The TPS25984EVM provides an add-on circuit
to facilitate load transients and persistent overcurrent events. The implementation
consists of three (3) low side MOSFETs (Q4, Q5, and Q6) and a monoshot gate driver
circuit (U4 and U5) as well as six (6) onboard load resistors of 1 Ω each (R16 to R21)
in parallel. Using a single pole single through (SPST) switch (S1), the monoshot gate
driver generates gate signals of 1-ms, 2-ms, 5-ms, 10-ms, and 20-ms durations. By doing
this, the low side MOSFETs (Q4, Q5, and Q6) are turned on for that specific duration,
creating a load transient in addition to the steady-state load. Use the following
instructions to apply a load transient or persistent overcurrent event using this
onboard switching circuit:
- Configure the Jumper J3 to an
appropriate position to obtain required overcurrent blanking period
(tTIMER) as per 6.
- Configure the Jumper J6 position
to desired reference voltage for overcurrent protection and active current
sharing as mentioned in 6.
- Configure the Jumper J4 in an
acceptable position to set required circuit breaker threshold (IOCP)
as per 6.
- Set the input supply voltage VIN
to 12 V and current limit to 200 A.
- Connect the power supply between
VIN (Connector T1) and PGND (Connector T3), then enable the power supply.
- Apply a steady-state load between
VOUT (Connector T2) and PGND (Connector T3).
- Use the single pole single
through (SPST) switch (S1) to configure the transient load turn on
duration.
- Press the switch SW3 to turn on
the Q5, Q6, and Q7 MOSFETs, which creates a load transient of 72 A (typical)
between VOUT and PGND with 12-V output.
- Observe the waveforms of VOUT
(TP6), MOSFET GATE (J9), and input current using an oscilloscope.
Another option is to apply a
custom load transient using an external function generator, connected between TP26
and TP27, and the shunt of jumper J9 set to "2-3".
CAUTION:
In that case, make sure to limit
the transient load current magnitude to a safe level for reliable operation of
the load resistors (R16 to R21) based on their maximum permissible peak pulse
power vs pulse duration plot.
Figure 5-15 and Figure 5-16 show the test waveforms of transient overload and persistent overload events
respectively using the on-board switching circuit.
VIN = 12 V, CITIMER = 22 nF, COUT =
470 μF, RIMON = 1.1 ∥ 1.1 kΩ, RIREF = 40.2 kΩ,
IOUT (Steady-State) = 100 A, and IOUT (Transient)
= 69 A for 9 ms
Figure 5-15 Transient Overload
Performance in TPS25984EVM Using the Onboard Switching CircuitVIN = 12 V, CITIMER = 22 nF, COUT =
470 μF, RIMON = 1.1 ∥ 1.1 kΩ, RIREF = 40.2 kΩ,
IOUT (Steady-State) = 100 A, and IOUT (Transient)
= 69 A for 18 ms
Figure 5-16 Persistent Overload
Performance in TPS25984EVM Using the Onboard Switching Circuit