LT8210
100V VIN and VOUT Synchronous 4-Switch
Buck‑Boost DC/DC Controller with Pass-Thru
FEATURES
DESCRIPTION
Pin-Selectable Pass-Thru or Fixed Output CCM,
DCM, Burst Mode® Operation
n Programmable Non-Switching Pass-Thru Window
n 18μA Pass-Thru Mode I with 99.9% Efficiency
Q
n V Range: 2.8V to 100V (4.5V for Start-Up)
IN
n V
OUT Range: 1V to 100V
n Reverse Input Protection to –40V
n ±1.25% Output Voltage Accuracy (–40°C to 125°C)
n ±3% Accurate Current Monitoring
n ±5% Accurate Current Regulation
n 10V Quad N-Channel MOSFET Gate Drivers
n EXTV
CC LDO Powers Drivers from VOUT/External Rail
n ±20% Cycle-by-Cycle Inductor Current Limit
n No Top MOSFET Refresh Noise in Buck or Boost
n Fixed/Phase-Lockable Frequency: 80kHz to 400kHz
n Spread Spectrum Frequency Modulation for Low EMI
n Power Good Output Voltage/Overcurrent Monitor
n Available in a 38-Lead TSSOP and 40-Lead (6mm x
6mm) QFN Packages
The LT®8210 is a 4-switch synchronous buck-boost
DC/DC controller that can operate in pass-thru, forced
continuous, pulse-skipping and Burst Mode® operation.
Pass-Thru is a feature that passes the input directly to
the output when the input is within a user programmable
window. Pass-Thru mode eliminates switching losses and
EMI along with maximizing efficiency. For input voltages
above or below the pass-thru window, the buck or boost
regulation loops maintain the output at the set maximum
or minimum values, respectively.
n
The GATEVCC driver supply is regulated to 10.6V allowing the use of standard-level MOSFETs and can be powered through the EXTVCC pin for improved efficiency. The
GATEVCC regulator is back-drive-protected to ride through
input brownouts while maintaining regulation. Optional
reverse input protection down to –40V can be implemented with the addition of a single N-channel MOSFET.
The LT8210 includes a precision current sense amplifier that can accurately monitor and limit output or input
average current.
APPLICATIONS
All registered trademarks and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Protected
by U.S. patents, including 10135340.
Automotive, Industrial, Telecom, Avionics Systems
n Automotive Start-Stop, Emergency Call Applications
n ISO 7637, ISO 16750, MIL-1275, DO-160 Applications
n
TYPICAL APPLICATION
4m
A
+
4.7µH
B
220µF
10µF
×2
D
22µF
×2
0.1µF
SNSP1 SNSN1 PGND
VOUT
8V TO 16V
5A
SNSP2
SNSN2
VIN
EXTVCC
100k
VDD
96
PASS–
THRU
REGION
24
92
88
12
FB1
7.15k
MODE2
2.2µF
100
36
VOUT
LT8210
MODE1
4.7µF
Transfer Characteristic
220µF
FB2
100k
PWGD
SYNC/
SPRD RT
SS
GND
VC1
38.3k
46.4k
1nF
330pF
59k
4.7nF
VDD
7.15k
IMON
VC2
100pF
8210 TA01a
71.5k
15nF
0
84
VIN
VOUT
EFFICIENCY
4
8
12
16
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
20
EFFICIENCY (%)
VINP
DG
GATEVCC
Pass-Thru Transfer Characteristic
(VOUT(BOOST) = 8V, VOUT(BUCK) = 16V)
BG2 SW2 BST2 TG2
EN/UVLO
BST2
+
C
0.1µF
TG1 BST1 SW1 BG1
BST1
4m
VOLTAGE (V)
VIN
REGULATES:
4V TO 100V
SURVIVES:
–40V TO
100V
24
80
8210 TA01b
2.2nF
Rev. B
Document Feedback
For more information www.analog.com
1
LT8210
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Features...................................................... 1
Applications................................................. 1
Typical Application ......................................... 1
Description.................................................. 1
Table of Contents........................................... 2
Absolute Maximum Ratings............................... 3
Pin Configuration........................................... 3
Order Information........................................... 3
Electrical Characteristics.................................. 4
Typical Performance Characteristics.................... 7
Pin Functions............................................... 12
Block Diagram.............................................. 14
Operation................................................... 15
Overview.................................................................. 15
Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM)...................... 15
Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DCM)................. 15
Burst Mode Operation.............................................. 15
Pass-Thru Mode...................................................... 15
Power Switch Control (CCM, DCM, Burst
Mode Operation).................................................. 16
Power Switch Control: Buck Region
(VINP > 1.19 • VOUT)............................................. 17
Power Switch Control: Boost Region
(VINP 175°C
VINP
DG–VIN
GATEVCC
VDD
PGND
UNDERVOLTAGE
COMPARTORS
VIN
NO_SW
VINP
VOUT
MODE1
CLK_BST
SLP
CLK_BK
PGND
BOOST
LOGIC
BST2
TG2
CLK_BST
RT
SNSN2
REVERSE
RESET_BST
SYNC
RT
VCP
BG2
NO_SW
SHORT_FB
SYNC
CHARGE
PUMP
GATEVCC
OPERATING
REGION
CONTROL
MODE2
SNSP2
GATEVCC
SW2
SLP
1.01V
+
+
+
VOUT
A3
–
600μA/V
–
1.20V
IMON
+
+
SHORT_FB
–
1.00V
A2
FB2
–
+
SHORT_FB
+
PWGD
+
0.90V
FB1
+
FB2
–
1.10V
SHORT_FB
A1
VDD
–
1.00V
–
5μA
FB1
NO_SW
NO_SW
GND
SS
VC1
VC2
8210 BD F01
Figure 1. Block Diagram
14
Rev. B
For more information www.analog.com
LT8210
OPERATION
Refer to the Block Diagram (Figure 1) when reading the
following sections about the operation of the LT8210.
