SNVSAI1D June 2017 – August 2021 LM5176
PRODUCTION DATA
The LM5176 provides optional average current limiting capability to limit either the input or the output current of the DC/DC converter. The average current limiting circuit uses an additional current sense resistor connected in series with the input supply or output voltage of the converter. A current sense gm amplifier with inputs at the ISNS(+) and ISNS(-) pins monitors the voltage across the sense resistor and compares it with an internal 50-mV reference. If the drop across the sense resistor is greater than 50 mV, the gm amplifier gradually discharges the soft-start capacitor. When the soft-start capacitor discharges below the feedback reference voltage, VREF, the output voltage of the converter decreases to limit the input or output current. The average current limiting feature can be used in applications requiring a regulated current from the input supply or into the load. The target constant current is given by Equation 4:
A filter network as shown in Figure 8-1 is often used across the ISNS(+) and ISNS(-) pins to filter the ripple in the average current sense signal.
The average current loop can be disabled by shorting the ISNS(+) and ISNS(-) pins together to AGND.