9.2.2.3 Error Amplifier

The error amplifier (E/A) configuration is shown in Figure 19. The non-inverting input is not brought out to a pin, but is internally biased to 5 V ±2%. The E/A output is available at pin 1 for external compensation, allowing the user to control the converter’s closed-loop frequency response.

Figure 20 shows an E/A compensation circuit suitable for stabilizing any current-mode controlled topology except for flyback and boost converters operating with inductor current. The feedback components add a pole to the loop transfer function at ƒ_p = ½ π R_F. R_F and C_F are chosen so that this pole cancels the zero of the output filter capacitor ESR in the power circuit. R_I and R_F fix the low-frequency gain. They are chosen to provide as much gain as possible while still allowing the pole formed by the output filter capacitor and load to roll off the loop gain to unity (0 dB) at ƒ ≈ ƒ_SWITCHING / 4. This technique ensures converter stability while providing good dynamic response.

Figure 19. E/A Configuration

Figure 20. Compensation

The E/A output sources 0.5 mA and sinks 2 mA. A lower limit for RF is given by:

Equation 6.

E/A input bias current (2-µA max) flows through R_I, resulting in a DC error in output voltage (VO) given by:

Equation 7.

Therefore, the designer should keep the value of R_I, as low as possible.

Figure 21 shows the open-loop frequency response of the UC184xA-SP E/A. The gain represents an upper limit on the gain of the compensated E/A. Phase lag increases rapidly as frequency exceeds 1 MHz due to second-order poles at about 10 MHz and above.

Continuous-inductor-current boost and flyback converters each have a right-half-plane zero in their transfer function. An additional compensation pole is needed to roll off loop gain at a frequency less than that of the RHP zero. R_P and C_P in the circuit of Figure 14 provide this pole.

Figure 21. Error Amplifier Open-Loop Frequency Response