SNVS671F February   2011  – May 2019 LM21212-1

PRODUCTION DATA.  

  1. 1 Features
  2. 2 Applications
  3. 3 Description
    1.     Device Images
      1.      Simplified Application Circuit
  4. 4 Revision History
  5. 5 Description
  6. 6 Pin Configuration and Functions
    1.     Pin Functions
  7. 7 Specifications
    1. 7.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings
    2. 7.2 ESD Ratings
    3. 7.3 Recommended Operating Conditions
    4. 7.4 Thermal Information
    5. 7.5 Electrical Characteristics
    6. 7.6 Typical Performance Characteristics
  8. 8 Detailed Description
    1. 8.1 Overview
    2. 8.2 Functional Block Diagram
    3. 8.3 Feature Description
      1. 8.3.1 Frequency Synchronization
      2. 8.3.2 Precision Enable
      3. 8.3.3 UVLO
      4. 8.3.4 Current Limit
      5. 8.3.5 Short-Circuit Protection
      6. 8.3.6 Thermal Protection
      7. 8.3.7 Power-Good Flag
      8. 8.3.8 Light Load Operation
  9. 9 Application and Implementation
    1. 9.1 Application Information
    2. 9.2 Typical Application
      1. 9.2.1 Detailed Design Procedure
        1. 9.2.1.1 Custom Design With WEBENCH® Tools
        2. 9.2.1.2 Output Voltage
        3. 9.2.1.3 Precision Enable
        4. 9.2.1.4 Soft Start
        5. 9.2.1.5 Inductor Selection
        6. 9.2.1.6 Output Capacitor Selection
        7. 9.2.1.7 Input Capacitor Selection
        8. 9.2.1.8 Control Loop Compensation
      2. 9.2.2 Application Curves
  10. 10Layout
    1. 10.1 Pcb Layout Considerations
    2. 10.2 Thermal Considerations
  11. 11Device and Documentation Support
    1. 11.1 Device Support
      1. 11.1.1 Third-Party Products Disclaimer
      2. 11.1.2 Development Support
        1. 11.1.2.1 Custom Design With Webench® Tools
    2. 11.2 Receiving Notification Of Documentation Updates
    3. 11.3 Community Resources
    4. 11.4 Trademarks
    5. 11.5 Electrostatic Discharge Caution
    6. 11.6 Glossary
  12. 12Mechanical, Packaging, And Orderable Information

Package Options

Mechanical Data (Package|Pins)
Thermal pad, mechanical data (Package|Pins)
Orderable Information

8.3.8 Light Load Operation

The LM21212-1 offers increased efficiency when operating at light loads. Whenever the load current is reduced to a point where the peak to peak inductor ripple current is greater than two times the load current, the device enters the diode emulation mode preventing significant negative inductor current. The point at which this occurs is the critical conduction boundary and can be calculated by the following equation:

Equation 1. LM21212-1 30119978.gif

Several diagrams are shown in Figure 25 illustrating continuous conduction mode (CCM), discontinuous conduction mode (DCM), and the boundary condition.

It can be seen that in diode emulation mode, whenever the inductor current reaches zero the SW node becomes high impedance. Ringing will occur on this pin as a result of the LC tank circuit formed by the inductor and the parasitic capacitance at the node. If this ringing is of concern an additional RC snubber circuit can be added from the switch node to ground.

At very light loads, usually below 100 mA, several pulses may be skipped in between switching cycles, effectively reducing the switching frequency and further improving light-load efficiency.

LM21212-1 30119979.gifFigure 25. Modes of Operation for LM21212-1