operates from an internal oscillator with a
switching frequency that is configured by a single external
resistor between the RT pin and ground. For noise sensi-
tive applications, an internal phase-locked loop allows
the LTC3115-2 to be synchronized to an external clock
signal applied to the PWM/SYNC pin. The phase-locked
loop is only able to increase the frequency of the internal
oscillator to obtain synchronization. Therefore, the RT
resistor must be chosen to program the internal oscilla-
tor to a lower frequency than the frequency of the clock
applied to the PWM/SYNC pin. Sufficient margin must
be included to account for the frequency variation of the
external synchronization clock as well as the worst-case
variation in frequency of the internal oscillator. Whether
operating from its internal oscillator or synchronized to an
external clock signal, the LTC3115-2 is able to operate with
a switching frequency from 100kHz to 2MHz, providing
the ability to minimize the size of the external components
and optimize the power conversion efficiency.
Error Amplifier and VIN Divider
The LTC3115-2 has an internal high gain operational
amplifier which provides frequency compensation of the
control loop that maintains output voltage regulation. To
ensure stability of this control loop, an external compensa-
tion network must be installed in the application circuit.
A Type III compensation network as shown in Figure 2 is
recommended for most applications since it provides the
flexibility to optimize the converter’s transient response
while simultaneously minimizing any DC error in the
output voltage.
As shown in Figure 2, the error amplifier is followed by
an internal analog divider which adjusts the loop gain by
the reciprocal of the input voltage in order to minimize
loop-gain variation over changes in the input voltage.
This simplifies design of the compensation network and
optimizes the transient response over the entire range of
input voltages. In addition, the analog divider provides a
feed-forward correction for input voltage transients by
immediately adjusting the voltage at the input to the PWM
in response to a change in input voltage. This minimizes
output voltage transients especially for line steps with rise
and fall times that are much faster than the bandwidth of
the control loop. However, when powered from an inductive
or high ESR source the VIN divider may respond to drops
in the input voltage caused by changes in input current
resulting in a loop interaction with the input impedance.
This is most likely to occur in boost mode operation at high
inductor currents. This interaction can degrade the phase
margin of the control loop and even lead to oscillation.
This situation can be avoided by reducing the impedance
of the connection to PVIN or by adding an electrolytic ca-
pacitor at PVIN of sufficient value to damp the input filter
and stabilize the voltage at the input of the part.
Details on designing the compensation network in
LTC3115-2 applications can be found in the Applications
Information section of this data sheet.
Inductor Current Limits
The LTC3115-2 has two current limit circuits that are
designed to limit the peak inductor current to ensure that
the switch currents remain within the capabilities of the
IC during output short-circuit or overload conditions.
The primary inductor current limit operates by injecting
a current into the feedback pin which is proportional to
the extent that the inductor current exceeds the current
limit threshold (typically 3A). Due to the high gain of
the feedback loop, this injected current forces the error
amplifier output to decrease until the average current
through the inductor is approximately reduced to the
current limit threshold. This current limit circuit maintains
the error amplifier in an active state to ensure a smooth
recovery and minimal overshoot once the current limit
fault condition is removed. However, the reaction speed
Figure 2. Error Amplifier and Compensation Network
+
1000mV
31152 F02
LTC3115-2 VIN
VC
CFB
CPOLE
RFB
FB
RFF
VOUT
RTOP
RBOT
CFF ÷PWM
LTC3115-2
15
31152fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3115-2
operaTion
of this current limit circuit is limited by the dynamics of
the error amplifier. On a hard output short, it is possible
for the inductor current to increase substantially beyond
the current limit threshold before the average current limit
has time to react and reduce the inductor current. For this
reason, there is a second current limit circuit which turns
off power switch A if the current through switch A exceeds
approximately 160% of the primary inductor current limit
threshold. This provides additional protection in the case of
an instantaneous hard output short and provides time for
the primary current limit to react. In addition, if VOUT falls
below 1.85V, the inductor current limit is folded back to half
its nominal value in order to minimize power dissipation.
Reverse Current Limit
In PWM mode operation, the LTC3115-2 synchronously
switches all four power devices. As a result, in addition to
being able to supply current to the output, the converter
has the ability to actively conduct current away from the
output if that is necessary to maintain regulation. If the
output is held above regulation, this could result in large
reverse currents. This situation can occur if the output of
the LTC3115-2 is held up momentarily by another supply
as may occur during a power-up or power-down sequence.
To prevent damage to the part under such conditions, the
LTC3115-2 has a reverse current comparator that monitors
the current entering power switch D from the load. If this
current exceeds 1.5A (typical) switch D is turned off for
the remainder of the switching cycle in order to prevent
the reverse inductor current from reaching unsafe levels.
Output Current Capability
The maximum output current that can be delivered by the
LTC3115-2 is dependent upon many factors, the most
significant being the input and output voltages. For VOUT
= 5V and VIN 3.6V, the LTC3115-2 is able to support
up to a 0.8A load continuously. For VOUT = 12V and VIN
≥ 12V, the LTC3115-2 is able to support up to a 2A load
continuously. Typically, the output current capability is
greatest when the input voltage is approximately equal to
the output voltage. At larger step-up voltage ratios, the
output current capability is reduced because the lower duty
cycle of switch D results in a larger inductor current being
needed to support a given load. Additionally, the output
current capability generally decreases at large step-down
voltage ratios due to higher inductor current ripple which
reduces the maximum attainable inductor current.
The output current capability can also be affected by induc-
tor characteristics. An inductor with large DC resistance
will degrade output current capability, particularly in
boost mode operation. Larger value inductors generally
maximize output current capability by reducing inductor
current ripple. In addition, higher switching frequencies
(especially above 750kHz) will reduce the maximum output
current that can be supplied (see the Typical Performance
Characteristics for details).
Burst Mode OPERATION
When the PWM/SYNC pin is held low, the buck-boost
converter employs Burst Mode operation using a vari-
able frequency switching algorithm that minimizes the
no-load input quiescent current and improves efficiency
at light load by reducing the amount of switching to the
minimum level required to support the load. The output
current capability in Burst Mode operation is substantially
lower than in PWM mode and is intended to support light
standby loads (typically under 50mA). Curves showing
the maximum Burst Mode load current as a function of
the input and output voltage can be found in the Typical
Characteristics section of this data sheet. If the converter
load in Burst Mode operation exceeds the maximum Burst
Mode current capability, the output will lose regulation.
Each Burst Mode cycle is initiated when switches A and
C turn on producing a linearly increasing current through
the inductor. When the inductor current reaches the Burst
Mode current limit (1A typically) switches B and D are
turned on, discharging the energy stored in the inductor
into the output capacitor and load. Once the inductor
current reaches zero, all switches are turned off and the
cycle is complete. Current pulses generated in this manner
are repeated as often as necessary to maintain regulation
of the output voltage. In Burst Mode operation, the error
amplifier is not used but is instead placed in a low current
standby mode to reduce supply current and improve light
load efficiency.
LTC3115-2
16
31152fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3115-2
operaTion
SOFT-START
To minimize input current transients on power-up, the
LTC3115-2 incorporates an internal soft-start circuit with
a nominal duration of 9ms. The soft-start is implemented
by a linearly increasing ramp of the error amplifier refer-
ence voltage during the soft-start duration. As a result,
the duration of the soft-start period is largely unaffected
by the size of the output capacitor or the output regula-
tion voltage. Given the closed-loop nature of the soft-start
implementation, the converter is able to respond to load
transients that occur during the soft-start interval. The
soft-start period is reset by thermal shutdown and UVLO
events on both VIN and VCC.
VCC REGULATOR
An internal low dropout regulator generates the 4.45V
(nominal) VCC rail from VIN. The VCC rail powers the in-
ternal control circuitry and power device gate drivers of
the LTC3115-2. The VCC regulator is disabled in shutdown
to reduce quiescent current and is enabled by forcing the
RUN pin above its logic threshold. The VCC regulator in-
cludes current limit protection to safeguard against short
circuiting of the VCC rail. For applications where the output
voltage is set to 5V, the VCC rail can be driven from the
output rail through a Schottky diode. Bootstrapping in this
manner can provide a significant efficiency improvement,
particularly at large voltage step down ratios, and may
also allow operation down to a lower input voltage. The
maximum operating voltage for the VCC pin is 5.5V. When
forcing VCC externally, care must be taken to ensure that
this limit is not exceeded.
UNDERVOLTAGE LOCKOUT
To eliminate erratic behavior when the input voltage is
too low to ensure proper operation, the LTC3115-2 incor-
porates internal undervoltage lockout (UVLO) circuitry.
There are two UVLO comparators, one that monitors VIN
and another that monitors VCC. The buck-boost converter
is disabled if either VIN or VCC falls below its respective
UVLO threshold. The input voltage UVLO comparator has
a falling threshold of 2.4V (typical). If the input voltage
falls below this level all switching is disabled until the input
voltage rises above 2.6V (nominal). The VCC UVLO has a
falling threshold of 2.4V. If VCC falls below this threshold
the buck-boost converter is prevented from switching until
VCC rises above 2.6V.
