Spread
spectrum is configurable using the SPSP pin. Spread spectrum eliminates peak
emissions at specific frequencies by spreading these peaks across a wider range of
frequencies than a part with fixed-frequency operation. The LM614xxT-Q1 implements a modulation pattern designed to reduce low
frequency-conducted emissions from the first few harmonics of the switching
frequency. The pattern can also help reduce the higher harmonics that are more
difficult to filter, which can fall in the FM band. These harmonics often couple to
the environment through electric fields around the switch node and inductor. The LM614xxT-Q1 uses a ±4% (typical) spread of frequencies
which can spread energy smoothly across the FM and TV bands. The device implements
Dual Random Spread Spectrum (DRSS). DRSS is a combination of a triangular frequency
spreading pattern and pseudorandom frequency hopping. The combination allows the
spread spectrum to be very effective at spreading the energy at the following:
- Fundamental switching
harmonic with slow triangular pattern
- High frequency harmonics with
additional psuedorandom jumps at the switching frequency
The advantage of DRSS is the equivalent harmonic attenuation in the upper
frequencies with a smaller fundamental frequency deviation. This feature reduces the
amount of input current and output voltage ripple that is introduced at the
modulating frequency. Additionally, the
LM614xxT-Q1 also
allows you to further reduce the output voltage ripple caused by the spread spectrum
modulating pattern. With the SPSP pin grounded, the spread spectrum is disabled.
With the SPSP pin tied to VCC, the spread spectrum is on. With the SPSP pin tied
through a resistor to ground, the spread spectrum is on. Also, a modulating tone
correction is applied to the switcher to reduce the output voltage ripple caused by
the frequency modulation. The resistor is usually around 20kΩ, and can be more
precisely calculated using
Equation 4.
Equation 4.
where
IRATED is the DC current rating
of the device, as mentioned in
Recommended Operating Conditions.The spread spectrum is only
available while the clock of the LM614xxT-Q1 are free
running at the natural frequency. Any of the following conditions overrides spread
spectrum, turning spread spectrum off:
- The clock is slowed due to operation at low input voltage. This
action is operation in dropout.
- The clock is slowed under light load in auto mode. This is
normally not seen above 750mA load. Note that if the device is operating in FPWM mode, spread
spectrum is active, even if there is no load.
- The clock is slowed due to high input-to-output voltage ratio.
This mode of operation is expected if on-time reaches minimum on-time. See the
Timing Requirements.
- The clock is synchronized with an external clock.