Overview
The LT8210 has four different operating modes that can
be selected by setting the MODE1 and MODE2 pins either
high (>1.17V) or low ( 1.19 • VOUT)
A
When VINP is greater than VOUT by 19% (typical) or
more, the part will run in the buck region. In the buck
region, switch D is always on while switch C is always off.
Switches A and B will toggle on and off acting as a synchronous buck regulator. If the inductor current should
drop below the reverse current sense threshold in DCM
or negative current sense threshold in CCM, switch B will
be turned off for the remainder of the switching cycle,
preventing the inductor current from falling any further.
B
C
100% OFF
D
100% ON
–VOUT
L
VINP–VOUT
L
IL
A+D
B+D
A+D
B+D
8210 F04
Power Switch Control: Boost Region
(VINP > VOUT(BUCK), the LT8210 will operate in the
buck region. In this region switch D is always on while
switch C is always off, switches A and B will toggle on and
off, acting as a synchronous buck regulator, while maintaining the output at VOUT(BUCK). When VIN is between 93%
to 119% of VOUT(BUCK), switch D will also begin switching
to avoid the need for pulse skipping. Switch C will alternate
with D in this region. When VINP 1.45V AND
TJUNCTION < 175°C
CHIP ON/SWITCHER OFF
• SWITCHER DISABLED
• GATEVCC AND VDD OUTPUTS
ENABLED
• SS HELD LOW
VGATEVCC > 3.9V AND VDD > 2.9V
VIN > –1.2V
operation or to a resistive divider between VIN and ground
to program an undervoltage lockout (UVLO) threshold.
EXTVCC/GATEVCC/VDD Power Supplies
Power for the TG1, BG1, TG2, BG2 MOSFET drivers and
the internal VDD regulator are derived from GATEVCC. The
GATEVCC supply is linearly regulated to 10.6V (typical)
from PMOS low dropout regulators powered by either
the VINP or EXTVCC pins. When the voltage on EXTVCC
exceeds 8V (typical) and is simultaneously lower than
VINP, GATEVCC will be regulated from EXTVCC. The internal
comparison between EXTVCC and VINP causes the LT8210
to regulate GATEVCC from the lower of these two voltages,
minimizing power dissipation. This comparison criteria is
dropped when VINP is less than 8.5V (typical). This allows
the EXTVCC pin to maintain GATEVCC above 10V during an
input brownout condition. If EXTVCC is not used connect
to ground through a 100k resistor. The GATEVCC regulator has built-in backdrive protection should the input
momentarily drop below the GATEVCC voltage to avoid
discharging the bypass capacitor and resetting the part.
The LT8210 will maintain normal operation as long as
both the VINP and GATEVCC voltages remain above their
undervoltage lockout (UVLO) thresholds, typically 2.7V
and 3.7V, respectively. The GATEVCC regulator is current
limited in order to prevent excessive power dissipation
and possible damage. This current limit decreases linearly
at higher voltages, effectively clamping the internal power
dissipation at 3W (typical). Figure 10 shows the typical
GATEVCC current limit as a function of voltage on the VINP
and EXTVCC pins. Lower current limit at higher voltages
CC
120
DG CHARGING
INP
FROM VINP
FROM EXTVCC
VDG–VINP > 2.8V AND
VINP > 2.8V
IGATEVCC (mA)
100
• CHARGE PUMP ENABLED
• DG PIN CHARGING
• SS HELD LOW
SWITCHER ENABLED
• SS PIN CHARGES
• SWITCHING BEGINS
• FORCED DISCONTINOUS
MODE UNTIL SS > 2.5V
CC
80
60
40
20
0
8210 F09
Figure 9. Start-Up Sequence
10
20
30
40
50 60 70
VOLTAGE (V)
80
90 100
8210 F10
Figure 10. GATEVCC Current Limit vs VINP, EXTVCC
Rev. B
For more information www.analog.com
19
LT8210
OPERATION
restricts the amount of gate drive current that the LT8210
can provide and should be considered when selecting the
power MOSFETs and the switching frequency. The voltage
at the VDD pin is linearly regulated to 3.3V from GATEVCC
and powers the low voltage circuitry within the LT8210.
It should be bypassed with a minimum 2.2μF X5R/X7R
capacitor to ground placed close to the pin. VDD is a good
choice for tying logic pins high (e.g., MODE1, MODE2,
SYNC/SPRD) and as the pull-up supply for the PWGD pin.
The VDD regulator has a 10mA current limit. For powering
external loads other than those described from the VDD
rail please contact the factory for support.