Depending on the particular application circuit it is pos-
sible that either of these UVLO thresholds could be the
factor limiting the minimum input operating voltage of the
LTC3115-2. The dominant factor depends on the voltage
drop between VIN and VCC which is determined by the
dropout voltage of the VCC regulator and is proportional
to the total load current drawn from VCC. The load cur-
rent on the VCC regulator is principally generated by the
gate driver supply currents which are proportional to
operating frequency and generally increase with larger
input and output voltages. As a result, at higher switching
frequencies and higher input and output voltages the VCC
regulator dropout voltage will increase, making it more
likely that the VCC UVLO threshold could become the lim-
iting factor. Curves provided in the Typical Performance
Characteristics section of this data sheet show the typical
VCC current and can be used to estimate the VCC regulator
dropout voltage in a particular application. In applica-
tions where VCC is bootstrapped (powered by VOUT or
by an auxiliary supply rail through a Schottky diode) the
minimum input operating voltage will be limited only by
the input voltage UVLO threshold.
RUN PIN COMPARATOR
In addition to serving as a logic-level input to enable the
IC, the RUN pin features an accurate internal compara-
tor allowing it to be used to set custom rising and falling
input undervoltage lockout thresholds with the addition of
an external resistor divider. When the RUN pin is driven
above its logic threshold (typically 0.8V) the VCC regulator
is enabled which provides power to the internal control
circuitry of the IC and the accurate RUN pin comparator is
enabled. If the RUN pin voltage is increased further so that
it exceeds the RUN comparator threshold (1.21V nominal),
the buck-boost converter will be enabled.
If the RUN pin is brought below the RUN comparator
threshold, the buck-boost converter will inhibit switching,
but the VCC regulator and control circuitry will remain
powered unless the RUN pin is brought below its logic
LTC3115-2
17
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For more information www.linear.com/LTC3115-2
operaTion
threshold. Therefore, in order to place the part in shut-
down and reduce the input current to its minimum level
(3µA typical) it is necessary to ensure that the RUN pin
is brought below the worst-case logic threshold (0.3V).
The RUN pin is a high voltage input and can be connected
directly to VIN to continuously enable the part when the
input supply is present. If the RUN pin is forced above
approximately 5V it will sink a small current as given by
the following equation:
IRUN
V
RUN
5V
5MΩ
With the addition of an external resistor divider as shown
in Figure 3, the RUN pin can be used to establish a custom
input undervoltage lockout threshold. The buck-boost con-
verter is enabled when the RUN pin reaches 1.21V which
allows the rising UVLO threshold to be set via the resis-
tor divider ratio. Once the RUN pin reaches the threshold
voltage, the comparator switches and the buck-boost
converter is enabled. In addition, an internal 0.5µA (typi-
cal) current source is enabled which sources current out
of the RUN pin raising the RUN pin voltage away from
the threshold. In order to disable the part, VIN must be
reduced sufficiently to overcome the hysteresis generated
by this current as well as the 100mV hysteresis of the RUN
comparator. As a result, the amount of hysteresis can be
independently programmed without affecting the rising
UVLO threshold by scaling the values of both resistors.
THERMAL CONSIDERATIONS
The power switches in the LTC3115-2 are designed to op-
erate continuously with currents up to the internal current
limit thresholds. However, when operating at high current
levels there may be significant heat generated within the
IC. In addition, in many applications the VCC regulator is
operated with large input-to-output voltage differentials
resulting in significant levels of power dissipation in its
pass element which can add significantly to the total power
dissipated within the IC. As a result, careful consideration
must be given to the thermal environment of the IC in order
to optimize efficiency and ensure that the LTC3115-2 is
able to provide its full-rated output current. Specifically,
the exposed die attach pad of both the DHD and FE pack-
ages should be soldered to the PC board and the PC board
should be designed to maximize the conduction of heat out
of the IC package. This can be accomplished by utilizing
multiple vias from the die attach pad connection to other
PCB layers containing a large area of exposed copper.
If the die temperature exceeds approximately 165°C, the
IC will enter overtemperature shutdown and all switching
will be inhibited. The part will remain disabled until the
die cools by approximately 10°C. The soft-start circuit is
re-initialized in overtemperature shutdown to provide a
smooth recovery when the fault condition is removed.
Figure 3. Accurate RUN Pin Comparator
1.21V
0.8V
VIN
VIN
0.5µA
LTC3115-2
ENA
31152 F03
RUN
R1
R2
ENABLE
SWITCHING
INPUT LOGIC
THRESHOLD
ENABLE
VCC REGULATOR AND
CONTROL CIRCUITS
+
+
LTC3115-2
18
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The standard LTC3115-2 application circuit is shown as the
typical application on the front page of this data sheet. The
appropriate selection of external components is dependent
upon the required performance of the IC in each particular
application given considerations and trade-offs such as
PCB area, cost, output and input voltage, allowable ripple
voltage, efficiency and thermal considerations. This section
of the data sheet provides some basic guidelines and con-
siderations to aid in the selection of external components
and the design of the application circuit.
VCC Capacitor Selection
The VCC output on the LTC3115-2 is generated from the
input voltage by an internal low dropout regulator. The VCC
regulator has been designed for stable operation with a
wide range of output capacitors. For most applications,
a low ESR ceramic capacitor of at least 4.7µF should be
utilized. The capacitor should be placed as close to the
pin as possible and should connect to the PVCC pin and
ground through the shortest traces possible. The PVCC
pin is the regulator output and is also the internal supply
pin for the gate drivers and boost rail charging diodes.
The VCC pin is the supply connection for the remainder
of the control circuitry. The PVCC and VCC pins must be
connected together on the application PCB. If the trace
connecting VCC to PVCC cannot be made via a short con-
nection, an additional 0.1µF bypass capacitor should be
placed between the VCC pin and ground using the shortest
connections possible.
Inductor Selection
The choice of inductor used in LTC3115-2 application
circuits influences the maximum deliverable output cur-
rent, the magnitude of the inductor current ripple, and
the power conversion efficiency. The inductor must have
low DC series resistance or output current capability and
efficiency will be compromised. Larger inductance values
reduce inductor current ripple and will therefore gener-
ally yield greater output current capability. For a fixed DC
resistance, a larger value of inductance will yield higher
efficiency by reducing the peak current to be closer to the
average output current and therefore minimize resistive
losses due to high RMS currents. However, a larger induc-
tor value within any given inductor family will generally
have a greater series resistance, thereby counteracting
this efficiency advantage. In general, inductors with larger
inductance values and lower DC resistance will increase
the deliverable output current and improve the efficiency
of LTC3115-2 applications.
An inductor used in LTC3115-2 applications should have a
saturation current rating that is greater than the worst-case
average inductor current plus half the ripple current. The
peak-to-peak inductor current ripple for each operational
mode can be calculated from the following formula, where
f is the switching frequency, L is the inductance, and
tLOW is the switch pin minimum low time. The switch pin
minimum low time can be determined from curves given
in the Typical Performance Characteristics section of this
data sheet.
IL(P-P)(BUCK)=VOUT
L
VIN VOUT
VIN
1
f tLOW
IL(P-P)(BOOST)=VIN
L
VOUT VIN
VOUT
1
f tLOW
In addition to its influence on power conversion efficiency,
the inductor DC resistance can also impact the maximum
output current capability of the buck-boost converter par-
ticularly at low input voltages. In buck mode, the output
current of the buck-boost converter is generally limited
only by the inductor current reaching the current limit
threshold. However, in boost mode, especially at large
step-up ratios, the output current capability can also be
limited by the total resistive losses in the power stage.
These include switch resistances, inductor resistance,
and PCB trace resistance. Use of an inductor with high DC
resistance can degrade the output current capability from
that shown in the Typical Performance Characteristics sec-
tion of this data sheet. As a guideline, in most applications
the inductor DC resistance should be significantly smaller
than the typical power switch resistance of 150mΩ.
Different inductor core materials and styles have an impact
on the size and price of an inductor at any given current
rating. Shielded construction is generally preferred as it
minimizes the chances of interference with other circuitry.
The choice of inductor style depends upon the price, sizing,
and EMI requirements of a particular application. Table 1
LTC3115-2
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provides a small sampling of inductors that are well suited
to many LTC3115-2 applications.
In applications with VOUT20V, it is recommended that
a minimum inductance value, LMIN, be utilized where f is
the switching frequency:
LMIN =
12H
f /Hz
( )
Table 1. Representative Surface Mount Inductors
PART NUMBER
VALUE
(µH)
DCR
(mΩ)
MAX DC
CURRENT (A)
SIZE (mm)
W × L × H
Coilcraft
LPS6225
LPS6235
MSS1038
D03316P
4.7
6.8
22
15
65
75
70
50
3.2
2.8
3.3
3.0
6.2 × 6.2 × 2.5
6.2 × 6.2 × 3.5
10.2 × 10.5 × 3.8
12.9 × 9.4 × 5.2
Cooper-Bussmann
CD1-150-R
DR1030-100-R
FP3-8R2-R
DR1040-220-R
15
10
8.2
22
50
40
74
54
3.6
3.18
3.4
2.9
10.5 × 10.4 × 4.0
10.3 × 10.5 × 3.0
7.3 × 6.7 × 3.0
10.3 × 10.5 × 4.0
Panasonic
ELLCTV180M
ELLATV100M
18
10
30
23
3.0
3.3
12 × 12 × 4.2
10 × 10 × 4.2
Sumida
CDRH8D28/HP
CDR10D48MNNP
CDRH8D28NP
10
39
4.7
78
105
24.7
3.0
3.0
3.4
8.3 × 8.3 × 3
10.3 × 10.3 × 5
8.3 × 8.3 × 3
Taiyo-Yuden
NR10050T150M
15
46
3.6
9.8 × 9.8 × 5
TOKO
B1047AS-6R8N
B1179BS-150M
892NAS-180M
6.8
15
18
36
56
42
2.9
3.3
3.0
7.6 × 7.6 × 5
10.3 × 10.3 × 4
12.3 × 12.3 × 4.5
Würth
7447789004
744771133
744066150
4.7
33
15
33
49
40
2.9
2.7
3.2
7.3 × 7.3 × 3.2
12 × 12 × 6
10 × 10 × 3.8
capacitance, tLOW is the switch pin minimum low time, and
ILOAD is the output current. Curves for the value of tLOW
as a function of switching frequency and temperature can
be found in Typical Performance Characteristics section
of this data sheet.
