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User’s Guide
TPS56C231 Step-Down Converter Evaluation Module
User's Guide
ABSTRACT
This user's guide contains information for the TPS56C231 as well as support documentation for the
TPS56C231EVM evaluation module. This document also includes the performance specifications, board layout,
schematic, and the list of materials of the TPS56C231EVM.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction.............................................................................................................................................................................3
2 Performance Specification Summary................................................................................................................................... 3
3 Modifications...........................................................................................................................................................................4
3.1 Output Voltage Setpoint..................................................................................................................................................... 4
3.2 Adjustable UVLO................................................................................................................................................................4
4 Test Setup and Results.......................................................................................................................................................... 5
4.1 Input and Output Connections........................................................................................................................................... 5
4.2 Start-Up Procedure............................................................................................................................................................ 5
4.3 Start-Up..............................................................................................................................................................................6
4.4 Shutdown........................................................................................................................................................................... 6
4.5 Output Voltage Ripple........................................................................................................................................................ 7
5 Board Layout...........................................................................................................................................................................8
5.1 Layout................................................................................................................................................................................ 8
6 Board Profile, Schematic, and List of Materials.................................................................................................................11
6.1 Board Profile.....................................................................................................................................................................11
6.2 Schematic........................................................................................................................................................................ 12
6.3 List of Materials................................................................................................................................................................ 13
7 References............................................................................................................................................................................ 14
List of Figures
Figure 4-1. Start-Up Relative to EN, IOUT = 6 A (4 ms/div).......................................................................................................... 6
Figure 4-2. Shutdown Relative to EN, IOUT = 6 A (200 μs/div).................................................................................................... 6
Figure 4-3. TPS56C231 Output Voltage Ripple, IOUT = 0.01 A (80 μs/div)..................................................................................7
Figure 4-4. TPS56C231 Output Voltage Ripple, IOUT = 12 A (2 μs/div).......................................................................................7
Figure 5-1. Top Assembly............................................................................................................................................................ 8
Figure 5-2. Top Layer...................................................................................................................................................................9
Figure 5-3. Inner1 Layer.............................................................................................................................................................. 9
Figure 5-4. Inner2 Layer............................................................................................................................................................ 10
Figure 5-5. Bottom Layer........................................................................................................................................................... 10
Figure 6-1. Top View of TPS56C231EVM..................................................................................................................................11
Figure 6-2. Bottom View of TPS56C231EVM............................................................................................................................ 11
Figure 6-3. TPS56C231EVM Schematic Diagram.....................................................................................................................12
List of Tables
Table 1-1. Input Voltage and Output Current Summary...............................................................................................................3
Table 2-1. TPS56C231EVM Performance Specifications Summary........................................................................................... 3
Table 3-1. Recommended Component Values............................................................................................................................ 4
Table 4-1. Connection and Test Points........................................................................................................................................ 5
Table 6-1. List of Materials.........................................................................................................................................................13
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Trademarks
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Trademarks
D-CAP3™ is a trademark of Texas Instruments.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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Introduction
1 Introduction
The TPS56C231 is a single, D-CAP3™ mode, synchronous buck converter requiring a very low external
component count. The TPS56C231 is a high-efficiency, cost effective, low quiescent current synchronous buck
converter with integrated FETs. A mode pin is used to select output current limit, switching frequency, and
forced continuous conduction mode (FCCM) and discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) operation. The device
uses D-CAP3 control mode to provide a fast transient response, good line, load regulation, no requirement
for external compensation, and supports low ESR output capacitors. Additionally, the TPS56C231 provides
adjustable soft start, undervoltage lockout inputs and a power good output. Rated input voltage and output
current ranges for the evaluation module are given in Table 1-1.
The TPS56C231EVM evaluation module (EVM) is a single, synchronous buck converter providing 1.2 V at 12 A
from 4.5-V to 17-V input. This user’s guide describes the TPS56C231EVM performance.
