LP38859 datasheet(11/21 Pages) TI1

11 / 21 page

LP38859

www.ti.com

SNVS337D – JUNE 2006 – REVISED OCTOBER 2011

SOFT-START

The LP38859 incorporates a Soft-Start function that reduces the start-up current surge into the output capacitor

(COUT) by allowing VOUT to rise slowly to the final value. This is accomplished by controlling VREF at the SS pin.

The soft-start timing capacitor (CSS) is internally held to ground until VBIAS rises above the Under-Voltage Lock-

Out threshold (ULVO).

VREF will rise at an RC rate defined by the internal resistance of the SS pin (rSS), and the external capacitor

connected to the SS pin. This allows the output voltage to rise in a controlled manner until steady-state

regulation is achieved. Typically, five time constants are recommended to assure that the output voltage is

sufficiently close to the final steady-state value. During the soft-start time the output current can rise to the built-in

current limit.

Soft-Start Time = CSS × rSS × 5

(1)

Since the VOUT rise will be exponential, not linear, the in-rush current will peak during the first time constant (τ),

and VOUT will require four additional time constants (4τ) to reach the final value (5τ) .

After achieving normal operation, should VBIAS fall below the ULVO threshold the device output will be disabled

and the Soft-Start capacitor (CSS) discharge circuit will become active. The CSS discharge circuit will remain

active until VBIAS falls to 500 mV (typical). When VBIAS falls below 500 mV (typical), the CSS discharge circuit will

cease to function due to a lack of sufficient biasing to the control circuitry.

Since VREF appears on the SS pin, any leakage through CSS will cause VREF to fall, and thus affect VOUT. A

leakage of 50 nA (about 10 M

Ω) through CSS will cause VOUT to be approximately 0.1% lower than nominal, while

a leakage of 500 nA (about 1 M

Ω) will cause VOUT to be approximately 1% lower than nominal. Typical ceramic

capacitors will have a factor of 10X difference in leakage between 25°C and 85°C, so the maximum ambient

temperature must be included in the capacitor selection process.

Typical CSS values will be in the range of 1 nF to 100 nF, providing typical Soft-Start times in the range of 70 μs

to 7 ms (5

τ). Values less than 1 nF can be used, but the Soft-Start effect will be minimal. Values larger than 100

nF will provide soft-start, but may not be fully discharged if VBIAS falls from the UVLO threshold to less than 500

mV in less than 100 µs.

Figure 27 shows the relationship between the COUT value and a typical CSS value.

Figure 27. Typical CSS vs COUT Values

The CSS capacitor must be connected to a clean ground path back to the device ground pin. No components,

other than CSS, should be connected to the SS pin, as there could be adverse effects to VOUT.

If the Soft-Start function is not needed the SS pin should be left open, although some minimal capacitance value

is always recommended.

POWER DISSIPATION AND HEAT-SINKING

Additional copper area for heat-sinking may be required depending on the maximum device dissipation (PD) and

the maximum anticipated ambient temperature (TA) for the device. Under all possible conditions, the junction

temperature must be within the range specified under operating conditions.

The total power dissipation of the device is the sum of three different points of dissipation in the device.

Submit Documentation Feedback

Product Folder Links: LP38859

LP38859 Datasheet(PDF) 11 Page - Texas Instruments

LP38859 Datasheet(HTML) 11 Page - Texas Instruments

Html Pages

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Datasheet Download

Link URL