Reverse Input Protection
The LT8210 includes optional reverse input protection down to –40V. To implement this feature, a power
N-channel MOSFET should be placed with its source connected to VIN, its drain connected to VINP and its gate
connected to the DG pin. When the voltage at VIN drops
below –1.2V (typical) the DG pin is clamped to the VIN pin
through an internal 30Ω (typical) switch. With its gate and
source shorted, the external MOSFET is forced into cutoff,
disconnecting VINP and downstream circuitry from the
input and preventing damage. The VIN, DG, and EN/UVLO
pins are all able to withstand voltages down to –40V without damage or excessive current flow. If polarized capacitors are used for input filtering, they should be placed on
the VINP side of the DG MOSFET. During normal operation,
the DG – VIN voltage is charged to approximately 8.5V
via the internal charge pump in order to fully enhance
the MOSFET. Switching will be disabled if the DG – VIN
voltage drops below 2.1V (typical) and re-enabled when
it exceeds 2.8V (typical). The DG undervoltage lockout is
POWER INPUT
–40V TO 100V
+
VIN
DG
TO DRAIN OF
SWITCH A
VINP
LT8210
8210 F11
Figure 11. Implementing Reverse Input Protection
20
intended to prevent excessive power dissipation in the DG
MOSFET when it is not enhanced and current conducts
through its body diode. The internal charge pump is able
to source up to 180μA from the DG pin for fast charging
and minimal delay at start-up. If reverse input protection
is not needed, VINP should be connected to VIN directly
or through a small RC filter (e.g., 1Ω, 1μF) and a 1nF,
25V ceramic capacitor should be placed between the DG
and VIN pins.
Current Monitoring and Regulation
The LT8210 is equipped with a precision current sense
amplifier that can be used for monitoring and regulating average current. The current measurement accuracy
is comparable to stand-alone current sense amplifiers
making it suitable for applications that require precision
monitoring. The input common mode range of the amplifier spans 0V to 100V allowing monitoring and regulation
of output, input, or ground current (Figure 12, Figure 13
and Figure 14, respectively). A current linearly proportional to the voltage between the SNSP2, SNSN2 pins
is sourced from the IMON pin and into a resistor connected to ground, generating an amplified version of the
sense resistor voltage. As the voltage on the IMON pin
approaches 1.00V, amplifier A3 will begin to sink current
from VC1 (and also VC2 in pass-thru mode) until the part
transitions from voltage regulation to current regulation.
The closed loop IMON voltage is regulated to within 3% of
1.01V for tight current limiting. A current regulation loop
may be implemented in CCM, DCM, Burst Mode operation, or pass-thru mode. The IMON amplifier operates
continuously while the part is enabled including the nonswitching states in DCM, Burst Mode operation, and passthru mode. If the IMON voltage approaches 1.01V while
in the non-switching pass-thru state, switching will be
re-initiated to limit average current. Do not place RSENSE2
on either the SW1 or SW2 nodes. If the current regulation/
monitoring is not needed, connect IMON to VDD and the
SNSP2, SNSN2 pins to ground to disable internal circuitry
and reduce quiescent current.
Rev. B
For more information www.analog.com
LT8210
OPERATION
RSENSE2
FROM DRAIN
OF SWITCH D
TO SYSTEM
VOUT
+
VOUT
SNSP2
SNSN2
LT8210
8210 F12
Figure 12. Output Current Sense
FROM POWER
INPUT OR
DG FET
RSENSE2
TO DRAIN OF
SWITCH A
+
SNSP2
SNSN2
VINP
LT8210
8210 F13
Figure 13. Input Current Sense
FROM DRAIN
OF SWITCH D
VOUT
+
VOUT
RSENSE2
LOAD
A turn-on, the following three pulses will be skipped,
and so on. The foldback circuit increases the number of
skipped pulses with each successive switch A pulse where
this threshold is exceeded, otherwise the skip count is
reset. The maximum foldback of the switching frequency
is 1/32×fSW. In addition to preventing inductor runaway,
the LT8210 foldback scheme significantly reduces switch
A power dissipation in a short circuit condition. When
the output is shorted to ground, the power dissipation in
switch A is dominated by transitional losses as it turns
on and off. Reducing the number of switch A pulses over
a given period reduces the dissipated power proportionally. The boost loop is naturally protected from inductor
current runaway in the LT8210 as it can only occur when
VINP ~ VOUT, which is within the buck-boost region. While
the buck loop is simultaneously controlling the inductor
current each cycle it is not possible for the boost channel
to run away.
Bootstrap Capacitor Voltage
SNSP2
SNSN2
LT8210
8210 F14
Figure 14. Ground Current Sense
Buck Foldback
The LT8210 actively prevents inductor current runaway
while the buck loop is switching. The inductor current can
run away when its rising slope exceeds the falling slope
to such a degree that the current continues to increase
each period even while switching at the minimum SW1
duty cycle. A buck regulator is most susceptible to runaway when the output voltage is near ground causing the
inductor current falling slope to be flat. This situation is
exacerbated by high input voltage and high switching frequency. To prevent runaway, the LT8210 may skip switch
A pulses while VOUT is less than 10% of VINP and the FB1
voltage is lower than 900mV. At the start of the switch A
on-time, the sensed inductor current must be below an
internally set pulse-skipping threshold otherwise the next
pulse on switch A will be skipped. If the inductor current
exceeds the pulse-skipping threshold on the next switch
During normal operation the BST1 and BST2 capacitors
are charged from the GATEVCC supply through diodes
DBST1 and DBST2 while switches B and C are turned on,
respectively. Depending on the switching region, switch B
and/or C may be off continuously, preventing conventional
charging. The LT8210 utilizes an internal charge pump
to maintain the bootstrap capacitor voltage of the nonswitching channel(s) and avoid forced top gate refresh
pulses. While the bootstrap capacitor voltage is above
0.75 • GATEVCC, a charging current of 50μA (typical) is
sourced from the BST pin of the non-switching channel.