Table 1-1. Input Voltage and Output Current Summary
EVM
Input Voltage (VIN) Range
Output Current (IOUT) Range
TPS56C231EVM
4.5 V to 17 V
0 A to 12 A
2 Performance Specification Summary
A summary of the TPS56C231EVM performance specifications is provided in Table 2-1. Specifications are given
for an input voltage of 12 V and an output voltage of 1.2 V, unless otherwise noted. The ambient temperature is
25°C for all measurement, unless otherwise noted.
Table 2-1. TPS56C231EVM Performance Specifications Summary
Specifications
VIN
Test Conditions
Input voltage
MIN
TYP
MAX
4.5
12
17
Output voltage
Operating frequency
CH1
VIN = 12 V, IOUT = 6 A
Output current range
Unit
V
1.2
V
800
kHz
0
12
A
Overcurrent limit
VIN = 12 V, LOUT = 0.68 µH
17
A
Output ripple voltage
VIN = 12 V, IOUT = 12 A
10
mVPP
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Modifications
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3 Modifications
This evaluation module is designed to provide access to the features of the TPS56C231. Some modifications
can be made to this module.
3.1 Output Voltage Setpoint
To change the output voltage of the EVM, it is necessary to change the value of resistor R7 (RUPPER) and R9
(RLOWER). The value of R7 and R9 for a specific output voltage can be calculated using Equation 1 and refer
to Table 3-1 for some recommendation values. See the TPS56C231x 3.8-V to 17-V Input , 12-A Synchronous
Step-Down Converter data sheet. See Table 3-1 to set the switching frequency.
VOUT
0 . 6 u (1
R UPPER
)
R LOWER
(1)
Table 3-1. Recommended Component Values
VOUT (V)
0.6
1.2
3.3
5.0
RLOWER (kΩ)
10
10
10
10
RUPPER (kΩ)
0
10
45.3
82.5
fSW (kHz)
LOUT (µH)
COUT(min) (µF)
COUT(max) (µF)
CFF (PF)
400
0.68
300
500
—
800
0.47
100
500
—
1200
0.33
88
500
—
400
1.2
100
500
—
800
0.68
88
500
—
1200
0.47
88
500
—
400
2.4
88
500
100-220
800
1.5
88
500
100-220
1200
1.2
88
500
100-220
400
3.3
88
500
100-220
800
2.4
88
500
100-220
1200
1.5
88
700
100-220
3.2 Adjustable UVLO
The undervoltage lockout (UVLO) can be adjusted externally using R1 (REN(TOP)) and R2 (REN(BOT)). See the
TPS56C231x 3.8-V to 17-V Input , 12-A Synchronous Step-Down Converter data sheet for detailed instructions
for setting the external UVLO.
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Test Setup and Results
4 Test Setup and Results
This section describes how to properly connect, set up, and use the TPS56C231EVM. The section also includes
test results typical for the evaluation modules, includes power on, power off, and voltage ripple.
4.1 Input and Output Connections
The TPS56C231EVM is provided with input and output connectors and test points as shown in Table 4-1. A
power supply capable of supplying 6 A must be connected to J1 through a pair of 20-AWG wires. The load
must be connected to J2 through a pair of 20-AWG wires. The maximum load current capability is 12 A. Wire
lengths must be minimized to reduce losses in the wires. Test point TP2 provides a place to monitor the VIN input
voltages with TP4 providing a convenient ground reference. TP7 is used to monitor the output voltage with TP10
as the ground reference.
Table 4-1. Connection and Test Points
Reference
Designator
Function
J1
VIN (see Table 1-1 for VIN range)
J2
VOUT, 1.2 V at 12-A maximum
J3
En Control. Short pin1 and pin2 to make EN low. Short pin2 and pin3 to make
EN high.