VP-P(BUCK) =
I
LOAD
t
LOW
COUT
VP-P(BOOST) =ILOAD
fCOUT
VOUT VIN + tLOWfVIN
VOUT
The output voltage ripple increases with load current and
is generally higher in boost mode than in buck mode.
These expressions only take into account the output
voltage ripple that results from the output current being
discontinuous. They provide a good approximation to the
ripple at any significant load current but underestimate
the output voltage ripple at very light loads where output
voltage ripple is dominated by the inductor current ripple.
In addition to output voltage ripple generated across the
output capacitance, there is also output voltage ripple
produced across the internal resistance of the output
capacitor. The ESR-generated output voltage ripple is
proportional to the series resistance of the output capacitor
and is given by the following expressions where RESR is
the series resistance of the output capacitor and all other
terms are as previously defined.
VP-P(BUCK) =
I
LOAD
R
ESR
1– tLOWfILOADRESR
VP-P(BOOST) =ILOADRESRVOUT
VIN 1– tLOWf
( )
ILOADRESR
VOUT
VIN
Input Capacitor Selection
The PVIN pin carries the full inductor current and provides
power to internal control circuits in the IC. To minimize
input voltage ripple and ensure proper operation of the IC,
a low ESR bypass capacitor with a value of at least 4.7µF
should be located as close to this pin as possible. The
traces connecting this capacitor to PVIN and the ground
plane should be made as short as possible. The VIN pin
provides power to the VCC regulator and other internal
circuitry. If the PCB trace connecting VIN to PVIN is long, it
Output Capacitor Selection
A low ESR output capacitor should be utilized at the buck-
boost converter output in order to minimize output voltage
ripple. Multilayer ceramic capacitors are an excellent option
as they have low ESR and are available in small footprints.
The capacitor value should be chosen large enough to
reduce the output voltage ripple to acceptable levels.
Neglecting the capacitor ESR and ESL, the peak-to-peak
output voltage ripple can be calculated by the following
formulas, where f is the switching frequency, COUT is the
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may be necessary to add an additional small value bypass
capacitor near the VIN pin.
When powered through long leads or from a high ESR
power source, a larger value bulk input capacitor may be
required. In such applications, a 47µF to 100µF electrolytic
capacitor in parallel with a 1µF ceramic capacitor generally
yields a high performance, low cost solution.
Recommended Input and Output Capacitors
The capacitors used to filter the input and output of the
LTC3115-2 must have low ESR and must be rated to
handle the large AC currents generated by switching con-
verters. This is important to maintain proper functioning
of the IC and to reduce output voltage ripple. There are
many capacitor types that are well suited to such appli-
cations including multilayer ceramic, low ESR tantalum,
OS-CON and POSCAP technologies. In addition, there
are certain types of electrolytic capacitors such as solid
aluminum organic polymer capacitors that are designed
for low ESR and high AC currents and these are also well
suited to LTC3115-2 applications (Table 2). The choice of
capacitor technology is primarily dictated by a trade-off
between cost, size and leakage current. Notice that some
capacitors such as the OS-CON and POSCAP technologies
can exhibit significant DC leakage currents which may limit
their applicability in devices which require low no-load
quiescent current in Burst Mode operation.
Ceramic capacitors are often utilized in switching con-
verter applications due to their small size, low ESR, and
low leakage currents. However, many ceramic capacitors
designed for power applications experience significant
loss in capacitance from their rated value with increased
DC bias voltages. For example, it is not uncommon for
a small surface mount ceramic capacitor to lose more
than 50% of its rated capacitance when operated near its
rated voltage. As a result, it is sometimes necessary to
use a larger value capacitance or a capacitor with a higher
voltage rating than required in order to actually realize the
intended capacitance at the full operating voltage. To ensure
that the intended capacitance is realized in the application
circuit, be sure to consult the capacitor vendor’s curve of
capacitance versus DC bias voltage.
Table 2. Representative Bypass and Output Capacitors
MANUFACTURER,
PART NUMBER
VALUE
(µF)
VOL
TAGE
(V)
SIZE L × W × H (mm),
TYPE, ESR
AVX
12103D226MAT2A 22 25 3.2 × 2.5 × 2.79
X5R Ceramic
TPME226K050R0075 22 50 7.3 × 4.3 × 4.1
Tantalum, 75mΩ
Kemet
C2220X226K3RACTU 22 25 5.7 × 5.0 × 2.4
X7R Ceramic
A700D226M016ATE030 22 16 7.3 × 4.3 × 2.8
Alum. Polymer, 30mΩ
Murata
GRM32ER71E226KE15L 22 25 3.2 × 2.5 × 2.5
X7R Ceramic
Nichicon
PLV1E121MDL1 82 25 8 × 8 × 12
Alum. Polymer, 25mΩ
Panasonic
ECJ-4YB1E226M 22 25 3.2 × 2.5 × 2.5
X5R Ceramic
Sanyo
25TQC22MV 22 25 7.3 × 4.3 × 3.1
POSCAP, 50mΩ
16TQC100M 100 16 7.3 × 4.3 × 1.9
POSCAP, 45mΩ
25SVPF47M 47 25 6.6 × 6.6 × 5.9
OS-CON, 30mΩ
Taiyo Yuden
UMK325BJ106MM-T 10 50 3.2 × 2.5 × 2.5
X5R Ceramic
TMK325BJ226MM-T 22 25 3.2 × 2.5 × 2.5
X5R Ceramic
TDK
KTJ500B226M55BFT00 22 50 6.0 × 5.3 × 5.5
X7R Ceramic
C5750X7R1H106M 10 50 5.7 × 5.0 × 2.0
X7R Ceramic
CKG57NX5R1E476M 47 25 6.5 × 5.5 × 5.5
X5R Ceramic
Vishay
94SVPD476X0035F12 47 35 10.3 × 10.3 × 12.6
OS-CON, 30mΩ
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Programming Custom Input UVLO Thresholds
With the addition of an external resistor divider connected
to the input voltage as shown in Figure 4, the RUN pin
can be used to program the input voltage at which the
LTC3115-2 is enabled and disabled.
For a rising input voltage, the LTC3115-2 is enabled
when VIN reaches the threshold given by the following
equation, where R1 and R2 are the values of the resistor
divider resistors:
VTH(RISING) =1.21V
R1+R2
R2
To ensure robust operation in the presence of noise, the
RUN pin has two forms of hysteresis. A fixed 100mV of
hysteresis within the RUN pin comparator provides a
minimum RUN pin hysteresis equal to 8.3% of the input
turn-on voltage independent of the resistor divider values.
In addition, an internal hysteresis current that is sourced
from the RUN pin during operation generates an additive
level of hysteresis which can be programmed by the value
of R1 to increase the overall hysteresis to suit the require-
ments of specific applications.
Once the IC is enabled, it will remain enabled until the
input voltage drops below the comparator threshold by the
hysteresis voltage, VHYST
, as given by the following equa-
tion where R1 and R2 are values of the divider resistors:
VHYST = R10.5µA+
R1+R2
R2
0.1V
Therefore, the rising UVLO threshold and amount of
hysteresis can be independently programmed via appro-
priate selection of resistors R1 and R2. For high levels
of hysteresis, the value of R1 can become larger than is
desirable in a practical implementation (greater than 1MΩ
to 2MΩ). In such cases, the amount of hysteresis can be
increased further through the addition of an additional
resistor, RH, as shown in Figure 5.
When using the additional RH resistor, the rising RUN pin
threshold remains as given by the original equation and
the hysteresis is given by the following expression:
VHYST =
R1+R2
R2
0.1V+
R
H
R2+R
H
R1+R1R2
R2 0.5µA
( )
Figure 4. Setting the Input UVLO Threshold and Hysteresis
Figure 5. Increasing Input UVLO hysteresis
LTC3115-2
GND
VIN
RUN
R1
R2
31152 F04
LTC3115-2
GND
VIN
RUN
R1 RH
R2
31152 F05
To improve the noise robustness and accuracy of the UVLO
thresholds, the RUN pin input can be filtered by adding a
1000pF capacitor from RUN to GND. Larger valued capaci-
tors should not be utilized because they could interfere
with operation of the hysteresis.
