MIC2196

Micrel

MIC2196

10

August 2004

A minimum 1

µF ceramic capacitor is required to decouple the

V

nected directly between pins 8 (VCC) and 6 (GND). For V

IN

greater than 8V, use a 4.7

µF or a 10µF ceramic capacitor to

decouple the VDD pin.

Efficiency Calculation and Considerations

Efficiency is the ratio of output power to input power. The

difference is dissipated as heat in the boost converter. The

significant contributors at light output loads are:

• The VIN pin supply current which includes the

current required to switch the external

MOSFETs.

• Core losses in the inductor.

To maximize efficiency at light loads:

• Use a low gate charge MOSFET or use the

smallest MOSFET, which is still adequate for the

maximum output current.

• Use a ferrite material for the inductor core, which

has less core loss than an MPP or iron power

core.

The significant contributors to power loss at higher output

loads are (in approximate order of magnitude):

• Resistive on-time losses in the MOSFET

• Switching transition losses in the MOSFET

• Inductor resistive losses

• Current sense resistor losses

• Output capacitor resistive losses (due to the

capacitor’s ESR)

To minimize power loss under heavy loads:

• Use logic level, low on resistance MOSFETs.

Multiplying the gate charge by the on-resistance

gives a figure of merit, providing a good balance

between switching and resistive power dissipa-

tion.

• Slow transition times and oscillations on the

voltage and current waveforms dissipate more

power during the turn-on and turn-off of the low

side MOSFET. A clean layout will minimize

parasitic inductance and capacitance in the gate

drive and high current paths. This will allow the

fastest transition times and waveforms without

oscillations. Low gate charge MOSFETs will

switch faster than those with higher gate charge

specifications.

• For the same size inductor, a lower value will

have fewer turns and therefore, lower winding

resistance. However, using too small of a value

will increase the inductor current and therefore

require more output capacitors to filter the output

ripple.

• Lowering the current sense resistor value will

decrease the power dissipated in the resistor.

However, it will also increase the overcurrent

limit and may require larger MOSFETs and

inductor components to handle the higher

currents.

• Use low ESR output capacitors to minimize the

power dissipated in the capacitor’s ESR.