J4
VIN positive monitor point
J5
GND monitor test point
J6
GND monitor test point
J7
PGOOD monitor test point
J8
VREG5 monitor test point
J9
MODE monitor test point
J10
Soft Start test point
J11
Switch node test point
J12
Loop test point
J13
GND monitor test point
J14
VOUT positive monitor point
J15
GND monitor test point
J16
GND monitor test point
TP2
VIN positive monitor point
TP4
GND monitor test point
TP7
VOUT positive monitor point
TP10
GND monitor test point
4.2 Start-Up Procedure
1. Ensure that the J3 (Enable control) pins 1 and 2 are shorted to shunt EN to GND, disabling the output.
2. Apply appropriate input voltage to VIN (J1-2) or TP2 and GND (J1-1) or TP4. Note that the board cannot
support hot plug-in. Connect the input lines between J1 and external power source first before turning on the
power source.
3. Disconnect J3 (Enable control) pins 1 and 2 (EN and L). Ensure that pins 2 and 3 (EN and H) are shorted,
then the output can be enabled.
4. Apply the loading to VOUT (J2-1) or TP7 and GND (J2-2) or TP10.
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Test Setup and Results
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4.3 Start-Up
The TPS56C231EVM start-up waveform relative to EN is shown in Figure 4-1.
Figure 4-1. Start-Up Relative to EN, IOUT = 6 A (4 ms/div)
4.4 Shutdown
The TPS56C231EVM shutdown waveform relative to EN is shown in Figure 4-2.
Figure 4-2. Shutdown Relative to EN, IOUT = 6 A (200 μs/div)
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Test Setup and Results
4.5 Output Voltage Ripple
The TPS56C231EVM output voltage ripple is shown in Figure 4-3 and Figure 4-4. The output currents are as
indicated.
Figure 4-3. TPS56C231 Output Voltage Ripple, IOUT = 0.01 A (80 μs/div)
Figure 4-4. TPS56C231 Output Voltage Ripple, IOUT = 12 A (2 μs/div)
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Board Layout
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5 Board Layout
This section provides a description of the TPS56C231EVM, board layout, and layer illustrations.
5.1 Layout
The board layout for the TPS56C231EVM is shown in Figure 5-1 to Figure 5-5. The TPS56C231EVM is with four
layers. The top layer contains the main power traces for VIN, VOUT, SW, and GND. Also, on the top layer are
connections for the pins of the TPS56C231 and a large area filled with ground. Most of the signal traces are also
located on the top side. The input decoupling capacitors are located as close to the VIN pins and PGND pins
of the IC as possible. The internal layer-1 is dedicated ground plane. The internal layer-2 contains an additional
large ground copper area as well as an additional VIN and VOUT copper fill. The bottom layer is a ground plane
along with 4 traces for VIN, VOUT, EN, and BOOT connection.
Figure 5-1. Top Assembly
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Board Layout
Figure 5-2. Top Layer
Figure 5-3. Inner1 Layer
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Board Layout
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Figure 5-4. Inner2 Layer
Figure 5-5. Bottom Layer
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Board Profile, Schematic, and List of Materials
6 Board Profile, Schematic, and List of Materials
6.1 Board Profile
Figure 6-1 is the top view for the TPS56C231EVM.
Figure 6-1. Top View of TPS56C231EVM
Figure 6-2 is the bottom view for the TPS56C231EVM.
Figure 6-2. Bottom View of TPS56C231EVM
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Board Profile, Schematic, and List of Materials
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6.2 Schematic
Figure 6-3 is the schematic for the TPS56C231EVM.
Figure 6-3. TPS56C231EVM Schematic Diagram
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Board Profile, Schematic, and List of Materials
6.3 List of Materials
Table 6-1 displays the TPS56C231EVM list of materials.