Bootstrapping the VCC Regulator
The high and low side gate drivers are powered through the
PVCC rail which is generated from the input voltage through
an internal linear regulator. In some applications, especially
at higher operating frequencies and high input and output
voltages, the power dissipation in the linear VCC regulator
can become a key factor in the conversion efficiency of
the converter and can even become a significant source
of thermal heating. For example, at a 1.2MHz switching
frequency, an input voltage of 36V, and an output voltage of
24V, the total PVCC/VCC current is approximately 18mA as
shown in the Typical Performance Characteristics section
of this data sheet. As a result, this will generate 568mW of
power dissipation in the VCC regulator which will result in
an increase in die temperature of approximately 24° above
ambient in the DFN package. This significant power loss
will have a substantial impact on the conversion efficiency
and the additional heating may limit the maximum ambient
operating temperature for the application.
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A significant performance advantage can be attained in
applications which have the converter output voltage pro-
grammed to 5V if the output voltage is utilized to power
the PVCC and VCC rails. This can be done by connecting a
Schottky diode from VOUT to PVCC/VCC as shown in Figure 6.
With this bootstrap diode installed, the gate driver currents
are generated directly by the buck-boost converter at high
efficiency rather than through the internal linear regulator.
To minimize current drawn from the output, the internal
VCC regulator contains reverse blocking circuitry which
minimizes the current into the PVCC/VCC pins when they
are driven above the input voltage.
The gain term, GBUCK, is comprised of three different
components: the gain of the analog divider, the gain of the
pulse width modulator, and the gain of the power stage as
given by the following expressions where VIN is the input
voltage to the converter, f is the switching frequency, R is
the load resistance, and tLOW is the switch pin minimum
low time. Curves showing the switch pin minimum low time
can be found in the Typical Performance Characteristics
section of this data sheet. The parameter RS represents the
average series resistance of the power stage and can be
approximated as twice the average power switch resistance
plus the DC resistance of the inductor.
G
BUCK
=G
DIVIDER
G
PWM
G
POWER
GDIVIDER =19.8V
VIN
GPWM =3
2V 1– tLOWf
( )
GPOWER =VINR
1– tLOWf
( )
R+RS
( )
Notice that the gain of the analog divider cancels the input
voltage dependence of the power stage. As a result, the
buck mode gain is well approximated by a constant as
given by the following equation:
GBUCK = 29.7
R
R+R
S
29.7 = 29.5dB
The buck mode transfer function has a single zero which
is generated by the ESR of the output capacitor. The zero
frequency, fZ, is given by the following expression where
RC and CO are the ESR and value of the output filter ca-
pacitor respectively.
fZ=
1
2πR
C
C
O
In most applications, an output capacitor with a very low
ESR is utilized in order to reduce the output voltage ripple
to acceptable levels. Such low values of capacitor ESR
result in a very high frequency zero and as a result the
zero is commonly too high in frequency to significantly
impact compensation of the feedback loop.
Figure 6. Bootstrapping PVCC and VCC
VOUT
4.7µF 31152 F06
PVOUT
LTC3115-2
VCC
PVCC
Buck Mode Small-Signal Model
The LTC3115-2 uses a voltage mode control loop to
maintain regulation of the output voltage. An externally
compensated error amplifier drives the VC pin to generate
the appropriate duty cycle of the power switches. Use of
an external compensation network provides the flexibility
for optimization of closed loop performance over the wide
variety of output voltages, switching frequencies, and
external component values supported by the LTC3115-2.
The small-signal transfer function of the buck-boost
converter is different in the buck and boost modes of op-
eration and care must be taken to ensure stability in both
operating regions. When stepping down from a higher
input voltage to a lower output voltage, the converter
will operate in buck mode and the small-signal transfer
function from the error amplifier output, VC, to the con-
verter output voltage is given by the following equation:
VO
VCBUCKMODE
=GBUCK
1+ s
2πfZ
1+ s
2πfOQ+s
2πfO
2
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The denominator of the buck mode transfer function ex-
hibits a pair of resonant poles generated by the LC filtering
of the power stage. The resonant frequency of the power
stage, fO, is given by the following expression where L is
the value of the inductor:
fO=1
2π
R+RS
LCOR+RC
( )
1
2π
1
LCO
The quality factor, Q, has a significant impact on compen-
sation of the voltage loop since a higher Q factor produces
a sharper loss of phase near the resonant frequency. The
quality factor is inversely related to the amount of damping
in the power stage and is substantially influenced by the
average series resistance of the power stage, RS. Lower
values of RS will increase the Q and result in a sharper
loss of phase near the resonant frequency and will require
more phase boost or lower bandwidth to maintain an
adequate phase margin.
Q = LCOR+RC
( )
R+RS
( )
RRCCO+L+CORSR+RC
( )
LCO
L
R
+CORS
Boost Mode Small-Signal Model
When stepping up from a lower input voltage to a higher
output voltage, the buck-boost converter will operate in
boost mode where the small-signal transfer function from
control voltage, VC, to the output voltage is given by the
following expression.
VO
VCBOOSTMODE
=GBOOST
1+ s
2πfZ
1– s
2πfRHPZ
1+ s
2πfOQ+s
2πfO
2
In boost mode operation, the transfer function is character-
ized by a pair of resonant poles and a zero generated by
the ESR of the output capacitor as in buck mode. However,
in addition there is a right half plane zero which generates
increasing gain and decreasing phase at higher frequen-
cies. As a result, the crossover frequency in boost mode
operation generally must be set lower than in buck mode
in order to maintain sufficient phase margin.
The boost mode gain, GBOOST
, is comprised of three
components: the analog divider, the pulse width modulator
and the power stage. The gain of the analog divider and
PWM remain the same as in buck mode operation, but
the gain of the power stage in boost mode is given by the
following equation:
GPOWER
V
OUT
2
1– tLOW f
( )
VIN
By combining the individual terms, the total gain in boost
mode can be reduced to the following expression. Notice
that unlike in buck mode, the gain in boost mode is a
function of both the input and output voltage.
GBOOST
29.7V
OUT2
V
IN
2
In boost mode operation, the frequency of the right half
plane zero, fRHPZ, is given by the following expression.
The frequency of the right half plane zero decreases at
higher loads and with larger inductors.
fRHPZ =R 1– tLOW f
( )
2VIN2
2πL V
OUT
2
In boost mode, the resonant frequency of the power stage
has a dependence on the input and output voltage as shown
by the following equation.
fO=1
2π
RS+RVIN2
VOUT2
LCOR+RC
( )
1
2πVIN
VOUT
1
LC
Finally, the magnitude of the quality factor of the power
stage in boost mode operation is given by the following
expression.
Q =
LCOR RS+RVIN2
VOUT2
L+C
O
R
S
R
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Compensation of the Voltage Loop
The small-signal models of the LTC3115-2 reveal that the
transfer function from the error amplifier output, VC, to
the output voltage is characterized by a set of resonant
poles and a possible zero generated by the ESR of the
output capacitor as shown in the Bode plot of Figure 7.
In boost mode operation, there is an additional right half
plane zero that produces phase lag and increasing gain at
higher frequencies. Typically, the compensation network
is designed to ensure that the loop crossover frequency
is low enough that the phase loss from the right half
plane zero is minimized. The low frequency gain in buck
mode is a constant, but varies with both VIN and VOUT in
boost mode.
In most applications, the low bandwidth of the Type I com-
pensated loop will not provide sufficient transient response
performance. To obtain a wider bandwidth feedback loop,
optimize the transient response, and minimize the size of
the output capacitor, a Type III compensation network as
shown in Figure 9 is required.
GAIN
PHASE
BOOST MODE
BUCK MODE
–20dB/DEC
–40dB/DEC
fO
f
31152 F07
fRHPZ
–90°
–180°
–270°
Figure 7. Buck-Boost Converter Bode Plot
Figure 8. Error Amplifier with Type I Compensation
Figure 9. Error Amplifier with Type III Compensation
For charging or other applications that do not require an
optimized output voltage transient response, a simple Type
I compensation network as shown in Figure 8 can be used
to stabilize the voltage loop. To ensure sufficient phase
margin, the gain of the error amplifier must be low enough
that the resultant crossover frequency of the control loop
is well below the resonant frequency.
+
C1
GND
LTC3115-2
VC
31152 F08
FB
VOUT
RBOT
RTOP 1000mV
CFB RFB
GND
LTC3115-2
VC
31152 F09
FB
VOUT
RBOT
RTOP
RFF
CFF 1000mV
CPOLE
+
A Bode plot of the typical Type III compensation network
is shown in Figure 10. The Type III compensation network
provides a pole near the origin which produces a very high
loop gain at DC to minimize any steady-state error in the
regulation voltage. Two zeros located at fZERO1 and fZERO2
provide sufficient phase boost to allow the loop crossover
frequency to be set above the resonant frequency, fO, of
the power stage. The Type III compensation network also
introduces a second and third pole. The second pole, at
frequency fPOLE2, reduces the error amplifier gain to a
zero slope to prevent the loop crossover from extending
too high in frequency. The third pole at frequency fPOLE3
provides attenuation of high frequency switching noise.
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The transfer function of the compensated Type III error
amplifier from the input of the resistor divider to the output
of the error amplifier, VC, is:
VC(s)
VOUT(s) =GEA
1+s
2πfZERO1
1+s
2πfZERO2
s 1+s
2πf
POLE2
1+s
2πf
POLE3
The error amplifier gain is given by the following equation.
The simpler approximate value is sufficiently accurate in
most cases since CFB is typically much larger in value
than CPOLE.