If this voltage drops below 0.75 • GATEVCC, the average
charging current is increased to roughly 200μA. Finally, if
the bootstrap capacitor voltage should fall below roughly
2V, a minimum on-time bottom gate pulse will be forced
to maintain a minimum bootstrap capacitor voltage. An
internal clamp across each boost capacitor prevents
overcharging. In the non-switching pass-thru state, the
internal charge pump is enabled to recharge the BST1
and BST2 capacitors whenever the voltage across either
drops below 0.75 • GATEVCC and then disabled when it
exceeds 0.9 • GATEVCC.
Rev. B
For more information www.analog.com
21
LT8210
OPERATION
PWGD Pin
The PWGD pin is an open drain logic output which goes
high when the output voltage and IMON pin voltage are
within preset limits after switching is enabled. The internal PWGD pull-down is released when VOUT is within
±10% of its programmed value. In CCM, DCM, and Burst
Mode operation, this occurs when the FB1 voltage is
within ±10% of the 1.00V system reference. In pass-thru
mode, PWGD will go high when VFB1 > 0.90V and VFB2 <
1.10V, indicating that the output voltage is within ±10%
of the programmed output pass-thru window. PWGD will
be pulled low if the voltage on the IMON pin exceeds
1.20V, indicating that the average current exceeds its programmed limit by 20% or more. The LT8210 includes a
0.90V
+
FB1
–
FB2
+
1.10V
–
built-in self-test to confirm the system reference circuitry
is functioning properly. This reference voltage is used for
voltage regulation, current regulation, clock generation,
and fault detection. If the system reference is outside of
preset tolerances switching is disabled and the PWGD
pin pulled low. Switching will also be disabled and the
PWGD pin pulled low if the VINP, GATEVCC, VDD, or DG pin
voltage fall below their respective under voltage lockout
thresholds. The PWGD pin pull-up resistor can be connected to any external rail up to 40V. Using either VDD or
GATEVCC as the pull-up supply has the added advantage
that PWGD will be in the correct state when the LT8210 is
disabled. Figure 15 shows the conditions which determine
the state of the PWGD pin.
SWITCHING
DISABLED
PWGD
40V
NFET
IMON
+
1.20V
–
8210 F15
Figure 15. PWGD Logic
22
Rev. B
For more information www.analog.com
LT8210
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
7. CSS selected to set soft-start behavior.
The Applications Information section serves as a guideline for selecting external components based on the
details of the application. For this section please refer to
the basic LT8210 application circuit shown in Figure 16.
Component selection typically follows the approach
described below:
8. (Optional) – Reverse input protection (DG) MOSFET
selected to stand-off worst case VINP to VIN voltage
and minimize conduction loss during regulation.
9. (Optional) – Current regulation and/or monitoring
implemented with RSENSE2, RIMON, CIMON.
1. RSENSE is selected based on the required output current and the input voltage range
The examples and equations in this section assume continuous conduction mode unless otherwise noted. For
pass-thru mode use VOUT(BUCK), VOUT(BOOST) in place of
VOUT for buck, boost calculations, respectively. All electric
characteristics referred to in this section represent typical
values unless otherwise specified.
2. Inductor value (L) and switching frequency (fSW)
are chosen based on ripple, stability and efficiency
requirements.
3. Power MOSFETs (A, B, C, D) are selected to maximize
efficiency while satisfying the voltage and current
ranges of the application.
Maximum Output Current and RSENSE Selection
RSENSE is chosen based on the required output current.
With a properly selected inductor value, the maximum
average inductor current is relatively independent of
inductor current ripple, duty cycle, and switching region.
This simplifies the selection of RSENSE, which can often be
an iterative process. The RSENSE value in the buck region
4. CIN and COUT capacitors selected to filter input
and output RMS currents and achieve the desired
voltage ripple.
5. CBST1, CBST2, and CGATEVCC capacitors are selected
to store adequate charge to power the gate drivers.
6. Type II compensation network designed for VC1 (and
also VC2 if pass-thru mode is used).
DG
VIN
+
CIN
L
B
CIN
C
BST1
COUT
(CER)
CBST2
SNSP1 SNSN1 PGND
SNSN2
VIN
EXTVCC
VOUT
R1A
FB1
R2A
MODE1
FB2
MODE2
CGATEVCC
PWGD
SYNC/
SPRD RT
CVDD
COUT
LT8210
VDD
DBST2
+
SNSP2
DG
GATEVCC
BST2
VOUT
BG2 SW2 BST2 TG2
EN/UVLO
DBST1
RSENSE2
D
CBST1
(CER)
TG1 BST1 SW1 BG1
VINP
REN1
REN2
RSENSE
A
SS
RT
GND
CSS
VC1
RC1
CP1
RC2
CC1
RPWGD
R2B
IMON
VC2
CP2
R1B
8210 F16
RIMON
CC2
CIMON
Figure 16. Basic LT8210 Applications Circuit
Rev. B
For more information www.analog.com
23
LT8210
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
for a given maximum output current, IOUT(MAX), can be
calculated as:
R SENSE(BUCK)
≈
50mV
IOUT(MAX)
While operating in the boost region, the output current is
equal to the inductor current multiplied by D’BST ≅ VINP/VOUT.