Table 6-1. List of Materials
Designator
Qty
Description
Part Number(1)
Manufacturer
PCB1
1
Printed Circuit Board
BSR191
Any
C1, C2, C9
3
Capacitor, ceramic, 0.1 µF, 25 V, ±10%, X7R, 0603
GRM188R71E104KA01D
MuRata
C3, C4, C5, C6
4
Capacitor, ceramic, 22 μF, 35 V, ±20%, X5R, 0805
C2012X5R1V226M125AC
TDK
C7
1
Capacitor, ceramic, 0.047 μF, 50 V, ±10%, X7R, 0603
GRM188R71H473KA61D
MuRata
C8
1
Capacitor, ceramic, 4.7 μF, 10 V, ±10%, X5R, 0805
C0603C475K8PACTU
Kemet
C11, C12, C13,
4
Capacitor, ceramic, 47 μF, 10 V, ±20%, X5R, 0805
GRM21BR61A476ME15L
MuRata
C17
1
Capacitor, ceramic, 0.01 μF, 50 V, ±20%, X7R, 0603
C1608X7R1H103K080AA
TDK
D1
1
Diode, Zener, 5.1 V, 500 mW, SOD-123
MMSZ5231B-7-F
Diodes Inc.
J1, J2
2
Terminal Block, 5.08 mm, 2 × 1, Brass, TH
ED120/2DS
On-Shore Technology
J3
1
Header, 100mil, 3 × 1, Gold, TH
HTSW-103-09-G-S
Samtec
J4, J5, J6, J7, J8,
13
Header, 2.54 mm, 1 × 1, Gold, TH
61300111121
Wurth Elektronik
L1
1
Inductor, Shielded Drum Core, Powdered Iron, 680 nH, 15.5 A, 0.005 Ω,
SMD
IHLP2525CZERR68M01
Vishay-Dale
LBL1
C14
J9, J10, J11, J12,
J13, J14, J15, J16
1
Thermal Transfer Printable Labels, 1.250" W × 0.250" H - 10,000 per roll
THT-13-457-10
Brady
R1
1
Resistor, 57.6 k, 1%, 0.1 W, 0603
CRCW060357K6FKEA
Vishay-Dale
R2
1
Resistor, 12.1 k, 1%, 0.1 W, 0603
CRCW060312K1FKEA
Vishay-Dale
R3
1
Resistor, 10.0 k, 1%, 0.1 W, 0603
CRCW060310K0FKEA
Vishay-Dale
R4
1
Resistor, 82.0 k, 1%, 0.1 W, 0603
RC0603FR-0782KL
Yageo
1
Resistor, 51.0 k, 1%, 0.1 W, 0603
RC0603FR-0751KL
Yageo
1
Resistor, 0, 5%, 0.1 W, 0603
MCR03EZPJ000
Rohm
2
Resistor, 30 k, 1%, 0.1 W, 0603
RC0603FR-0730KL
Yageo
R10
1
Resistor, 0, 5%, 0.1 W, AEC-Q200 Grade 0, 0603
CRCW06030000Z0EA
Vishay-Dale
TP2, TP4, TP7,
TP10
4
Terminal, Turret, TH, Double
1502-2
Keystone
U1
1
3.8-V to 17-V Input, 12-A Synchronous Step-Down Voltage Regulator
TPS56C231RNNR
Texas Instruments
C15, C16
0
Capacitor, ceramic, 47 μF, 10 V, ±20%, X5R, 0805
GRM21BR61A476ME15L
MuRata
C10
0
Capacitor, ceramic, 56 pF, 50 V, ±5%, C0G/NP0, 0805
GRM1885C1H560JA01D
MuRata
R8
0
Resistor, 0, 5%, 0.1 W, 0603
MCR03EZPJ000
Rohm
FID1, FID2, FID3
0
Fiducial mark. There is nothing to buy or mount.
N/A
N/A
R5
R6
R7, R9
(1)
Unless otherwise noted in the Alternate Part Number or Alternate Manufacturer columns, all parts may be substituted with equivalents.
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References
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7 References
Texas Instruments, TPS56C231 3.8 V to 17 V Input, 12-A Synchronous Step-Down Converter data sheet
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