GEA =
1
RTOP CFB +CPOLE
( )
1
RTOPCFB
The pole and zero frequencies of the Type III compensation
network can be calculated from the following equations
where all frequencies are in Hz, resistances are in ohms,
and capacitances are in farads.
fZERO1=
1
2πRFBCFB
fZERO2 =1
2πRTOP +RFF
( )
CFF
1
2πRTOPCFF
fPOLE2 =CFB +CPOLE
2πCFBCPOLERFB
1
2πCPOLERFB
fPOLE3 =1
2πC
FF
R
FF
In most applications the compensation network is designed
so that the loop crossover frequency is above the resonant
frequency of the power stage, but sufficiently below the
boost mode right half plane zero to minimize the additional
phase loss. Once the crossover frequency is decided upon,
the phase boost provided by the compensation network
is centered at that point in order to maximize the phase
margin. A larger separation in frequency between the
zeros and higher order poles will provide a higher peak
phase boost but may also increase the gain of the error
amplifier which can push out the loop crossover to a
higher frequency.
The Q of the power stage can have a significant influence
on the design of the compensation network because it
determines how rapidly the 180° of phase loss in the power
stage occurs. For very low values of series resistance, RS,
the Q will be higher and the phase loss will occur sharply.
In such cases, the phase of the power stage will fall rapidly
to –180° above the resonant frequency and the total phase
margin must be provided by the compensation network.
However, with higher losses in the power stage (larger
RS) the Q factor will be lower and the phase loss will occur
more gradually. As a result, the power stage phase will
not be as close to –180° at the crossover frequency and
less phase boost is required of the compensation network.
The LTC3115-2 error amplifier is designed to have a
fixed maximum bandwidth in order to provide rejection
of switching noise to prevent it from interfering with the
control loop. From a frequency domain perspective, this
can be viewed as an additional single pole as illustrated in
Figure 11. The nominal frequency of this pole is 300kHz.
For typical loop crossover frequencies below about 50kHz
the phase contributed by this additional pole is negligible.
However, for loops with higher crossover frequencies this
additional phase loss should be taken into account when
designing the compensation network.
Figure 10. Type III Compensation Bode Plot
fZERO1
PHASE
90°
–90°
GAIN
–20dB/DEC
–20dB/DEC
fZERO2
31152 F10
f
fPOLE2 fPOLE3
Figure 11. Internal Loop Filter
+
1000mV
FB
LTC3115-2
VC
RFILT
CFILT
31152 F11
INTERNAL
VC
LTC3115-2
26
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Loop Compensation Example
This section provides an example illustrating the design of a
compensation network for a typical LTC3115-2 application
circuit. In this example a 5V regulated output voltage is
generated with the ability to supply a 500mA load from an
input power source ranging from 3.5V to 30V. To reduce
switching losses a 750kHz switching frequency has been
chosen for this example. In this application the maximum
inductor current ripple will occur at the highest input volt-
age. An inductor value of 8.2µH has been chosen to limit
the worst-case inductor current ripple to approximately
600mA. A low ESR output capacitor with a value of 20µF
is specified to yield a worst-case output voltage ripple
(occurring at the worst-case step-up ratio and maximum
load current) of approximately 12mV. In summary, the key
power stage specifications for this LTC3115-2 example
application are given below.
f = 0.75MHz, tLOW = 0.1µs
VIN = 3.5V to 30V
VOUT = 5V at 500mA
COUT = 20µF, RC = 10mΩ
L = 8.2µH, RL = 45mΩ
With the power stage parameters specified, the compensa-
tion network can be designed. In most applications, the
most challenging compensation corner is boost mode
operation at the greatest step-up ratio and highest load
current since this generates the lowest frequency right half
plane zero and results in the greatest phase loss. Therefore,
a reasonable approach is to design the compensation
network at this worst-case corner and then verify that
sufficient phase margin exists across all other operating
conditions. In this example application, at VIN = 3.5V and
the full 500mA load current, the right half plane zero will
be located at 81kHz and this will be a dominant factor in
determining the bandwidth of the control loop.
The first step in designing the compensation network is
to determine the target crossover frequency for the com-
pensated loop. A reasonable starting point is to assume
that the compensation network will generate a peak phase
boost of approximately 60°. Therefore, in order to obtain
a phase margin of 60°, the loop crossover frequency, fC,
should be selected as the frequency at which the phase
of the buck-boost converter reaches –180°. As a result, at
the loop crossover frequency the total phase will be simply
the 60° of phase provided by the error amplifier as shown:
Phase Margin = φBUCK-BOOST + φERRORAMPLIFIER + 180°
= –180° + 60° + 180° = 60°
Similarly, if a phase margin of 45° is required, the target
crossover frequency should be picked as the frequency
at which the buck-boost converter phase reaches –195°
so that the combined phase at the crossover frequency
yields the desired 45° of phase margin.
This example will be designed for a 60° phase margin to
ensure adequate performance over parametric variations
and varying operating conditions. As a result, the target
crossover frequency, fC, will be the point at which the
phase of the buck-boost converter reaches –180°. It is
generally difficult to determine this frequency analytically
given that it is significantly impacted by the Q factor of
the resonance in the power stage. As a result, it is best
determined from a Bode plot of the buck-boost converter
as shown in Figure 12. This Bode plot is for the LTC3115-2
buck-boost converter using the previously specified power
stage parameters and was generated from the small-signal
model equations using LTspice
®
software. In this case,
the phase reaches –180° at 24kHz making fC = 24kHz the
target crossover frequency for the compensated loop.
From the Bode plot of Figure 12 the gain of the power
stage at the target crossover frequency is 19dB. Therefore,
in order to make this frequency the crossover frequency
in the compensated loop, the total loop gain at fC must
be adjusted to 0dB. To achieve this, the gain of the com-
pensation network must be designed to be –19dB at the
crossover frequency.
LTC3115-2
27
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the compensated error amplifier is determined simply by
the amount of separation between the poles and zeros as
shown by the following equation:
φMAX =4tan–1 fP
fZ
270°
A reasonable choice is to pick the frequency of the poles,
fP
, to be about 50 times higher than the frequency of the
zeros, fZ, which provides a peak phase boost of approxi-
mately φMAX = 60° as was assumed previously. Next, the
phase boost must be centered so that the peak phase
occurs at the target crossover frequency. The frequency
of the maximum phase boost, fCENTER, is the geometric
mean of the pole and zero frequencies as:
f
CENTER
= fPfZ= 50 fZ7fZ
Therefore, in order to center the phase boost given a factor
of 50 separation between the pole and zero frequencies,
the zeros should be located at one seventh of the cross-
over frequency and the poles should be located at seven
times the crossover frequency as given by the following
equations:
fZ=
1
7fC=
1
724kHz
( )
= 3.43kHz
f
P
= 7 f
C
= 7 24kHz
( )
=168kHz
This placement of the poles and zeros will yield a peak phase
boost of 60° that is centered at the crossover frequency,
fC. Next, in order to produce the desired target crossover
frequency, the gain of the compensation network at the
point of maximum phase boost, GCENTER, must be set to
–19dB. The gain of the compensated error amplifier at the
point of maximum phase gain is given by:
GCENTER =10log 2πfP
2πfZ
( )
3RTOPCFB
( )
2
dB
At this point in the design process, there are three con-
straints that have been established for the compensation
network. It must have –19dB gain at fC = 24kHz, a peak
phase boost of 60° and the phase boost must be centered
at fC = 24kHz. One way to design a compensation network
to meet these targets is to simulate the compensated error
amplifier Bode plot in LTspice for the typical compensation
network shown on the front page of this data sheet. Then,
the gain, pole frequencies and zero frequencies can be
iteratively adjusted until the required constraints are met.
Alternatively, an analytical approach can be used to design
a compensation network with the desired phase boost,
center frequency and gain. In general, this procedure can
be cumbersome due to the large number of degrees of
freedom in a Type III compensation network. However the
design process can be simplified by assuming that both
compensation zeros occur at the same frequency, fZ, and
both higher order poles (fPOLE2 and fPOLE3) occur at the
common frequency, fP
. In most cases this is a reasonable
assumption since the zeros are typically located between
1kHz and 10kHz and the poles are typically located near
each other at much higher frequencies. Given this as-
sumption, the maximum phase boost, fMAX, provided by
Figure 12. Converter Bode Plot, VIN = 3.5V, ILOAD = 500mA
FREQUENCY (Hz)
10
GAIN (dB)
PHASE (DEG)
0
10
20
10k 1M
31152 F12
–10
–20
–30 100 1k 100k
30
40
50
–200
–160
–120
–240
–280
–320
–80
–40
0
GAIN
PHASE
fC
LTC3115-2
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Assuming a multiple of 50 separation between the pole
frequencies and zero frequencies this can be simplified
to the following expression:
GCENTER =20log 50
2πfCRTOPCFB
dB
This equation completes the set of constraints needed to
determine the compensation component values. Specifi-
cally, the two zeros, fZERO1 and fZERO2, should be located
near 3.43kHz. The two poles, fPOLE2 and fPOLE3, should be
located near 168kHz and the gain should be set to provide
a gain at the crossover frequency of GCENTER = –19dB.
The first step in defining the compensation component
values is to pick a value for RTOP that provides an accept-
ably low quiescent current through the resistor divider.