Using VINP(MIN) the RSENSE for a desired IOUT(MAX) can be
calculated as:
R SENSE(BOOST)
≈
50mV
IOUT(MAX)
•
VOUT
150
NORMALIZED CURRENT (%)
The operating frequency and inductor selection are interrelated in that higher operating frequencies allow the use
of smaller inductor and capacitor values. The inductor
value is inversely related to the ripple current. Typically,
the inductor ripple current, ∆IL, is set to 20%to 40% of the
maximum inductor current. The minimum inductor value
necessary to maintain a desired ripple can be calculated
for both buck and boost regions as:
VINP(MIN)
Maximum Current vs Duty Cycle
125
100
75
BUCK
REGION
BUCK–
BOOST
REGION
BOOST
REGION
50
IL(PEAK)
IL(AVG)
IOUT(MAX)
25
0
0.25 0.50 0.75
1
1.25 1.50 1.75
VINP/VOUT (V)
2
8210 F17
Figure 17. Example of Maximum Average Inductor
Current and Output Current vs VINP/VOUT
A margin of 20% to 30% on the lower of the two calculated RSENSE values is usually recommended. The
RSENSE resistor should be a low inductance type so as
not to degrade stability. A small low pass filter between
RSENSE and the SNSP1 and SNSN1 pins like that shown
in Figure 18 is not required but may improve switching
edge jitter in some applications. These filter components
should be placed near the pins.
RSENSE
SW1
10Ω
1nF
SNSP1
L
SW2
10Ω
SNSN1
LT8210
8210 F18
Figure 18. Optional SNSP1, SNSN1 Filter for Improved Jitter
24
Inductor Selection
L ( BUCK) >
VOUT • ( VIN(MAX) − VOUT )
fSW • IOUT(MAX) • ΔIL % • VIN(MAX)
L ( BOOST) >
VIN(MIN) 2 • ( VOUT − VIN(MIN) )
fSW • IOUT(MAX) • ΔIL % • VOUT 2
In addition to ripple considerations, the inductance should
be large enough to prevent subharmonic oscillations. In
a current mode controlled regulator, the current sense
loop creates a double pole at half the switching frequency
which can degrade system stability when its quality factor
(QCS) is much greater than 1.0. The current sense loop
damping is a function of the inductor current slope and
the internal slope compensating ramp. The LT8210 slope
compensation scheme is designed to provide optimal
damping of the current sense loop for any input voltage
when the inductor value is set to the following value.
L OPTIMAL
= (260 + (5.5 • VOUT ))• R SENSE •
1
fSW
for example :
L OPTIMAL (VOUT =12V ) = 325 • R SENSE •
L OPTIMAL (VOUT =48 V ) = 525 • R SENSE •
1
fSW
1
fSW
This simplifies loop compensation as the current sense loop
damping becomes independent of duty cycle and switching
region. Selecting LOPTIMAL also optimizes line regulation and
line step response. A lower inductance value will increase
QCS, and a sufficiently undersized inductor can result in subharmonic oscillation for buck duty cycles above 50% and
boost duty cycles below 50%. Choose an inductor at least
70% of the calculated optimal value to avoid subharmonic
Rev. B
For more information www.analog.com
LT8210
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
instability. Inductor parasitics can significantly impact converter efficiency. For high efficiency, choose an inductor
with low core loss, such as ferrite. The inductor should also
have low DC resistance (DCR) to reduce the I2R losses.
Selecting an inductor with DCR comparable to the RDS(ON)
of the power MOSFETs is a reasonable starting point. If
radiated noise is a concern, a shielded inductor should be
used. Ferrite cores saturate abruptly leading to significant
increase in ripple when the saturation current rating, ISAT, is
exceeded. ISAT should be greater than the worst-case peak
inductor current with added margin. The maximum peak
inductor current can be approximated:
IL(MAX)
≈
60mV
R SENSE
+ ∆IL(MAX) A
Assuming an inductor ripple current, ∆IL(MAX), of 40%,
the peak inductor current could be 145% of the maximum output current. Adding an additional margin of 25%
beyond worst-case yields a conservative minimum inductor ISAT rating of 90mV/RSENSE, for example.
Switching Frequency Selection
The RT frequency adjust pin allows the user to program
the switching frequency from 80kHz to 400kHz. Selection
of the switching frequency is a trade-off between efficiency
and component size. Low frequency operation improves
efficiency by reducing MOSFET switching losses, but
requires larger inductor and capacitor values. For high
power applications, consider operating at lower frequencies to minimize MOSFET heating from switching losses.
For low power applications, consider operating at higher
switching frequencies to minimize total solution size.
The selection of RSENSE, the inductor value and switching frequency are interrelated. To maintain the ripple current amplitude and subharmonic stability, the inductor
value will track the product of RSENSE and the switching
period, T. The RSENSE value is set by load requirements.
The inductor value is determined by ripple current and
subharmonic stability criteria. A practical approach is to
adjust the switching frequency to optimize system performance once the RSENSE and L values have already been
chosen. The component selection flow would follow:
1. Select RSENSE based on required output current.
2. Select inductor value based on desired ripple for a
range of fSW (e.g., 80kHz to 120kHz).
