SLVS974F September   2009  – May 2020 TPS54218

PRODUCTION DATA.  

  1. Features
  2. Applications
  3. Description
    1.     Device Images
      1.      Simplified Schematic
      2.      Efficiency versus Output Current
  4. Revision History
  5. Pin Configuration and Functions
    1.     Pin Functions
  6. Specifications
    1. 6.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings
    2. 6.2 ESD Ratings
    3. 6.3 Recommended Operating Conditions
    4. 6.4 Thermal Information
    5. 6.5 Electrical Characteristics
    6. 6.6 Typical Characteristics
  7. Detailed Description
    1. 7.1 Overview
    2. 7.2 Functional Block Diagram
    3. 7.3 Feature Description
      1. 7.3.1  Fixed Frequency PWM Control
      2. 7.3.2  Slope Compensation and Output Current
      3. 7.3.3  Bootstrap Voltage (Boot) and Low Dropout Operation
      4. 7.3.4  Error Amplifier
      5. 7.3.5  Voltage Reference
      6. 7.3.6  Adjusting the Output Voltage
      7. 7.3.7  Enable and Adjusting Undervoltage Lockout
      8. 7.3.8  Soft-Start Pin
      9. 7.3.9  Sequencing
      10. 7.3.10 Constant Switching Frequency and Timing Resistor (RT/CLK Pin)
      11. 7.3.11 Overcurrent Protection
      12. 7.3.12 Frequency Shift
      13. 7.3.13 Reverse Overcurrent Protection
      14. 7.3.14 Synchronize Using the RT/CLK Pin
      15. 7.3.15 Power Good (PWRGD Pin)
      16. 7.3.16 Overvoltage Transient Protection
      17. 7.3.17 Thermal Shutdown
    4. 7.4 Device Functional Modes
      1. 7.4.1 Small Signal Model for Loop Response
      2. 7.4.2 Simple Small Signal Model for Peak Current Mode Control
      3. 7.4.3 Small Signal Model for Frequency Compensation
  8. Application and Implementation
    1. 8.1 Application Information
    2. 8.2 Typical Application
      1. 8.2.1 Design Requirements
      2. 8.2.2 Detailed Design Procedure
        1. 8.2.2.1  Step One: Select the Switching Frequency
        2. 8.2.2.2  Step Two: Select the Output Inductor
        3. 8.2.2.3  Step Three: Choose the Output Capacitor
        4. 8.2.2.4  Step Four: Select the Input Capacitor
        5. 8.2.2.5  Step Five: Minimum Load DC COMP Voltage
        6. 8.2.2.6  Step Six: Choose the Soft-Start Capacitor
        7. 8.2.2.7  Step Seven: Select the Bootstrap Capacitor
        8. 8.2.2.8  Step Eight: Undervoltage Lockout Threshold
        9. 8.2.2.9  Step Nine: Select Output Voltage and Feedback Resistors
          1. 8.2.2.9.1 Output Voltage Limitations
        10. 8.2.2.10 Step 10: Select Loop Compensation Components
        11. 8.2.2.11 Power Dissipation Estimate
      3. 8.2.3 Application Curves
  9. Power Supply Recommendations
  10. 10Layout
    1. 10.1 Layout Guidelines
    2. 10.2 Layout Example
  11. 11Device and Documentation Support
    1. 11.1 Device Support
      1. 11.1.1 Development Support
        1. 11.1.1.1 Custom Design With WEBENCH® Tools
    2. 11.2 Receiving Notification of Documentation Updates
    3. 11.3 Support Resources
    4. 11.4 Trademarks
    5. 11.5 Electrostatic Discharge Caution
    6. 11.6 Glossary
  12. 12Mechanical, Packaging, and Orderable Information

Step Six: Choose the Soft-Start Capacitor

The soft-start capacitor determines the minimum amount of time it takes for the output voltage to reach its nominal programmed value during power up. This is useful if a load requires a controlled voltage slew rate. This is also used if the output capacitance is very large and would require large amounts of current to quickly charge the capacitor to the output voltage level. The large currents necessary to charge the capacitor can make the device reach the current limit or excessive current draw from the input power supply can cause the input voltage rail to sag. Limiting the output voltage slew rate solves both of these problems.

The soft-start capacitor value can be calculated using Equation 31. For the example circuit, the soft-start time is not too critical since the output capacitor value is 44 µF, which does not require much current to charge to 1.8 V. The example circuit has the soft-start time set to an arbitrary value of 4 ms, which requires a 9.2-nF capacitor. The nearest standard value of 10 nF is used, resulting in a calculated soft-start time of 4.3 msec. In the device, ISS is 2.07 μA. For this application, maintain the soft-start time in the range between 1 ms and 10 ms.

Equation 31. TPS54218 eq31_slvs974.gif

where

  • CSS is in nF
  • ISS is in µA
  • tSS is in ms