SNVS574G July 2008 – July 2019 LM3421 , LM3423
PRODUCTION DATA.
The LM3421 and LM3423 can be configured to detect an output (or input) overvoltage condition through the OVP pin. The pin features a precision 1.24-V threshold with 23 µA (typical) of hysteresis current as shown in Figure 21. When the OVLO threshold is exceeded, the GATE pin is immediately pulled low and a 23-µA current source provides hysteresis to the lower threshold of the OVLO hysteretic band.
If the LEDs are referenced to a potential other than ground (floating), as in the buck-boost and buck configuration, the output voltage (VO) should be sensed and translated to ground by using a single PNP as shown in Figure 22.
The overvoltage turnoff threshold (VTURN-OFF) is defined:
Ground Referenced
Floating
In the ground referenced configuration, the voltage across ROV2 is VO – 1.24 V whereas in the floating configuration it is VO – 620 mV where 620 mV approximates VBE of the PNP.
The overvoltage hysteresis (VHYSO) is defined using Equation 25.
The OVLO feature can cause some interesting results if the OVLO trip-point is set too close to VO. At turnon, the converter has a modest amount of voltage overshoot before the control loop gains control of ILED. If the overshoot exceeds the OVLO threshold, the controller shuts down, opening the dimming MOSFET. This isolates the LED load from the converter and the output capacitance. The voltage then discharges very slowly through the HSP and HSN pins until VO drops below the lower threshold, where the process repeats. This looks like the LEDs are blinking at around 2 Hz. This mode can be escaped if the input voltage is reduced.