JAJSNP4A May 2023 – February 2024 TPS54KB20
PRODUCTION DATA
When an external bias, which is at a different level from main VIN bus, is applied onto the VCC pin the device can be configured to split-rail by using both the main VIN bus and the VCC bias. Connecting a valid VCC bias to the VCC pin overrides the internal LDO, thus saves power loss on the internal LDO. This configuration helps to improve overall system level efficiency but requires a valid VCC bias. A 3.3V or 5.0V rail is the common choice as VCC bias. With a stable VCC bias, the recommended VIN input range under this configuration remains the same, from 4.0V to 16V.
The noise of the external bias affects the internal analog circuitry. To make sure of a proper operation, a clean, low-noise external bias and good local decoupling capacitor from VCC pin to PGND pin are required. Figure 6-10 shows an example for this split rail configuration.
The VCC external bias current during nominal operation varies with the bias voltage level and also the operating frequency. For example, by setting the device to skip-mode, the VCC pin draws less current from the external bias when the frequency decreases under a light load condition. The typical VCC external bias current under FCCM operation is listed in Electrical Characteristics. The external bias must be capable of supplying this current or the external bias voltage can drop and the internal LDO can no longer be overridden by it.
Under split rail configuration, VIN, VCC bias, and EN are the signals to enable the part. For start-up sequence, TI recommends that at least one of VIN UVLO rising threshold or EN rising threshold is satisfied later than VCC UVLO rising threshold. A practical start-up sequence example is:
Similarly, for power-down sequence, TI recommends that at least one of the VIN UVLO falling threshold or the EN falling threshold is satisfied before the external VCC bias supply turns off. If the external VCC bias supply turns off first, the internal LDO of the device prevents the VCC voltage from dropping below 3.0-V and be loaded by other circuits powered by the external VCC bias supply.