3. Adjust switching frequency to satisfy:
fsw(OPTIMAL) =
(260 + (5.5 • VOUT ))• R SENSE
L
Setting the switching frequency to fSW(OPTIMAL) has a host
of benefits including: optimized loop stability, optimized
line rejection, and flat average maximum inductor current
across duty cycle and switching region.
RT Set Switching Frequency
The switching frequency of the LT8210 is set with a resistor from the RT pin to ground. Table 2 shows switching
frequency versus RT for 1% resistor values. The minimum and maximum switching frequencies are internally
limited should the RT resistor be shorted (typically fSW =
700kHz) or opened (typically fSW = 45kHz). It is strongly
recommended to use a RT resistor even when LT8210 is
synchronized to an external clock using the SYNC/SPRD
pin. If the synchronization signal is lost, the LT8210 will
revert to the RT set value within approximately 20μs.
Table 2. Switching Frequency vs RT Value (1% Resistor)
RT (kΩ)
fSW (kHz)
RT (kΩ)
fSW (kHz)
16.2
411
41.2
190
16.9
397
43.2
184
17.8
379
45.2
177
18.7
364
47.5
171
20.0
343
49.9
165
21.0
329
52.3
160
22.1
315
54.9
155
23.2
300
59.0
147
24.3
289
64.9
138
25.5
277
71.5
130
26.7
267
78.7
122
28.0
257
86.6
115
29.4
247
95.3
109
30.9
237
100
105
32.4
229
110
100
34.0
220
121
95
35.7
212
133
90
37.4
205
150
85
39.2
200
174
80
Rev. B
For more information www.analog.com
25
LT8210
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
Frequency Synchronization
Spread-Spectrum Frequency Modulation
The LT8210 switching frequency can be synchronized
to an external clock using the SYNC/SPRD pin. The
threshold of the SYNC/SPRD receiver makes it compatible with standard 1.8V to 5.0V logic levels. Driving the
SYNC/SPRD with a 50% duty cycle waveform is a good
choice, otherwise maintain the duty cycle between 10%
and 90%. Because an internal phase-locked loop (PLL)
is used, there is no restriction between the synchronization frequency and the RT set oscillator frequency. The
LT8210 is designed to transition seamlessly between RT
set switching frequency and the external synchronization
clock. If the SYNC/SPRD signal drops below 50kHz or
stops altogether, the LT8210 will revert to the RT set frequency within 20μs (typical). Setting the RT programmed
frequency near the synchronization frequency is recommended to maintain normal switching should the external
clock signal be lost. When a synchronization clock is first
applied the internal PLL may take 50μs or more to settle
within 5% of the external clock frequency. When the clock
synchronization feature is not used, connect SYNC/SPRD
to VDD to enable spread spectrum modulation, otherwise
connect to GND. SYNC functionality is internally disabled
while in Burst Mode
SW operation.
Switching regulators can be particularly troublesome for
applications where electromagnetic interference (EMI)
is a concern. To improve EMI performance, the LT8210
includes a user selectable triangular frequency modulation scheme. When the SYNC/SPRD pin is tied to VDD
spread spectrum functionality is enabled. The LT8210 will
slowly spreads fSW between the nominal RT set frequency
to 112.5% of that value. Figure 21 and Figure 22 demonstrate the difference in the noise spectrum and switching
waveforms with the spread spectrum feature enabled.
Conducted Average EMI Comparison (AM Band)
70
SPREAD OFF
SPREAD ON
AMPLITUDE (dBµV/m)
60
RBW = 10kHz
5.5dB
50
40
5.4dB
30
8.9dB
9.3dB
20
10
0
0.15
0.65
1.15
1.65
2.15
FREQUENCY (MHz)
2.65
3.15
8210 F21
Figure 21. Conducted Average EMI Comparison (AM Band) Example
SYNC
1V/DIV
IL
2A/DIV
SW2
50V/DIV
SW1
20V/DIV
IL
2A/DIV
SW2
20V/DIV
10µs/DIV
8210 F19
Figure 19. Transition from RT Set Frequency to Synchronization
VOUT (AC)
100mV/DIV
40µs/DIV
FIGURE 37 CIRCUIT
VIN = 20V
SYNC
1V/DIV
8210 F22
Figure 22. Switching Waveforms with Spread-Spectrum Enabled
IL
2A/DIV
SW1
20V/DIV
SW2
20V/DIV
10µs/DIV
8210 F20
Figure 20. Transition from Synchronization to RT Set Frequency
26
Rev. B
For more information www.analog.com
LT8210
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
2.0
The LT8210 requires four external N-channel power
MOSFETs (switches A, B, C, D in Figure 16). The gate
drive voltage of the LT8210 is typically greater than 10V
allowing the use of both logic-level and standard-level
threshold devices. The MOSFET maximum VBR(DSS) and
drain current (ID) ratings should exceed worst-case voltage and current conditions of the application with added
margin for safety. The maximum continuous drain current
of a power MOSFET is de-rated as a function of temperature with that information commonly available in the
data sheet. It is important to consider power dissipation
when selecting power MOSFETs. The most efficient circuit will use MOSFETs that dissipate the least amount of
power. Dissipated power and the resulting temperature
rise in external components will set the upper bound on
the power that can be delivered by the LT8210. MOSFET
power dissipation comes from two primary components:
(1) I2R conduction losses when the switch is fully turned
“on” and drain current is flowing, and (2) power dissipated while the switch is turning “on” or “off”. Conduction
losses are independent of frequency. Switching losses,
on the other hand, scale with frequency and voltage.