A value of RTOP = 1MΩ is a reasonable choice. Next, the
value of CFB can be found in order to set the error ampli-
fier gain at the crossover frequency to –19dB as follows:
G
CENTER
= –19.1dB
= 20log 50
2π24kHz
( )
1MΩ
( )
CFB
CFB =50
2π24kHz
( )
1MΩ
( )
alog –19.1
20
@3.0nF
The compensation poles can be set at 168kHz and the
zeros at 3.43kHz by using the expressions for the pole
and zero frequencies given in the previous section. Setting
the frequency of the first zero, fZERO1, to 3.43kHz results
in the following value for RFB:
RFB =
1
2π3nF
( )
3.43kHz
( )
15.4kΩ
This leaves the free parameter, CPOLE, to set the frequency
fPOLE1 to the common pole frequency of 168kHz as given:
CPOLE =
1
2π15.4kΩ
( )
168kHz
( )
62pF
Next, CFF can be chosen to set the second zero, fZERO2, to
the common zero frequency of 3.43kHz.
CFF =
1
2π1MΩ
( )
3.43kHz
( )
47pF
Finally, the resistor value RFF can be chosen to place the
second pole at 168kHz.
RFF =
1
2π47pF
( )
168Hz
( )
20.0kΩ
Now that the pole frequencies, zero frequencies and gain
of the compensation network have been established, the
next step is to generate a Bode plot for the compensated
error amplifier to confirm its gain and phase properties.
A Bode plot of the error amplifier with the designed com-
pensation component values is shown in Figure 13. The
Bode plot confirms that the peak phase occurs at 24kHz
and the phase boost at that point is 57.7°. In addition,
the gain at the peak phase frequency is –19.3dB which is
close to the design target.
FREQUENCY (Hz)
10
–40
GAIN (dB)
PHASE (DEG)
–30
–20
–10
0
100 1k 10k 100k
31152 F13
1M
10
–35
–25
–15
–5
5
15
–90
fC
–60
–30
0
30
60
GAIN
PHASE
90
Figure 13. Compensated Error Amplifier Bode Plot
LTC3115-2
29
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The final step in the design process is to compute the Bode
plot for the entire loop using the designed compensation
network and confirm its phase margin and crossover
frequency. The complete loop Bode plot for this example
is shown in Figure 14. The loop crossover frequency is
22kHz which is close to the design target and the phase
margin is approximately 60°.
The Bode plot for the complete loop should be checked over
all operating conditions and for variations in component
values to ensure that sufficient phase margin exists in all
cases. The stability of the loop should also be confirmed
via time domain simulation and by evaluating the transient
response of the converter in the actual circuit.
Output Voltage Programming
The output voltage is set via the external resistor divider
comprised of resistors RTOP and RBOT as show in Figures 8
and 9. The resistor divider values determine the output
regulation voltage according to:
VOUT =1.000V 1+RTOP
RBOT
Figure 14. Complete Loop Bode Plot
Figure 15. R1 and C1 are Recommended if RTOP < 1MΩ
FREQUENCY (Hz)
10
–60
GAIN (dB)
PHASE (DEG)
–40
–20
0
20
40
60
–180
fC
–120
–60
0
60
GAIN
120
180
100 1k 10k 100k
31152 F14
1M
PHASE
In addition to setting the output voltage, the Thevenin
equivalent resistance of the resistor divider determines the
gain of the current limit. For applications with a top divider
resistor (RTOP) of less than 1M, it is recommended that
components R1 and C1 be added at the FB pin as shown in
Figure 15 to maintain the gain of the current limit loop and
minimize overshot on recovery from output short circuits.
This additional circuit has no impact on compensation of
the control loop.
Switching Frequency Selection
The switching frequency is set by the value of a resistor
connected between the RT pin and ground. The switching
frequency, f, is related to the resistor value by the following
equation where RT is the resistance:
f =
35.7MHz
RT/kΩ
( )
Higher switching frequencies facilitate the use of smaller
inductors as well as smaller input and output filter capaci-
tors which results in a smaller solution size and reduced
component height. However, higher switching frequencies
also generally reduce conversion efficiency due to the
increased switching losses.
In addition, higher switching frequencies (above 750kHz)
will reduce the maximum output current that can be sup-
plied (see Typical Performance Characteristics for details).
For applications with VOUT ≥ 20V, a maximum switching
frequency of 1MHz is recommended.
C1
1000pF
R1
100k
RFB
CFB RFF
RTOP
VOUT
RBOT
CFF
31152 F15
FB
VC
LTC3115-2
In addition to setting the output voltage, the value of
RTOP is instrumental in controlling the dynamics of the
compensation network. When changing the value of this
resistor, care must be taken to understand the impact this
will have on the compensation network.
LTC3115-2
30
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PCB Layout Considerations
The LTC3115-2 buck-boost converter switches large
currents at high frequencies. Special attention should be
paid to the PC board layout to ensure a stable, noise-free
and efficient application circuit. Figures 17 and 18 show
a representative PCB layout for each package option to
outline some of the primary considerations. A few key
guidelines are provided below:
1. The parasitic inductance and resistance of all circulat-
ing high current paths should be minimized. This can
be accomplished by keeping the routes to all bold
components in Figures 17 and 18 as short and as wide
as possible. Capacitor ground connections should via
down to the ground plane by way of the shortest route
possible. The bypass capacitors on PVIN, PVOUT and
PVCC/VCC should be placed as close to the IC as pos-
sible and should have the shortest possible paths to
ground.
2. The exposed pad is the electrical power ground connec-
tion for the LTC3115-2 in the DHD package. Multiple vias
should connect the backpad directly to the ground plane.
In addition, maximization of the metallization connected
to the backpad will improve the thermal environment
and improve the power handling capabilities of the IC
in both the FE and DHD packages.
3. The components shown in bold and their connections
should all be placed over a complete ground plane to
minimize loop cross-sectional areas. This minimizes
EMI and reduces inductive drops.
4. Connections to all of the components shown in bold
should be made as wide as possible to reduce the series
resistance. This will improve efficiency and maximize the
output current capability of the buck-boost converter.
5. To prevent large circulating currents in the ground
plane from disrupting operation of the LTC3115-2, all
small-signal grounds should return directly to GND
by way of a dedicated Kelvin route. This includes the
ground connection for the RT pin resistor, and the
ground connection for the feedback network as shown
in Figures 17 and 18.
6. Keep the routes connecting to the high impedance,
noise sensitive inputs FB and RT as short as possible
to reduce noise pick-up.
7. The BST1 and BST2 pins transition at the switching
frequency to the full input and output voltage respec-
tively. To minimize radiated noise and coupling, keep
the BST1 and BST2 routes as short as possible and
away from all sensitive circuitry and pins (VC, FB, RT).
In many applications the length of traces connecting to
the boost capacitors can be minimized by placing the
boost capacitors on the back side of the PC board and
routing to them via traces on an internal copper layer.
8 Connections from the BST1 and BST2 capacitors must
Kelvin directly back to the respective SW pin as shown
in Figure16.
THIS ROUTE MUST KELVIN CONNECT
DIRECTLY BACK TO THE SW2 PIN
0.1µF
31152 F16
SW2
LTC3115-2
BST2
Figure16. Kelvin BST Connections
9. If the optional Schottky diode from SW2 to PVOUT is
utilized, the Schottky should be placed as close to the
SW2 and PVOUT pins as possible and connected with
the shortest possible traces.
