SLTS278J November 2010 – March 2020 PTH08T250W
PRODUCTION DATA.
Refer to the PDF data sheet for device specific package drawings
A prebias startup condition occurs as a result of an external voltage being present at the output of a power module prior to its output becoming active. This often occurs in complex digital systems when current from another power source is backfed through a dual-supply logic component, such as an FPGA or ASIC. Another path might be via clamp diodes as part of a dual-supply power-up sequencing arrangement. A prebias can cause problems with power modules that incorporate synchronous rectifiers. This is because under most operating conditions, these types of modules can sink as well as source output current.
The PTH family of power modules incorporate synchronous rectifiers, but does not sink current during startup(1), or whenever the Inhibit pin is held low. However, to ensure satisfactory operation of this function, certain conditions must be maintained(2). Figure 29 shows an application demonstrating the prebias startup capability. The startup waveforms are shown in Figure 28. Note that the output current (IO) is negligible until the output voltage rises above the voltage backfed through the intrinsic diodes.
The prebias start-up feature is not compatible with Auto-Track. When the module is under Auto-Track control, it sinks current if the output voltage is below that of a back-feeding source. To ensure a pre-bias hold-off one of two approaches must be followed when input power is applied to the module. The Auto-Track function must either be disabled(3), or the module’s output held off (for at least 50 ms) using the Inhibit pin. Either approach ensures that the Track pin voltage is above the set-point voltage at start up.