Generally speaking, conduction losses are dominant at
higher currents and lower voltages, whereas switching
losses tend to dominate at lower currents and higher voltages. Accurately predicting MOSFET power dissipation is
a complex problem that is best suited to efficiency calculators such as that included in LTpowerCAD® II. That being
said, efficiency calculators are no substitute for real world
measurements. The following section provides approximations of the main source(s) of power dissipation for
switches A, B, C, and D as a function of the input and output voltages and switching region. The purpose is to guide
MOSFET selection by determining where the majority of
power is being dissipated. In the following equations ρτ is
a normalization factor (unity at 25°C) accounting for the
significant variation in on-resistance with temperature,
typically 0.4%/°C as shown in Figure 23. For a maximum
junction temperature of 125°C, using a value of ρτ = 1.5
is reasonable. QSW is the switching charge and can be
approximated as QSW = QGD + QGS/2 if not explicitly stated
in the MOSFET data sheet.
ρτ NORMALIZED ON-RESISTANCE (Ω)
Power MOSFET Selection
1.5
1.0
0.5
0
–50
50
100
0
JUNCTION TEMPERATURE (°C)
150
8210 F23
Figure 23. Normalized RDS(ON) vs Temperature
The constant k is empirically derived to equal 1.3 and is
a function of driver resistance, MOSFET threshold and
gate resistance.
Switch A: The power dissipation in switch A is due to both
conduction and switching losses and typically reaches
a maximum at either VIN(MIN) in the boost region, or
VIN(MAX) in the buck region.
Table 3. Switch A Power Dissipation
REGION
Buck
POWER DISSIPATION
2
IOUT
• (VOUT /VIN )• ρ τ • R DS(ON)
+ k •IOUT • VIN • fSW • Q SW
Buck-Boost
2
IOUT
• (VOUT /VIN )• ρ τ • R DS(ON)
+ k •IOUT • VIN • fSW • Q SW
Boost
2
IOUT
• (VOUT /VIN ) 2 • ρ τ • R DS(ON)
Pass-Thru
(Non-Switching)
2
IOUT
• ρ τ • R DS(ON)
Switch B: Switch B power dissipation is due mainly to
conduction losses and reaches a maximum in the buck
region at VIN(MAX).
Table 4. Switch B Power Dissipation
REGION
Buck
Buck-Boost
POWER DISSIPATION
2
IOUT
• (1– VOUT /VIN ) • ρ τ • R DS(ON)
2
IOUT
• (1 – VOUT /VIN ) • ρ τ • R DS(ON)
Boost
0
Pass-Thru
(Non-Switching)
0
Rev. B
For more information www.analog.com
27
LT8210
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
Switch C: Switch C power dissipation is due to both conduction and switching losses and reaches a maximum at
VIN(MIN).
REGION
Buck
Buck-Boost
POWER DISSIPATION
0
2
IOUT
• VOUT • (VOUT – VIN )• ρ τ • R DS(ON) /
2
VIN
+ k • IOUT • VOUT 2 • fSW • Q SW /VIN
Boost
2
2
IOUT
• VOUT • (VOUT – VIN )• ρ τ • R DS(ON) / VIN
Example of Switch Power Dissipation vs VINP
VOUT = 24V
MA
MB
MC
MD
TOTAL POWER LOSS
4
POWER LOSS (W)
Table 5. Switch C Power Dissipation
5
3
2
1
0
0
+ k • IOUT • VOUT 2 • fSW • Q SW /VIN
Pass-Thru
(Non-Switching)
48
60
Figure 24. Example of Switch Power Dissipation vs VINP
0
Table 6. Switch D Power Dissipation
POWER DISSIPATION
Buck
2
IOUT
• ρ τ • R DS(ON)
Buck-Boost
2
IOUT
• (VOUT /VIN ) • ρ τ • R DS(ON)
Boost
2
IOUT
• (VOUT /VIN ) • ρ τ • R DS(ON)
Pass-Thru
(Non-Switching)
2
IOUT
• ρ τ • R DS(ON)
In most applications the losses reach a maximum when
the LT8210 is delivering IOUT(MAX) at VIN(MIN). Switches A
and C will typically dissipate the majority of the power in
these situations. To achieve higher output current it may
be beneficial to use two MOSFETs in parallel for switches
A and C to minimize conduction losses. While the power
dissipated in switches B and D is comparatively low during normal operation, it may become significant if the
output is shorted to ground. A representative example of
switch power dissipation as a function of input voltage is
shown in Figure 24.
Other power loss sources include: the gate drive current
(fSW • ∑ switching MOSFET QG) multiplied by the supply
voltage of the GATEVCC regulator (either VINP or VEXTVCC),
28
24
36
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
8210 F24
Switch D: Switch D power dissipation is due mainly to
conduction losses and reaches a maximum in the boost
region at VIN(MIN).