LTC3115-2
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Figure17. PCB Layout Recommended for the DHD Package
[16]
PWM/
SYNC
[15]
SW1
VIA TO GROUND PLANE
(AND TO INNER LAYER
WHERE SHOWN)
INNER PCB
LAYER ROUTES
VIN
UNINTERRUPTED GROUND PLANE SHOULD EXIST UNDER ALL COMPONENTS SHOWN IN
BOLD AND UNDER TRACES CONNECTING TO THOSE COMPONENTS
[14]
PVIN
[13]
BST1
CBST1
CBST2
[12]
BST2
[17]
PGND
[11]
PVCC
[10]
VIN
[9]
VCC
31152 F17
OPTIONAL SCHOTTKY DIODE
[2]
SW2
[1]
RUN
[3]
PVOUT
[4]
GND
[5]
GND
RBOT
RTOP
VOUT
[6]
VC
KELVIN
BACK TO
GND PIN
KELVIN
TO VOUT
[7]
FB
[8]
RT
RT
LTC3115-2
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Figure18. PCB Layout Recommended for the FE Package
[19]
PWM/
SYNC
[18]
SW1
[21]
PGND
VIA TO GROUND PLANE
(AND TO INNER LAYER
WHERE SHOWN)
INNER PCB
LAYER ROUTES
VIN
UNINTERRUPTED GROUND PLANE SHOULD EXIST UNDER ALL COMPONENTS SHOWN IN
BOLD AND UNDER TRACES CONNECTING TO THOSE COMPONENTS
[17]
PVIN
[16]
BST1
CBST1
CBST2
[15]
BST2
[14]
PVCC
[13]
VIN
[12]
VCC
31152 F18
[3]
SW2
[2]
RUN
[20]
PGND
[1]
PGND
[4]
PVOUT
[5]
GND
[6]
GND
RBOT
RTOP
VOUT
[7]
VC
KELVIN
BACK TO
GND PIN
KELVIN
TO VOUT
[8]
FB
[9]
RT
[11]
PGND
[10]
PGND
RT
OPTIONAL SCHOTTKY DIODE
LTC3115-2
33
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Typical applicaTions
Automotive 450kHz Regulator with 100k Maximum Resistor Value
BST1 BST2
PVIN
VIN
RUN
PVOUT
VC
FB
PVCC
PWM/SYNC
VCC
RT
SW1 SW2
GND PGND
LTC3115-2
L1
10µH
CBST1
0.1µF CBST2
0.1µF
2.7V TO
40V
CFF
330pF
C1
4.7µF
5V
1A VIN > 4V
2A VIN ≥ 6V
CIN
10µF CO
47µF × 2 RTOP
100k
RBOT
24.9k
CIN: AVX22205C106KAT2A
CO: GRM43ER61A476KE19L
L1: WÜRTH 744 778910
31152 TA02a
RT
80.6k
RFF
1.5k
RFB
13.7k
100k
1000pF
CFB
33nF
Fast (10µs) Line Transient
from VIN = 13.8V to 30V
0A to 2A Load Step, VIN = 13.8V0A to 800mA Load Step, VIN = 3.6V
INPUT VOLTAGE
(10V/DIV)
VOUT
(200mV/DIV)
500µs/DIV 31152 TA02b
13.8V
30V
Fast (10µs) Line Transient
from VIN = 4V to 13.8V
INPUT VOLTAGE
(5V/DIV)
VOUT
(100mV/DIV)
500µs/DIV 31152 TA02c
4V
13.8V
LOAD CURRENT
(500mA/DIV)
VOUT
(200mV/DIV)
500µs/DIV 31152 TA02d
VOUT
(100mV/DIV)
LOAD CURRENT
(1A/DIV)
500µs/DIV 31152 TA02e
LTC3115-2
34
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Typical applicaTions
Wide Input Voltage Range (10V to 40V) 1MHz 24V Supply at 400mA
Maximum Load Current vs VIN Efficiency vs VIN
Power-Up/Down Waveforms,
ILOAD = 0.5A
BST1 BST2
PVIN
VIN
RUN
PVOUT
VC
FB
PVCC
PWM/SYNC
VCC
RT
SW1 SW2
GND PGND
LTC3115-2
L1
15µH
CBST1
0.1µF CBST2
0.1µF
10V TO 40V
UVLO
PROGRAMMED
TO 10V (1.3V
HYSTERESIS)
CFF
47pF
C1
4.7µF
24V
500mA VIN ≥ 12V
400mA VIN ≥ 10V
CIN
4.7µF CO
10µF RTOP
1M
RBOT
43.2k
L1: WÜRTH 744 066 150 31152 TA03a
RT
35.7k
R1
953k
R2
130k
RFF
4.99k
RFB
4.99k
CFB
4700pF
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
10
LOAD CURRENT (A)
1.0
1.5
31152 TA03b
0.5
020 30 40
2.5
2.0
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
10
80
EFFICIENCY (%)
82
84
86
88
ILOAD = 0.5A
ILOAD = 1A
92
20 30
31152 TA03c
40
90
VIN
(5V/DIV)
VOUT
(10V/DIV)
INDUCTOR
CURRENT
(2A/DIV)
50ms/DIV 31152 TA03d
LTC3115-2
35
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Typical applicaTions
Industrial 12V 1MHz Regulator with 10.6V Input Undervoltage Lockout Threshold
PWM Mode Efficiency
vs Load Current 0A to 1.5A Load Step, VIN = 24V
BST1 BST2
PVIN
VIN
RUN
PVOUT
VC
FB
PVCC
PWM/SYNC
VCC
RT
SW1 SW2
GND PGND
LTC3115-2
L1
10µH
CBST1
0.1µF CBST2
0.1µF
10V TO
40V
CFF
33pF
C1
4.7µF
12V
1.4A
CIN
10µF CO
22µF RTOP
1M
RBOT
90.9k
CIN: MURATA GRM55DR61H106K
CO: TDK CKG57NX5R1H226M
L1: WÜRTH 744 066 100
31152 TA04a
RT
35.7k
RFF
10k
RFB
40.2k
CFB
820pF
R1
2M
R2
255k
ENABLED WHEN VIN
REACHES 10.6V
DISABLED WHEN VIN
FALLS BELOW 8.7V
LOAD CURRENT (A)
0.01
40
EFFICIENCY (%)
80
90
100
0.1 1
31152 TA04b
70
60
50
VIN = 10.6V
VIN = 12V
VIN = 24V
VIN = 36V
VOUT
(500mV/DIV)
INDUCTOR
CURRENT
(1A/DIV)
500µs/DIV 31152 TA04c
VOUT
(500mV/DIV)
INDUCTOR
CURRENT
(1A/DIV)
500µs/DIV 31152 TA04d
0A to 1.5A Load Step, VIN = 10.6V 0A to 1.5A Load Step, VIN = 40V
VOUT
(500mV/DIV)
INDUCTOR
CURRENT
(1A/DIV)
500µs/DIV
31152 TA04e
LTC3115-2
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Typical applicaTions
24V 750kHz Industrial Power Rail from 20V to 40V Input
Regulated Output Voltage from
a Time Varying Input Rail
Fast (20µs) Input Voltage
Transient, VIN = 20V to 35V
0A to 1.5A Load Step, VIN = 20V Efficiency vs Load Current
BST1 BST2
PVIN
VIN
RUN
PVOUT
VC
FB
RT
PVCC
VCC
PWM/SYNC
SW1 SW2
GND PGND
LTC3115-2
L1
22µH
CBST1
0.1µF CBST2
0.1µF
20V TO 40V
OPEN
DRAIN
OUTPUT
CFF
100pF
C1
4.7µF
24V
1.5A
CIN
10µF CO
82µF
F
*
RTOP
1M
RBOT
43.2k
RT
47.5k
CO: OS-CON 35SVPF82M
WÜRTH: 744 066 220
*OPTIONAL: INSTALL IN
APPLICATIONS SUBJECT TO
OUTPUT OVERLOAD OR
SHORT-CIRCUIT CONDITIONS
31152 TA05a
RFF
51k
RFB
25k
CFB
3300pF
100pF
R1
500k
+
ON OFF
VIN
(5V/DIV)
VOUT
(5V/DIV)
10ms/DIV 31152 TA05b
40V
20V
LOAD
CURRENT
(1A/DIV)
INDUCTOR
CURRENT
(2A/DIV)
VOUT
(500mV/DIV)
500µs/DIV 31152 TA05c
LOAD CURRENT (A)
0.01
60
EFFICIENCY (%)
80
100
0.10 1
31152 TA05d
40
50
70
90
30
20
VIN = 20V
VIN = 24V
VIN = 36V
INPUT VOLTAGE
(5V/DIV)
VOUT
(200mV/DIV)
500µs/DIV 31152 TA05e
35V
20V
LTC3115-2
37
31152fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3115-2
Hot Plug on Firewire Input
from VIN = 4V to 24V
Typical applicaTions
USB, FireWire, Automotive and Unregulated Wall Adapter to Regulated 5V (750kHz)
Efficiency vs Load Current,
from Automotive Input
Soft-Start Waveform,
VIN = 24V, ILOAD = 0.5A
Output Voltage Transient Response,
600mA Load Step, Powered from Automotive Input
BST1 BST2
PVIN
VIN
2.2µF
100µF
ELECT
RUN
PWM/SYNC
PVOUT
VC
FB
PVCC
VCC
RT
SW1 SW2
GND PGND
LTC3115-2
L1
10µH
D4
D3
D2
D1
CBST1
0.1µF CBST2
0.1µF
USB
4.1V TO 5.5V
FireWire
8V TO 36V
AUTOMOTIVE
3.6V TO 40V
WALL ADAPTER
4V TO 40V
CFF
47pF
C1
4.7µF
5V
600mA
CO
47µF
×2RTOP
1M
RBOT
249k
CIN: MURATA GRM55DR61H106K
CO: GRM43ER60J476
D1-D4: B360A-13-F
L1: COILCRAFT LPS6225
31152 TA06a
RT
47.5k
RFF
51k
RFB
100k
CFB
4700pF
BURST PWM
OFF ON
+
LOAD CURRENT (A)
0.01
60
EFFICIENCY (%)
80
100
0.1 1
31152 TA06b
40
50
70
90
30
20
VIN = 3.6V
VIN = 5V
VIN = 12V
VIN = 24V
VIN = 36V
VOUT
(200mV/DIV)
VOUT
(200mV/DIV)
VOUT
(200mV/DIV)
1ms/DIV 31152 TA06d
VIN = 36V
VIN = 12V
VIN = 3.6V
VRUN
(5V/DIV)
VOUT
(2V/DIV)
VCC
(5V/DIV)
INDUCTOR
CURRENT
(500mA/DIV)
2ms/DIV 31152 TA06c
VIN at IC
(10V/DIV)
VOUT
