Design Note 334: 2-Phase DC/DC Controller Makes Fast, Efficient and Compact Power Supplies
High efficiency, fast transient response and small size are often at odds in power supply designs. Fortunately, the 2-phase LTC3708 PWM controller makes it possible to simultaneously achieve all three. Figure 1 shows the LTC3708 in a compact, high efficiency dual-output power supply that has excellent transient response.
Figure 1a. Dual Power Supply with VOUT2 Tracking VOUT1.
Figure 1b. Load Step on VOUT1.
Figure 1c. Load Step on VOUT2.
Figure 1d. Efficiency.
The device uses a combination of design features to make all of this possible. High efficiency is attained through a combination of features: a No RSENSE™ current sensing technique, 2-phase operation mode, onboard high current synchronous MOSFET gate drivers and a pulse skipping function that reduces the switching and gate driving losses at light loads. Fast transient response comes from the constant on-time control architecture with a very narrow pulse width (minimum tON < 85ns). Compact solution size is achieved because of the LTC3708’s high frequency capability, minimized input and output capacitance requirements and high levels of circuit integration. All control circuitry and MOSFET gate drivers are incorporated within a small 5mm × 5mm QFN package. The LTC3708 also provides accurate voltage tracking over the entire output range at both ramp-up and ramp-down transitions (Figure 2). Table 1 explains these features in more detail.
Figure 2a. Coincident Tracking (R1 = R2 = 12.1k).
Figure 2b. Ratiometric Tracking (R1 = 19.1k, R2 = 6.04k).
| Features | Functions | Benefits |
| Output Tracking | Various Modes of Tracking and Sequencing can be Programmed: Coincident, Ratiometric, etc | Simplifies the Timing Design of Multiple Supply Systems |
| No RSENSE | Output Current is Sensed Through the Synchronous MOSFET | Improves the Efficiency of Low Output Applications (VOUT ≤ 5V) |
| 2-Phase Operation | Two Output Channels Operate at Same Frequency with 180° Phase Shift | Reduces Input RMS Current and EMI Noises; Minimizes Input Capacitance |
| Constant On-Time Control Architecture |
The Top MOSFETs Can Be Turned on Immediately Without Clock Latency | Expedites Transient Response and Reduces Output Capacitance |
| Minimum tON < 85ns | This is the Minimum Duration That the Top MOSFETs Need to Be On | Expedites Transient Response and Enables High Frequency Designs |
| Frequency Synchronization | The Switching Frequency Can be Synchronized to an External Clock | Maintains Constant Frequency Operation and Synchronizes all Switching Regulators in a System |
| Pulse Skipping at Light Loads |
The Switching Period Extends at Light Loads and Reverse Current is Inhibited | Improves Light Load Efficiency with Minimum Switching and Gate Driving Loss |
The LTC3708 hosts other features that make it an ideal controller for high performance power management applications. The input voltage can be as high as 36V and the output regulates down to 0.6V. The current limit is user programmable to accommodate the variation of MOSFET RDS(ON) values. Protection functions include cycle-to-cycle current limit, an overvoltage crowbar and an optional short-circuit timer. When either output is out of regulation, a Power Good indicator falls low after 100μs masking—a technique that prevents transitory glitches and noise from falsely triggering system protection.
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