REGION
12
as well as and the energy required to charge MOSFET
QOSS, QRR each switching cycle depending on switching
region. Power MOSFETs of a particular technology trade
on-resistance, RDS(ON), and gate charge QG (along with
QSW, QOSS, QRR) and maximizing efficiency often comes
down to finding a MOSFET that strikes the right balance
between these factors. Higher switching frequency and
higher voltage operation drive up switching losses making the value of QG (and QSW, QOSS, QRR) increasingly
significant. In the non-switching pass-thru state, efficiency depends primarily on conduction losses in power
switches A, D, and DG (if used) along with the inductor
DCR. In these situations prioritize low RDS(ON) over QG to
maximize efficiency.
CIN and COUT Selection
Input and output capacitors are necessary to suppress the
voltage ripple caused by discontinuous current moving in
and out of the regulator. In the buck region the input current is discontinuous while in the boost region the output
current is discontinuous. Selecting the proper input and
output capacitors boils down to three considerations:
1. Voltage ripple is inversely proportional to capacitance.
2. ESR must be low to minimize its contribution to voltage ripple.
3. RMS current rating of the capacitor(s) should exceed
worst-case application conditions with margin.
Rev. B
For more information www.analog.com
LT8210
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
For buck operation, the value of CIN to achieve a desired
input ripple voltage (∆VIN) can be calculated as:
C IN ≅
IOUT(MAX) ⎛ VOUT ⎞ ⎛ VOUT ⎞
•⎜
⎟ • ⎜ 1−
⎟
∆VIN • fsw ⎝ VIN ⎠ ⎝
VIN ⎠
∆VIN is typically chosen at a level acceptable to the user.
100mV to 200mV is a good starting point. The ESR of the
input capacitance should be less than:
∆VIN
ESR (IN,MAX) <
The input RMS current can be approximated by:
VOUT
VIN
•
VIN
VOUT
−1
This formula has a maximum at VIN = 2VOUT, where
IRMS = IOUT(MAX)/2. This simple worst-case condition
is commonly used for design because even significant
deviations do not offer much relief. The capacitance necessary to achieve a desired output ripple, ∆VOUT, can be
calculated for the buck and boost switching regions:
C OUT(BOOST) =
IOUT(MAX) • ( VOUT − VIN(MIN) )
∆VOUT • fsw • VOUT
VOUT • ( VIN(MAX) − VOUT )
C OUT(BUCK) =
∆VOUT • fsw 2 • VIN(MAX) • 8 • L
The ESR of the output capacitor should be low enough to
not significantly increase the ripple voltage:
ESR (BOOST) <
ESR (BUCK ) <
∆VOUT • VIN(MIN)
IOUT(MAX) • VOUT
∆VOUT • L • fSW
⎛
VOUT ⎞
VOUT • ⎜ 1–
⎟
V
IN(MAX ) ⎠
⎝
COUT should also tolerate the maximum RMS output current of when operating in the boost region:
IOUT(RMS) ≈ IOUT(MAX) •
%IRMS,ALUM ≈
IOUT(MAX)
IIN(RMS) ≈ IOUT(MAX) •
For both the CIN and COUT capacitors, a good approach for
larger values is to use a parallel combination of aluminum
electrolytics for bulk capacitance and ceramics for low
ESR and to handle the RMS currents. When used together,
the percentage of RMS current that will flow through the
aluminum electrolytic capacitor can be approximated by
the following equation:
VOUT
VIN(MIN)
−1
100%
1+ ( 2π • fSW • C (CER) • R ESR(ALUM) )
2
Where RESR(ALUM) is the ESR of the aluminum capacitor
and C(CER) is the total value of the ceramic capacitor(s).
Ceramic capacitors should be placed near the regulator
input and output to suppress high frequency switching
spikes. Specifically, the ceramic capacitors on the input
should be placed in close proximity to switches A and B,
and output ceramics should be placed close to switches
C and D. Due to their excellent low ESR characteristics,
ceramic capacitors can significantly reduce ripple voltage
and help reduce power loss in higher ESR bulk capacitors.
X5R and X7R are preferred, as these materials retain their
capacitance over wide voltage and temperature ranges. At
higher input and output voltages multiple ceramic capacitors in parallel may be needed due to limited availability of
high voltage, large value ceramic capacitors in standard
footprints. In situations with high input and/or output voltage ripple a RC low-pass filter with time constant of 1μs
or greater is recommended for VINP and VOUT inputs to
maintain low jitter on switching edges.
Bootstrap Capacitors (CBST1, CBST2)
The top MOSFET gate drive signals, TG1 and TG2, are
driven between their respective BST and SW pin voltages.
The BST1 and BST2 voltages are biased from floating
bootstrap capacitors CBST1 and CBST2, which are normally
recharged from GATEVCC through diodes DBST1 and DBST2
when their respective top MOSFET is off. The bootstrap
capacitors CBST1 and CBST2 need to store roughly 100
times the gate charge (QG) required by top switches A
and D. In most situations, a 0.1μF to 0.47μF, X5R or X7R,
25V capacitor is adequate. The bypass capacitance from
GATEVCC to ground should be at least ten times the value
Rev. B
For more information www.analog.com
29
LT8210
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
of the CBST1, CBST2 capacitors. The rise times of the SW1
and SW2 pins can be slowed down through the addition of series resistors between the respective bootstrap
capacitors and the BST1 or BST2 pins. The slowing down
of the switch edges can improve overshoot but may also
degrade efficiency due to increased transitional losses.
Bootstrap Diodes (DBST1, DBST2)
Silicon diodes rated for 1A with very fast reverse recovery time (