(200mV/DIV)
500µs/DIV 31152 TA06e
~4V
~24V
LTC3115-2
38
31152fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3115-2
Typical applicaTions
1.5MHz, 12V Regulator with 8V to 40V Input Voltage Range
Load Step Transient Response,
0mA to 500mA, VIN = 8V
Load Step Transient Response,
0mA to 500mA, VIN = 24V
Efficiency vs Load Current,
PWM Mode
Efficiency vs Load Current,
Burst Mode Operation
BST1 BST2
PVIN
VIN
RUN
PVOUT
VCBURST PWM
FB
PVCC
PWM/SYNC
VCC
RT
SW1 SW2
GND PGND
LTC3115-2
L1
4.7µH
CBST1
0.1µF CBST2
0.1µF
8V TO 40V
CFF
33pF
12V AT 500mA
1A VIN > 10V
C1
4.7µF
CI
4.7µF CO
22µF RTOP
1M
RBOT
90.9k
CO: TDK C3225X7R1C226k
L1: COILCRAFT MOS6020-472MX
31152 TA07a
RT
23.7k
RFF
15k
RFB
15k
CFB
1000pF
VOUT
(500mV/DIV)
INDUCTOR
CURRENT
(1A/DIV)
LOAD CURRENT
(500mA/DIV)
200µs/DIV 31152 TA07b
VOUT
(500mV/DIV)
INDUCTOR
CURRENT
(1A/DIV)
LOAD CURRENT
(500mA/DIV)
200µs/DIV 31152 TA07c
LOAD CURRENT (A)
0.01
60
EFFICIENCY (%)
80
100
0.1 1
31152 TA07d
40
50
70
90
30
20
VIN = 6V
VIN = 10V
VIN = 24V
VIN = 36V
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
0.1
60
EFFICIENCY (%)
70
80
90
1 10 100
31152 TA07e
50
40
30
20
VIN = 6V
VIN = 10V
VIN = 24V
VIN = 36V
LTC3115-2
39
31152fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3115-2
DHD Package
16-Lead Plastic DFN (5mm × 4mm)
(Reference LTC DWG # 05-08-1707)
4.00 ±0.10
(2 SIDES)
5.00 ±0.10
(2 SIDES)
NOTE:
1. DRAWING PROPOSED TO BE MADE VARIATION OF VERSION (WJGD-2) IN JEDEC
PACKAGE OUTLINE MO-229
2. DRAWING NOT TO SCALE
3. ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS
4. DIMENSIONS OF EXPOSED PAD ON BOTTOM OF PACKAGE DO NOT INCLUDE
MOLD FLASH. MOLD FLASH, IF PRESENT, SHALL NOT EXCEED 0.15mm ON ANY SIDE
5. EXPOSED PAD SHALL BE SOLDER PLATED
6. SHADED AREA IS ONLY A REFERENCE FOR PIN 1 LOCATION ON THE
TOP AND BOTTOM OF PACKAGE
0.40 ± 0.10
BOTTOM VIEW—EXPOSED PAD
2.44 ± 0.10
(2 SIDES)
0.75 ±0.05
R = 0.115
TYP
R = 0.20
TYP
4.34 ±0.10
(2 SIDES)
18
169
PIN 1
TOP MARK
(SEE NOTE 6)
0.200 REF
0.00 – 0.05
(DHD16) DFN 0504
0.25 ± 0.05
PIN 1
NOTCH
0.50 BSC
4.34 ±0.05
(2 SIDES)
RECOMMENDED SOLDER PAD PITCH AND DIMENSIONS
2.44 ±0.05
(2 SIDES)
3.10 ±0.05
0.50 BSC
0.70 ±0.05
4.50 ±0.05
PACKAGE
OUTLINE
0.25 ± 0.05
package DescripTion
Please refer to http://www.linear.com/designtools/packaging/ for the most recent package drawings.
LTC3115-2
40
31152fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3115-2
package DescripTion
Please refer to http://www.linear.com/designtools/packaging/ for the most recent package drawings.
FE20 (CA) TSSOP REV J 1012
0.09 – 0.20
(.0035 – .0079)
0° – 8°
0.25
REF
RECOMMENDED SOLDER PAD LAYOUT
0.50 – 0.75
(.020 – .030)
4.30 – 4.50*
(.169 – .177)
1 3 4 5678 9 10
111214 13
6.40 – 6.60*
(.252 – .260)
4.95
(.195)
2.74
(.108)
20 1918 17 16 15
1.20
(.047)
MAX
0.05 – 0.15
(.002 – .006)
0.65
(.0256)
BSC 0.195 – 0.30
(.0077 – .0118)
TYP
2
2.74
(.108)
0.45 ±0.05
0.65 BSC
4.50 ±0.10
6.60 ±0.10
1.05 ±0.10
4.95
(.195)
MILLIMETERS
(INCHES) *DIMENSIONS DO NOT INCLUDE MOLD FLASH. MOLD FLASH
SHALL NOT EXCEED 0.150mm (.006") PER SIDE
NOTE:
1. CONTROLLING DIMENSION: MILLIMETERS
2. DIMENSIONS ARE IN
3. DRAWING NOT TO SCALE
SEE NOTE 4
4. RECOMMENDED MINIMUM PCB METAL SIZE
FOR EXPOSED PAD ATTACHMENT
6.40
(.252)
BSC
FE Package
20-Lead Plastic TSSOP (4.4mm)
(Reference LTC DWG # 05-08-1663 Rev J)
Exposed Pad Variation CA
LTC3115-2
41
31152fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3115-2
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 representa-
tion that the interconnection of its circuits as described herein will not infringe on existing patent rights.
revision hisTory
REV DATE DESCRIPTION PAGE NUMBER
A 5/15 Clarified GBUCK formula
Clarified Loop Compensation Example
Clarified PCB Layout Considerations
Added LTC3114-1 to Related Parts list
22
26
30, 31, 32
42
LTC3115-2
42
31152fa
For more information www.linear.com/LTC3115-2
Linear Technology Corporation
1630 McCarthy Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035-7417
LINEAR TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 2013
LT 0615 REV A • PRINTED IN USA
(408) 432-1900 FAX: (408) 434-0507 www.linear.com/LTC3115-2
relaTeD parTs
Typical applicaTion
2MHz Automotive 5V Regulator with Cold Crank Capability
Cold Crank Line Transient
with 800mA Load
Fast (10µs) Cold Crank Line
Transient, VIN = 13.8V to 4V
Fast (10µs) Load Dump Line
Transient, VIN = 13.8V to 36V
BST1 BST2
PVIN
VIN
RUN
PWM/SYNC
PVOUT
VC
FB
PVCC
VCC
RT
SW1 SW2
GND PGND
LTC3115-2
L1
3.3µH
CBST1
0.1µF CBST2
0.1µF
AUTOMOTIVE
4V TO 40V
CFF
100pF
C1
4.7µF
5V
800mA
CIN
4.7µF CO
47µF × 2 RTOP
100k
RBOT
24.9k
CO: MURATA GRM43ER61A476
L1: COILCRAFT LPS5030-332ML
31152 TA08a
RT
17.8k
RFF
2k
RFB
24.3k
CFB
4700pF
BURST PWM
OFF ON
100k
1000pF
PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION COMMENTS
LTC3115-1 2A (IOUT), 40V Synchronous Buck-Boost Converter VIN: 2.7V to 40V, VOUT
: 2.7V to 40V, IQ = 30µA, ISD < 3µA, DFN and
TSSOP Packages
LTC3114-1 1A (IOUT), 40V Synchronous Buck-Boost DC/DC Converter VIN = 2.2V to 40V, VOUT
= 2.7V to 40V, IQ = 30µA, ISD < 3µA, DFN
and TSSOP Packages
LTC3112 2.5A (IOUT), 15V Synchronous Buck-Boost DC/DC Converter VIN: 2.7V to 15V, VOUT
: 2.5V to 14V, IQ = 40µA, ISD < 1µA, DFN and
TSSOP Packages
LTC3113 3A (IOUT), 2MHz Synchronous Buck-Boost DC/DC Converter VIN: 1.8V to 5.5V, VOUT
: 1.8V to 5.25V, IQ = 30µA, ISD < 1µA, DFN
and TSSOP Packages
LTC3127 1A (IOUT), 1.2MHz Buck-Boost DC/DC Converter with
Programmable Input Current Limit 96% Efficiency VIN: 1.8V to 5.5V, VOUT
: 1.8V to 5.25V, IQ = 35µA,
ISD < 4µA, MSOP and DFN Packages
LTC3789 High Efficiency, Synchronous, 4-Switch Buck-Boost Controller VIN: 4V to 38V, VOUT
: 0.8V to 38V, IQ = 3mA, ISD < 60µA,
SSOP-28, QFN-28 Packages
LTC3785 ≤10A (IOUT), High Efficiency, 1MHz Synchronous, No RSENSE
Buck-Boost Controller VIN: 2.7V to 10V, VOUT
: 2.7V to 10V, IQ = 86µA, ISD < 15µA,
QFN Package
LTC3534 7V, 500mA (IOUT), 1MHz Synchronous Buck-Boost DC/DC
Converter 94% Efficiency, VIN: 2.4V to 7V, VOUT
: 1.8V to 7V, IQ = 25µA,
ISD < 1µA, DFN and GN Packages
VIN
(2V/DIV)
VOUT
(200mV/DIV)
INDUCTOR
CURRENT
(1A/DIV)
200ms/DIV 31152 TA08b
12V
6V
15ms FALL TIME
4.5V
INPUT VOLTAGE
(10V/DIV)
VOUT
(200mV/DIV)
200µs/DIV 31152 TA08c
36V
13.8V
INPUT VOLTAGE
(5V/DIV)
VOUT
(200mV/DIV)
200µs/DIV 31152 TA08d
13.8V
4V